Western spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx occidentalis)

Short answers

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

150×80×60 cm.

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

Daytime 32–38 °C, basking spot 52 °C, at night 18–22 °C.

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

UVB: Essential (UVB 12 %).

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

Life expectancy: 20–30 years.

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

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

32–38 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

52 °C

Humidity

15–30 %

UVB

Essential (UVB 12 %)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×60 cm

Substrate

Sand-loam 20–30 cm, stone slabs, a deep cave

Feeding

Food

Leafy greens, herbs, seeds – purely plant-based

Feeding interval

plant food daily

Key facts

Adult size

30–40 cm total length

Life expectancy

20–30 years

Origin

The Western Sahara, southern Morocco

Protection status

CITES II; very rare

Brumation

A winter rest of 10–14 weeks

Cohabitation

Pairs or a harem (one male, several females) work well; two males never go together — they fight over territory and the basking spot until one is badly injured or ends up permanently cornered. One male with several females works reliably instead. Several warm spots and hides are important so lower-ranking animals can retreat, and feed separately once sizes differ.

Notes

A large, pale-coloured Saharan species. In Europe only in a few breeding groups – document the bloodlines. Requirements as for U. nigriventris, but drier still.

Do you keep this species?

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

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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
• Iraqi spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx loricata) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Western spiny-tailed lizard (Uromastyx occidentalis) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×60 cm), substrate (Sand-loam 20–30 cm, stone slabs, a deep cave), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.