A Garden Lizard reflects on life at Yala

Hello there, human observer! Yes, it is me, the same Garden Lizard you met the other day, though this time you have found me in a rather glamorous location. I have taken up residence at the Mahoora Campsite in Yala, and quite the address it is too, with perfect sunlight, soft undergrowth, a steady buffet of insects, and just enough peace for a lady of my temperament. Some say that when I bask in the light I disappear into the scenery, and I must admit I do that rather well. Before you flatter yourself, I did not stay still for your benefit. I was regulating my body temperature, keeping an eye on nearby beetles, and adjusting my colours to match the forest around me. Mornings and late afternoons are my favourite times; they are filled with warm light and gentle shadows, ideal for basking on rocks, logs, or convenient fence posts. I climb with grace, forage with precision, and keep myself groomed to perfection… while the males fuss about guarding their territories with head bobs and puffed throats. Quite dramatic, if you ask me.

When I lay eggs, I choose a quiet patch of soft soil, place my five to twenty little treasures inside, and let nature take over. After six to eight weeks my hatchlings appear, tiny and adorable but already capable of climbing, hunting, and fending for themselves. My kind is resilient and adaptable, which is why you can find me all across Sri Lanka, from dry lowlands and scrub forests to gardens, agricultural fields, and even your backyards. In jungles like Yala, my colours tend to lean towards soft greens, browns, and olive greys, perfect camouflage for sunlit clearings and the gentle chaos of leaf litter. I specialise in blending in, of course, but I also excel at eating anything that crawls and looks appetising, from ants and beetles to grasshoppers, crickets, and even the occasional smaller lizard. I dabble in flower petals or fruits now and then, simply to keep the palate lively. All this makes me a quiet but essential part of Yala’s natural orchestra, helping to keep the ecosystem in balance while the park’s leopards, elephants, and birds take centre stage. Creatures like me may be overlooked, but we are the threads that hold the wild tapestry together. And now, if you don’t mind, I must return to my sunlit perch, for there is a cricket nearby that looks far too confident for its own good, and I feel an artistic colour shift coming on. A lady must always look her best!

Situated along the borders of major National Parks, the Mahoora Tented Safari Camps offer a safe and welcoming environment for wildlife, where birds and small animals move about freely and are often seen by guests. This photo of an Oriental Garden Lizard basking in the sunlight was captured at the Mahoora Tented Safari Camp in Yala.