What Is a Uromastyx Lizard?
The uromastyx lizard, a relative of the iguana, ranges in size from 10 to 36 inches (25 to 91 cm) at full growth. Better known as the spiny-tailed lizard, its name derives from two Greek words: oura, meaning “tail,” and mastigo, meaning “whip.” As a species, the uromastyx is characterized by a heavy, muscular, thick-spiked tail that can be swung with great speed at an attacker. Its habitat is deserts where the terrain consists of hills, sand and rock. As a burrowing lizard, this type of desert landscape gives the uromastyx terrain that is deep enough to burrow in and plenty of low structures under which it can hide. Shelter is readily available as is ease of access to vegetation. The powerful claws of the uromastyx lizard enable it to create spiral burrows that can reach as long as 10 feet (305 cm) in length in the wild. Usually, these lizards sleep with their tails close to the opening of the burrow in order to thwart predators. Most of their waking time during the day is spent hiding
