Peatland wildlife

Common lizard (Lacerta vivipara)

Common lizard (Lacerta vivipara)

Description

Despite its name and the fact that it is the only species of reptile native to Ireland, the common lizard, also known as the viviparous lizard, is a rare sight. It inhabits a range of habitats, including bogs. Its body is usually brown but can also range to yellow and green. It has a series of stripes and spots along its back and tail and is paler underneath. The adults reach a length of around 110-150mm, with little size difference between the sexes. Because of their similar body shape, lizards are often mistaken for newts, although they are much more alert and quick moving if disturbed.

Behaviour

As reptiles, the common lizard lacks the ability to maintain a constant body temperature and must bask in the sun to warm itself. It avoids the extreme cold by hibernating in burrows or crevices between October and February. During the warmer months it emerges to feed on insects and their larvae, centipedes and spiders. When active like this lizards often fall prey to a host of predators, including buzzards, blackbirds and foxes.

Breeding

Courtship is a rather boisterous affair with the male grasping the female by the head in his jaws before mating with her several times. During the three-month gestation period , the pregnant female basks as much as possible to encourage her eggs to develop healthily. Common lizards give birth to between 3 and 11 live young, which are immediately self-sufficient and grow quickly. Female common lizards do not reach sexual maturity for three years.

Status and protection in Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland the common lizard is protected under Schedule 5 of The Wildlife Order making it an offence to kill, injure, capture or disturb them. The common lizard is also listed on Schedule 7 of the Wildlife Order, which means they cannot be sold alive or dead at any time.