Skyros Wall Lizard

Skyros wall lizard ( Podarcis gaigeae )

The Skyros wall lizard ( Podarcis gaigeae ) is a representative of the real lizards.

Features

The Skyros wall lizard, rarely more than 22 cm total length. Her slender body is emphasized by the up about 2/3 of the total length measured tail. Body and head of the males appear generally stronger and more robust than in the females. The basic color consists of green, olive green or hot brown tones. This is a pattern of dark, usually black spots. Along the back is ever a bright, dorsolateral stripes. A dark back strip may be formed. Also completely without drawings occur regularly. The ventral edge signs mating willing males show a strong blue color. You can merge into a clear, blue stripes. In addition, one or more blue shoulder pads are formed. Females have less contrast, with brown or gray-brown base tones.

Dissemination

The species is endemic spread on the Skyros archipelago of the Northern Sporades in Greece.

Habitat

There are inhabited all altitudes, the flat islands. One finds the lizards in low masonry along the beaches, village Borders or frames, under low bushes of the Maquis in sparse forests.

Way of life

The nimble lizard is a predominantly ground-dwelling species, which can climb but sent into low walls and a steep hillside.

Reproduction

In climatically favored regions of the Skyros wall lizard usually begin in March with the pairing. During copulation, the male bites into the neck, flank or tail base of the partner. Shortly before deposition of the eggs, the females make a food intake. Under favorable circumstances, more nests may be placed, each with 1-3 eggs each season up to three or.

Threats and conservation

Due to the small and isolated occurrence, the species is in the international Red List as Vulnerable (VU - Vulnerable ) - classified and in the national in the early warning list ( Near Threatened NT).

Swell

Gruschwitz, M. & W. Böhme (1986 ): Podarcis muralis ( Laurenti, 1768) - Wall Lizard. In: Handbook of reptiles and amphibians of Europe. Böhme, W. (eds. ) 2, 155-208, Wiesbaden.