Reintroductions

Scaling up

By Nick Moulton - Reptile Conservation Officer

Back in the autumn, over 140 of the UK’s rarest lizard, the sand lizard, were released back in to the wild in Dorset. The sand lizards released in Dorset over recent years have been bred at Marwell Wildlife’s specialist reptile breeding centre, Forestry England’s Reptile Centre, Avon Heath Country Park and by local wildlife specialist Martin Noble. Working in partnership with ARC, the juveniles are released each year at strategic locations with the long-term aim of growing the population and building the connections between different sub-populations to return this species from near extinction.

In 2021 young sand lizards were reintroduced on Forestry England land and follow on from 200 released in the same spot last year. Despite an unfavourable spring, many captive sand lizards managed to lay two clutches of eggs and the lack of prolonged hot or wet periods over the summer helped these to remain in good condition, prior to being excavated and incubated until hatching.

In the UK sand lizards are dependent on dry, sandy lowland heathland or coastal sand dunes. Sand lizards have declined considerably owing to loss of suitable habitats and are now only found in a few isolated areas of southern England and Merseyside. ARC recently carried out a country-wide assessment of extinction risk of the species, classifying them as still Highly Endangered in the UK. Reintroductions in several locations across the UK are seeking to boost numbers in conjunction with restoration of the habitats these rare animals need to thrive.

Dorset is one of the key strongholds for sand lizards with over 70% of the remaining UK population found here. Ongoing habitat restoration at Forestry England release sites in the area ensures the new populations have suitable habitat. The work includes removing dominating vegetation to open up the sandy areas needed for breeding.

The restoration of sand lizards to heathland habitat is a vital part of a wider conservation and environmental recovery. Sand lizards are good indicators of a healthy ecosystem where flora and fauna are thriving. The work taking place to restore and care for heathlands is playing a vital role in re-establishing the UK’s population of these incredible reptiles. Data from our introductions in Dorset over recent years is showing promising signs of ongoing breeding and the establishment of populations across a growing area. This release of young sand lizards is another important milestone in continuing this recovery of a critical species.

“Dorset’s heathlands and forests are home to some of the UK’s rarest wildlife and we work hard to ensure they have the right habitats to thrive here. It’s really encouraging to see the positive progress being made by the sand lizards released over the last few years. ”

Mark Warn BEM - Wildlife Ranger Forestry England

“Our conservation breeding population of sand lizards has had another exceptional year. This is Marwell’s thirty-third year of involvement with the sand lizard reintroduction project. Marwell Wildlife is committed to the restoration of species and habitats and we are thrilled to be able to continue supporting this vital conservation work.”

Rachel Gardner - Ecologist Marwell Wildlife

Photo top right: Sand lizard © ARC. Photo bottom left: L to R Mark Warn BEM (Forestry England), Heather Radice (Urban Heaths Partnership), Rachel Gardner (Marwell Wildlife) & Nick Moulton (ARC) © ARC.