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Recent analyses of molecular markers have significantly revised the traditional taxonomy of Podarcis species (Squamata: Lacertidae), leading to critically reconsider the taxonomic value of several subspecies described only on morphological bases. In fact, lizards often exhibit high morphological plasticity both at the intra-specific and the intra-population level, especially on islands, where phenotypic divergences are mainly due to local adaptation, rather than to evolutionary differentiation. The Common wall lizard Podarcis muralis exhibits high morphological variability in biometry, pholidosis values and colour pattern. Molecular analyses have confirmed the key role played by the Italian Peninsula as a multi-glacial refuge for P.muralis, pointing out the lack of congruence between mitochondrial lineages and the four peninsular subspecies currently recognized. Here, we analyse a portion of the protein-encoding cytochrome b gene in the seven subspecies described for the Tuscan Archipelago (Italy), in order to test whether the mitochondrial haplotypes match the morphologically based taxonomy proposed for Common wall lizard. We also compare our haplotypes with all the others from the Italian Peninsula to investigate the presence of unique genetic lineages in insular populations. Our results do not agree completely with the subspecific division based on morphology. In particular, the phylogenetic analyses show that at least four subspecies are characterized by very similar haplotypes and fall into the same monophyletic clade, whereas the other three subspecies are closer to peninsular populations from central Italy. From these results, we conclude that at least some subspecies could be better regarded as simple eco-phenotypes; in addition, we provide an explanation for the distinctiveness of exclusive lineages found in the archipelago, which constituted a refuge for this species during last glacial periods.

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Non-native wall lizards in Germany – Dispersal, legal framework, and recommendations for management.
There are naturally two subspecies of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Germany: P. m. brongniardii in southwestern Germany and P. m. maculiventris -West only in the Inn Valley of Bavaria on the border with Austria. Of both lineages, numerous allochthonous (not native to the locality) occurrences are found scattered throughout Germany. The recognition characteristics of this lineages as well as of another frequently introduced lineage (Venetian lineage) are presented.
In the natural range, dispersals of individual populations were observed; shifts of the range margins did not occur. Known occurrences of alien wall lizards are spreading rapidly. The currently northernmost known occurrence is located at 53.37°N at a dike culvert (Siel) in the North of Winsen (Luhe). Currently, at least one occurrence is known from 153 TK25 quadrants.
Wall lizards are only strictly protected in their native range, otherwise the regulations for non-native species apply. Non-native wall lizards are considered invasive, and allochthonous and hybrid populations should never be translocated. From a nature conservation perspective, measures to contain and control allochthonous populations seem to be necessary. Recommendations on how to manage non-native wall lizards are presented; these have already been created by the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

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Non-native wall lizards in Germany – Dispersal, legal framework, and recommendations for management
There are naturally two subspecies of the wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) in Germany: P. m. brongniardii in southwestern Germany and P. m. maculiventris-West only in the Inn Valley of Bavaria on the border with Austria. Of both lineages, numerous allochthonous (not native to the locality) occurrences are found scattered throughout Germany. The recognition characteristics of this lineages as well as of another frequently introduced lineage (Venetian lineage) are presented.
In the natural range, dispersals of individual populations were observed; shifts of the range margins did not occur. Known occurrences of alien wall lizards are spreading rapidly. The currently northernmost known occurrence is located at 53.37 °N at a dike culvert (Siel) in the North of Winsen (Luhe). Currently, at least one occurrence is known from 153 TK25 quadrants.
Wall lizards are only strictly protected in their native range, otherwise the regulations for non-native species apply. Non-native wall lizards are considered invasive, and allochthonous and hybrid populations should never be translocated. From a nature conservation perspective, measures to contain and control allochthonous populations seem to be necessary. Recommendations on how to manage non-native wall lizards are presented; these have already been created by the federal states of Bavaria, Lower Saxony, and Rhineland-Palatinate .

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The Neuwied basin is part of a basin situated between the Upper and the Lower Middle Rhine Valley. There has been a previous report on the wall izards of the Engerser Field, an enclosed nature protection area situated near the Rhine. It has the indigeneous sand lizard Lacerta a. agilis as well as the indigeneous, but immigrated wall iizard Podarcis muralis brogniardii (Eastern France genetic lineage) and the introduced foreign genetic line Podarcis muralis maculiventris (West, South Alps lineage), all of which are ecologically separated and compete only where their preferred habitats meet. Last winter, the Rhine had a high flood, as it happens irregularly, and this has reduced mainly the Italian population and eliminated the southern zone of hybridization. Furthermore, a population of wall lizards the Urmitz railroad bridghe over the Rhine has a slightly different colouration than the typical indigeneous lizards. This population seems to have been influenced by the Western France genetic lineage of P.m. brongniardii. A look at the railroad system and ist vicinities in the Neuwied basin revealed a morphology and ethology of the wall lizards indicating two introductions. The French lineage came in 2012 to the north of Vallendar (along with new vinestocks from Burgundy) and at an unknown date to the Rasselstein industrial areain the East of Neuwied; from this latter area, hybrids with the indigeneous Eastern French lineage were exported with machinery to various spots in the Neuwied basin, amongst them the princely lands at Sayn. More prominently, the North Italian wall lizard P.m. maculiventris, Southern Alps lineage has invaded the central Neuwied railway station in recent times, obviously as a stowaway in freight traffic. Hybridizing with the indigeneous lineage, the Italian llzards have spread eastwards along the railway track and into its southern neighbourhood up to the track triangle for the Urmitz bridge offshoot; this has happened mainly in the last five years at an estimated rate of 3/4 km p.a. The hills as well as the southernmost and northern areas of Neuwied as well as on the opposite, left bank of the Rhine continue to have the indigeneous Podarcis muralis brogniardii (Eastern France genetic lineage).

