RAUK - Archived Forum - Is the Common Lizard thriving?

I have a big concern that the Common Lizard is in a rapid decline.  Many of the populations I and other herpetologists have known for 20 years plus are nothing like they were.

Does anybody know of any sites where they have noted a population increase?

I have observed a site in Surrey, part of a large heathland. The actual spot is in a valley floor and wooded. 20 years ago Common Lizards were very plentiful around a large pond and amongst tussocks of an adjacent west facing inclined and un-shaded meadow. Last year I sighted only a single male. Habitat changes have mostly been bracken growth around the pond and some infilling with birch, the meadow has however changed little in the past 20 years to explain the reduction in the population. The local Adder population appears to have declined also, Grass Snake and Slow-worm numbers have remained steady.

The damp margins containing good expanses of Molinia is a vital habitat on heathland sites for common lizard and I agree with dave that over grazing has depleted this resource. Surely one indication is the fact that if only adults are sighted in an area then this could be an indication of decline. Surveying for this species during the peak birth period or just after would be most beneficial. At one site on a NNR in mid Wales we counted 300 neos in just two hours.

With surveying in general there appears to be a lack of experience when it comes to identifying mal/femal/immature of all species, or at least recording this. Someone sent me records of up to five smooth snakes under one tin but could not identify sex or status. Nice records but not much use, does not say much about population structure. Also, experience has shown that large groups of adults (snakes) are often an indication of decline. Witness some urban heaths in latter stages of decline.

Tony

I am currently working on a undisturbed grassland site roughly 105 metres long by 70 metres wide which ahs a really good population of Viviparous Lizards unfortuantely the site is going to be developed.

I estimate that around 500 to 600 lizards may be on the site we have translocated around 230 so far to patch of good land on a golf course with a new hibernaculum and we will be managing the population and of course monitoring the site over the next 3 to 5 years. The site has been left untouched for about 40 years!!!

The management of land for nature conservation (mowing or heavy grazing) has a detrimental effect on reptiles especially viviparous lizards

I am currently surveying a Hampshire Wildlife Trust Nature reserve which has good populations of V lizards, Slowworms, Adders and Grass snakes within clumps of Molina, and bramble bushes i am hopefully going to influence the management of the grazing regime to help the reptiles i will keep you informed of any success

There have been declines of V Lizards in Essex which is worrying as these sites are no tover managed?

Yes this seems to be the case. An example of a really good reptile habitat in Essex is the Langdon Hills. This part of basildon hasnt really seen agriculture changes like the rest of Essex.

good populations of all four species of reptile occur in the nature conservation areas in Langdon Hills. Other parts have been turned into housing estates or have been turned to some form of agriculture or very heavy horse grazing.

Of course other sites in Essex which are very good inect sites and contain good populations of lizards are the derelict brownfield sites such as Northwick Road in Canvey and Shell Haven across the water etc.

What colour varieties of Viviparous Lizard have people seen? we have several Green lizard sightings that I suspect were actually green Viviparous Lizards - I have seen green, orange and very dark brown lizards (adults) has there been any albino or other colours in Lizards?