This species is the only reptile currently known to be endemic to the United Arab Emirates. It is only known from two localities along a narrow strip of the east coast of the United Arab Emirates. No specimens have been recorded from the type locality (near Khor Fakkan, Emirates of Sharjah) since 1973, with the only recent records being from a second known locality, a few kilometres further north of Sharm, Emirates of Fujairah. The only confirmed specimens that have been found in the past 45 years are therefore restricted to the second locality and the species is consequently considered to survive at a single location defined by the threat from development. It is possible that the species occurs in other potentially suitable habitats along the same coastal stretch, or persists at the type locality, and additional survey in these areas is urgently required. The species has been found between sea level up to 20 m in elevation. Both the extent of occurrence (EOO) and the area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 8 km² based on a 2x2 km grid drawn around the two localities, however both the EOO and the AOO are in reality very much more restricted, with the species found on isolated rocky outcrops and presumed to have been lost from one of these.The species is listed as Critically Endangered (CR B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v)) as a result of its restricted EOO and AOO, with both of the known localities, as well as areas along the east coast of the United Arab Emirates with apparently similar habitat characteristics, under heavy transformation or have already been converted for industrial, residential or tourist development. The species is currently considered to persist at a single location defined by the described threats, which are resulting in a continuing decline in the extent and quality of this species' habitat, and inferred to be causing a continuing decline in the number of mature individuals.Conservation actions are urgently required for this species, including ex situ conservation, and the potential for the establishment of new sub-populations should be investigated.