Saharan Uromastyx (U. geryi )
Saharans have only very recently been available in North America, with the first group entering the U.S. in late spring, 2001. Many dealers still refer to them as "Nigerian" Uromastyx since Niger is the current country from which they are being imported. However "Saharan" is the originally published common name and better reflects their true natural range (several countries bordering the Saharan desert of North Africa). For now, they are essentially only available as wild-collected specimens. However as more specimens get placed into breeding programs, the potential exists for reasonable numbers of captive-bred specimens eventually becoming available.
They are arguably the brightest colored of the Uromastyx, with males often being nearly solid reddish to neon pumpkin orange or yellow. Males have even brighter waxy neon bellies, often tiger-striped in jet black. Females are a subdued version of the males, showing more pastel to tanish hues and greatly reduced belly coloring. Saharans are a medium sized species, many averaging 11"-14", and 250+ grams as adults. When otherwise healthy, they appear to acclimate readily, being less finicky than many other Uromastyx species as fresh imports. Unfortunately, many of the importations have contained a large percentage of seriously ill individuals which often end up dumped on the market to unsuspecting buyers. Please don't be tempted by low internet prices from general dealers. These are almost always fresh, unacclimated imports. The key to buying Saharans is to insist on acclimated specimens. Importations have slowed in numbers but it remains to be seen if the few that still come in are in better condition. Also note, a high percentage of imported specimens are missing the distal portions of their tails (apparently due to predation attempts or poor trapping techniques by collectors in their native habitat). For most specimens, this is merely a cosmetic problem, but some individuals come in with the tails freshly injured and as yet unhealed. You might wish to avoid those specimens and the risk of potential, immediate health concerns (note: we do obtain some exceptional specimens missing tail tips, but do not offer any for sale that have not fully healed. We also fully disclose any missing appendages including tail tips before you make your purchase).
Temperament wise, Saharans are excellent! They seem to be non-aggressive both towards humans and most cage mates (if put together right from the start). They are relatively shy at first and may take a few months to warm up to you, but are generally outgoing and settle in well. We have high expectations for this species in herpetoculture and expect it to rival the Ornate for desirability as a companion animal. It's probably not a beginner species at this point, but only because of the reliance on imports of unreliable quality. Well acclimated specimens should be excellent for intermediate keepers. We've included a few photos below of specimens we've recently sold so you can get a feel for what's generally available. Please also look at our Photo Gallery of Deer Fern Farms In-House Breeders page to see the (hopefully soon to be) parents of our captively produced hatchlings.
Availability is not predictable at this point as only intermittent importations have occurred. We hope to generally always have a few acclimating and we can e-mail you photos when applicable. Please e-mail or call us (360-435-2679) if you're looking for Saharans. We keep a "Wanted" list and fill it as specimens become available. Please see "Deer Fern Farms Ordering / Policies" for ordering information.
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| Normal Red-Orange Adult Male | High Red Adult Male |
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| High Orange Banded Adult Female | High Red Adult Feamle |
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| Yellow Adult Male | High Yellow Juvenile Male |
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| Yellow Female | Banded Yellow Juvenile |
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| Belly Shot of Adult Red Male | Belly Shot of Adult Yellow Male |
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.
Email:
douglasdix@deerfernfarms.com
Copyright © 1992-2005 by Douglas Dix. All rights reserved for all photos and text
