Taxonomic notes: Due to distinct differences between this species and other Ethiopian Agama, Largen and Spawls (2006) speculate that its assignment to this genus may be incorrect.

With the exception of a single specimen from Aware (northern Ogaden region) in Ethiopia (Largen and Spawls 2006, Largen and Spawls 2010), this lizard is known only from Somalia. In this country in is apparently widespread, with records from Sanaag, Bari and Nogal regions in the north, Mudug in Central Somalia, and the Middle Shebelli and Mogadishu regions in the south (Lanza 1990). It may occur in the northern region of Togdheer, along the northern border with Ethiopia (Lanza 1990). There is a recent photographic record from Hargeisa, to the west of previously known records in northern Somalia (N. Redman unpubl. data), and another from Oog (Mazuch 2013).
Contact Mazuch re this species, and possibly Nigel Redman (who is an ornithologist)

This lizard occurs in sandy plains, where it is diurnal and terrestrial and has been found living in holes in the ground (Largen and Spawls 2006, Largen and Spawls 2010).

There is no information on the population status of this species.

There is unlikely to be any trade or use of this little-known species.

There are unlikely to be any major threats to this species, which is widespread in an arid area.

It is not known if this species is present in any protected areas.

LC

• Lanza, B. 1990. Amphibians and reptiles of the Somali Democratic Republic: checklist and biogeography. Biogeographica: 407-465.
• Largen, M. and Spawls, S. 2010. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
• Largen, M.J. and Spawls, S. 2006. Lizards of Ethiopia (Reptilia Sauria): an annotated checklist, bibliography, gazetteer and identification key. Tropical Zoology 19: 21-109.