Chua Shuyi shares some excellent photos of her encounter with a Green Crested Lizard (
Bronchocela cristatella). These phottos were taken just after the recent lecture on "Protection in Animals." She spotted the lizard on a grass patch along Kent Ridge Crescent between the Visitor's Lodge and Engineering blocks. It had a caterpillar in its mouth!
"It was near the bushes. At first it was on the pedestrian pathway. I think after our gasps as we walked into its path, it ran to the grass."
It must have ventured out to grab this prey when they stumbled on it some seconds later. Nice photos; thanks Shu Yi!
The Green Crested Lizard is found more in forests but can also be seen (as in this case) in some disturbed areas and parklands. The species is also found in parts of Southeast Asia and possibly India. In Singapore its frequency and range appear to have been in decline since the 1980's, possibly due to competition from the Changeable Lizard Calotes versicolor.
In a similar vein, see Habitatnews for a picture of a the Changeable Lizard with a praying mantis in its mouth and other interesting accounts! See also Ecology Asia for more information and photos.