Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata)

Short answers

Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×60 cm (one adult animal).

Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 28–35 °C (cool zone 26–30 °C), basking spot 45–55 °C (surface temperature at the basking spot), at night 18–22 °C.

Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: A very high UVB requirement (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6); a strong T5 HO tube (12–14 %).

Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: 15–25 years.

Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

Rather not – it is considered an intermediate species (difficulty: Intermediate).

Climate

Daytime temperature

28–35 °C (cool zone 26–30 °C)

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

45–55 °C (surface temperature at the basking spot)

Humidity

20–35 %

UVB

A very high UVB requirement (Ferguson zone 3–4, UV index 4–6); a strong T5 HO tube (12–14 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×60 cm (one adult animal)

Substrate

A compacted sand-loam mix (diggable, with stable tunnels), 20–30 cm deep; rock structures

Feeding

Food

Purely herbivorous: wild herbs, leaves, flowers, seeds and grains; no animal protein for adults

Feeding interval

fresh greens offered daily to adults, juveniles daily

Key facts

Adult size

approx. 35–45 cm total length

Life expectancy

15–25 years

Origin

The Mesopotamian plain and Zagros foothills: Iraq and south-western Iran

Protection status

CITES Appendix II / EU Regulation Annex B → specially protected; registration required, proof of origin required

Brumation

A winter rest of about 6–8 weeks at ~15–20 °C (they come from a region with cool winters)

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the standard; territorial. A harem only in a very large enclosure; never keep males together

Notes

Taxonomically today in the genus Saara (Saara loricata). It needs compact, firm ground to dig in. Very rare in the hobby; species-specific detailed data are thin – the figures are derived from genus-level care plus distribution data.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx aegyptia) – Intermediate to expert
• Bent's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx benti) – Intermediate
• Indian spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx hardwickii) – Intermediate
• Yemeni spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx shobraki) – Intermediate
• Macfadyen's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx macfadyeni) – Intermediate
• Mali spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx dispar maliensis) – Intermediate
• Moroccan spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx acanthinura) – Intermediate
• Geyr's spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx geyri) – Intermediate

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×60 cm (one adult animal)), substrate (A compacted sand-loam mix (diggable, with stable tunnels), 20–30 cm deep; rock structures), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.