LIFE EOLIZARD

Podarcis raffonei, endemic to the Aeolian archipelago, is among the most threatened European reptiles. With only four known populations surviving on three tiny islets and a small promontory, this critically endangered lizard is threatened by its very limited range, severely fragmented distribution, and low genetic variability. The Aeolian wall lizard once inhabited other islands in the archipelago and has been confined to its current distribution by habitat loss and degradation and the anthropogenic introduction of Podarcis siculus, an extremely competitive species that has colonized numerous other Mediterranean islands. The LIFE EOLIZARD project – Conservation of the Aeolian wall lizard through Translocation, Reintroduction, and Habitat Restoration – addresses the extinction threat to the Aeolian wall lizard. Conservation actions are directed at existing populations through habitat restoration at the Capo Grosso promontory and the creation of a sanctuary for P. raffonei. The creation of the sanctuary requires the translocation of P. siculus from the islets of Lisca Bianca and Bottaro to the island of Panarea and the release of captive-bred P. raffonei individuals into this newly available area. This will have a clear and significant impact on the conservation of the Aeolian wall lizard through a 320% increase in range, a 50% increase in the number of populations, and an approximately 300% increase in the total number of individuals.

Photo by Leonardo Vignoli.