ANIMAL: Niger Uromastyx/Saharan Uromastyx/ Saharan Spiny-Tailed Lizard Uromastyx geyri Type of Animal: Agamid Habitat: Semi-desert/desert, rocky areas, bushes Location(s): Algeria, Mali, & Niger Appearance: Beige/orange w/ lighter spots, 2 phases-red & yellow, red reddish to neon pumpkin orange, yellow in/near neon-range, females paler than males & tanner, females less colorful than males, noticeable spiky scales on tail Food/Diet: Grasses, herbs, greens, flowers, vegetables, leaves, legumes, fruit, berries, weeds, grains, buds, shoots, seeds, spiky plants, cactus pads, nuts, insects, worms, insect larvae, young lizards (including of own species) Status in Wild: Stable Conservation: Breeding from zoos & private breeders. Lifestyle: Solitary Additional Info: Called: Male Female Young-Hatchling Group-Solitary Weight: Male-7.8 oz Female-5.11 oz Young-0.42 oz Gestation: 1 month Life Span: 15 years Body Length: Male-13.5 in Female-10 in Young-4 in Tail Length: 3 in Main predators of adults are raptors, dogs, cats, & monitor lizards. Juveniles/young preyed on by lizards (including own species), snakes, & shrikes. Males extremely territorial & will fight to the death. They’re diurnal (active during the day). Females lay clutches of 5-40 eggs. They’re in the same family as popular lizards such as bearded dragons. Sexually mature at 4 years old. Fun Fact(s): Captive-bred individuals can make excellent pets. The word “uromastyx” comes from Greek word meaning tail whip or tail scourge, due to spiky tails. Colors can change according to temperature, w/ lighter colors in hotter weather.
