Uromastyx

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iUromastyx

Uromastyx dispar

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Sauria
Family:	Agamidae
Subfamily:	Leiolepidinae
Genus:	Uromastyx

The Uromastyxes are a genus of lizard known as the Spiny-tailed lizards. Uromastyxes are omnivores eating a variety of greens and occasionally insects. They spend most of their lives hiding and living underground or in rocky areas with good shelter.

Uromastyx hardwickii

Uromastyx lizards are also called dabb lizards and "uros." Their size ranges from 14 inches (U. hardwickii) to 36 inches or more (U. aegyptius). Hatchlings or neonates are small, usually no more than 3-4 inches in length. The lizards' color changes according to the temperature, during cool weather they appear dull and dark but the colors become lighter in warm weather. They inhabit a range stretching through most of North Africa, the Middle East and across south-central Asia and into India. This area spreads across 5000 miles and 30 countries. They occur at elevations from sea level to well over 3000 feet. Uromastyx tend to bask in areas with surface temperatures of over 120 °F.

A female Uromastyx can lay anywhere from 5-40 eggs depending on age and species. Eggs ideally hatch 2-3 months after laid.

Mali Uromastyx.

Members of the genus can be found for sale as pets in pet stores in the United States. However, it is usually preferable to purchase one from a breeder where the facility can be inspected and tips given on care and handling. This will also allow ensure the purchase of a captive breed lizard and not a wild caught lizard.

Initially, uromastyx in captivity had a poor survival rate due to a lack of understanding of their dietary and environmental needs. In recent years, knowledge has significantly increased, and appropriate diet and care has led to survival rates and longevity equal to those in the wild.

The Maliensis Uromastyx is the best species to choose as a pet (for a first time owner) because they readily adapt to the captive environment. Another good species of Uromastyx that readily adapts to captivity and come in some very beautiful color varieties is uromastyx ocellata ornata. Artificial UVB/UVA light and vitamin supplements must be balanced with proper food and nutrition. Proper enclosures can be costly as these are roaming animals with large space needs for their size, combined with the need to provide heat and ultraviolet light.

Egyptian spiny tail lizard Uromastyx aegyptius in an English zoo

Uromastyx are burrowing lizards, and need substrate deep enough to burrow in, or a low structure under which to hide. In the wild, these lizards' burrows can reach 10 feet in length. A popular substrate (except for babies under a year) is compressed coconut fiber bricks which needs to be rehydrated with hot water and then used in a completely dry state. Drying out the substrate, once it has been watered to expansion and breaking apart the large chunks, can take a few days. This has shown no impaction complications to date, whereas playsand can impact young and some adult animals.

Another inexpensive substrate that can pass through the digestive system without problems is millet seed. This can be easily sifted with a wire mesh to clean waste from the enclosure. Healthy, well-nourished adults do very well on playsand. For babies and young lizards, plain paper cage liner or newspaper can be used for the first year. These need to be changed weekly.

These lizards usually acquire all of the water they need from the vegetation they eat. In captivity, they may drink out of a flat dish, but the humidity of the enclosure must be kept low to prevent respiratory problems. Captive uros’ diets are predominantly herbivorous, consisting of Endive, Dandelion Greens, Bok Choy, greens, vegetables, and suitable blossoms. Uros usually favor dandelion, hibiscus, and nasturtium leaves and blossoms. Fresh beans, wild bird seed, peas, and pelleted alfalfa can be added to their diet. Some believe feeding insect foods, such as crickets and mealworms, should be avoided because of health problems, but many other breeders and hobbyists maintain that insects can be a small part of the animal's diet (roughly 10% of all foods eaten) without any danger to the lizard.A good diet plan is Plant matter every day or every other day and one or two insects every two months.But it should be noted that insect protien is hard on Uro's organs.