Species protection for the Sand lizard
Lacerta agilis
The sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) is strictly protected and listed in Annex IV of the FFH Directive. Because it colonises many human-influenced sites such as railway embankments, slopes and fallow land, it is one of the most common target species in the special species protection assessment. greeNature plans and delivers the required CEF and FCS measures from a single source, from mapping through reptile exclusion fencing and translocation to the creation and management of the replacement habitat in accordance with the BayKompV and § 44 BNatSchG.
The Sand lizard at a glance
- Habitat: Semi-open, warm sites with loose, easily dug soil and a mosaic of basking spots and refuges, for example railway embankments, banks, dry grassland, sand and gravel pits, vineyards, field margins and woodland edges
- Threat status: Red List Bavaria: threatened (as at 2019), Germany: near threatened. Conservation status in the continental and alpine regions unfavourable to inadequate
- Main causes: Loss and fragmentation of finely structured habitats, intensification of agricultural and forestry use
- Protection status: Strictly protected under § 7 (2) BNatSchG, Annex IV of the FFH Directive, prohibitions under § 44 BNatSchG
- Typical measure: Reptile exclusion fencing, capture and translocation to a prepared replacement habitat with basking spots, sand lenses for egg laying and frost-free winter refuges
Typical protective measures for the Sand lizard
Reptile exclusion fencing and construction timing restrictions
Before construction begins, the project area is enclosed with temporary reptile exclusion fencing. This prevents animals from entering or returning to the construction area. Works are timed to match the sand lizard's period of activity, so that prohibited acts under § 44 BNatSchG are avoided.
Capture and translocation (CEF)
Qualified personnel catch the sand lizards over several rounds during the active period and translocate them to a prepared replacement habitat. Capture continues until the project area is considered cleared and this is documented.
Replacement habitat of stone, deadwood and sand
As an advance CEF measure, a habitat with a small-scale mosaic of structures is created. Stone piles and field-stone heaps serve as basking spots and frost-free winter refuges, deadwood piles as hiding places, and open sand patches as egg-laying sites. The habitat must be functional before translocation takes place.
Habitat optimisation and habitat network connectivity (FCS)
Existing populations are enhanced through scrub clearance, sectional mowing and the creation of field margins and linear guide structures. Such FCS measures under § 45 (7) BNatSchG secure the favourable conservation status of the local population and connect partial habitats.
Monitoring and management over the commitment period
Performance reviews document colonisation of the replacement habitat. The areas are kept open and managed for the duration of the commitment period set by the authority, so that the ecological function is permanently maintained. greeNature can take on the entire process on request.
The Sand lizard in these natural regions
All about the Sand lizard
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We plan and deliver the right CEF or FCS measure for the Sand lizard in your project.