SPINY-TAILED LIZARD

(Uromastix), any of several species belonging to the lizard family Agamidae. The genus is restricted to arid habitats in northern Africa and western Asia, where they live in burrows. The lizard's tail is armed with numerous protective spines that discourage most predators. Some spiny-tailed lizards defend themselves by partly entering their burrows and then violently lashing their exposed tails from side to side at their enemies. All species lay eggs and are predominately herbivorous as adults.