Reptile · GBIF taxon 7718355
Moroccan Dab Lizard
Uromastyx nigriventrisAlso known as Moroccan Spiny-Tailed Lizard, Moroccan Mastigure, Moroccan Spiny-Tailed Agama, North African Spiny-Tailed Lizard
Moroccan dab lizards are stocky, rock-dwelling reptiles renowned for their heavy, spiked tails and striking coloration, which ranges from vivid yellow to deep orange marbled with black. Diurnal and thermophilic, they emerge in the warmth of the morning to bask on exposed rocky outcrops before foraging on sparse desert vegetation. When threatened, they retreat into deep burrows and use their armored tail as an impenetrable wedge to block the entrance.
DiurnalHerbivorousDesert-Dwelling
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Desert herbs
- Seeds
- Succulent foliage
Predators
- Raptors
- Monitor lizards
- Desert foxes
ThreatsOvercollection for the pet trade, localized hunting, and habitat degradation
HabitatsRocky desert flats, hammadas, gravel plains, and arid foothills
Life span15–25 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyAgamidae
- SpeciesUromastyx nigriventris
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Capable of delivering a sharp bite or spiny tail strike if grabbed; observe safely from a distance.
- What to notice
- Recognize by the broad, heavily spined flat tail and bright orange-yellow pattern on black back scales.
- Support conservation
- Keep precise GPS location data private when recording wild observations to deter collection.
Responsible observation
- Basking Observation: Watch rocky ledges during warm mid-mornings when individuals emerge to absorb heat.
- Burrow Proximity: Remain at least five meters from burrow openings so lizards do not dive underground.
- Avoid Feeding: Do not offer cultivated vegetables or human food, which disrupt desert dietary balance.
Close Relative 
Close Relative (c) Jiro Iguchi, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jiro Iguchi · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Squamata55, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-byClose Relative
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