Fauna
Reptile

Moroccan Dab Lizard

Uromastyx nigriventris

Also 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
Moroccan Dab Lizard reference1 / 2
no rights reserved · cc0
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyDesert 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
Classification
  1. FamilyAgamidae
  2. SpeciesUromastyx nigriventris
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. 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.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…