A DECLINE IN NUMBERS Jersey Country Code In 1682, the distinguished scholar, Poingdestre, z Guard against all risk of fire. observed that the green could be found z Keep to footpaths, particularly on cliffs. frequently in every hedge and described them as ‘a z Keep dogs under control and remove waste. grace and ornament to the Island’. Poingdestre’s z Take your litter home. Plastic and glass is observations cannot now be verified but certainly by dangerous to wildlife. 1907 a major decline in green lizard numbers had z Do not pick wild plants. Leave them so others can taken place. This has been blamed largely on the enjoy them. growing size and sprawl of St. Helier and a profitable z Do not disturb bird nests or remove eggs. market in green to the pet trade. z Trees take years to grow, do not damage them by Modern development has added to the decline in climbing those too small to take your weight or by green lizard numbers. The loss, isolation and breaking off branches. fragmentation of sites through development and z Keep all ponds, streams and reservoirs clear of agricultural practices are thought to be contributory pollution. factors and the deterioration of sites through pollution, z Respect the peace and quiet of the natural habitats drainage, furze fires and unrestricted access to lizard and avoid disturbing others. habitat are also serious considerations. z Shut all gates. On Jersey’s west coast the sandy z Leave livestock, crops and machinery alone. track leading through the dunes is THE GOOD NEWS z Take special care on country roads. edged on either side by thick, Do not ride bicycles on footpaths. However, much is being accomplished in order to z spiky marram grass. The habitat, protect the green lizard and the ecologically sensitive z Take great care when walking along the foreshore bathed in warm sunlight, is rich in areas in which it lives. Three of Jersey’s fragile at low water. Always check tide tables prior to species; bloody-nosed habitats are now designated Sites of Special Interest exploration. beetles, blue-winged (SSI) and others are awaiting SSI designation. Public z After searching under rocks, replace them as you grasshoppers, interest, careful management and the introduction of found them. there may even the Conservation of Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2000 by the z Wear appropriate boots and clothing. be a skylark on the Environment Department are giving all Island wildlife, z Above all, enjoy Jersey’s unique environment and wing, high above. try to learn more about the many different habitats including the green lizard, vital protection and Just ahead, there is the and species. hopefully, a secure future. sudden sound of rapid movement. The eye It is inevitable that some gardens bordering suitable catches the slightest quiver habitat will become hosts to these beautiful . of vegetation deep in the shade The information in this brochure describes their needs Greener than and then all is still. You probably and a little care when gardening will encourage their just missed seeing Britain’s continued presence. Remember too that they are a a green lizard largest and most spectacular lizard, protected species and before making major changes visit www.jsygas.com bilineata, the green lizard. that could cause lizards unnecessary disturbance, seek advice. In order to remain within the law, contact the Environment Department on 866200.

The Department would also welcome reports of green States of Jersey lizards sighted on the north and north-east coasts of Environment the Island. The above telephone number can be used or e-mail Nina Hall – [email protected] Gas MAKES a world OF difference. GAS IS AVAILABLE ISLANDWIDE, ON THE MAINS NETWORK OR BEYOND THE MAINS FROM CYLINDERS OR TANKS. A MEMBER OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENERGY GROUP. Jersey is the only area in Britain where green lizards Research has shown that green lizards are found occur naturally, in fact a number of attempts to mostly in dune systems, on cliff slopes and on coastal heaths. But even here they choose their introduce the species to mainland Britain have GREEN LIZARDS are ectothermic habitat carefully. The vegetation needs to provide proved unsuccessful. The species is among the heliotherms, that is to say they are cold largest in Europe with adult males reaching lengths cover from predators but with open areas for blooded. Unlike mammals, they have basking. There should be plant growth to attract of between 30 and 40 cm (16 in.) with body weights no in-built control over their body their main source of food, bees, butterflies and other of up to 45g. recorded. Recent studies show that temperature so they find warmth in and a layer of sandy soil in which the female Jersey’s green lizard Lacerta bilineata is found suitable weather by basking. This can deposit her eggs. Add to these the need for exclusively in Western Europe and is a sub-species essential heat is gathered either from warm safe areas in which to hibernate during the of Lacerta viridis, a European green lizard with a direct sunlight or, on sunless days, from cold months and it becomes clear that green lizard range extending much further east. habitat is very specific indeed. warm air or the residual heat from rocks. There are colour variations within the species, Many of the more densely populated green lizard designed, perhaps, to blend with the surrounding Jersey represents the north-western habitats are cut by public foot paths and on those tracks used regularly by walkers they appear to be vegetation, though the predominant colour is green. edge of the green lizard’s range and more people-tolerant. A quiet approach, taking care Adult males are distinguished from the females by a because temperatures are generally larger head and a blue throat, the latter becoming not to cast a shadow over the basking lizard, will lower than those experienced by other often provide excellent photographic opportunities. much more prominent during the breeding season. European species, the Island’s popu- The throat of the female is yellowish green. The largest populations of green lizards are found in lation needs to spend much longer the west and south-west of Jersey. Les Blanches The breeding season takes place in April and May basking. Foraging for food and mating Banques, the dune system at the southern end of St and at this time fierce fighting among males is not will generally cause their body Ouen’s Bay and L’Ouaisné Common are considered uncommon as they establish territories. Between temperature to fall and such activities the largest strongholds. five and twenty eggs are produced in June or July. need to be fitted in with essential There are also small coastal populations in other The clutch is then hidden beneath vegetation or basking periods. areas of the Island where suitable conditions exist soil and warmed by the sun. The young emerge in though the gradual spread of bracken in many areas September. of the Island is contributing to habitat loss.

Green Lizard Fact File 1 Green Lizard Fact File 2 Green Lizard Fact File 3 The domestic cat is high in Green lizards enjoy a variety Furze fires are totally the list of animals that prey of food and will often destructive. They kill wildlife upon green lizards. Birds climb among the branches of and destroy habitat that takes of prey will take them too, small flowering shrubs and years to rejuvenate. Not just Kestrels in particular. The plants to hunt for bees and lizards die in fires but their remains of lizards are butterflies, using their beauti- eggs, food source and cover. frequently found at plucking fully camouflaged bodies to Take care when lighting fires stations. good effect. or discarding cigarettes.