Ludlow
(Shropshire)

Closest Town:

LUDLOW (2.8 km)

Introduction date:

Circa 1985

Site Name:

Ludlow

Source of introduction:

Captive bred stock, released by a private breeder. Stock origin unknown, but assumed to include imported French animals.

Site Access:

Public

Colony Status:

Extirpated

Relative population estimate:

Unknown

Extirpation date:

Circa early 2000s

This deliberate release of the green-backed form of the Wall lizard was first recorded in 1985. The colony is based at a disused quarry not far from Overton village, nr Ludlow.

It is beleived that the population size of this colony has never reached three figures, even at its peak in the 1990s. Animals were reported as present in 1999, but only in very small numbers.

This fragile colony may no longer exist. One possible cause for extirpation could be the extensive vegetation clearance carried out on the site by the Forestry Comission at the end of 2004. A survey of the site in April 2007 yielded no sightings, despite good conditions and at an ideal time of year. Other reptile species were observed. It is feared that this colony no longer exists, or comprises very small numbers.

Not assessed - although Common lizards are present at this site.

Disused small quarry face with minimal scrub. Grassy vegetation at base of quarry face, and a coniferous tree line above.

Habitat at Ludlow

Habitat at Ludlow

Probably the green backed form, with origins from Italy.