Compositional Studies on Tropical Species of Agama agama Lizards

The aim of this study was to assess nutrient values of lizards (Agama agama). The samples earmarked for this study were obtained at Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Nigeria. In male and female Agama agama lizards, anatomical weights, proximate and mineral contents, tannin, oxalate and phytate compositions were determined using standard methods. The samples contained: 54.05-57.69% protein; 2.56-3.01% fat, 1.11-3.18% fibre, 12.91-13.40% ash, 21.38-21.94% NFE, 3.85-4.18% moisture and 328.80-347.5 kcal energy. All the major elements determined were found to be high. The tannin, oxalate, phytate contents were low, meaning that the bioavailability of protein and minerals are high. The values recorded for proximate and minerals compared with other animal sources. It is recommended that nutritional qualities of lizards should be harnessed.