Fringe-toed sand lizard (Acanthodactylus schmidti )

A small, but common lizard of the sandy plains, dunes and sabkhas is the fringe-toed sand lizard (Acanthodactylus schmidti ). It is easily recognised by a row of white oval spots on its flanks. Although it can move at lightning speed, it can be approached quite closely if one moves very slowly and avoids casting a shadow over it. The fringes on its toes help it to move across the sand more rapidly.