Spiny-Tailed Lizard Flourishes Again In The Kingdom's Wilderness Areas

In recent years, the Kingdom has shown a growing interest in wildlife preservation. This aligns with Vision 2030's goals, which stress environmental protection and ecosystem balance for improved quality of life and stability.

The spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia), once endangered due to overhunting and drought, is now reproducing thanks to royal nature reserves. The Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve, spanning 91,500 square kilometres, has been instrumental in this success.

This reserve focuses on protecting rare species, restoring habitats, rehabilitating ecosystems, and ensuring human activities do not disrupt the natural balance. These efforts aim to restore ecological equilibrium while showcasing unique biodiversity.

The spiny-tailed lizard is culturally significant, appearing in heritage books, stories, and folk proverbs. This desert reptile grows up to 85 cm long and can withstand extreme heat and thirst by adapting to harsh conditions.

Primarily feeding on annual plants and shrubs, the lizard rarely drinks water. It gets hydration from plant moisture and helps vegetation growth by taking only small bites from plants.

Habitat and Behaviour

The spiny-tailed lizard lives in open, flat areas with hard soil. It digs winding burrows that can be as shallow as two metres or as deep as one and a half metres below ground using its strong claws.

The entrances of these burrows usually face east or northeast to allow the lizard to warm itself with the morning sun. This adaptation helps it survive in its harsh desert environment.

Overall, these conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ecological balance in the region. The success of the spiny-tailed lizard's reproduction highlights the importance of preserving natural habitats for future generations.

With inputs from SPA