The thorny devil (Moloch horridus) is a unique lizard species native to the arid regions of Australia. This reptile is recognizable by its distinctive appearance, covered in sharp, conical spines and featuring a “pretend” head on the back of its neck, which serves as a defensive mechanism. Thorny devils grow up to 21 centimeters, with females larger than males. They primarily inhabit sand plains, sand ridge deserts, and mallee scrub, relying on sandy loam soils for their burrows. Their diet consists almost exclusively of ants, with an adult consuming thousands daily.
Current Conservation Status
The thorny devil is currently classified as “Least Concern” (LC) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. This indicates its populations are considered stable and abundant, and it does not meet criteria for being threatened. While no precise overall population estimate is available, the thorny devil is locally common across its wide distribution in arid Australia. Despite its specialized diet and habitat, it is not currently facing significant threats to its overall survival.
Key Threats to Their Survival
While not currently endangered, thorny devils face potential threats that could impact their populations in the future. Habitat degradation, including land clearing and grazing by livestock, can disrupt their specific arid environments. These activities can lead to the loss of suitable sandy soils and vegetation for their survival. Climate change also poses a challenge, as rising temperatures can increase the energy expenditure of desert lizards, potentially reducing their foraging time and affecting reproduction.
Their exclusive reliance on ants as a food source makes them vulnerable to disruptions in ant populations, which can be affected by habitat disturbance. Thorny devils are also at risk of road mortality, as they are slow-moving and may bask on warm road surfaces, making them susceptible to being hit by vehicles. Illegal collection for the pet trade also presents a threat, as thorny devils are difficult to maintain in captivity and rarely survive long outside their natural habitat due to their specialized diet.
Protecting the Thorny Devil
Conservation efforts emphasize protecting the vast arid ecosystems across Australia, ensuring suitable environments for these lizards to thrive. Ongoing research into their ecology and population dynamics gathers data on their distribution and population sizes. Public awareness programs play a role in highlighting the unique characteristics and conservation needs of Australian wildlife, fostering greater appreciation and support for their protection. The thorny devil benefits from protected status within Australia, which prohibits their collection or export. Monitoring initiatives, such as the Arid Zone Monitoring project, contribute to understanding their presence across the deserts and detecting any long-term changes in their populations.