Shield-tailed Scorpion / Apistobuthus pterygocercus

The Shield-tailed Scorpion (Apistobuthus pterygocercus) is a highly venomous species native to the Arabian Peninsula, including the United Arab Emirates. Despite its medical significance, its conservation status has not been formally assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and thus remains unlisted on the IUCN Red List.

In the UAE, A. pterygocercus is considered rare and is typically found in sandy desert habitats. Its elusive nature and specific habitat preferences make it a subject of interest for researchers and conservationists. However, due to the lack of comprehensive studies, detailed information about its population size, distribution, and potential threats in the region is limited.

Scorpion venoms, in general, are complex mixtures of bioactive compounds, including neurotoxins and peptides, which have been studied for potential therapeutic applications such as anticancer, antimicrobial, and analgesic agents. However, specific studies focusing on the venom of A. pterygocercus are lacking.