The Mali Uromastyx is a fairly large and long-lived lizard that can be interesting pet. These reptiles, with their strange appearances, are fairly hardy and can become easy to handle in captivity.

Most Mali Uromastyx adjust well to life in captivity, and with frequent handling are usually easy to handle. It should be noted that they may not get along with other lizards; males in particular can be territorial. They are primarily herbivorous in the wild. The Mali Uromastyx live in a hot, dry, desert environment. Although they do not require standing water, many appreciate the option of a water bowl. Many people offer their Mali Uromastyx a water bowl for a few hours every few days when their lizard is feeding. Some lizards soak before a shed, and others may lick water from their bowls. If you do provide a water bowl at all times, be sure it does not spill, as this could increase humidity to inappropriate levels.

By maturity, many male Mali Uromastyx reach lengths up to 16 inches. Females usually grow to about a foot in length. Male Mali Uromastyx have black heads and tails. Their front feet are gold in color, and usually they show gold markings over their backs. Females are brownish in color, and have flecks of black accenting their bodies. Their bodies tend to be more slender than those of males.

The Mali Uromastyx is native to the desert regions of Africa, such as Mali, from whence it derives its name. Although many are still imported from the wild, Mali Uromastyx are now being bred in captivity more and more often.

The Mali Uromastyx should have a fairly dry terrarium with a hiding place in both the warm and cool areas. A screen lid may assist in maintaining low humidity - less than 30 or 40 percent. Some people will mist their Mali Uromastyx to assist it in shedding. Ambient daytime temperatures should be about 85 degrees Fahrenheit with a nighttime drop down to about 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The basking should be about 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Sunlight or fluorescent UVB lighting is required - a fluorescent lamp that emits 5% or more is preferred.

A cage for a full-grown adult Mali should be a minimum of 4'x2'x2'

As far as feeding, don't give them lettuce because it has little nutritional value. Don't feed to many cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower etc.) because they are high in oxalates and can bind calcium. High calcium greens such as turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, and dandelions, grape leaves etc, should make up the bulk of the diet along with vegetables (corn, peas, carrots) thrown in to add a variety. They should also be offered a shallow dish of dry food containing lentils, split peas, sunflower-free birdseed and dry iguana food. Sprinkle food with bee pollen granules to stimulate feeding in finicky individuals. Fruit can be offered as a treat, blueberries are cherished by most. Fruit should only be given occasionally. Also for a healthy treat Hibiscus, Hollyhock, and Nasturtium flowers can be offered.

Mali Uromastyx may be visually sexed. Males are larger and have different coloration than females. Generally, males are sexually mature by the time they are 12 inches in length and females can be bred when they are 10 inches long.

It has been reported that breeding the Mail Uromastyx in captivity is relatively difficult. Hobbyists have reported that brumation is needed in order to increase the chance of successful breeding. After brumation breeding will usually occur in the spring (between March and May). The female will begin depositing her eggs approximately one month after breeding. Incubation will last 85 to 95 days.