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The city of Toulouse is engaged in a policy of census, conservation and development of urban biodiversity. In this context, a survey of the fauna and flora has been ordered to the consulting firm Biotope. Nineteen sites, chosen by the City of Toulouse for their potential interest, have been surveyed in 2009. A supplementary site was surveyed in 2011. Also, data was gathered from other organisms involved in biodiversity monitoring. This article presents the results of the data collected in the course of this study, with addition of supplementary data from the authors. This study enabled to enhance the current knowledge on the herpetofauna of the county of Toulouse, with more than 600 field data collected, and the discovery of three new taxa. The number of amphibian and reptile species of Toulouse is respectively twelve and ten.

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Im Jahre 1999 wurde Podarcis muralis merremia in einer kleinen Population inmitten der Bonner Innenstadt festgestellt. Das Vorkommen befindet sich in einem künstlichen Habitat und ist nicht autochthon.

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In Heidelberg fielen in den vergangenen Jahren vermehrt melanistische – schwarze – Exemplare der Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis merremius) auf. Haben sich die Umweltbedingungen am Neckar derart verändert, dass eine schwarze Eidechse einen Selektionsvorteil erlangt? Oder kann das Vorkommen der schwarzen Tiere am Neckar gar nicht durch natürliche Faktoren erklärt werden, weil die Tiere einfach ausgesetzt wurden? Teilnehmer des Heidelberger Life-Science Lab suchten mit molekularbiologischen Methoden nach einer Erklärung für das Phänomen.

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A population study of the wall lizard, Podarcis muralis, was conducted from 1979-1981 with occasional surveys until 1985. The study site was a 0.52-ha cemetery. Lizards required 2 yr to reach sexual maturity. An average of two clutches are produced per breeding season (April-July), and clutch size decreases with time. Some older females may produce a third clutch in late July. Clutch size is strongly correlated with female body size. Population size showed little variation throughout this study, and average absolute density (excluding hatchlings) was 531/ha. The 1-yr-old cohort represented between 66% and 71% of the population. Maximum longevity approximates 5 yr.

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A report is made of a visit to the Belvédère area in Maastricht on Saturday the 21st of September 2019. This is shortly after the completion of major changes in this area, which is also the location of the northernmost native population of Podarcis muralis.

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The very rare common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768)) is in the Netherlands only present in Maastricht. This is the utmost Northern limit of the range of the species. For a long time it only lived in the Hoge- and Lage Fronten. The species has enlarged its range in the first half of the twentieth century. Part of the railroad between Maastricht and Lanaken, Belgium, which has not been used since the 1980s, was colonized. ProRail B.V., the supervisor of the railroad, plans to reactivate the railroad. An exemption of the Flora- en faunawet (Flora- and fauna-law), requiring the creation of an compensation area, has been obtained. In order to realize this, RAVON (Reptiles, amphibians and Fish Research Netherlands) was given the assignment to formulate a design plan, an implementation plan, and a management plan for the compensation of the lost habitat of the common wall lizard and some other reptile and plant species. The restoration of the railroad and the realisation of the alternative area commenced in 2008. The main components of the area are 25 stacked walls. The population, consisting of 107 individuals, was translocated to 10 of these walls. Translocation projects are rarely successful. Projects (worldwide) regarding reptiles and amphibians fail in 65% of the time when the motivation for translocation is due to a conflict with humanity. Realisation of compensation for lost habitat is problematic due to insufficient inventories, lack of expertise, lack of supervision and absence of monitoring and evaluation. The goal of this study is to gain insight in the quality of the compensatory project. In order to evaluate the compensatory habitat the quality (durable state of preservation) is evaluated by comparing it with successful/dense populated areas (Hoge Fronten and Lage Fronten) and literature. Additionally, 190 (focal animal) observations, which take up to 34hrs in total, were carried out in the Hoge- and Lage Fronten in order to determine which components of the habitat of the common wall lizard are intensely used and thus considered essential. Furthermore, the current condition of the population was mapped. The components of the habitat which are evaluated in this study are: design and positioning of the walls and the vegetation on and around the walls. Concerning the population: numbers, demography, use of territories and the presence of reproduction. The compensatory habitat is situated alongside the railroad between Maastricht and Lanaken. The successful habitats are also situated in Maastricht. In order to evaluate the design of the walls, the building style and use of materials are compared to those of successful habitats. The frost resistance was measured by determining the width of possible winter holes. Positioning of the walls was evaluated by measuring exposure to sun, wind and human disturbances. Wall vegetation coverage and mapping of vegetation around the walls was compared to that of three densely populated walls in the Hoge- and Lage Fronten. Population size was measured by two observers who walked along transects that are alongside all components of the compensatory area and they recorded all observed individuals. Here, individual recognition, in the form of photography, was used. Mapping of territories was also done by individual recognition. It was found that the compensation area differs from the successful habitats and literature on several areas. Walls were homogeneously built, 38% of the walls were sufficiently frost resistant. Researchers have speculated about hibernation in the ground. It is well know that the common wall lizard usually hibernates in walls. There is also a heavy disturbance from transport truck traffic. Currently, the population consists of 11 individuals of which 8 are adults. It cannot be determined whether the decrease in population size was due to emigration or mortality. It is also possible that observed individuals colonized the compensation area from other nearby locations. In conclusion, the compensatory area is of insufficient quality in its current condition for a durable state of preservation. The population size is too low to speak of a viable population. Relatively uncomplicated adjustments can improve the habitat substantially, such as: creating openings in the flanks of the walls and placing bricks of large rocks alongside the walls. More radical adaptations would be to improve the frost resistance and narrow the Industrieweg. Considering colonization is plausible the future outlook for certain regions of the area is positive.

