Class: Reptile
Order: Squamates; Sub-order: Saurians
Family: Agamidae
Genus and species: Uromastyx acanthinura
English Name: North African Spiny-tailed Lizard; Bell’s Dab Lizard; Spiny Tailed Agama
Nom Arabe: Dhab
Description, habitats and behaviors
The Spiny-tailed lizard is the best-known species of the Agamidae family. This Agama is the only species present in Tunisia among 13 species of this genus identified globally. It is very popular and easily recognized by its relatively large size and its thick, broad, barbed tail bristling with prickly spines organized in rows (between 16 and 20 rows). In fact, it owes its name to this tail. It measures between 25 and 40 cm in length (body and tail) for a weight of 600 to 700 g. The length of the tail is often between 50 and 70% of the snout-vent length. Males are black with light spots; females are beige or grayish with small dark spots. This solitary Saurian is dependent on rocky environments and mountain flanks of arid and desert environments where it digs its burrow under large stones. It is a diurnal animal that spends its time feeding or relaxing on a large rock to warm up in the sun. Furthermore, it goes through a period of hibernation that can last 5 months, from October until the end of February. The adult spiny-tailed lizard feeds mainly on plants; the young are rather omnivorous.
Status in the world and in the Dahar region
The Spiny-tailed lizard is listed in the "Near Threatened" (NT) category, according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The species is considered fairly common and currently faces no major threats throughout its habitats in Tunisia, including the region. It constitutes a favorite prey for foxes and wolves. In addition to habitat destruction, the spiny-tailed lizard is a victim of heavy persecution. Its great reputation comes from its use for alleged therapeutic virtues.
