An exotic species of lizard usually found in the deserts of Africa and the Middle East has been discovered wandering through a park in New Malden.

The uromastyx, also known as the spiny-tailed lizard, dabb lizard or uro, was picked up in Blagdon Park by the RSPCA after being spotted by a passerby.

The reptile is normally native to parts of North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia.

RSPCA inspector and exotics officer Anthony Pulfer said: "It was a real surprise to find the caller had found a uromastyx lizard as these animals aren’t one of the more common lizards kept as pets.

"Uromastyx come from very warm and dry areas in the wild and therefore need to be kept in a warm and dry environment as appropriate for the particular species if kept in captivity, so the fact this lizard was in a damp and cold park is very worrying.

"Luckily it’s doing very well."

Last year the RSPCA collected 1,853 reptiles as a result of cruelty, abandonment or neglect.

Mr Pulfer said: "Caring for reptiles can be challenging and expensive.

"Sadly the RSPCA is experiencing widespread neglect and abandonment of reptiles as for many people an exotic animal represents too much of a commitment.

"We would encourage people who are thinking about taking on an exotic pet to research the needs of the species thoroughly and ensure they can meet them at all times.

"Caring for a reptile can be difficult and expensive; the animal may grow very large, live for a long time, become aggressive or require a licence or paperwork to be legally kept or sold."

For more information on keeping exotic pets, visit the RSPCA website.