Also known as the Common’ Lizard, the Viviparous Lizard is better described as locally abundant.
Kent can still boast a number of sites where Viviparous Lizards occur in high numbers.
An animal of diverse habitats as varied as railway embankments, meadows and heathland, the Viviparous Lizard is however vulnerable to site mismanagement and in particular overgrazing.
Viviparous Lizards can often be spotted basking on sunny days from March through to October. Features such as logs, fence posts and rubble piles are favoured for basking. If disturbed they will often quickly return to the same spot.
Discarded tyres and other rubbish, though not terribly aesthetic to humans, are surprisingly good features to a Viviparous Lizard. Tyres and other rubbish absorb heat from the sun quickly and provide a useful refuge. It is always worth a careful look to see if lizards are basking on logs, tyres, discarded metal or wood in areas where they have not been previously recorded. Though still the most commonly seen of Kent’s indigenous reptiles, KRAG is always grateful for sighting reports so that conservation strategies can be formed and status monitored.
Have you seen a Viviparous Lizard in Kent?
Submit Sighting OnlineDistribution in Kent
Other / Similar Species
Sand Lizard
Lacerta agilis
Recently reintroduced into the county by the Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, the last reliable record of an indigenous Kent Sand Lizard dates back to 1969.
Wall Lizard (Non-native)
Podarcis muralis
Now well established at several sites along the southern coast of Kent, the Wall Lizard is well worth looking out for on warm, sunny, south facing walls.
View ProfileSmooth Newt
Lissotriton vulgaris
One of two small newt species found in the county the Smooth or Common Newt is found throughout most of Kent. Along with the Common Frog they will frequently colonise small garden ponds.
View ProfilePalmate Newt
Lissotriton helveticus
One of two Small Newt species found in the county the Smooth or Common newt is found throughout most of Kent.
Interestingly, in Kent the distribution of the Palmate Newt is largely associated with historic ancient woodland sites.
Great Crested Newt
Triturus cristatus
The largest of our native newts, the Great Crested Newt is strictly protected under European legislation; as its rate of decline is greater than other native amphibians. Kent has good populations of this species.
View Profile