The Basics:

This is a very active, long-lived and even tempered lizard that has won a large following among reptile keepers in recent years. The Mali Uromastyx has a sweet, rather comical appearance with a face that resembles a turtle's more than a lizard's, and a distinct potbelly. Its most distinctive feature is its short, thick, spiked tail. Unlike many lizards, it is not arboreal so it spends most of its time on the ground, where it will often dig enthusiastically. However, it will climb on a rock to bask. It also appreciates hiding places. Males are larger and more colorful than females. Other species of uromastyx,
including the Ornate Uromastyx (Uromastyx ornata), share much in common with the Mali Uromastyx and have similar care requirements.

Enclosure:
The More Space The Better:

The Mali Uromastyx is a very active lizard and is an aggressive digger. Its enclosure should be wider than it is tall, and should offer the lizard ample room to move around. Avoid decorations that are too elaborate or fragile, since the Mali Uromastyx is liable to destroy them. Plants, both live and artificial, should also be avoided, since they are likely to be eaten. A Mali Uromastyx's enclosure should include flat, thin rocks for hiding and basking. Rocks should always be secured in place, since this active lizard can dislodge them, causing injury to itself. A screened top is advisable for this enclosure, since it can aid in keeping humidity levels low. The enclosure should be at least 4' x 2' x 2' or a 60-gallon aquarium for a single specimen. If a male and multiple females are housed in the same enclosure, more space will be required. In general terms, this lizard needs as much space as can practically be provided.

Substrate:
Digging Material:

The Mali Uromastyx is an avid burrower, so the substrate in
its enclosure should provide opportunities for safe digging. Commercially available sanitized play sand, river sand and calci sand are all good substrates for an adult member
of this species. However, swallowed sand can become impacted in a young Mali Uromastyx, so a paper substrate should be used for the enclosures of babies and
juveniles. Rocks or other large furnishings should be placed directly on and affixed to the surface of the enclosure rather than on the substrate. This will protect against the Mali
Uromastyx tipping over the rock or object and hurting itself when digging.

Temperature:
Keep It Hot:

A desert animal, the Mali Uromastyx needs a very hot basking spot in its enclosure. The temperature in the basking area should be around 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Daytime ambient temperature throughout the enclosure should range from the mid 80s to low 90s. Heat can be maintained through a combination of lamps. Nighttime temperatures, which should be low 70's, can be maintained by under-tank heaters or ceramic heat emitters, which do not produce light. Follow directions carefully with ceramic heat emitters, use fixtures with porcelain or ceramic sockets and to protect against fires, do not place them by dry wood or flammable fabrics. Thermometers should be positioned in the warmer and cooler areas of the enclosure as well as in the basking spot. A hiding place should be kept in both the warm and cool areas of the enclosure

Humidity:
Keep It Low:

The Mali Uromastyx requires very low humidity levels in its
enclosure, which is not surprising given that this is a desert lizard. The reptile keeper should never spray a Mali Uromastyx or its enclosure. A shallow bowl of water can be
placed in an enclosure for brief periods but if it left in too long, it can raise humidity levels. Young lizards, breeding females and sick or injured animals may benefit from having a shallow bowl, but a healthy specimen will get all the water it needs from its food. An overly humid enclosure can cause respiratory problems.

The best specific schedule may vary depending on the supplement products used and other factors. Please consult product package directions, outside literature and a veterinarian to determine the optimal supplementing program.