A sleek and agile reptile that perfectly embodies the grace and speed of African desert and savanna life. It is one of the most widespread and recognizable species of its group. Found across East and North Africa, from Sudan and Ethiopia to Somalia, Kenya, and parts of the Sahel, this lizard thrives in open, sun-drenched landscapes where few other creatures move with such energy and elegance. Its slender body, lightning reflexes, and remarkable tail length make it one of its environment’s most visually striking and aerodynamic reptiles.
Physically, the Common long-tailed lizard is aptly named—it possesses an exceptionally long tail, often measuring twice the length of its body. Its body is slim, with smooth, shiny scales that glisten under sunlight, giving it an almost metallic sheen. The coloration is typically earthy brown, gray, or sandy beige, patterned with fine speckles, stripes, or reticulations that blend seamlessly with its surroundings. This camouflage is vital in its open habitats, where cover is sparse. Its head is wedge-shaped and slightly flattened, allowing it to dart swiftly between rocks or into crevices, while its long, powerful legs enable explosive bursts of speed. The tail not only aids in balance and agility but can also be shed if grabbed by a predator—a clever defense mechanism that allows the lizard to escape while the detached tail continues to wriggle and distract.
The Common long-tailed lizard inhabits arid savannas, grasslands, and semi-desert regions, favoring areas with loose soil, scattered rocks, and low shrubs. In the cooler mornings, it can often be seen stretched out on sunlit stones, raising and lowering its body to adjust heat absorption. Once warmed up, it becomes an active forager, darting across open ground in search of food or shelter. During the hottest midday hours, it retreats into burrows or shaded spaces to avoid overheating, then re-emerges in the late afternoon.
Distribution
Cameroon
Chad
Djibouti
Egypt
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Gambia
Kenya
Mali
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal
Somalia
Sudan
Tanzania
YemenAnything 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
