About Uromastyx aegyptia (Forskal, 1775)
Uromastyx aegyptia is one of the largest species in its genus. Males have an average total length of 76 cm (30 in), including the tail. This species can be found in the region east of the Nile in Egypt, as well as in Israel, Syria, Jordan, the Arabian Peninsula, Iraq, and Iran. It has a patchy distribution and is rare across most of its range. Populations are believed to be declining due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. It inhabits open, flat, gravelly, stony, and rocky areas, at elevations up to 1,500 m (4,900 ft) above sea level. Locally, it is known as dhab or ḍabb in Arabic, written ضب. Historically, its strong skin was used to make good leather by Bedouins, and its meat was often consumed as an alternative source of protein.
