Leptiens Spiny-tailed Lizard
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Scientific Name
Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni
Arabic Name
Dhub
Tagged As
Reptile, Lizard, Agama
Endangered Status
Description
A large lizard that can live for up to 80 years and grow to 65cm in length, it has a spiny tail which it will use in its defence. They are able to changes their skin colour through the day. In the mornings, when they are cold, they are a dark grey. The dark colour absorbs the solar heat, which warms them up quickly. Once optimum body temperature is reached they turn light sandy beige which then reflects the sunlight and prevents them from over heating.
The Dhub is preyed upon by the Desert Monitor and large birds of prey, such as eagles, as well as by man. Bedouin considered the tail of the Dhub a delicacy which they roast over a fire before eating.
Range and Habitat
Found only in the UAE and Oman, they live in loose colonies on hard substrates such as gravel plains into which they can dig their deep burrows. They will then utilise a territory around their burrow to graze the shrubs and bush, as the adult Dhub is 99% herbivorous.
Breeding
Not much is known about its breeding. Males can be observed fighting from May – June (below centre), after which courtship of females commences
Tracks and Signs
Their dung is darker when fresh and lightens as it dries out. Dhubs most often leave an unmistakable track, dragging their tails as they move across the ground. The bottom jaw of a Dhub shows the bony plate of 'teeth' it uses to chew.