A peculiar word—“Sanda”—has recently gone viral on social media. Many people on Facebook are referring to this animal in various ways, sometimes humorously, and sometimes mockingly.

The conversation began when a video of a Bangladeshi expatriate residing in the Middle East went viral, showing him catching and eating a type of desert lizard called "Sanda." In the video, the man shares his unusual experience with the creature, which caught the attention of netizens. Since the video went viral, platforms like Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube have been flooded with memes, jokes, and satirical content related to Sanda.

This trend has sparked renewed curiosity about the creature and its so-called oil among netizens.

However, the term "Sanda" does not refer to a single, specific species. It is a general name for a group of reptiles commonly known as spiny-tailed lizards, scientifically called Uromastyx. These lizards belong to the Agamidae family, and there are over a dozen species within the Uromastyx genus. They are native to arid and semi-arid regions and are known as "Dabb" in Arabic.

Across different regions of Bangladesh, numerous myths and misconceptions have spread about this animal. Locally, some people regard it as a traditional aphrodisiac. In reality, however, it is a rare species of desert-dwelling lizard.

According to environmentalists and zoologists, Uromastyx is a harmless, herbivorous reptile. They primarily inhabit dry areas and feed on shrubs and grasses.

Due to superstitions and false beliefs, these animals are often hunted and trafficked indiscriminately. In fact, international trade of Uromastyx species is banned.

Like chameleons, they can change color depending on temperature and seasons. When it's cold, they darken their skin to absorb more sunlight efficiently, and in hot conditions, they lighten their skin tone to avoid overheating. This ability helps them regulate their body temperature.

Sanda lizards have broad heads, thick bodies, and four limbs. Adults usually measure about 25 to 30 centimeters (10 to 12 inches) in length. One of their most notable features is their thick, spiny tail, which they use as a defense mechanism. When threatened, they retreat into burrows and lash their tails violently to scare off predators. All Uromastyx species are oviparous (egg-laying), and as they mature, they become strictly herbivorous.

In the deserts of the Middle East, some Bedouin communities still hunt and consume Uromastyx. Some even prepare dishes like Sanda biryani. Similarly, in parts of India and Pakistan, some local tribes also hunt this reptile. Its white meat is said to resemble chicken in texture and taste and is considered a delicacy among some Hindu communities. The tail, in particular, is a prized part of the meal. In the wild, predators like Laggar Falcons and Tawny Eagles feed on Sanda, while desert foxes and snakes often raid their burrows.

Does Sanda Oil Boost Sexual Potency?

The name “Sanda” is often associated with the product called “Sanda oil,” which has long been marketed in rural areas as a supposed sexual performance enhancer. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting such claims