Lizard of Asia Minor: Red Data Book of Armenia

Lacertids — Lacertidae

Status. An endangered species of very low numbers. Listed in the Red Data Book of the former USSR. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Least Concern. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Critically Endangered CR A2ac.

Distribution. Widespread in Asia Minor.

Distribution in Armenia. Recorded in Central and Northern Armenia, only in hardly accessible and pristine areas of the Spitak district and near the Lanjik village, Shirak Province. Also recorded on the northern shoreline of the Tavush Reservoir.

Habitats. Inhabits rocky arid grasslands, sometimes moving up the barren slopes covered with sparse vegetation.

Biological traits. Eggs are laid twice a year, in late June–early July and late July–early August, 2–5 eggs/clutch. Hatchlings emerge in late July and September.

Population size and its trends. The surveys carried out in 1982 recorded 2–5 individuals/ha. At present, abundance is sharply reduced.

Major threats. Habitat encroachment for human use and lizard destruction through grazing and haymaking.

Conservation measures. Protected by the Berne Convention. The areas inhabited by populations are not protected. It is essential to grant protection to arid grasslands of the Spitak district and the Shirak Province and to set them aside as sanctuaries.