A tough and sturdy reptile native to the savannas and rocky landscapes of East and Central Africa. As its name suggests, this lizard is “plated”—its body is covered with large, shiny scales arranged like armor, giving it a rugged, knight-like appearance. Its thick body, long tail, and powerful limbs make it well-suited to scrambling over rocks, digging in sandy soil, and basking under the hot African sun. Usually brown or gray with lighter stripes or patterns, it blends perfectly into dry, rocky environments, making it both well-protected and well-camouflaged.
The Sudan plated lizard stands out from other reptiles because of its armor-like scales, which are not just for show. These tough plates protect it from predators, and when threatened, it will dash into a crack or burrow, wedge its body tightly, and rely on its armored skin and strong legs to resist being pulled out. Unlike sleek geckos or flashy agamas, this species has a solid, almost prehistoric look, reminding many people of a miniature crocodile without the aquatic habits.
Diet-wise, the Sudan plated lizard is an omnivore, which sets it apart from many other lizards that stick to just insects. It happily eats a mix of insects, spiders, snails, fruits, and even small vertebrates when the opportunity arises.
Despite their rugged, fearsome look, Sudan plated lizards are often described as gentle giants of the lizard world—calm, hardy, and relatively easy to handle compared to other reptiles. Their plated armor makes them look cool and earns them nicknames like “living tanks” or “armor lizards.” When basking in the sun, they sometimes flatten their bodies against warm rocks, soaking up heat and looking like little sunbathing dragons. And while they may look intimidating at first, their curious, calm demeanor often surprises people who expect them to be aggressive.
Distribution
Benin
Cameroon
Central Af. Rep.
DR Congo (Kinshasa)
Djibouti
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Kenya
Malawi
Mozambique
Nigeria
Somalia
South Africa
South Sudan
Sudan
Tanzania
Togo
Uganda
ZambiaAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
