Taxonomic notes: Peters (1982) distinguished two species within "Agama phillipsii", describing A. trachypleura on the basis of two museum specimens. Largen and Spawls (2006) compared these specimens and determined that, while A. trachypleura could not be distinguished from the type series of A. phillipsii, Peters (1982) had correctly recognized two taxa within the complex, and had unfortunately applied the established name A. phillipsii to the undescribed form in error. Largen and Spawls (2006) therefore synonymized A. trachypleura within Acanthocercus phillipsii, and erected the new name A. guentherpetersi for Peters' concept of "Agama phillipsii".

This species is known from the West Galbeed and Togdheer regions of northern Somalia (Lanza 1990), and adjacent regions of northern Ethiopia, and disjunctly from Eritrea (Largen and Spawls 2006, 2010). It is presumed to be more widespread between the Ethiopian and Eritrean sites than is presently known (Largen and Spawls 2010), however its absence from the well-surveyed Awash National Park suggests that its distribution in this region is not continuous (Largen and Spawls 2006). It appears to be a strictly montane form; in Somalia it has been reported from elevations of around 1,400 to 1,8000 m asl., and is unknown from low-lying areas of the country's south or west (Largen and Spawls 2010). It is reported to be the most common reptile around Diredawa, well to the west of known localities (Mazuch 2013) but in the same continuous habitat (Spawls). Mazuch (2013) also included a photograph of the species from near Sheikh in the Goolis Mountains.
Reword following Largen and Spawls 2010Add new localities to map

In Somalia, it appears to be fairly common (Largen and Spawls 2010).

This is a species of "dry country" (Largen and Spawls 2010). Photographs show this species in rupiculous situations in dry, mountainous country with small trees (Mazuch 2013).

No.

Areas where this species has been found are characterized by mountainous, rocky terrain with very low human population density, and which is difficult to exploit (Spawls). As such, this species is not likely to be at significant risk (Spawls).

This species may occur in Erer Wildlife Sanctuary (Spawls). General surveys recommended for this poorly-known species (Spawls).

LC

• Largen, M. and Spawls, S. 2010. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
• Parker, H.W. 1942. The lizards of British Somaliland. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard 91: 1-101.
• Peters, G. 1982. Eine neue Wirtelschwanzagame aus Ostafrika (Agamidae: Agama). Mitteilungen aus dem Zoologischen Museum in Berlin 58(2): 265-268.