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Uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris is a native species to the north of Africa mainly Morocco. These lizards are mainly found in desert areas where they roam the ground. In these environment temperatures vary between 5-60 °C. Like many reptiles, these lizards’ colors change according to the temperature; during cool weather they appear dull and dark but the colors become lighter in warm weather, especially when basking; the darker pigmentation allows their skin to absorb sunlight more effectively. Their spiked tail is muscular and heavy, and can be swung at an attacker with great velocity, usually accompanied by hissing and an open-mouthed display of (small) teeth. Uromastyxs generally sleep in their burrows with their tails closest to the opening, in order to thwart intruders.
Spiny-tailed Lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura nigriventris) near Ouarzazate, Atlas mountains at the back, Morocco, Africa

Nikon D200, Nikkor 18-200 mm at 22 mm, 1/640 sec at f/8, ISO 200
© Konstantinos Arvanitopoulos Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Featured in 4 groups:
“Nature In Its Entirety”
“Closeups in Nature”
“Morocco”
“Animals of Africa – Best of the Best”

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