Common Name: Egyptian Uromastyx

Scientific Name: Uromastyx aegypticus

Food: Lots of greens, such as collard greens, endive, escarole, thawed frozen vegetables, sprouts, birdseed, (crickets or mealworms at least once a week for the protines). Caution should be taken when feeding vegetables such as broccoli and spinach as they are calcium-binding vegetables. In general any of the vegetables that are high in oxalicates should really not be used.

Distribution: Libya, Egypt (East of the Nile), Israel, N Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Syria, Jordan

Habitat: Uromastyx are a native to the dry areas of Northeastern Africa two of them can be kept nicely in a 60" by 45" enclosure. Also, the Uromastyx is not territorial, which means it can be kept in groups! males should not be housed together or they may fight.

Color Discription:

Physical Discription:

Size: The Egyptian Uromastyx grow to be about a 18" - 24" but can grow up to 36" in length.

Temperatures: Extremely easy to care for, it is important that the tank is to be kept very warm. The temperature should remain 85º degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and 75º degrees at night. Also, a basking spot of 110º degrees is required!

Breeding/Reproduction:

Cage Setup: make sure they have lots of hiding spots. uromastyx needs dry heat. Sand works nicely as a substrate, but be sure it is silica-free! Silica will tear up the insides of the digestive systems.

Water: Once about every two weeks, you should dip them in warm water for five to ten minutes to help them shed their skins.

Special Needs: Use a UVB light and as much natural sunshine as possible. Also, make sure they have lots of hiding spots: hollow logs or rocks with overhangs work nicely. This way the lizard has shade and a place to retreat should he become stressed.