Desert Herping - United Arab Emirates

Arabian Fat Tailed Scorpion \ Androctonus crassicauda — Arabian Fat Tailed Scorpion \ *Androctonus crassicauda*

Keyserling's Wonder Gecko \ Teratoscincus keyserlingii — Keyserling's Wonder Gecko \ *Teratoscincus keyserlingii*

Crowned Leaf-nosed Snake \ Lytorhynchus diadema — Crowned Leaf-nosed Snake \ *Lytorhynchus diadema*

Arabian Horned Viper \ Cerastes gasperettii — Arabian Horned Viper \ *Cerastes gasperettii*

Cheesman's Gerbil \ Gerbillus cheesmani — Cheesman's Gerbil \ *Gerbillus cheesmani*

Middle Eastern Short-fingered Gecko \ Stenodactylus doriae — Middle Eastern Short-fingered Gecko \ *Stenodactylus doriae*

Domino Beetle \ Anthia sexguttata — Domino Beetle \ *Anthia sexguttata*

Moila Snake \ Malpolon moilensis — Moila Snake \ *Malpolon moilensis*

Zarudnyi's Worm Lizard \ Diplometopon zarudnyi — Zarudnyi's Worm Lizard \ *Diplometopon zarudnyi*

Arabian Sand Boa \ Eryx jayakari — Arabian Sand Boa \ *Eryx jayakari*

Thistle Mantis \ Blepharopsis mendica — Thistle Mantis \ *Blepharopsis mendica*

Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard \ Uromastyx aegyptia

Arabian Toad-headed Agama \ Phrynocephalus arabicus

Desert herping in the United Arab Emirates offers a unique opportunity to discover a side of the desert that remains hidden during the day. As temperatures begin to drop after sunset, reptiles, arachnids, and other nocturnal creatures emerge from their shelters to hunt, forage, and move across the landscape. A typical night may reveal species such as the Arabian Horned Viper, Sindh Saw-scaled Viper, Dune Sand Gecko, Arabian Sand Skink, Zarudnyi’s Worm Lizard, Arabian Fat-tailed Scorpion, and a variety of desert geckos and invertebrates. Unlike bird or mammal photography, herping requires a slower pace and a focus on tracks, movement, habitat features, and thermal signatures. Every dune, gravel plain, and rocky outcrop can hold surprises, making each outing a true exploration of the UAE’s remarkable nocturnal wildlife. Guided responsibly and with respect for the animals and their habitat, desert herping provides an unforgettable way to experience the hidden biodiversity of the Emirates.