Sand Lizard - Back from the Brink

The rare sand lizard became extinct in Wales, but has now been re-introduced.

Habitat - This sand-dune lover became extinct in the 1960s because of habitat loss due to development and sea defences. But it was re-introduced to Wales – at Morfa Harlech – as part of the Biodiversity Action Plan process in 1995. It now also lives in north east Wales at Talacre Warren and Gronant.

Appearance - Perfectly camouflaged for a life among marram grass and other dune plants, it’s very hard to spot. The male develops a bright green colour in the spring, whilst the female is generally brown. Both sexes have broken stripes up the back with ‘eyed’ spots and are generally ‘chunky’ in appearance, unlike the slighter common lizard.