"Uro" is a common name, a diminutive of the scientific name, “uromastyx.” They are also sometimes known as spiny-tailed lizards. This is what they look like. Their most distinguishing quality is their spiked tails, but they also have distinctive broad, stout bodies and spade-shaped heads. Uros are herbivorous (eat only plant matter) lizards and are members of the Agamid family (related to lizards like Bearded Dragons. Here is another bearded dragon picture that I found and really liked, by the way.) There are various types of uros, such as Malis (uromastyx maliensis,) Egyptians (uromastyx aegyptius,) and Hardwickis (uromastyx hardwicki.) These subspecies names tell which geographical areas they’re native to, and differentiate between the different sizes and colourations. Their native habitat is centered between 20 and 40 degrees of north latitude, stretching from northwest Africa in the west to India in the east. They are desert dwelling creatures and they like it HOT and ARID. In length, most are in the 10 – 20 inches range, but Egyptians, by far the largest, easily exceed two feet and can even reach three feet.
Of course, I've also been asked, "What is a herp?" but the answer is short and simple enough that it doesn't require its own page. Simply put, it's a comprehensive term for both reptiles and amphibians. It is a colloquial, or a slang term (just like the word, "uro,") and is derived from the word, "herpetology," which is the proper, scientific name for the study of reptiles and amphibians.
