| Egyptian Mastigure | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Agamidae |
| Subfamily: | Uromasticinae |
| Genus: | Uromastyx |
| Species: | U. aegyptia |
| Binomial name | |
| Uromastyx aegiptia (Forskal, 1775) |
|
| Synonyms | |
|
Uromastix spinipes |
|
The Egyptian Mastigure (Uromastyx aegyptia)[1], Leptien's Mastigure,[2] or Egyptian dab lizard is a species of lizard from the genus Uromastyx. It is one of the largest members of the genus, with average lengths of 76 cm for males. Egyptian Mastigures can be found in Egypt, Libya and throughout the Middle East but is rarely found today due to reduction of habitat. The remainder of the population mostly inhabits the gravel plains of northern Oman and some parts of the eastern UAE where it is listed as endangered and slowly vanishing due to the impact brought on by development. This lizard is locally known to the Arabs as 'Dhab' Arabic:'ضب'. Their strong skin made good leather for the bedouins, while their meat was often considered as an alternative source of protein. They live in dry, rocky areas.[3]