Albany sandveld akkedis

Nucras taeniolata

The Albany Sandveld Lizard, also known as the Striped Sandveld Lizard, is a lizard species endemic to South Africa – in fact, it is found only in a corner of our Eastern Cape Province that includes the Addo Elephant National Park, a few nearby conservation areas, and the agricultural and urban land in between. The IUCN considers it to be of least concern.

Excluding the exceptionally long tail, this attractive lizard measures 7cm at most in length. It is secretive in nature and inhabits various thicket vegetation types. They feed on insects and seem especially fond of termites.

We were visited by this friendly fellow while having a picnic in the Addo Elephant National Park.