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Non-native wall lizards in Germany – Dispersal, legal framework, and recommendations for management.
There are naturally two subspecies of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Germany: P. m. brongniardii in southwestern Germany and P. m. maculiventris -West only in the Inn Valley of Bavaria on the border with Austria. Of both lineages, numerous allochthonous (not native to the locality) occurrences are found scattered throughout Germany. The recognition characteristics of this lineages as well as of another frequently introduced lineage (Venetian lineage) are presented.
In the natural range, dispersals of individual populations were observed; shifts of the range margins did not occur. Known occurrences of alien wall lizards are spreading rapidly. The currently northernmost known occurrence is located at 53.37°N at a dike culvert (Siel) in the North of Winsen (Luhe). Currently, at least one occurrence is known from 153 TK25 quadrants.
Wall lizards are only strictly protected in their native range, otherwise the regulations for non-native species apply. Non-native wall lizards are considered invasive, and allochthonous and hybrid populations should never be translocated. From a nature conservation perspective, measures to contain and control allochthonous populations seem to be necessary. Recommendations on how to manage non-native wall lizards are presented; these have already been created by the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

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Non-native wall lizards in Germany – Dispersal, legal framework, and recommendations for management
There are naturally two subspecies of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Germany: P. m. brongniardii in southwestern Germany and P. m. maculiventris-West only in the Inn Valley of Bavaria on the border with Austria. Of both lineages, numerous allochthonous (not native to the locality) occurrences are found scattered throughout Germany. The recognition characteristics of this lineages as well as of another frequently introduced lineage (Venetian lineage) are presented.
In the natural range, dispersals of individual populations were observed; shifts of the range margins did not occur. Known occurrences of alien wall lizards are spreading rapidly. The currently northernmost known occurrence is located at 53.37 °N at a dike culvert (Siel) in the North of Winsen (Luhe). Currently, at least one occurrence is known from 153 TK25 quadrants.
Wall lizards are only strictly protected in their native range, otherwise the regulations for non-native species apply. Non-native wall lizards are considered invasive, and allochthonous and hybrid populations should never be translocated. From a nature conservation perspective, measures to contain and control allochthonous populations seem to be necessary. Recommendations on how to manage non-native wall lizards are presented; these have already been created by the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate .

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From 10/05/2014 to 05/17/2014 we traveled some selected areas in the south of France together with two terrarium friends. We have already known the lizards that occur in this area from former trips to other countries in southern Europe. Thus, our interest was in the following landscapes, outstanding by their particular circumstances, such as substrate, vegetation, moisture and color. Of course we also wanted to observe and photograph the resident reptiles and amphibians and in particular the „king“ of the Provence – the Ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus lepidus).

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De dreigende verdwijning van de muurhagedis Lacerta muralis (Laurenti) vormde de aanleiding tot onderzoek. De restauratie van de `Hoge Fronten`, vestigingswerken stammend uit de 18e eeuw, verstoort de populatie zodanig en brengt zodanige wijzigingen aan in het biotoop, dat de soort in Nederland op uitsterven staat. Het onderzoek omvat een populatieonderzoek en een onderzoek naar de betrekkingen van de soort met abiotische, biotische en antropogene factoren. Het onderzoek levert gegevens over welke ingrepen nodig of toelaatbaar zijn voor het behoud van de muurhagedis in de `Hoge Fronten`. De populatie is zo klein, er werden slechts 44 exemplaren gemerkt, dat bij verdere achteruitgang de levensvatbaarheid zal verminderen en de populatie tenslotte zal uitsterven. De populatie-opbouw bleek door de slechte zomers duidelijk vergrijsd te zijn, en zich nog niet hersteld te hebben van de achteruitgang door de ingreep (egalisatie) van 1974. De paartijd en het verschijnen van de juvenielen vonden door de slechte weersomstandigheden laat in het jaar plaats, hetgeen weer consequenties heeft voor de aanwas en de sterfte van de juvenielen. De populatie bestond uit verschillende `deelpopulaties`, die niet allen tot voortplanting kunnen komen door het slechts voorkomen van één sexe. Uitwisseling tussen deelpopulaties werd niet geconstateerd, wel enkele malen migratie naar onbezette plaatsen. De dieren hebben een home range die in horizontale richting een gemiddelde doorsnede heeft van ongeveer 10 meter en in vertikale richting doorsnede van ongeveer 1.2 meter. De home range van de  overlappen slechts aan de randen, die van de  overlappen soms geheel. Totale overlap tussen home range van  en  kwam meerdere malen voor, vooral in de paartijd. Belangrijke structuren in de home range bleken te zijn: holen, zonplaatsen, schuilgelegenheid en overgangen tussen de muur en de vegetatie. In het voor- en najaar bevonden de dieren zich gezamenlijk op plaatsen waar diepe holen aanwezig waren. In de zomerperiode hadden de dieren meestal een eigen hol. Het voorkomen van de muurhagedis in het noorden van zijn verspreidingsgebied blijkt ten nauwste samen te hangen met klimaat en substraat. De soort wordt daar slechts gevonden in rivierdalen (hier heerst een gunstig klimaat, dat overeenkomt met het klimaat in het hoofdverspreidingsgebied) met stenig substraat ( hier heersen gunstige microklimatologische omstandigheden). In dit substraat komen droge, vorstvrije holen voor, welke bescherming bieden tegen strenge winters, die kunnen voorkomen in dit noordelijk verspreidingsgebied. Alle muren met een zuid-, oost- en westexpositie zijn, mits niet te veel beschaduwd of en te vervallen staat, geschikt als biotoop. De aktiviteit van de hagedissen is afhankelijk van de expositie van de muur, het seizoen en de weersomstandigheden. De thermoregulatie van de dieren kan optimaal verlopen, indien plaatsen aanwezig zijn met verschillend microklimaat zoals holen met een constant klimaat, een gevarieerd gestructureerde muur met verschillende exposities en inclinaties en vegetatie met een fijnkorrelige structuur, dat wil zeggen met veel afwisseling in zonbeschenen en beschaduwde plaatsen. Lacerta m. muralis blijkt zijn voedsel min of meer aselect te kiezen, er werden zowel bodemdieren als soorten van spleten en gaten in de muur, als ook soorten die in de vegetatie voorkomen, gegeten. De evertebratenfauna is meer gevarieerd in soortensamenstelling indien ook het milieu meer gevarieerd van samenstelling is. Dit wil zeggen voor de `Hoge Fronten`: veel spleten en gaten in de muren, een losse bodemstructuur van de vegetatie. Er werd eenmaal een parasiet aangetroffen op Lacerta m. muralis, namelijk de mijt Ophionyssus lacertinus (Berlese), een mediterrane soort. De belangrijkste predatoren op de `Hoge Fronten`zijn waarschijnlijk de lijsterachtigen en verwilderde huiskatten. Voldoende beschutting tegen deze dieren in de vorm van holen en spleten en ondoordringbare vegetatie, zoals Rubus spec. En Rosa spec., zijn noodzakelijk. De invloed van de recreatie op de populatie omvat predatie door huisdieren, wegvangen door `terrariumhouders`en kinderen, verstoring en verandering in het biotoop door betreding en muurafbraak. De negatieve invoed van de recreatie kan worden tegengegaan c.q. verminderd door meer toezicht op het bezoek, het veranderen van het padenpatroon, het instellen van rustgebieden en het creren van barrires in de vorm van hekken en/of ondoordringbare vegetatie. De invloed van de restauratie omvat het doden van de dieren door werktuigen of vallend puin, het versperren van de holen, het tijdelijk of misschien wel blijvend verlies van schuilgelegenheid, het vernietigen of veranderen van de voedselplaatsen en een ernstige verstoring van het gedrag. De restauratie heeft alles bij elkaar een sterk nivellerende werking, waardoor de fijnkorrelige structuur van het substraat wen de vegetatie, die onontbeerlijk is voor Lacerta m. muralis, verloren gaat. Het consolideren van matig verweerde muren en het enigszins restaureren met daarbij creren van voor de muurhagedis noodzakelijke structuren zoals holen en zonplaatsen, zou de achteruitgang van de populatie kunnen stoppen en zelfs het biotoop en daarmee het aantal dieren aanzienlijk uit kunnen breiden.

