This species holds the distinction of being the largest within its genus and the second largest lizard in Qatar. It inhabits arid and desert landscapes such as gravel plains and wadis. Constructing intricate burrows up to 10 meters long and 1.8 meters deep in solid sand, soil, or soft rock, this species is known to live in groups of up to 40 individuals, covering a wide territory. These burrows provide protection from predators and harsh desert conditions, serving as hibernation sites during winter. As herbivores, they consume leaves, buds, fruits, seeds, and flowers. Their unique teeth are fused to their jawbones, wearing down over time to form sharp cutting edges. Females lay a single clutch of eggs, numbering between 10 and 40, in deep burrows. The species faces significant predation risk, particularly in its first year, from birds, other lizards, and snakes.

Rocky desert ecosystem:The Qatar peninsula's interior consists of flat, rocky plains with hardy life forms surviving and offering hunting spaces for predators. Stony deserts with sand, pebbles, and limestone emerge at the center, featuring gravel plains and eroded limestone formations. Three stony desert types are noted: Hamada, tough exposed zones prone to surface fracturing due to extreme summer heat; Hofuf, plains with a light gravel layer; and Wadis, dry channels filling after heavy rains.

Jennings, Michael C. (Author), Krupp, Friedhelm (Editor), Al-Suwaiyel, Mohammed bin Ibrahim (Preface By). (Series: Fauna of Arabia, Volume: 13 ). Atlas of the Breeding Birds of Arabia. Publisher: Karger Libri. 2010.