Spiny Tailed Agama

The Spiny Tailed Agama (also known as Dhab locally) is a large lizard in the Agamidae family that can reach lengths up to 90 cm. It gets its name from the heavy spiked tail (see third picture) that it can swing at attackers with great velocity. The colour of the STA matches the desert environment it is found in. However, they are capable of changing colour towards a darker shade during colder temperatures to absorb more heat. Here, under the blazing sunlight the skin colour is lighter. During the day they can be seen basking in the sun, often with a flattened abdomen laying on top of sand mounds. If you come to close they will quickly seek shelter in the underground chambers they have dug out.