Scientific name: Uromastyx dispar
Family: Agamidae
Order: Squamata
Class: Reptilia
Range: Northern Africa
Habitat: Desert
Lifespan: Unknown in the wild, 15-20 years in captivity

What do they look like?

Uromastyx lizards, also called spiny-tailed lizards, are known for their armored tails that consist of 10-30 rings of spiked scales. Adult Sudan Uromastyx reach an average length of 14 inches. There is no obvious sexual dimorphism, with both males and females exhibiting a brownish head with light spots, pale brown back with dark spots, and dark brown legs.

How do they behave?

Uromastyx lizards are primarily diurnal (most active during the day), emerging from their burrows in the morning to sun bask until they are warm enough to search for food. They are territorial, particularly toward members of the same sex; males will actively patrol an area to keep out other adult males. Uromastyx dig their own burrows, which they use for shelter from predators as well as to cool off during the hottest parts of the day. When escaping from a predator they can use their armored tails to block their burrow entrance, deterring the predator from following them in.

What’s on the menu?

Sudan Uromastyx are herbivorous as adults, eating various greens and flowers that can be found in their desert habitat. Juveniles are known to also feed on insects and other invertebrates. They rarely drink water, getting all the moisture they need from their food. At the Zoo, they are fed greens and a variety of chopped fruits and vegetables.

How are they born?

Uromastyx lizards are oviparous (lay eggs). A female will lay a clutch of 8-20 eggs at the beginning of the dry season, usually late spring to early summer. Eggs will hatch after 8-10 weeks and hatchlings will stay within their natal burrow system for several weeks to months after hatching before they disperse to establish their own burrow. Sexual maturity is reached at 2-3 years of age.

What should you know about them?

Uromastyx lizards have a nasal salt gland that helps them to conserve water. Their diet of desert plants has a high salt content that would normally be processed by the kidneys, but kidneys require a large amount of fresh water as well to do their job. With fresh water not readily available in their habitat, Uromastyx instead evolved specialized glands that allow them to excrete excess salt. The salt is “sneezed” out in a highly concentrated fluid and often dries to form white, crusty rings around their nose.

Conservation Connection

The conservation status of the Sudan Uromastyx has not been evaluated by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), but evidence suggests that the international pet trade could be a threat to the species, with the vast majority of exports coming from Mali. If you are considering a Uromastyx as a pet, make sure to do your research and consider adopting from your local animal shelter or reptile rescue group. For more information on reptile rescue in the bay area check out the Bay Area Herpetological Society at baars.org.