Armadillo lizard (8 pics)

This is armadillo lizard or Cordylus cataphractus, endemic to desert areas of southern Africa. It can grow to around 16 to 21 cm in length. Armadillo lizard is one of the few lizards that does not lay eggs. It gives birth to its young and may even feed her young, which is also unusual for a lizard. This amazing lizard also have uncommon defense strategy. It will take its tail in its mouth and roll into a ball when threatened. When in this position, the thick squarish scales along its back and the spines on its tail will protect it from predators. Wild population of armadillo lizards are threatened due to the illegal pet trade.

Here are some pictures of this amazing creature.

source

source

source

source

source

source

source

source