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In the Cologne area, wall lizards (Podarcis muralis (Laurenti, 1768)) have mainly spread along the railway belt and its offshoots into industrial areas. These lizards can mainly be identified as the subspecies Podarcis muralis maculiventris (Werner, 1891), obviously belonging to the West Alps mitochondrial gene group, which normally occurs around the Italian great lakes area on the southern rim of the Alps and is differentiated from the Venetian line by the presence of a blackish vertebral line or row of spots. The original point of introduction cannot be verified with certainty; they may have been introduced with Italian vegetables into the vegetable market in the south of left-bank Cologne; early reports on a first introduction into right-bank Deutz harbour along with building materials, especially stones and marbles from Italy, cannot be ascertained today, as the immediate harbour area does not have any lizards, and lizards occuring on railway tracks south of the southern tip of the harbour may have arrived from the tracks near the vegetable market. On the left bank of the Rhine, a few lizards show the colouration of Podarcis muralis nigriventris Bonaparte, 1836 from Tuscany, viz. dorsally and laterally a strong blackish pattern on a green basic coulour in males and a dense black spotting on throat and vent in both sexes. It cannot be ascertained whether the hybridization with the prevalent maculiventris-type has occurred already in an area of intergradation in Northern Italy or after deplacement of both types in the Cologne area. These hybrid lizards have been found on the left bank of the Rhine in Cologne and just south of the city which indicates a late arrival of the (pure or hybridized) Tuscany genome. On the right bank of the Rhine the colouration of the P.m. nigriventris type is even rarer and, if existing at all, is usually dorsally reduced to a yellow spotting. The North Italian lizards may have met with wall lizards of the German subspecies Podarcis muralis brongniardii (Daudin, 1802), Eastern mitochondrial gene group, which were transported into the area from the lower Middle Rhine valley, where they have resp. have had their traditional northern range limit in Bonn, some 30 km south of Cologne. It seems that hybridization between maculiventris and brongniardii has mainly occurred on the right bank of the Rhine at Gremberghoven. The North Italian lizards have spread from southern left-bank Cologne southwards into the Cologne suburbs and into northern parts of Bonn (near its northern railway tracks). Bonn Botanical Garden has a population of the indigeneous German line; the founder animals have deliberately been introduced from the Ahr valley, the Ahr being a left-bank contributary to the Rhine river. South of the Botanical Garden, the left bank of the Rhine has thin populations of the indigeneous line as well. Wall lizards from the southeastern right-bank Cologne have spread southwards down to Troisdorf. The connection of the Troisdorf populations with Cologne populations has been interrupted by the recent upgrading of the railway tracks. Further south, the indigeneous wall lizard has a spotty distribution at its northern range limit.

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The Herpetological Collection of the Trieste Natural History Museum has almost 700 specimens of European Sauria belonging to about 33 taxa, including all the lacertids of northern Adriatic re- gions. The origin of the collection dates back to the foundation of the Museum of Trieste in 1846, but it was increased mainly between 1871 and 1939. The Herpetological Collection of the Trieste Natural History Museum has a great scientific and historical importance; it documents the varia- tion of the composition and distribution of northern Adriatic Sauria fauna during this century, in- cluding endemic varieties typical of little islands.

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In 2004 several Podarcis sicula were discovered for the first time at a nursery near Padenghe sul Garda (Italy). Some of them were juveniles. It was believed that these lizards could start a viable population (Bruekers, 2006). In 2009 the site was checked again. Podarcis muralis maculiventris was abundant. It was obvious that Podarcis muralis used every suitable niche. After a while only one adult female Podarcis sicula could be found. This one and only specimen was difficult to photograph. The author speculates that competition between these lizards species is the main reason that P. sicula failed to establish a viable population. Maybe there were not enough P. sicula to start a new population? In addition the less favourable climate conditions could be another disadvantage for these introduced P. sicula which probably originate from the southern parts of Italy (Bruekers, 2006). This small population of Podarcis s. sicula near Padenghe is presumed to be extinct, only five years after its first discovery in 2004.

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In einer retrospektiven Durchsicht des Datenmaterials von 41 zeckenbefallenen Eidechsen zeigt sich in der Paarungszeit bei männlichen Tieren eine deutlich höhere Zeckenlast als bei weiblichen. Außerhalb der Paarungszeit ist die Zeckenlast bei beiden Geschlechtern annähernd gleich. Der Unterschied wird erklärt durch die höhere Bewegungsaktivität von Männchen in der Paarungszeit im Vergleich zu Weibchen. Dadurch sind Männchen einem höheren Risiko ausgesetzt, auf wirtsuchende Zecken zu treffen.