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The area on the right bank of the Middle Rhine with the Lahn as the main tributary and the Rheingau is a German area rich in reptiles. 50 years of own observations in the area are summarized. The slowworm is widely distributed, while the common lizard is found on the heights and the sand lizard mostly in the valleys. The wall lizard is found in the valleys of the Middle Rhine and the Lahn up to the Limburg basin as well as in the Rheingau; it is not restricted to boulders and walls and has some dense populations which show a great variety. The Western emerald lizard is found only in a few places of the upper Middle Rhine valley; short-time concentrations, as can be observed in crows, lead to false conclusions about the population density. The protection of habitats and the exclusion of house cats and crows are absolutely essential for the conservation of this endangered lizard diversity.

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The emerald lizard reaches the northern limit of its distribution in the upper Middle Rhine Valley and has stringent, narrow requirements for its habitat. In the last years, habitats, populations, and the number of individuals have been in decline, mainly because of eutrophy and suboptimal grazing in the protected areas as well as an increasing civilization pressure (including domestic cats, tourists, and presumably poachers), less by the rationalized viticulture. The mere protection of the few remaining habitats is not sufficient. It is necessary to restore the historical habitats and to release captive-bred specimens there. A special initiative for the protection of the green lizards in the upper Middle Rhine Valley is required.

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The 2015 strip clearing of forest in a width of 50 m along a south-bound hill enabled the population of the domestic wall lizard (Podarcis muralis brongniardii), which was isolated in a former quarry due to a spreading of forest, to regain by 2019 the full length of 1.2 km of the clearing. Progress was measured by determining the most distant resident male. This example is important for the connection of stepstone habitats via corridors.

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Hardenberg Castle north of Göttingen, Germany harbours two introduced species of wall lizard, the Eurpean Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis brogniardii and the Catalonian Wall Lizards Podarcis liolepis. The genetic study by Schulte et al. (2012a) has found that the European Wall Lizards belong the the Western France clade and that the Catalonian Wall Lizards come from near Girona in NE Spain, thus representing the nominal subspecies, and that the import was from the Eastern central Pyrenees. A visit to the locality in October 2019 throws some doubt on this, as both species seem to be mixed up from various sources, the new populations being harder to distinguish fom each other than their natural ancestors in case of syntopy. It is suggested that there have been two sources for each species, namely that the European Wall Lizards are a mixture with animals of the Eastern France clade, and the Catalonian Wall Lizards have been mixed with specimens from the Northwestern Pyrenees belonging to the subspecies sebastiani. Observations on behaviour, habitat preference, and relative abundance of the species are also reported, and the criteria for distinction of the two species at Hardenberg castle are tested.

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The Neuwied basin is part of a basin situated between the Upper and the Lower Middle Rhine Valley. There has been a previous report on the wall izards of the Engerser Field, an enclosed nature protection area situated near the Rhine. It has the indigeneous sand lizard Lacerta a. agilis as well as the indigeneous, but immigrated wall iizard Podarcis muralis brogniardii (Eastern France genetic lineage) and the introduced foreign genetic line Podarcis muralis maculiventris (West, South Alps lineage), all of which are ecologically separated and compete only where their preferred habitats meet. Last winter, the Rhine had a high flood, as it happens irregularly, and this has reduced mainly the Italian population and eliminated the southern zone of hybridization. Furthermore, a population of wall lizards the Urmitz railroad bridghe over the Rhine has a slightly different colouration than the typical indigeneous lizards. This population seems to have been influenced by the Western France genetic lineage of P.m. brongniardii. A look at the railroad system and ist vicinities in the Neuwied basin revealed a morphology and ethology of the wall lizards indicating two introductions. The French lineage came in 2012 to the north of Vallendar (along with new vinestocks from Burgundy) and at an unknown date to the Rasselstein industrial areain the East of Neuwied; from this latter area, hybrids with the indigeneous Eastern French lineage were exported with machinery to various spots in the Neuwied basin, amongst them the princely lands at Sayn. More prominently, the North Italian wall lizard P.m. maculiventris, Southern Alps lineage has invaded the central Neuwied railway station in recent times, obviously as a stowaway in freight traffic. Hybridizing with the indigeneous lineage, the Italian llzards have spread eastwards along the railway track and into its southern neighbourhood up to the track triangle for the Urmitz bridge offshoot; this has happened mainly in the last five years at an estimated rate of 3/4 km p.a. The hills as well as the southernmost and northern areas of Neuwied as well as on the opposite, left bank of the Rhine continue to have the indigeneous Podarcis muralis brogniardii (Eastern France genetic lineage).

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Comments on the possible causes of observed green backs in wall lizards in Rhineland-Palatinate.

