Niger/Saharan Uromastyx

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.

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