Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard
Uromastyx aegyptia
A large desert lizard of North Africa and the Middle East, living in rocky plains, gravel deserts, and hard-packed sandy areas where it shelters in deep burrows. It is mostly herbivorous, grazing on leaves, flowers, seeds, and other tough desert plants, with occasional small invertebrates taken opportunistically. When threatened, it retreats into its burrow and blocks the entrance with its heavily spined tail, which can also be swung in defense. Its pale, sand-colored body helps reflect heat and blend into open desert ground.
- Type
- Burrow
- Conservation status
- VU
Growth chain
- ?
- Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard