ABSTRACT

Observations on the sleep site fidelity of the rainbow lizard (Agama agama) was conducted in two suburbs in Benin City, one residential in Adolor and the other rural in Ohogua village Edo state. A total of Eleven (11) lizards were marked and observed daily for a period of 20 days and this was only done at night. The results showed 100% return for 3 of the lizards, 0% return for 1 and an average of 72% return for the others. Greater site fidelity was observed in lizards in the residential area than of those in the rural area. This observation clearly indicates that the lizards in the residential environment felt safer, unthreatened by predators, and had a temperature friendly environment hence, never had the need to change their sleeping spot in search of a different one. The variation in lizards from the poultry indicates that lizards are more prone to threats, predators and harsher weather conditions which are key factors in sleep site selection in the wild hence, the constant need to look for a conducive sleeping spot is displayed.