How difficult is it to keep Egyptian Uromastyx?

Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.

How large does Egyptian Uromastyx get?

Egyptian Uromastyx typically reaches Total length up to 75cm; U. a. leptieni reaches 51cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.

What is the typical price for Egyptian Uromastyx?

The price of Egyptian Uromastyx varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Egyptian Uromastyx

Q: What is the lifespan of Egyptian Uromastyx?

The average lifespan of Egyptian Uromastyx is Over 25 years under good care; the maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 15 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.

Q: What should I feed Egyptian Uromastyx?

Egyptian Uromastyx feeds on: Leafy greens, wild plants such as dandelion and clover, birdseed and prepared herbivorous-lizard diets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.

Intermediate

Uromastyx aegyptia

At a total length of 75 cm it is the largest mastigure. The body is greyish brown, and the yellow spots of juveniles fade with age. A terrestrial, diurnal lizard, it digs long horizontal burrows for shelter from heat and cold.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Lifespan

Over 25 years under good care; the maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 15 years

Size

Total length up to 75cm; U. a. leptieni reaches 51cm

Humidity

20〜30%

Diet

Leafy greens, wild plants such as dandelion and clover, birdseed and prepared herbivorous-lizard diets

About

Uromastyx aegyptia is the largest mastigure, reaching a total length of 75 cm, and is widespread in the Middle East. The body is thick and flattened, the head large and the snout short. It is greyish brown; juveniles carry yellow spots that fade with age. Rings of spiny scales run along the tail. Besides the nominate form, subspecies such as U. a. microlepis, which has uniformly small scales and no enlarged scales along the flanks, are recognised. Terrestrial and diurnal, it lives in desert and stony wasteland and digs long horizontal burrows for shelter from heat and cold. It is herbivorous, eating leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds; juveniles also take insects but become almost entirely herbivorous as they grow. Because it is so large for the genus, it needs an exceptionally big enclosure.

Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Lifespan of the Egyptian Uromastyx

The Egyptian Uromastyx lives Over 25 years under good care; the maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 15 years.

Size of the Egyptian Uromastyx

The Egyptian Uromastyx grows to Total length up to 75cm; U. a. leptieni reaches 51cm.

Basic Info

Origin

Israel, northeastern Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Iran, Oman and Syria, in desert and stony wasteland

Lifespan

Over 25 years under good care; the maximum recorded longevity in captivity is 15 years

Size

Total length up to 75cm; U. a. leptieni reaches 51cm

Care Specifications

Semi-aggressiveSolitaryBreeding: Moderate

Sources: ReptiFiles: Uromastyx Care Sheet / Reptiles Magazine: Uromastyx Care Sheet / Wikipedia (Japanese): Egyptian mastigure / Reptile Database / AnAge: The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database

References & Sources

Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team

The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.

Primary sources

Taxonomy & Authority

Accepted name: Uromastyx aegyptia (Forskal, 1775)

Synonyms: Lacerta aegyptia Forskal, 1775, Uromastyx microlepis Blanford, 1875, Uromastyx aegyptia leptieni Wilms & Bohme, 2000

Authority databases: Reptile Database

Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.

Regulations & Conservation Status

CITES Appendix II

Uromastyx spp. has been listed under Washington Convention Appendix II, effective February 4, 1977. Because it is listed under Appendix II, no registration certificate as an internationally rare wild animal or plant species is required. It is neither listed as a specified animal under the Ordinance for the Enforcement of the Act on the Welfare and Management of Animals, nor designated as a specified alien species. In its native habitat, it is consumed as food, with the meat of its thick tail considered particularly delicious.

Sources: CITES Appendices / Ministry of the Environment: list of invasive alien species / Order for Enforcement of the Act on Welfare and Management of Animals (designated dangerous animals)

Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.