I presume that you are here to learn the Way Of The Lizard? No? Well, you will learn it anyway… since you’re here.

Lesson 1: Change colours and be one with the environment. If you blend in, they will not see you. If you signal your mood, they will see you and be warned. Who are “they”? That is a mystery for you to solve!

Lesson 2: Grow long claws and a tail. This will help you climb bushes, trees and walls just like I do. You can’t grow those things because you’re human? Pah, so weak!

Lesson 3: Be adaptable to all environments. Whether it’s urban gardens, forests, or agricultural areas…thrive and be an intricate component in the ecological web of these regions. Hmmm, I suppose you humans are quite adaptable… next lesson!

Lesson 4: Control your environment, make everything smaller than you… fear you! Eat the ants, grasshoppers, beetles, and other small insects. Hmmm, even though you don’t eat these, you are good at making everything fear you. Something to think about….

Lesson 5: The Red Cowl of Romance. When it’s time to attract a mate, turn your head bright red or orange, puff out your throat, raise your crest, and perform rapid head-bobbing displays to establish dominance! Put on a display, just like I’m doing right now. What? You give chocolates, roses, and talk to them? How boring. Does it even work?

Lesson 6: Look unapproachable, but be peaceful. Avoid conflict, enjoy life and live in harmony with everything around you. If you can follow only one step of the Way Of The Lizard, follow this. It will always lead to good things. Now go, and be joyful!

Dilum captured this image during a rest stop by the Belihuloya river, on his way to the Ahaspokuna Bush Walk Camp.