This project is run by the Conservation Programme for Persian Toad Headed Agama ( www.phrynocephalus.narod.ru )

Currently Persian Toad Headed Agama is being considered as a complex of at least 2 subspesies - Phrynocephalus persicus persicus De Filippii, 1863(IUCN: VU) known mainly from Iran and Phrynocephalus persicus horvathi (IUCN: CR) known from Armenia, Azerbaijan, Iran and Turkey. Some scientist suggest Phrynocephalus persicus and Phrynocephalus horvathi to be two separate species, which is in fact reflected in the "Inaturalist" database. However, because of debatable systematic status of the species and our goal to find and document as many as possible In Situ records, this atlas is designed to involve Phrynocephalus persicus sensu lato.

Habitats of Persian Toad Headed Agama are inked to sandy and stony semideserts which have been extensively and heavily irrigated and urbanaized during few thousands of years. The most recent developments dating from XX century heavily reduced and fragmented habitat of the lizard especially in Araks river basin, which caused extinction of the number of populations at the NW edge of the species's geographical range. Phrynocephalus persicus horvathi has been Red Listed in Armenia, Azerbaijan and former USSR since 1980th. Finally, in 2009 both Phrynocephalus persicus horvathi and Phrynocephalus persius persicus got included in IUCN Red List as Critically Indangered and Vulnerable species respectively.

We suggest to consider Persian Toad Headed Agama as a flag species simbolizing Wildlide Suffering form Urban Development. This project aims to accumulate and represent the datat about current and historical
range of Phrynocephalus persicus and welcome everyone to submit accurate evidence about current or historical presence of this species throughout the range. Both professional and amateur Naturalists are encouraged to submit records.

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