Whilst birding Qariyat Al Ulya in spring I came across three Arabian Spiny-tailed Lizard sunning themselves by their holes. One individual shown below was not too scared and allowed close approach. As it was a yellow colour as it had obviously spent some time warming up in the sunshine. These lizards are relatively common and widespread across Saudi Arabia preferring hard stony ground to excavate their holes. The bottom photo shows one of their holes they live in. They are ground dwelling and live in some of the most arid regions of the planet. The Arabian Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx aegyptia microlepisoccurs in the Eastern Province is generally regarded as a subspecies of the Egyptian Spiny-tailed Lizard Uromastyx aegyptia. It is locally known to the Arabs as 'Dhub'. Unfortunately this species is declining in numbers and I am seeing it less commonly then ten wars ago.