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Kestert is a village on the right bank of the Rhine in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. At the river bend it extends to a south-faced steep rocky slope of more than 200 meters, where in March 2021 a substantial (15k tons) rock slide occurred which covered not just the road and the tracks but also the western end of the habitat of the Western Emerald Lizard as well as of the Common Wall Lizard, both being legally protected species. In the area, the Western Emeral Lizard is the more susceptible species as it is living here on the north rim of its distribution. The land is managed by the German Railways. After a field visit by naturalists and herpetologists in June 2021 the buried land has been restructured meticulously with a view to technical necessities and the utmost conservation of untouched areas as well as the restoration of the buried sites into well-structured, locally adapted structures carrying local rock and local vegetation. For a rock slide capturing basin, there is now a dry south slope and a moister east slope which runs parallel to a non-perennual creek, which had to be carefully excavated. The measues have been very successful with wall lizards on the south and emerald lizards on the east slopes. The first emerald lizard juveniles have been found venturing towards the east slope in late summer 2023, and in spring 2024 the first adults have extended their territories into the east slope, all originating from neighbouring lands in the north and the east. In spring 2024 the first adult pair of wall lizards was seen in the south slope, obviously originating from the East-running railway tracks. Due to the conservation of vegetation and the speedy and insect-friendly re-vegetation, both species have invaded their sites one year earlier than expected. The original landscape, the slide and the restoration of the site as well as the lizards from the site are shown in the figures, and the plants are listed in the tables.

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In Stuttgart there is a strikingly broad phenotypic heterogeneity of common wall lizards, giving rise to the suggestion that the various locations are occupied by alien common wall lizards of different origins. Hence we investigated important sites where such lizards occur in the period between 2007–2010. The purpose of our investigations was to gather data on the genetic origins of Stuttgart’s common wall lizards. We took tissue samples from twenty animals and determined their haplotypes by means of mtDNA analysis. We found that western city quarters are inhabited by P. m. maculiventris (Western or synonymously Southern Alps lineage) and central city quarters by P. m. brongniardii/merremius (Eastern France lineage, normal type). In the Neckar valley there is a series of mixed populations of these haplotypes and in addition of P. m. brongniardii/merremius (Eastern France lineage, Languedoc type), P. m. maculiventris (Eastern or synonymously Venetian lineage) and of P. m. nigriventris (Tuscany lineage). We present the history of introduction and the dynamics of secondary expansion based on the information available to us. Where respective data is missing we offer and discuss hypotheses on these issues.

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Remarks on Common Wall Lizards Podarcis muralis s.l. (LAURENTI, 1768) in northwestern districts of the city of Stuttgart, Germany
Tendencies of their expansion and hybridizations, effects on populations of the Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis LINNAEUS, 1758 and considerations for managing alien Wall Lizards

We report occurrences of the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis s.l.) in the previously uninvestigated city districts of Feuerbach, Weilimdorf and Botnang in northwestern Stuttgart, Germany. New insights on known occurrences in adjacent city districts, already reported by DEICHSEL (2011) and SCHULTE et al. (2008, 2011), are added. With no exception, Stuttgart occurrences of P. m. brongniardii of the Eastern-France lineage, P. m. maculiventris-West of the Southern-Alps lineage, and P. m. nigriventris of the Tuscany lineage, and hybrids of these lineages with each other, are alien. In accordance with SCHULTE et al. (2021), BLANKE & LORENZ (2019), and with Flora-Fauna-Habitat Guidelines of the European Commission (February 2007), we urgently discourage the translocation of alien Wall Lizards in Stuttgart. The expansion potential and assertiveness of these alien animals may be detrimental to ecosystems, and sequelae cannot be corrected.

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Mit dieser Bildserie wollen wir die Diversität von Hybriden der Mauereidechse veranschaulichen und deutlich machen, dass die Beurteilung der Hybridstatus von Mauereidechsen aufgrund phänotypischer Merkmale allein schwierig und oft nur spekulativ möglich ist.

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With this series of images we want to demonstrate the diversity of hybrids of the Common Wall Lizard, stressing that an assessment of the hybrid statuses of Wall Lizards based on phenotypic characteristics alone is difficult and often only possible in a speculative way.

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The present distribution atlas summarizes the knowledge of the reptile fauna in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. The actual (after 2000) and historical distribution of the 6 species are presented in distribution maps (using squares of 5 x 5 km) and are discussed. Each species is described and information about its ecological requirements and its biology are given. Additionally, we mention the main threats to the species, give recommendations regarding their conservation an present a new Red List of the Reptile Fauna of Luxembourg

