Reptiles
Uromastyx
Uromastyx nigriventris
The Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard is a stout, diurnal lizard with a short, spiny tail that it uses as a weapon to block its burrow entrance. Males take on vivid colours — red, orange, yellow — on a dark ground.
In short
The uromastyx (Uromastyx nigriventris) is a species with IUCN conservation status NE (Not evaluated). It lives in rocky, stony deserts on the edge of the Sahara, digging deep burrows to shelter from the heat and the cold nights. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the uromastyx live?
It lives in rocky, stony deserts on the edge of the Sahara, digging deep burrows to shelter from the heat and the cold nights. It is mainly herbivorous, feeding on desert plants.
Is the uromastyx endangered?
The species has not yet been assessed by the IUCN Red List (Not Evaluated, NE). Known pressures are collection for the pet trade and, locally, for traditional uses.
Facts about the uromastyx
- It uses its spiny tail to block the burrow entrance.
- It is mainly herbivorous, unusual among desert lizards.
- Males become very colourful when warm.
Data source: Reptile Database · IUCN Red List: non valutata (NE) — Uromastyx nigriventris
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.