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Gronant Dunes Sand Lizard Project

Sand lizards are one of three lizard species found in the UK, but are by far the rarest. Often mistaken for the common lizard, they are distinguished by eye-like dark spots with white centres (called oceli) that stretch down the length of the body and they are much bulkier and bigger than the common lizard. The males stand out with distinctive green colouration on their sides, which is especially bright during the breeding season. They live in sand dunes dominated by marram grass. Sand lizards are internationally important and protected under the European Habitats Directive and are a priority species in the UK and part of the Denbighshire LBAP.

History

Historically sand lizards were found in sand dune systems across the north and west coasts of Wales. Sadly, they had completely disappeared from the Welsh coast by the mid 20^th century, due to development and human changes to coastal ecosystems.

Project

The Sand Lizard Project started in 2003, with funding from Countryside Council for Wales. In the subsequent years three groups of juvenile lizards were re-introduced to Gronant Dunes Local Nature Reserve, following the successful re-introductions to Talacre Warren in Flintshire. The population is monitored annually by staff and volunteers. Work is also being carried out to improve the suitability of the habitat in hope the population will stabilise and expand.