Portland
Dorset - Isle of Portland | ||
| Nearest Town | Place name | Public access |
|---|---|---|
| Southwell | Duncecroft Quarry | Yes |
| Introduction date: | Person responsible: | Extirpation date: |
| c 1995 | Unknown | Extant colony |
| History: | ||
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This colony, based within Duncecroft quarry on the isle of Portland, was discovered in 1995. The colony is of the brown-backed form of Podarcis muralis, which is the less common of the two forms in British colonies. These animals probably originate from north-west France. |
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| Status: | ||
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When visited in 2007, this colony was evidently thriving with over 100 individuals sighted within an hour. Breeding is occurring as many juveniles can be spotted amongst the population. Although this colony has been in existence for more than ten years, it has failed to break out of its original quarry in meaningful numbers. This restriction is believed to be due to a limitation of egg-laying sites. |
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| The Law: | ||
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As this colony was undetected until 1995, it is very probable that animals were deliberately introduced into this near-perfect habitat. Such an introduction would have been in contravention of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), and as such, a criminal act. | ||
| Ecological impact: | ||
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The Portland area has historically been poor in terms of reptile numbers. The only reptiles present on the Island which may find themselves in direct competition with the introduced Wall lizards are the native Common lizards. Provided that the Wall lizard's range remains as restricted as they currently are, it seems unlikely that any significant impact will be affected upon the area's ecology. | ||
| Lizard form: | ||
Adult male Portland Wall lizard 
A courting pair of Portland Wall lizards 
Adult male Portland Wall lizard. | ||
| Habitat: | ||
Typical habitat for the Portland colony 
Typical habitat for the Portland colony | ||
| Distribution: | ||
The distribution of Wall lizards on Portland is believed to be limited. | ||