Dab Lizards In The North West
The lizards of the genus Uromastyx are all vegetarians (invertebrates are taken only as emergency food) and are fairly docile and placid creatures, ranging from around one foot to three foot in length and are found throughout Africa and India in dry semi desert areas. They are dorsally compressed which helps them to live among the rocky outcrops and their tail is used as a weapon against any attackers and is swung like a club. Even a 4 inch juvenile can draw blood if handled roughly. Also they have a powerful bite, but rarely feel the need to do so. Some place these animals in their own family (Uromasticidae) but they are generally considered to be dragon lizards of the family Agamidae.
Dab Lizard Vivirium
They like it hot, very hot and prefer it dry, humidity of 50% or less if fine, and they usually won’t drink, but a water bowl should be provided anyway, at least once a week. Temperature should be in the 30’s celcius, with a hot spot of 45 degrees to 50 degrees should be provided, and regulated using a thermostat. A 10.0 UVB tube should be provided and rocks for decor with a sandy substrate and some driftwood or Javawood. an adult uromastyx should be comfortable in a four foot by two foot by two foot vivarium, but Uromastyx aegypticus will require a larger enclosure as it reaches 3 foot in length and is a very bulky animal.
Pairs can be kept, but even females can be territorial so a large living area with plenty of hiding places should be provided for colonies of three or more, Mating is un-aggressive and simple with the male head bobbing and the receptive female ‘swaying’ with her arm to signal receptiveness. the male then mounts her from above, moving the tail to one side and holding on to the neck with his jaws. the female lays several eggs in the sand and they hatch in around six to eight weeks. the smaller species are the most colourful, with species such as occellata and dispar being among the most colourful.
Dab Lizard Feeding
Feed these on a diet of strictly vegetables and flowers, dandelions are relished, both flowers and leaves, but the stems are bad for them due to the sap. Kale, cabbage, grated carrots, broccoli, tomato and peas are all accepted and some retailers can provide a dry food specifically formulated for Uro’s consisting of pulses, seeds, chicken feed and cow pellets.
