Thorny Devil

About

How thorny devil lives

Thorny devils are spiny Australian desert lizards that feed heavily on ants. Grooves in the skin can help move water toward the thorny devil's mouth. Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting thorny devil also depends on keeping desert habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Grooves in the skin can help move water toward the thorny devil's mouth.
• Scales help reptiles reduce water loss and protect their bodies in harsh terrain.
• Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.