Papers & articles on UAE reptiles

1) General articles on the reptiles of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE:
http://www.freewebs.com/psoorae/GRC%20Bulletin%202007.pdf

2) Scientific paper on sea snakes of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE:
http://www.freewebs.com/psoorae/ADSeaSnake%202006.pdf

3) Scientific paper on a new Skink record for the UAE:
http://www.freewebs.com/psoorae/Mabuya%20aurata%20paper.pdf

4) Scientific paper on the offshore islands of Abu Dhabi Emirate, UAE:
http://www.freewebs.com/psoorae/island%20Survey.pdf

Arabian toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus arabicus) is commonly encountered lizard in areas of sand dunes in the UAE. This individual was photographed in the late afternoon near Abu Dhabi and once it was disturbed it quickly wriggled into the sand until only its head was showing (second picture).

It then completely burrowed into the sand until it disappeared out of view (last image at the bottom). This species has conspicious orangish-yellow markings on the head.

Its close cousin the Spotted toad-headed agama (Phrynocephalus maculatus) is found more on harder substrates such as "sabkhas" (salt flats).

Introduction note

This blog is intended to provide information on herpetology issues mainly in the Middle East and African region. My hope is that relevant information on herpetology rom this region can be shared.