Sixty more Sand lizards re-introduced to the sand dunes of north and west Wales.

25/03/2007 00:00:00 Sixty young Sand lizards have been released amongst the sand dunes of Aberdyfi and Prestatyn. The lizards are captive juveniles that were bred primarily by Herpetological Conservation Trust volunteers and Chester and Jersey Zoos. The sand lizard, which became extinct from north and west Wales in the 60’s, is the rarest of the 3 types of lizards native to Wales. However re-location projects which began in 1995 have led to a large increase in the number of lizards found in north Wales. This is the first time they have been re-introduced to Aberdyfi sand dunes.

Dr Liz Howe, Countryside Council For Wales reptile and amphibian expert, said: ‘Similar releases, conducted over the last 10 years, have been really successful, with a 78 percent survival rate. If this release is successful we will return in years to come to reintroduce more. We released Sand lizards from the ‘Merseyside’ race on the Aberdyfi sand dunes as they are genetically the closest match.’ Chris Davis, The HCT Co-ordinator of Captive Breeding Programme, said: ‘Before the release we ensured that the dunes are correctly managed and that there are no future risks to the lizards. This was completed with the help of a local volunteer, Maria Wagland, who undertook extensive preparatory survey work.’

Sand dune habitat is ideal for the lizards as it provides thick vegetation in which they can hide and feed in the daytime, interspersed with bare sand in which they lay eggs and burrow during winter. Adult sand lizards grow up to 22cm long and are stocky with relatively large heads. In the breeding season the males’ flanks are a striking shade of green.