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Die Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis LAURENTI, 1768) gilt in Deutschland als stark gefährdet und ist europaweit streng geschützt. Ein Bestandsrückgang und eine Verinselung autochthoner Populationen aufgrund Lebensraumverlustes sind in Baden-Württemberg festzustellen. Daher wurde im Rahmen dieser Arbeit das Habitat einer autochthonen Population am Heidelberger Neckarufer zwischen der Theodor-Heuss-Brücke und der Alten Brücke auf Eignung und Qualität überprüft, bisherige Pflegemaßnahmen des Biotops evaluiert und der Zustand der Mauereidechsen beurteilt. Im Laufe einer dreimonatigen Untersuchungszeit wurden 118 Individuen der Mauereidechse gefangen, makroskopisch untersucht und vermessen. Die Erkennung von Wiederfängen erfolgte anhand Fotografien, Farbmarkierungen und individueller Merkmale. Derzeit leben die Mauereidechsen der untersuchten Population auf einer Mauerfläche von maximal 2264 m². Die für Mauereidechsen wichtigen Strukturen, wie ausreichend Sonnenplätze, spaltenreiches Mauerwerk und sandiges Substrat zur Eiablage, sind auf mindestens 31,4 % der besiedelten Fläche vollständig vorhanden. Die Populationsgröße beträgt ca. 193 Tiere und hat sich seit der letzten umfassenden Untersuchung im Jahre 1997 verdoppelt. Eine erfolgreiche Reproduktion konnte anhand zahlreicher Jungtiere und einem Anteil von 44,1 % subadulter Tiere bestätigt werden. Geschlechtsabhängige morphologische Merkmale der adulten Eidechsen in dieser Population sind ein statistisch sehr signifikanter Unterschied in der Kopf-Rumpf-Länge und hoch signifikante Unterschiede in Gewicht und Kopflänge zugunsten der männlichen Tiere. Eine kupferrote Unterseitenfärbung ist in dieser Population dominierend, nur eines der untersuchten Individuen wies eine rein gelbe Unterseitenfärbung auf. Mindestens zwei melanistische Jungtiere konnten beobachtet werden. 69,5 % aller Individuen wiesen eine Schwanzautotomie auf, zudem konnte eine Zehverlustrate von 45,8 % und in Einzelfällen weitere Verletzungen festgestellt werden. Ein Milbenbefall (Deutonymphen von Gamasiden) konnte bei 39,8 % der Mauereidechsen diagnostiziert werden. Hierbei besteht eine statistisch hoch signifikante Abhängigkeit vom Geschlecht mit mehr infizierten Männchen. Ein auf die Mauereidechsen negativer Einfluss durch Passanten wird aufgrund der Beobachtung von Fangversuchen vermutet. Eine weitgehende Isolierung der Population aufgrund natürlicher und anthropogener Barrieren ist sehr wahrscheinlich. Grundsätzlich ist der Zustand der Population als gut zu bewerten. Jedoch zeigt das Vorkommen von subadulten Individuen in ungeeigneten Habitaten und eine stellenweise sehr hohe Populationsdichte das Erreichen der Kapazitätsgrenze in diesem Gebiet an. Die bisher durchgeführten Pflegemaßnahmen sind positiv zu bewerten, eine Fortführung ist zur Aufrechterhaltung der jetzigen Populationsgröße notwendig. Künftige Maßnahmen sollten auf eine Ausweitung der Pflegemaßnahmen auf weitere Teilbereiche des Biotops und eine Arealerweiterung in Richtung Alte Brücke abzielen, um die für die Eidechsen verfügbare Fläche zu vergrößern. Auch sollten Passanten besser über den Schutzstatus der Mauereidechse informiert werden. Auf eine Komplettsanierung der Mauerflächen sollte künftig verzichtet werden. Langfristig sollte eine Verbindung der Mauereidechsenpopulation zum nächstgelegenen Vorkommen am Philosophenweg in etwa 500 m Entfernung angestrebt werden. Somit könnten potentiell negative Folgen einer verringerten genetischen Diversität aufgrund der Isolierung vermieden und die Populationen dauerhaft stabilisiert werden.

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Es wird über eine allochthone Population der Mauereidechse (Podarcis muralis) im Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord berichtet. Nach der Einschätzung des Autors handelt es sich hierbei wahrscheinlich um die Unterart Podarcis muralis brongniardii.

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The article describes an allochthonous population of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in the landscape park Duisburg-Nord. According to the author these lizards probably represent the subspecies Podarcis muralis brongniardii.

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The Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis has a medium-southern Europeananatolic distribution. In the northwestern limit of its geographical range the natural populations are restricted to the thermophilic valleys of the Maas, the Moselle and the Rhine. The northern limit of the area coincides greatly with the 18°C isotherm of July. In Belgium 90% procent of the locations are situated in the phytogeographic region of the Maas (Condroz, Herve region and the Fagne- Famenne-Calestienne). Nowadays isolated populations occur outside this natural range: three occurs in Wallonia (province of Hainaut) and eight in Flanders (provinces of West-Vlaanderen, Oost- Vlaanderen, Antwerpen and Vlaams-Brabant). Populations in Flanders are discussed.All of these isolated populations are reproducing and are mostly concentrated along railway stations.The number of animals in some populations is relativly high and population spreading along the railway tracks reaches a maximum distance of 1,5 km. The longevity of three non-railway populations are uncertain, due to limited range expansion but population spread has been more successful along the continuous hospitable terrain provided by the railway’s ballast and xerothermic habitat with sparse vegetation on both sides of the rails.The origin of the populations is different.The populations in Heverlee (Leuven) and Ternat are voluntary introduced but all others are probable imported by accident.The occurrence in the neighbourhood of railway station with a shunting yard suppose a transport by train. The successful development of all populations is probably due to global warming and the higher isotherms of July during the last two decades.

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Anlässlich einer Urlaubsreise vom 18.-27.06.2004 in die Bretagne (Nordfrankreich) konnten feldherpetologisch drei Reptilienarten nachgewiesen werden: Lacerta bilineata, Podarcis muralis brogniardi und Vipera berus.

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PODARC!S MURALIS MURALIS IN MAASTRICHT A survey is given of P .m . muralis distribution in the Netherlands at present and in the past. Disuibution of other nonhem , isolated P.m . muralis populations in Belgium and Gennany is briefly discussed. Habit:lt, reproductive activities and the differing habitus of the Dutch population are characterised. In the Nether- lands the Common Wall Lizard is an endangered species. Habitat destruction and capture are consi- dered the major causes. Renovation of the old walls of Hoge and Lage Fronten fonns the most important threat. Guidelines for the maintenance of habitat possibilities in the renovated walls were largely ignored by the people responsible for the renovation work and the revised walls became useless for lizards. A large decline in lizard density was ob- served. Several measures to protect the wallizard in Maastricht are proposed.

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On account of its thermophilous nature the Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis ( L A U R E N T I , 1768)) in Its north-west range only occurs In river valleys. Probably the species has reached this area during a stage of warm cli- mate approx. 7,700 - 5,000 years ago. The area has been affected by deforestation sin- ce 6,500 years which could have supported the dispersal of the Wall Lizard. It is possible that the lizard succeeded in `conquering` the city of Maastricht - its northernmost boundary - at the time both the enceintes were constructed (approx. 1250and 1350).Thechalkhill`SintPieters- berg` - just south of the city of Maastricht - probably played an important role as a step- ping stone. Due to human activity the Wall Lizard nowadays Is assumed absent on the Dutch part of this hill. Still in our century the Maastricht Wall Li- zard was widely distributed on the walls all over the westbank of the river Maas. As a result of various causes the population de- clined and only two colonies survived on the remnants of the fortifications `Lage Fron- ten` and `Hoge Fronten`. The latter recent- ly has been given the legal status of `Protec- ted Nature Reserve`. In the Belgian parts of the `Sint Pietersberg` the Wall Lizard still occurs, be it in small numbers. Its habitat is severely threatened by the lack of structural management. Res- toration of the old chalk grasslands on both Belgian and Dutch part of the hill and re-in- troduction of Wall Lizards can be the insu- rance to saveguard this valuable and interes- ting species for the `Sint Pietersberg`.

