Insights into species conservation: habitats for the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis)
This applies to many areas shaped by humans. Examples include embankments, railway lines, extensively used meadows, and fallow land.
For this reason, the sand lizard, which is strictly protected by the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG), must often be taken into account in construction projects.
In order to protect local populations on construction sites during intervention, it is sometimes necessary to relocate them to specially created replacement habitats before construction begins.
Planning replacement habitats – “The messier, the better”
When it comes to replacement habitats, one rule applies above all else: the messier, the better.
In addition, care should be taken during planning to ensure that they match the quality of their old habitat or are even more suitable.
In order to create the necessary mosaic of structures for hiding, sunbathing, hunting, reproducing, and hibernating, sunny areas are first needed, ideally with species-rich vegetation consisting of grasses, herbs, and shrubs, as well as areas of open ground.
If this is not the case, they must be created. For a suitable sand lizard habitat, additional structures are now needed. These are made from dead wood, stones, and sandy raw soil in various constellations.
Care and relocation of animals
Once completed, replacement habitats often require follow-up care to maintain the diversity of the various structures. Once the replacement habitats have been completed, the capture of sand lizards can begin.
The capture is carried out with the utmost care, using bare hands, snares, a sponge, or a landing net.
Capture is prohibited under the Federal Nature Conservation Act (BNatSchG) and may only be carried out with the permission of the competent lower nature conservation authority.
The animals are then transported to their new habitat in a suitable container and released.
Sustainable protection through expertise
If you require advice or support regarding sand lizards in your projects, or if you have any questions about species protection or nature conservation law, M&P Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH – a member of the SIERA Alliance – in Hanover will be happy to assist you.
🌿 Contact us now!
Let our experts advise you – we can support you with your projects relating to species protection, environmental planning, and ecological construction supervision.
👉 Find out more on the Website: M&P Ingenieurgesellschaft
