East African spiny-tailed lizard

(Cordylus tropidosternum)
East African spiny-tailed lizard is an olive-brown lizard up to 17 cm long. It can be found on piles of stones in the East African savannas. The flattened body allows it to crawl to narrow crevices or under rocks when in danger. Its tail is covered with rings of pointed scales; the lizard uses it to block the entrance to a shelter and to protect itself from predators such as snakes, birds and mammals. They feed mainly on insects and plant food. In winter, they hibernate. This species is viviparous.