Egyptian+Spiny-tailed+Lizard

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// Uromastyx aegyptia // Order: Squamata

Other common names: Egyptian dab lizard, Egyptian Uromastyx

=**__Husbandry Information__**=

Housing Requirements

 * Large enclosure, with sand substrate.
 * Temperature gradient of 90 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit (some say 100- 120), where the later is a basking spot. Temperature may drop to 70s during night time cycle (12 hours).
 * UV lamps are required in addition to heat lamps.
 * A hide in which individual/s can partially burrow into the sand is recommended as these are a burrowing species, so deeper substrate is likely appreciated. Regardless, a hide in which individuals can completely be shaded from heat and UV lights are recommended.
 * Low branches or rocks to climb on will help keep claws trim.

Diet Requirements

 * Leafy greens such as romaine, kale, escarole, red leaf lettuce, dandelion, arugala (rocket), should be offered daily.
 * Some grass and/or hay should also be included regularly to increase fiber content.
 * Shredded carrots, zucchini, and sweet pepper may be offered sparingly.
 * Bird seed can also be offered weekly, or bi-monthly.
 * Vitamin and calcium supplements are also recommended.

Notes on Enrichment & Training
Individuals should be handled often as they get large with powerful, spiny tails that they will use as a defense. Individuals used as program animals should be calm when handled and calm around people and children.

Enrichment Ideas:
 * Tubing to climb through
 * Changing the enclosure furniture periodically
 * Offer different food items. They can eat from a person’s hand (best way is to offer with your palm open, like feeding a horse).

=__Programmatic Information__=

Tips on Handling

 * One should support their body and legs.

Potential Messaging

 * Desert and Dryland species have specific adaptations for the temperature and water availability in their natural habitat and may not be able to adjust to the drying effects of climate change. Hotter conditions promote wildfires. More extreme drought conditions kill plants that hold the soil in place and occasional extreme rain events wash that soil away preventing them from growing back in a process called desertification. Greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels contributes to climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Please ask guests to walk, bike, or take public transportation when possible and to reduce their use of fossil fuels when they do drive by buying a fuel economic car, carpooling, combining errands, and keeping vehicles properly tuned up and their tires properly inflated. At home and work, purchase Energy Star appliances, turn off lights when they are not in use, and use heaters and air conditioners sparingly. The principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle will also help by decreasing greenhouse gas emissions involved with the manufacture and disposal of unnecessary goods. [][] https://biomesfirst09.wikispaces.com/Desert+Conservation[]

=__Acquisition Information__=

=__Comments from the Rating System__=
 * Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park: a little wiggly
 * Roger Williams Park Zoo: Many use restrictions due to temperature requirements

=__Natural History Information__=

Range and Habitat
Deserts of the Middle East.

Physical Description
Large agamid lizard that can reach 26 to 30 inches in length.

Behavior
Takes to its territorial burrow in the evening to sleep. In the morning as the temperature increases, they will drag themselves to the base of their burrow to bask. Once warm enough, they will eat desert plants, including acacia. They tend to stay within running distance of their burrows to hide if a bird of prey comes along. They brumate in the winter (when day time temperatures are consistently below 70 degrees Fahrenheit).

Threats and Conservation Status
Habitat degradation is a concern. IUCN lists this species as "Least Concern," but some sources indicate that the species might actually be endangered (perhaps even critically).

=__Did you know…__=

=__Photographs__=

=__Contributors and Citations__=
 * Houston Zoo, Natural Encounters