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The Wall lizard (Podorcis murafis (Laurenti, 1768)) is now found at only two sites In the Netherlands, viz. the fortifications called `Hoge Fronten` and `Lage Fronten` at Maastricht. T o support these isolated populations, lizards have been bred for repopulation and reintroduction. The reptile used to occur on many other sites inand around Maastricht in the first half of the present century. Fortunately, there are still walls which could be made suitable for reintroduction through remodellingand special management measures. The paper discusses the potential habitats. The two existing populations are too small and therefore not suitable as direct sources for reintroduction. Hence, a breeding plan will have to be set up.

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In Maastricht on the old city walls, the northern- most population of Podarcis muralis has its habi- tat. This population however, is very small. To improve this situation, a breeding project was started. First the risks of such action were consi- dered carefully. In spring a few males and females were captured and housed in vivaria. As soon as all the eggs were laid, these animals were released again on the exact spot were they had been captu- red. The offspring was released the next spring be- cause it was presumed they had the best chance to survive then. The breeding method is described. The parent animals and the juveniles were toe clipped to make identification possible. The futu- re of the population is discussed.

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Im Rahmen eines regionalen Überwachungsprogrammes werden die Reptilienvorkommen im 160 km2 großen Liechtenstein periodisch kontrolliert. Ziel dieses Montorings ist die systematische Überprüfung der Verbreitungs- und Gefährdungssituation der Zielarten (Zauneidechse, Ringelnatter, Schlingnatter, Kreuzotter und der allochthonen Mauereidechse) sowie die Abschätzung von Bestandsentwicklungen. Die Bilanz (basierend auf einem Datensatz von 2198 Nachweisen für den Zeitraum von 1980–2014) fällt sehr ambivalent aus: Während sich im Mehrjahresvergleich bei der Kreuzotter eine stabile Entwicklung abzeichnet, lässt sich bei der Zauneidechse eine rückläufige und bei der Schlingnatter stark rückläufige Entwicklungstendenz feststellen. Die Arealentwicklung der Ringelnatter ist relativ stabil, die Bestandsentwicklung jedoch seit Jahrzehnten rückläufig. In der heute dicht besiedelten Kulturlandschaft zeigt sich bei allen Arten mit Verbreitungsschwerpunkt im Talraum (430– 600 m) eine auffällige Konzentration der Vorkommen in den noch verbliebenen Sekundärlebensräumen am Rhein- und Bahndamm sowie den Rüfegebieten. In Expansion befindet sich die allochthone Mauereidechse, die sich seit den 1980er Jahren massiv in der Region ausbreitet.

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During the last 25 years, numerous volunteers and organisations have contributed to research into and conservation of the Common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) at the Hoge Fronten area, the remnants of disused fortifications o n the outskirts of the town of Maastricht. The recent history of the area is briefly described, featuring its designation as a protected wildlife monument as the most important achievement. Monitoring of the population has revealed a spectacular growth in the number of individuals. Although the population now has a more natural and healthy age structure, reproduction is closely linked to weather circumstances. Nevertheless, the future for this population looks bright, provided restoration of the fortifications is effected in a lizard-friendly way. Not only will the present management approach need to be continued, but the further collaboration of many people and organisations will be required to preserve and develop the population in the future.

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During the period July 8th to August7th the authors observed several species of amphibians and reptiles in the Rhône-valley in Switzerland. Notes are given on their habitat and on problems concerning determination of some species; remarks are made on the status oft he amphibians and reptiles in Switzerland.

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n May and June 2005, more than 15 Wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) were observed at the Bemelerberg nature reserve (in the southern part of the province of Limburg). Although it turned out that Wall lizards had been found in this area before, the presence of this species had not previously been published. At first glance it seems likely that the population has been illegally introduced to this site. However, there is some evidence suggesting that Wall lizards may have inhabited the Bemelerberg all along and form a natural population. A brief investigation has turned up several alleged sightings between 1930 and 1950, and there are some circumstances that could explain the absence of sightings between 1950 and recent years, even if the Wall lizard was present throughout this period. We have not been able to confirm or refute either of the options, i.e. natural population or illegal introduction. We hope this article can act as the starting point for further debate and we urge anyone with information on the origin of the Bemelerberg Wall lizards to come forward.

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The author reports about his observations on Podarcis muralis on dry stone walls below the castle Gutenberg in Balzers (Liechtenstein). On 13 January 2018 about 25 animals of all ages and both sexes could be observed.

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The author reports on two wall lizard populations in the area Sargans / Heiligkreuz / Trübbach (Canton St. Gallen). Obviously these two populations form one big single population nowadays.

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ventaire exhaustif des espèces indigènes et naturalisées, présentes e n France et au Benelux : 85 taxons, relevant de 72 espèces, sont cités, mais deux autre s taxons, dont le statut reste à définir, sont mentionnés au n os 31 (Rana esculenta) et a u n° 53 (Podarcis muralis) et huit autres au n` 56 (Podarcis muralis tiliguerta) de l`inven- taire. On signale les zones à prospecter par priorité et les problèmes taxonomiques à résoudre d`urgence . Les aires sont définies par rapport aux provinces ou aux départements : des cartes d`aire provisoires, en France, sont données pour 33 taxons. En ce qui concerne la liste des taxons relatifs à la France, les modifications suivante s sont à noter : 1°) taxons admis : Triturus alpestris apuanus, Acanthodactylus erythrurus cf. erythru- rus, Lacerta agilis garzoni, Podarcis hispanica hispanica, Podarcis muralis merremia , Vipera latastei latastei, Vipera seoanei ; 2.) deux intergrades de Salamandra salamandra sont retenus : 30) taxons refusés : Rana iberica, Coronella austriaca fitzingeri, Natrix tessellata tessellata ; 4.) tombent en synonymie les deux taxons suivants : Podarcis muralis occidentalis (= P. m. muralis) et P. m. calbia (= P. m. oyensis). En outre, liste des espèces introduites, liste des espèces citées par erreur et list e des taxons à rechercher . Quelques données inédites concernent le nord de l`Espagne .

