A large spiny-tailed lizard moving across the desert sand
Big in size but very agile and fast on its feet
Concealing itself with the available cover in the desert
Emanating from the tinged red to almost pinkish desert sand of Al Ain was a huge lizard which reminds me of a lumbering dinosaur during the Mesozoic era. It was truly an awesome encounter to spot this beautiful lizard in the sand. The spiny tail gives it the ferocious, almost menacing image but the round spike less head will lead you to change your mind and consider the non-venomous and harmless, Leptien's Spiny-Tailed Lizard.
LEPTIEN'S SPINY-TAILED LIZARD, Uromastyx leptieni
The Leptien's Spiny-Tailed Lizards, commonly called as dhub in Al Ain are an endemic reptile species in the UAE and Oman. These large lizards can grow up to 65cm long. They have a distinct tail surrounded by a circular rows of short spines.
Dhubs can change their color from black to white to yellow as they bask in the heat of the desert sun.
These reptiles are known to live in colonies in burrows on the gravel plains and in the compacted sand dunes. They are mainly vegetarians and are non venomous and harmless to humans.
It is important to note that these are endemic and protected wild life in the UAE. So when you encounter these dinosaur like sand dwellers, just let them be and be amazed by their agility and speed in the desert sand.
Truly awesome desert creatures!
Awesome creatures! Awesome CREATOR!
Thanks for your support and careful attention.
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