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Dieren en planten

Animals   Amphibians and reptiles   Moor frog   European common frog   Reptiles   Viper   Sand lizard   
  • Dut: Zandhagedis (duinhagedis)
  • Lat: Lacerta agilis
  • Eng: Sand lizard
  • Ger: Zauneidechse
  • Dan: Markfirben
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Sand lizard, Gemeentewaterleidingen Amsterdam

Sand lizard

The sand lizard used to be very common in the Dutch dune regions, on several islands and in other heather regions, however it has declined greatly due to the heather being overgrown with grass. It is still found in the Veluwe, in the coastal dunes of Holland and on Vlieland and Terschelling. Sand lizards can grow to 20 centimeters in length and live off of insects. They need bare sand in which to lay their eggs. Rabbits and other burrowing mammals often provide the proper conditions. After the female has laid her eggs in a self-dug hole, further brooding is carried out by the sun. The sand lizard hibernates in the winter, preferably in a deserted mouse-hole.

  • Solitary

    The sand lizard leads a solitary life, or with a partner. The males have a territory in which several females may reside. The lizards are found in larger numbers only during the winter hibernation and in the spring.

  • Vulnerable species

    The sand lizard is categorized on the endangered list for amphibians and reptiles as a vulnerable species.