# Indian Garden Lizard

> Indian Garden Lizard (Calotes versicolor). The oriental garden lizard can change colour with condition and behaviour; that does not make it a true chameleon.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/calotes-versicolor/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/calotes-versicolor/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Indian Garden Lizard (*Calotes versicolor*) is a reptile in the family Agamidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Java, Central Java, East Java. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Calotes versicolor* |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Observation records | West Java, Central Java, East Java |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 1,869 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9125207) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · [biosch.hku.hk](https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecology/hkreptiles/lizard/Calotes_versicolor.html) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calotes&species=versicolor) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the Indian Garden Lizard?

Indian Garden Lizard refers to Calotes versicolor, in the genus Calotes, family Agamidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9125207)

## What is known about the Indian Garden Lizard?

The oriental garden lizard can change colour with condition and behaviour; that does not make it a true chameleon.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calotes%20versicolor)

## How many Indonesian records name the Indian Garden Lizard?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 1,869 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9125207&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Java, Central Java, East Java. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9125207&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Indian Garden Lizard?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Indian Garden Lizard with Great Crested Canopy Lizard, Javan Flying Dragon, Asian House Gecko. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Indian Garden Lizard

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | *Calotes* |
| Species | *Calotes versicolor* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Indian Garden Lizard

### What is the scientific name of the Indian Garden Lizard?

The scientific name of the Indian Garden Lizard is *Calotes versicolor*, in the family Agamidae.

### What kind of animal is the Indian Garden Lizard?

The Indian Garden Lizard is a reptile in the family Agamidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).

### Where does the Indian Garden Lizard live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Indian Garden Lizard summarised in this guide mainly come from West Java, Central Java, East Java. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Indian Garden Lizard eat?

The Indian Garden Lizard is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [biosch.hku.hk](https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecology/hkreptiles/lizard/Calotes_versicolor.html).

### How does the Indian Garden Lizard reproduce?

The Indian Garden Lizard reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calotes&species=versicolor).

### Is the Indian Garden Lizard nocturnal?

The cited source records the Indian Garden Lizard as diurnal (active by day). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Indian Garden Lizard?

Scientific classification of the Indian Garden Lizard: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Agamidae, genus *Calotes*, species *Calotes versicolor*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Indian Garden Lizard endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Indian Garden Lizard is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/9125207), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Indian Garden Lizard is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/9125207)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=9125207&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/31281)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calotes%20versicolor)
5. [biosch.hku.hk](https://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecology/hkreptiles/lizard/Calotes_versicolor.html)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Calotes&species=versicolor)
7. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Great Crested Canopy Lizard](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/bronchocela-jubata/)
- [Javan Flying Dragon](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/draco-volans/)
- [Asian House Gecko](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/hemidactylus-frenatus/)
- [Common Sun Skink](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/eutropis-multifasciata/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Indian Garden Lizard. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/calotes-versicolor/