Algerian Leopard Uromastyx (U. acanthinurus acanthinurus)

Algerian Leopard Uromastyx Male	Algerian Leopard Uromastyx Female

 

The Algerian Leopard  Uromastyx arrived in North America for the first time in late 2005. They were marketed to us as "Black  Moroccans", and while technically the same species as Moroccans, (acanthinurus),  they are a different subspecies found primarily in Algeria.  The difference was easily spotted, so we purchased all the healthy individuals that came in during this first importation (approx. 30 specimens) just encase these, like the Banded Uromastyx, prove to be a one-shot importation not soon to be repeated. 

Little is recorded concerning this subspecies as they never really seem to have made it into herpeticulture.  Algeria is not  the most accessible/ safe area for reptile collecting/exporting so that no doubt has inhibited their collection.   Adult size is comparable to the Mali and Moroccan Uromastyx (probably around 15" average for males, 12" total length  for females but the data is limited at this point).   Adult  coloration of  adult males is predominantly an interesting shade of black (it almost has a tindal-factor in that it occasionally  refracts light to give the false impression of a faint teal-pigment to some of the scales).   Scattered through this black background are either yellow or white polka dots, yielding somewhat of a reverse-leopard look.   The females are somewhat similar to Mali females in coloration  except that the center of the back develops a more tangerine-orange tint overlaying a pale yellow-tan background.   Scattered over this are black spots in either a freckle pattern or broken ocellations, again giving a faint impression of a leopard in the brighter specimens. 

Algerian Leopard Male - (yellow spotted)	Algerian Leopard Adolescent Male - (white spotted)

Algerian Leopard Hatchling	Algerian Leopard Yearling Male

Adolescent males are an interesting pastel gray with charcoal ocellations while immature females seem to be duller versions of the adult females.   Overall, the patterns seem slightly more uniform than those in Mali's, but again the sample size is too small to make any broad conclusions.  One interesting  note about this first group is that a large percentage of the individuals have a broken stripe running down the center of the back (see photo of the "Yearling Male" above).   This may just be a trait of the specimens from this one local but does add an interesting  change to the overall pattern.   An easy characteristic to use to separate out immature specimens from similar looking  Mali or Moroccan juveniles is to count tail whorls.   Algerians have an average of 17 to 18 distinct tail whorls while both Mali's and Moroccans have 19+ (usually at least 20).  

 The temperament of the few individuals that came in is somewhat unique, being generally calmer than the average freshly imported Mali and with none the more typical aggressive tendencies shown by the average Moroccan.   They seem to be settling in well and with luck we'll try to brumate a few pairs to se if we can't produce some CB's for 2006.  We placed several pairs into the hands of fellow established breeders to help in trying to establish this species  in the U.S.  so cross your fingers!

We did purchase a few extra adolescents and juveniles that we will be releasing to the general public for those interested in working with this species.  We will be giving preference to those who would like to try their hand at breeding them rather than simply keeping them as pets simply because  they are currently extremely rare.   If more are imported in the future, we will be less restrictive about who they go to, but our first priority has to be getting these established for future Uro lovers to enjoy.

We ship based on the prevailing weather patterns between us and you. Usually we can ship most weeks, but when large storms/severe heat/cold are forecasted, we prefer to hold off.   Please see  "Deer Fern Farms Ordering / Policies" for ordering information.

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