This species has been regularly reported in the international pet and medicinal trade. Some of this trade is illegal. There is severe collection pressure on the species. The species is locally used for food and medicinal purposes (exported to Malaysia). Its habitat is also being lost due to over-grazing, human settlement, large-scale agricultural expansion, land reclamation, solid waste dumping and off-road vehicles. In Egypt large portions of its range have been lost to quarrying for gravel and building material, especially in the Eastern Desert. Its populations are very fragmented throughout its wide range. On the Arabian Peninsula, the species is ... Read More