White-bellied lizard: Red Data Book of Armenia

Lacertids — Lacertidae

Status. Listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (ver. 3.1) as Near Threatened NT. According to IUCN criteria categorized as Vulnerable VU B1a.

Distribution. The range is split into several isolated populations in Armenia, Eastern Turkey and Southern Georgia.

Distribution in Armenia. Central and northern mountainous regions of Armenia.

Habitats. Inhabits cliffs, rocky agglomerations and stony slopes covered with grasslands at 1700–2000 m above sea level.

Biological traits. The hibernation period ends in mid–April to early May. Feeds mainly on beetles and hymenopterans. Reproduction through parthenogenesis. Two to seven eggs are laid from late June to early July. Hatchlings emerge from late August to early September.

Population size and its trends. Population size is stable.

Major threats. Shrinkage of suitable habitats because of agricultural activities.

Conservation measures. Protected in Sevan National Park.