Spiny-tailed Lizards

About Spiny-tailed Lizards

Introduction

• The Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii) is a herbivorous, burrow-dwelling desert reptile adapted to harsh arid environments.
• It is locally known as sanda or sandho.

Habitat

The species inhabits arid and semi-arid sandy plains, rocky hillocks, and open grounds with grasses, shrubs, khejri, and ker trees.

Distribution

• • • The species is found in the Thar Desert of northwestern India and in parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
    • In India, it is mainly restricted to the desert regions of northwest India.
    • It is locally extinct in Uttar Pradesh, while its population is declining in Madhya Pradesh.

Characteristics

• • Diet: The species mainly feeds on plants, but it also consumes insects during breeding periods to meet changing nutritional demands.
  • Burrow System: The lizard lives in colonies with burrows having a single opening and spoon-shaped tunnels for safety and protection.
  • Seasonal Adaptation: The species feeds actively after hibernation and stores additional fat before winter hibernation during September and October.
  • Territorial Behaviour: Male lizards protect productive feeding patches and often chase intruding lizards despite living close to each other in colonies.
  • Ecological Role: The species supports the desert ecosystem through seed dispersal and also serves as prey for several predators.

Threats

• • Illegal wildlife trade
  • Poaching for meat and oil
  • Habitat fragmentation
  • Urbanisation
  • Agricultural expansion
  • Canal irrigation
  • Industrial projects
  • Climate change

Conservation Status

• • IUCN Status: Vulnerable
  • CITES Listing: Appendix II
  • Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972