Description:
Scientific name: Xenagama taylori
Life span: 10-15 years
The shield-tailed agama (Xenagama taylori), often referred to as Taylor’s weird agama, the turnip-tailed agama, and the dwarf shield-tailed agama, belongs to the family Agamidae.
Native Region/Habitat
Eastern Ethiopia and western Somalia are where you can find X. taylori.
X. taylori inhabits arid, flat territory, occasionally mountainous terrain, sandy but also hard ground, and it excavates deep tunnels in these habitats. With the exception of heavy spring storms and high humidity, it can endure temperatures as high as 45 to 50 °C (113 to 122 °F), but thrives in areas with average temperatures between 25 and 35 °C (77 and 95 °F).
Behavior:
Shield-tailed agamas (еnagаmа taylori) have an unusual behavior in that they cover the entrance to the little tunnels they dig for shelter at night with their shield-like tails. This is how they originally defended themselves against predators.
With considerable success, Shield-Tailed Agama are frequently kept in bigger groups. The males will compete for tank space, females, and resources if they are kept together for an extended period of time, which may affect the group’s social dynamics.
This diurnal species tends to be flighty, but it is occasionally possible to witness it foraging and sunbathing throughout the day. When their tank is disturbed, their first instinctual reaction is to dive into their burrows.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Recommended Enclosure Size:
The minimum enclosure size for an adult or pair is 24x18x18, however this active, nocturnal agama will benefit from and use more area if provided. The enclosure size must be increased when starting a colony when more agama are added.
Humidity:
Shield Tailed Agama require a high level of humidity, between 30 and 50 percent, in a well-ventilated environment. To help sustain higher levels of humidity and to create humid microclimates, plants can be planted.
Temperature (°F):
Xenagama taylori should be kept at 80 degrees. There should be a location for basking that is between 110 and 120 degrees. A digital thermometer should be used to keep track of the temperature, and an infrared thermometer or temperature gun should be used to check the hot spot.
Feeding:
Being omnivores, Shield tailed agamas need both insect prey and plant material to survive. Juveniles should eat primarily insects in their diets, and because of their high metabolic rates, they need to be fed every day. Adults should still be fed three to four times per week and should have a diet that is around 80% insects and 20% greens. Adult diets can be slightly less insect-heavy and can be fed less frequently. If you’re keeping several people together, it’s very important to provide lots of food because they’ll fight if there aren’t enough of it.
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