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Sand lizards return to heath after fire

DWT Sand lizardsDWT
The lizards are being released in an attempt to restore the population to a self-sustaining level
  • Rare sand lizards have been released on Winfrith Heath
  • More than 150 are set to be freed in an attempt to restore the species
  • The reptiles perished in a wildfire at the nature reserve in 2020
  • They have not been seen at the heathland since the fire

Sand lizards have been released at a nature reserve in an attempt to bring back the reptiles after a major fire.

The fire on Winfrith Heath destroyed an area the equivalent to the size of two football pitches in April 2020.

Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) said the rare sand lizards had not been seen on the heath since.

Two dozen have been released with a further 150 of the reptiles, which have been bred in captivity, set to be released over the coming months.

DWT Sand lizards being releasedDWT
Further releases are planned to enable a thriving population at the heath

DWT said work had been carried out on the heath ahead of releasing the lizards to create and manage the bare ground habitat.

It said the work was essential for successful egg development and the reintroduction of the sand lizards.

The trust's ecologist, Steve Masters, said: "Our nature reserves are at the heart of our ambition to recover some of our rarest UK species and habitats.

"We have monitored the site closely to assess the condition of the habitat, before deciding that reintroduction is the right thing to do.

"Sand lizards are an iconic species of our heathland ecosystems, and it is amazing to be part of their return."

DWT Winfrith HeathDWT
The aftermath of the fire at Winfrith Heath

The wildlife charity said the young lizards had been bred at captive breeding centres with outdoor enclosures that mimic the sand lizard's natural environment.

At its height, 45 firefighters dealt with the blaze on Winfrith Heath. It is believed to have started following a bonfire.

Marwell Wildlife Sand lizardMarwell Wildlife
The rare sand lizards have not been seen on the heath since the fire in 2020

Sand lizard facts:

  • They live on protected heathland sites in Surrey, Dorset, Hampshire and in the protected Merseyside dunes
  • They grow up to 20cm (7.8in) long and weigh about 15g (0.5oz)
  • Both sexes have brown patterns down their backs with two stripes
  • Their diet is mainly insects, spiders and grasshoppers.

Source: Amphibian and Reptile Conservation

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