Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard
Scientific name: Uromastyx aegyptia
IUCN Status: Vulnerable
Family: DIURNO
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Tolerant
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-31.05
Gestation: 60 à 70 jours
Births: 01.07-31.08
Habitat:
Rocky deserts and semi-arid steppes
Description:
The Uromastyx aegyptia, or Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, is a robust lizard of 30–40 cm snout-vent length, with a long spiny tail used for defense. It inhabits rocky deserts and semi-arid steppes of North Africa and the Middle East. An opportunistic herbivore, it feeds on leaves, flowers, and succulent fruits. During the breeding season (April 1 to May 31), males become more colorful and perform threat displays, whipping their spiny tails in rivalry.
Recommended lens:
>=200 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph the Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥200 mm early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Use shallow depth of field to isolate the lizard's silhouette, position low, and be patient.
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