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Les Reptiles des Pyrénées traite en détail les 32 espèces protégées présentes sur l’ensemble de la chaîne (France, Espagne et Andorre). Cette faune herpétologique est le résultat d’une entreprise natu­raliste combinant enquête bibliographique et reportage photographique. Elle propose une vaste synthèse de données relatives à plusieurs champs disciplinaires – systématique, ­taxi­nomie, biogéographie, écologie, biologie… – jusque-là dispersées dans plusieurs centaines d’articles et ouvrages. Les variations phénotypiques et les particularités écologiques des serpents, lézards et tortues occupant l’espace pyrénéen y sont illustrées par de très nombreuses photo­graphies exclusivement réalisées in situ, de 2 m à 3 143 m d’altitude. Des cartes de répartition précises (mailles UTM 10 km × 10 km), basées sur des sources scientifiques, complètent et éclairent le propos biogéographique. Les espèces et sous-espèces endémiques ou subendémiques de la chaîne, de même que celles qui y ont un statut particulier (très localisées, vulnérables…), ont fait l’objet d’une attention par­ti­cu­lière et les menaces qui pèsent sur les reptiles des Pyrénées sont largement exposées. Cet ouvrage sera précieux pour les pyrénéistes, naturalistes et gestionnaires d’espaces naturels de la chaîne (parc national, réserves, sites Natura 2000, parcs naturels régionaux…), qui disposeront là d’une mine d’informations sur le sujet.

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A new survey is given concerning the Wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in the `Hoge Fronten` in Maastricht. Ecological data were collected during 7 years between 1978- 1989 by several investigators. Fig. 1 shows the variation in numbers within the study orea during the yeors of investigation (some numbers ore adjusted). The decline be- tween 1978-1980 is most probably due to restorative activities. This serious setback is counteracted only very slowly due to low fecundity (varying from 0.13 to 1.82 juveni- les per 9 per year). These low figures ore ecologically determined since reproduction success as well as the timing of the various phases in the reproduction cycle strongly depend on weather conditions (figs. 2&3). Also the restoration of old walls hod a seri- ous impact on the distribution of the species over the study area. This is illustrated in fig. 4, in which four cate- gories con be distinguished (see e.g. 1983): the lower two stacked bars refer ro resp. old and restored wolls which were (re)coloni- zed, whereos the upper two refer to resp. old and restored walls which were no longer colonized. It is obvious that the number of restored wolls which were no longer colonized increased as the restoration procee- ded. Once the restoration was finished (in 1983), however, successful (re)colonization proceeded rather quickly. This was mainly due to the appearance of crevice systems between and behind the soft chalkstone bricks a result of wheathering. Also a few conservation measures were token to maintain small ports of such systems.

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The northernmost habitat of the Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) is to be found in the city of Maastricht (the Netherlands, 50° 51` N. lot.). In 1 989, lizards were found at the so- called `Hoge Fronten` and `Loge Fron- ten`, and ore probably divided into two populations, subdivided into 1 0 and 7 co- lonies respectively, between which no ex- change could be demonstrated. The popu- lation at the Hoge consisted of 46 adults, 10 subodults and 23 juveniles, at the Loge Fronten of 24 adults and 8 juveniles. The overrepresentation of the older age classes (Table I) may be characteristic of the Maastricht populations. Sex ratios did not differ significantly from 1.0. Fertility was very low: 1.3 and 0.9 juveniles per 9 in the Hoge and Lage Fronten respectively. The ventral sides of all oo` (except one) sho- wed on orange discoloration throughout the season. Frequencies of regenerated or recently broken toils were high in adults: 53.8% and 61 . 1%. respectively, in the Ho- ge and Loge Fronten (Table III). These figu- res, however, problably do not reflect high prédation pressures, since outotomisation was seen in only 10 (Hoge Fronten) and 1 (Loge Fronten) adults during 1989. Instead, the figures may indicate longevity. The length of the active season could only be determined for the Hoge Fronten populati- on: aCTwereactiveforabout10months, subodults for about 9 months and 9 9 for about 8 months (but probably also 9 months). This period is somewhat longer then In other years: the lizards emerged from hibernation ven/ eariy, probably be- cause of the ven/ mild winter. Couple forma- tion, fighting CTCT, courtship behaviour and copulation were observed between late March and early May; oviposition may hove occurred from the middle of May until the middle of September; the first ju- veniles were seen on August 4. This means that the reproductive period was cleorly ad- vanced compared to 1978 by STRIJBOSCH etal. (1980c). This shift, as well as the good reproductive success, is probably the result of the very worm weather in 1989, which was in fact one of the warmest years of the century in the Netherlands. In addition, we were able to confirm previ- ous findings by others of a small population of Wall Lizards living on the Belgian port of the `Sint Pietersberg` hill (co. 7 km south of Maastricht).

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It is common knowledge among conservati- onists thot old wolls do not only have great historical and architectural value, but are of- ten also o f great natural importance. Many plant and animal species, including mony rare ones, find o suitable habitat on such walls. The only large predator in our country which is entirely limited to this habitat is the W a ll Lizard (Podarcis muralis (LAURENTI 1768)). Demolition and restoration o f o ld fortifications in Maastricht — the only place In the Netherlands with confirmed reports of the presence of this reptile - hove meant that many of the habitat sites have been lost in the course of the years. The restorers usu- ally hod no idea of the ecological importan- ceofsuchwalls,andeveniftheyhod- as with the restoration of the `Hoge Fronten` in 1979-83 — many biotopes were still destroyed. The cause is mainly the alarming lack of ecological insight on the part of the restorers. Shortly, some further fortifications at the Ho- ge Fronten will be restored or consolidated, within the context of a management plan drawn up after the area was designoted a protected nature reserve. This means that the restorations will have to be carried out in 0 `lizard-friendly` way. A number of suc- cessful projects in Germany hove shown that restoration and the protection of the W a ll Lizards and their habitat con go hand in hand. This article formulates guidelines for the ecological repair of old walls, using suc- cessful as well OS poorly executed restorati- ons asexamples.

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Bahnstadt: 1.500 Zaun- und Mauereidechsen vor Beginn der Bauarbeiten umgesiedelt.

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In addition to species of the North Spanish herpetofauna the allochthonous and wellestablished populations of the Ibiza wall lizard Podarcis pityusensis and the Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus were observed at Spain`s Atlantic coast.

