Mali Spiny-Tailed Lizard

There are many kinds of spiny-tailed lizards, including this species from the country of Mali in northwestern Africa. Sometimes called by their scientific name, Uromastyx, they get their common name from the whorled pattern of scales on their tail. They’re well adapted to life in the desert. They’re active during the day, but they use underground burrows for shelter, sleeping and breeding. Females lay up to 20 eggs in a burrow. The eggs hatch in 2 to 3 months, but the hatchlings stay underground for several more months. Adults can reach more than a foot in length and live up to 25 years.