Wildlife in France


Common Wall Lizard

Podarcis Muralis

Lézard des Murailles

By far the most common lizard in France are the Common Wall Lizards which can often be seen in large numbers in French hamlets and villages. They are extremely varied in colour depending on both genetic variability and sexual difference which is quite distinct . They are rarely more than 20 cm and have an elongated appearance, largely as a result of their thin tail, which can be half, or more, of their total length. Males are far more colourful and patterned than females, which are often a drab brown. 
Male Common Wall Lizard
Male and Female Wall Lizards in France

Present in all regions of France, they prefer open, sunny areas with little vegetation, old stone walls, quarries, roadsides and tracks, frequently to be seen, as mentioned, near to old houses where they can be seen scurrying away when approached. Superb climbers, they also swim with ease and can sometimes be seen lying in warm, shallow pools, however they do need to be able to climb out again and are often found dead in plastic containers and buckets. As a rule they tend to be loyal to a locality staying within a radius of perhaps 25 metres and frequently forming what appear to be family groups.
Wall Lizard shedding skin


Their diet is mainly comprised of insects that tend to be very small, however butterflies, damsel flies, grasshoppers and larger insects equally attractive when they present themselves. Earth worms, sometimes the length of the lizard, will be consumed whole.
Wall Lizard with two tails

Hibernation can be from November until March / April,  but this is often interrupted during warmer spells. Breeding starts immediately after hibernation with frequent combats between males. Females lay between 2 and 10 eggs, up to three times in a season, in soft soil or under rocks, these hatch after about 2 months. The eggs are oval, about 10 mm and soft when first laid, swelling up to 15 mm.

A prolific species that seems to be able to maintain a stable population
 

Wildlife, Conservation & Environment in France