Mali Uromastyx Uromastyx maliensis Lucille Malokai A Cute Little Booger! The Mali Uromastyx, or Uromastyx maliensis, is a very interesting lizard species. Uromastyx can be found in the Republic of Mali, an African Country. It has the looks of something out of the Stone Age. With a turtle-like face and a spiny tail it looks equipped for battle. But in all actuality it is a very docile species. The Uromastyx commonly ranges from 12"-14" in length, requiring a large enclosure with basking spots of up to 120 degrees F. Mali Uromastyx-Uromastyx maliensis Origin-Republic of Mali (Africa) Size-12"-14" Temperment/Handling-Docile, Easy to handle. Hardiness-A pretty hardy species. Often wild caught, care should be taken to rid of parasites and other ailments. This species is long lived and slow growing. Housing-A 45gal aquarium or larger is adequate for a single Mali. A 4'X2'X2' enclosure would be large enough for two occupants. A lid is not necessary but recommended to keep other things from getting to the Malis. Newspaper, sand, or a sand/soil mix can be used as substrate. Baby Mali's should always be kept on newspaper to avoid sand impaction. Sand impaction is when the Mali eats the substrate causing it to get lodged inside the animals body. This can cause serious health problems. A good hide box or cave of some sort should always be added.  Mali's love bright light and will bask much of the day. Finally add a few pieces of cork bark, chollawood, or well secured rocks to help keep the Mali's occupied. The larger the enclosure, the more entertaining your new pet will be. I prefer to house my Mali's seperately. Enclosure Maintenance-Mali's can be messy choosing to throw veggies everywhere.  Papers should be changed as often as possible, removing fecal matter daily.  Sand substrates can be changed every month or so, making sure to remove fecal (poop) matter daily.  Water should always be fresh.  All cage items should be cleaned with a dilution of 1part bleach to 30parts water every few months making sure to thoroughly rinse.  Check all electrical devices as often as possible to help prevent fire hazards.  Lighting-Mali's are diurnal, day lovers, which enjoy basking much of the day. Lights should be left on 14hrs a day in the summer months and 10hrs a day in the winter. A good basking light is essential to the health and well being of this species. Keep in mind the lizard should never be allowed to touch the bulb. This may cause severe burns and possibly death. Many brands are available, research for yourself to find out which one is best for you. Natural sunlight is best for Mali's, but outdoor enclosures are not practical in most parts of the U.S.  So Mali's kept indoors should have full spectrum lighting such as the ReptiSun5.0 or ESU7%.  Both put off the best levels of UVA and UVB trying to mimic natural sunlight.  UVB produces vitiman/D3 which is important in the metabolizing of calcium and phosporous. It is also believed to help reverse the effects of Metabolic Bone Disease, a condition in which bones become weak and brittle making it difficult for the animal to eat and perform normal functions.  UVA helps Beardeds to act natural as in eating habits and mating. The bulb should be within 12" of the basking spot for the lizard to get the full effect.  Remember glass filters out the beneficial beams of the bulb. These bulbs loose effectiveness after about 6 months and should be replaced. Light is still produced, but the beneficial rays are reduced if not non-existant.  All lights should be on a timer so the Mali's get the same day/night cycle every day. Heat/Temp-The basking temp should be 115-125F with the opposite end of the enclosure around 82-85F.  Nighttime temps should be about 70F. Temps should be slightly cooler in the wintertime. Mali's can withstand an occasional drop to about 60F. The overhead lighting provides sufficent heat with the proper wattage bulb. Humidity/Water-Mali Uromastyx are a species that prefer a dry environment. Misting about once or twice a week to help facilitate with shedding. You may choose to offer a water dish at times. Mali's get most of there liquids from the veggies they eat. Diet/Food-Mali's are almost totally vegetarian.   Many veggies are suitable for Mali's. Some of the best include dandelions (probably the best), collard, mustard, and turnip greens, kale, and other dark greens.  Many different types of veggies should be offered to help maintain a balanced diet. It is recommended to occasionally dust the veggies with vitamins and minerals. The proper use of supplements can reduce the risk of metabolic bone disease. I use Rep-cal Calcium/vitD3, Herptivite, and  Miner-All.  All can be found at any pet store.  Vegetables should be available at all times. An occasional insect such as a cricket or two shows just how fast these lizards can run if given a good reason.  Mali's will also enioy some bird seed. Sexing-  Other-Kind of an ugly lizard, but very interesting. Disclaimer-Everything on this page is a matter of my personal opinion.  This care sheet is merely meant to help get you started.  Always do lots of other research and do what is in the best interest of you and your pet. Last Updated-03/13/03 Aaron Downing            ReptileAaron@aol.com  https://www.angelfire.com/me4/pets Suggested Reading *Agamid Lizards Manthey & Schuster