The Tanajib area, situated on the northern coastline of the Eastern Province in Saudi Arabia, is a natural habitat for various animal and plant species. The environmental and climatic conditions of the deserted area, along with the rich and diversified flora and fauna existing in the region, make the area an ideal home for many species — including the spiny tailed lizards known as dhubs.
According to the assessment of the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the dhubs are considered to be vulnerable and, as such, are covered under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. Their numbers are decreasing as a result of habitat loss from industrial and other developments, road kill, and hunting.