Lizards in the Uromastyx genus are also known as spiny-tailed lizards for one obvious reason: they boast a thick, spicky tail that makes up about one third of their body. The name Uromastyx comes from Ancient Greek words: ourá meaning “tail” and mastigo meaning “whip” or “scourge”.
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Uromastyx lizards are well equipped for the arid regions in which they live. Uromastyx are distributed throughout North Africa, the Middle East, south-central Asia and India. They are classified in the Agamidae family, which includes Old World & Australasia lizards like bearded dragons, agamas and frilled lizards. This group is a sister family to Iguanidae which includes iguanas and chuckwallas which occupy the New World and Madagascar.
Local names for Uromastyx species are Mastigure and Dabb (or dhab).
Uromastyx are great pets. There are a surprising number of different species of uros, reflecting the wide range they are native to in the Middle East and Africa.
The most common ones available are Malis (U. maliensis) which are black with greenish yellow on the back. Saharans/Nigerians (U. geryi) are more colorful and have either bright yellow or orange evenly dispersed along their entire body. Ornates are more expensive, with blue, green and yellow coloration, with some variation between individuals. Some Ornate Uromastyx morphs include “white” (hypomelanistic) where the black color is reduced making the other colors more vibrant and red variants.
In general males are more colorful than females but this is not always the case. Low prices could mean that they are not fully acclimated to captivity. Unfortunately few breed these wonderful lizards and most are wild caught imports. Mali stopped allowing exports, so expect U. maliensis to become more rare and more highly priced. U. geryi are probably the best uros to start with for a beginner.
Uromastyx lizards are predominantly herbivorous reptiles. As herbivores, they are opportunistic feeders and eat leaves, stems, shoots, fruit, flowers and buds of native plants in their environment. They require high heat and low humidity but otherwise, Uromastyx are easy to care for.
My Uromastyx lizard dosnt seem to like me holding him. he runs around his cage and hisses at me. im wondering if he will eventually let me hold him without a fight. and also is there anyway he will hurt me such as biting or anything else.?
Some uros do tame down, but not all of them like being handled. Try hand feeding him while he’s in his enclosure and let him get used to your presence. Their main predators in the wild are birds, so they are wired to be freaked out by shadows and threats from above. Don’t do a snatch & grab; try scooping him up slowly once he’s comfortable.
I have yet to be bitten by a uro, and most are not inclined to bite. They rely mostly on tail-whipping, which can hurt. Mostly, it’s the claws that can rake you while holding them. It depends on the size and temperament of each lizard. Good luck with your uro!
We purchased our ornate uro in 94-95.So I would say he’s about 11 yr old. How long do they live?
It’s hard to say what their wild lifespans are, but it is estimated that most Uromastyx live around 12+ years in captivity, so your uro is probably getting on in years. However, some estimates have suggested they can live for over 20 years, so he’s not necessarily an old man! Good luck with him!