The sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) is one of the UK’s three native lizards. It can be found only on a handful of sites, mainly in the south of England. They are incredibly well camouflaged and difficult to spot. If you see a lizard in the UK, it is much more likely to be a common lizard than a sand lizard. Sand lizards are very rare and unlikely to be encountered unless you know where to spot them!
Identification
Sand lizards are larger, broader, and have a stubbier appearance than the common lizard. Both male and female sand lizards have white spots framed with black or brown along their backs. They also have greyish stripes running down their backs. Breeding males are instantly recognisable thanks to the bright green colouration on their flanks and underside. The Males also have a noticeably broader head than the females. Females are usually a grey-brown colour. Colours of both males and females vary greatly. Adult lizards can grow to 19cm long (including the tail).
Habitat
Sand lizards have very specific habitat requirements. They are only ever found on lowland heaths and coastal sand dunes. They favour sites with complex topography which gives them south facing banks for basking, plenty of sand for egg laying and burrowing, furrows, ridges and mixed vegetation that offers shelter and protection from predators.
Basking sites are often returned to on a regular basis, so if you hear a lizard run into the undergrowth before you can spot it, return to the same spot 10-15 minutes later and the lizard is likely to have returned. Look for sheltered patches of ground with good exposure to the sun. Approach facing the sun to avoid casting a shadow onto the lizards for a better chance of finding them.
Distribution
Sand lizards have a limited distribution in the UK, most populations are found along the south coast of England, Dorset and Surrey in particular. Further populations can be found in Cornwall, Wales and Merseyside.
What Do Sand Lizards Get Up to Throughout the Year?
October to March: The main hibernation period is from October to March, however, males will go into hibernation first, sometimes as early as September. During this time, the lizards stay inactive in underground burrows that they have dug in the sand.
March to May: Breeding takes place soon after emerging from hibernation in March or April. Males frequently chase and fight each other during this time in order to maintain territory. Mating occurs in April to May.
May to June: Burrows are dug in the sand where clutches of between six and twelve eggs are laid between May to June.
August to September: Egg development takes approximately two to three months after which the young are born usually in August to September. The lizards then fatten up before going into hibernation. They eat a range of invertebrates including spiders and insects.
Population Trends and Protection
As with much of our wildlife, sand lizard populations have suffered dramatic declines in recent years. This population decline is particularly evident in southern counties of England where numbers have significantly reduced in some areas. Habitat loss and fragmentation are thought to be contributing factors. There are few original populations left, most populations exist as re-
introductions. Conservation efforts have been successful for this species and there are now numerous sites which are managed specifically for them and other rare reptiles. As a result of drastic declines in sand lizard populations they are protected under the following European and UK legislation:
- Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981;
- Conservation Regulations 1994;
- Appendix II of the Bern Convention; and
- Annex IV of the European Union Habitat and Species Directive.
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Check out the video below for more information on sand lizard re-introductions!
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