Frilled Lizard

DESCRIPTION

It is one of the best-known lizards in Australia due to the section of skin that rests behind its head and over its back, a type of ruff with long spines of cartilage which open when it feels threatened. Its skin is grey to brown coloured.

ETHOLOGY

The males are territorial and use their collar to attract females in a type of dance. The lay 8 to 20 eggs which hatch after 70 days.
When threatened, it first mimics its surroundings, and then stands up on its hind legs, opens its mouth and expands its ruff of skin.

CURIOSITIES

It is a diurnal animal that spends most of its time resting on the trunks of trees. In the dry season it reduces its activity and barely eats, and in the wet season it is much more active.
It currently has a good conservation status, although it is affected by the reduction of its habitat and predation by wild cats, among other animals.