EGYPTIAN SPINY-TAILED LIZARD
Uromastyx aeqyptius
Reptile
Order Squamata
Description
25 in. long including tail; head distinctly set off, with
lateral swellings on the side of the head. Tail short, club-like, with large,
strong, keeled and pointed scales arranged around the tail. Light beige
to almost black.
Range
Northeastern Africa.
Status
Currently listed and protected under C.I.T.E.S. Appendix II.

Photo by Greg Neise |
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Ecology
- Habitat
- Scrub areas with soils that allow burrowing.
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- Niche
- primarily herbivorous, but when younger will feed on large insects;
prefers clover and dandelions in captivity. Preyed upon by larger mammals
and birds of prey.
Life History
The males perform an elaborate courtship, and males are quite often aggressive
toward competitors during mating. The female lays up to 20 eggs in a burrow.
Incubation 8-10 weeks. Juveniles 2-4 in. when hatched. Longevity record
is 15 years.
Special Adaptations
- Short, club-like tail with large, pointed sharp scales that is whipped
at an attacker.
- Most of the water in the urine is reabsorbed, because water is scarce
- Salt glands along the nasal passages remove excess salt and help retain
water balance in the lizards body.
- Moisture can be obtained from burning fat reserves in the tail.
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