Ocellated Spinytail - Five Sisters Zoo

A medium-sized lizard species, the Ocellated Spinytail comes in a variety of colours depending on age, location, sex, and breeding condition. They are a diurnal species, meaning that they are most active during the day and sleeping at night. Not much is known about their behaviour in the wild but research is ongoing to learn more. They are a popular animal in the illegal wildlife trade, which raises concerns about the health of their population and ability to sustain populations in different locations.

Facts

Diet: Omnivore; diet changes during lifespan, with juveniles eating invertebrates and plant material and adults subsisting on only plants, specifically Acacia trees.

Weight: varies depending on species

Length: 25-30cm

Habitat: Egypt, Somalia, Ethiopia, Sudan, Djibouti; prefers savannah, scrubland and rocky terrain with opportunities for denning.

Life Span: 20 years under human care, unconfirmed ages in the wild

Adapted to Survive

  • Will hatch eggs underground to keep offspring safe until they are old enough to leave the burrow and find their own spaces
  • Spikes on tail can be used to defend itself from predators

Threats

  • Illegal wildlife and pet trade
  • Habitat loss and fragmentation

IUCN Conservation Status

Least Concern

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