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Podarcis muralis brongniardii is native to southwest Germany. Two color forms of the species are presented in this article.

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Andorra was visited two times in August. A survey of landscape, vegetation, and climate of Andorra is given. Six species of lacertid lizards (Lacerta agilis garzoni, Podarcis liolepis, Podarcis muralis brongniardii, Psammodromus algirus, Timon lepidus lepidus, Zootoca vivipata louislantzi) could be found. Mainly information on distribution and habitat observations are reported.

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Ventral colour polymorphism of 415 adult common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) were examined within five introduced and one native population in Germany. All five examined evolutionary lineages of the species show a distinct ventral colour polymorphism. Ventral colours were lacking in both sexes of the Venetian lineage (P. m. maculiventris-Ost), which exhibited a marbled white pattern. Orange colours in combination with a black mottling can be found frequently in the Central Balkans lineage (P. m. muralis). Contrary, all other lineages (Eastern France, Western France and Southern Alps) feature three different colour morphs (white, yellow and orange) in different frequencies. Yellow to ochre bellies are typical for the Southern Alps lineage (P. m. maculiventris-West), whereas whitish morphs are most common in the Eastern France (P. m. brongniardii) and Western France lineages. We discuss different approaches that might explain ventral colour polymorphism in this species.

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In a one year study we collected ecological data of the northernmost population of P. muralis in Maastricht (50° 51` N. Lat. in the Netherlands). This population consisted of about 100 adult lizards. It was probably definitely divided in two subpopulations situated close to each other which were subdivided into 5 and 2 colonies respectively, between which there was no or hardly any exchange. Sex ratio did not significantly differ from 1.0. Compared with the wall lizards of more southern populations they were found to be rather small and to grow more slowly. The age structure of the population was out of balance on account of the small numbers of some younger year classes. Only good, i.e. warmer years are likely to enable a reasonable reproduction success. The total period of activity does not differ from that in more southern regions but the reproduction period is clearly retarded and the incubation period of eggs is distinctly longer. The frequent partial reproduction failure is probably compensated by a rather high longevity, which, however, renders the population very sensitive to each factor that increases mortality. The animals have home ranges of 15-25 m2 (no significant differences between sexes) and they have a considerable home range overlap. These home range sizes do not differ from those in more southern regions but the overlaps are much more frequent and therefore it can be concluded that there is a strong concentration on ecologically suitable and spatially very restricted spots. From a list of prey species based on faeces analysis P. muralis appears to be a non-selective feeder. On two adult specimens we found the acarine ectoparasite Ophionyssus lacertinus.

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This thesis deals with the nature conservation of reptiles and amphibians in the Netherlands, the present practices and what should be done to improve them. Most of the species of the herpetofauna, as these groups together are known, are in a state of continuing decline. Obviously something is wrong; apart from the role played in this decline by loss of habitat, measures in the field are not effective for the sustainable survival of these species. This thesis has been written to rectify this; based on current knowledge of the ecology of these protected animals and on own experiences with nature management, it is meant to provide a guide and practical tool when carrying out the appropriate measures in the field. The introduction describes work that has been done internationally, especially at European level, to protect the herpetofauna. Further, how this has influenced policy plans and legislation in the Netherlands. It also points out the shortcomings, both in the approach of the policymakers, as well as in the current training of nature managers, and how these are reflected by the measures taken in the field. This information provides a background for chapter 7, the last chapter of this thesis, where the practice of management is discussed. The remaining chapters include five articles on ecological research; they also show how much time is needed to improve our knowledge on the ecology of these animals. Also, not understanding it can unwittingly create marginal conditions for a species, as was the case for the Slow-worm and Sand Lizard with the forest management on the Utrechtse Heuvelrug in the 1980s; this is described in the first two articles. That long-term surveys of population dynamics are more than necessary, is shown by the great fluctuations in the presence and activity of the European tree frog over the six years it was studied in the southwest of the Netherlands. Methodology is also discussed in this third article, and a practical formula given for estimating population size. Pond characteristics form the subject of the next article, wherein statistical analysis illustrates how they can indicate the possible presence and therefore the suitability of a pond for amphibians. Practical indications are given, useful when constructing new ponds as part of the Pond Action Plans. The last article has implications for the reintroduction of species into new or former habitats. That there is phenotypic variation within species of amphibians occurring within 200 kilometres of each other, shows that, to avoid failure, this should be taken into account in the selection both of the source population and the location of the habitat into which the animals are to be introduced. All these aspects are brought together in the final chapter where the practice of the conservation of both groups is discussed in turn. The habitats are the point of departure, and it is shown how conservation measures with plants or landscapes in mind can bring about deterioration or loss of habitat for a particular species of reptile or amphibian. The integration of management goals should be the approach for as far as is possible, but legal obligations may force us to take species specific measures into account for herpetofauna. Heathlands are of utmost importance for reptiles and the most relevant features of the management for this type of habitat are highlighted. For their part, amphibians find their major aquatic habitat in ponds. Details are given of the management for various amphibian species, both in ponds, and as far as we know it, in their habitat on land. The extensive literature on these subjects, found at the end of Chapters 1 and 7, as well as that of the articles, provides opportunity for going further into depth. The recommendations from Chapter 7, dealing with the structure of the vegetation to a considerable extent, should improve the situation of the herpetofauna in the Netherlands.

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Vom 10.05. bis 17.05.2014 sucht ich gemeinsam mit befreundeten Eidechsenhaltern in ausgewählten Landschaften Sdfrankreichs nach dort vorkommenden Lacertiden. Die Biotope wurden anhand ihrer Attraktivität in bezug auf Vegetation, Feuchtigkeit und auch der Farbe des Untergrundes gewählt und hatten nicht zwingend etwas mit bekannten oder beschriebene Eidechsenfundorten zu tun. Timon lepidus lepidus, Lacerta bilineata bilineata und Podarcis muralis brongniardii konntern wir in unterschiedlichen Individuendichten beobachten und fotografieren. Die aufgesuchten Lebensräume in Raphele-les-Arles, der Crau, der Camargue, den Ockerfelsen von Roussillon sowie La Plaine und Massif des Maures inklusive deren herpetologische Begleitfauna wurden bereits von BÖCKL & ZAUNER (2014) vorgestellt.