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Zwei Bilder mit allochthonen jungen Mauereidechsen Podarcis muralis maculiventris der Südalpenlinie werden kommentiert. Schlüpflinge separieren sich von den Mauern, die von Adulttieren besetzt werden, in ein Wiesengelände. Sie nutzen die spärlichen Sonnenplätze dort gemeinsam, gelegentlich sogar mit Körperkontakt. Tiere aller Altersklassen teilen sich Hibernacula in Hohlräumen hinter Stützmauern. Diese Überwinterungsgemeinschaften bleiben nach der Winterruhe noch eine Zeitlang zusammen. Ein adultes Paar mit acht Jungtieren unterschiedlichen Alters vor einem Hibernaculum wird sentimental als “Familie” interpretiert.

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In Stuttgart there is a strikingly broad phenotypic heterogeneity of common wall lizards, giving rise to the suggestion that the various locations are occupied by alien common wall lizards of different origins. Hence we investigated important sites where such lizards occur in the period between 2007–2010. The purpose of our investigations was to gather data on the genetic origins of Stuttgart’s common wall lizards. We took tissue samples from twenty animals and determined their haplotypes by means of mtDNA analysis. We found that western city quarters are inhabited by P. m. maculiventris (Western or synonymously Southern Alps lineage) and central city quarters by P. m. brongniardii/merremius (Eastern France lineage, normal type). In the Neckar valley there is a series of mixed populations of these haplotypes and in addition of P. m. brongniardii/merremius (Eastern France lineage, Languedoc type), P. m. maculiventris (Eastern or synonymously Venetian lineage) and of P. m. nigriventris (Tuscany lineage). We present the history of introduction and the dynamics of secondary expansion based on the information available to us. Where respective data is missing we offer and discuss hypotheses on these issues.

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Remarks on Common Wall Lizards Podarcis muralis s.l. (LAURENTI, 1768) in northwestern districts of the city of Stuttgart, Germany
Tendencies of their expansion and hybridizations, effects on populations of the Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis LINNAEUS, 1758 and considerations for managing alien Wall Lizards

We report occurrences of the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis s.l.) in the previously uninvestigated city districts of Feuerbach, Weilimdorf and Botnang in northwestern Stuttgart, Germany. New insights on known occurrences in adjacent city districts, already reported by DEICHSEL (2011) and SCHULTE et al. (2008, 2011), are added. With no exception, Stuttgart occurrences of P. m. brongniardii of the Eastern-France lineage, P. m. maculiventris-West of the Southern-Alps lineage, and P. m. nigriventris of the Tuscany lineage, and hybrids of these lineages with each other, are alien. In accordance with SCHULTE et al. (2021), BLANKE & LORENZ (2019), and with Flora-Fauna-Habitat Guidelines of the European Commission (February 2007), we urgently discourage the translocation of alien Wall Lizards in Stuttgart. The expansion potential and assertiveness of these alien animals may be detrimental to ecosystems, and sequelae cannot be corrected.

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Mit dieser Bildserie wollen wir die Diversität von Hybriden der Mauereidechse veranschaulichen und deutlich machen, dass die Beurteilung der Hybridstatus von Mauereidechsen aufgrund phänotypischer Merkmale allein schwierig und oft nur spekulativ möglich ist.

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With this series of images we want to demonstrate the diversity of hybrids of the Common Wall Lizard, stressing that an assessment of the hybrid statuses of Wall Lizards based on phenotypic characteristics alone is difficult and often only possible in a speculative way.

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In 2013, an allochthonous green-backed common wall lizard was recorded in Saarland near Beckingen. In 2014, at least two comparable individuals were documented near Mendig in the Rhineland-Palatinate. Then in 2022 in a basalt open pit mine in the eastern Eifel, the lead author found a green-backed individual as well as an autochthonous wall lizard with a striking turquoise ground colouration. The green-backed individuals can be phenotypically referred to as of the subspecies Podarcis muralis maculiventris-East / P m. nigrivenfris (central Italian lineage), which is allochthonous in Germany. However, since no genetic analyses were performed in these three areas, the allocation of subspecies status to the records is not certain and therefore can only be referred to as of the phenotypic type. In all three areas, the occurrences are presumably due to accidental importation or deliberate release.

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In Bavaria, the common wall lizard is only known from two native populations, both located in the Inn valley close to the Austrian border. The area houses the northernmost and only German populations of the South Alpine wall lizard clade (Podarcis muralis maculiventris West). I conducted a survey in the town of Kiefersfelden, where the species was discovered as late as 2002. A total of 227 records spread over much of the town were obtained in 2014 and 2016. Most specimens were found in anthropogenic habitats (97% of all sightings) such as old stone walls along roads, in gardens and graveyards, a retaining wall, bridgeheads, piles of stones and wood, boulders along the embankments of the Inn river and the Kieferbach, and the gravel bed of a railway. By contrast, only 3% of all specimens were spotted at natural rocky slopes. All habitats are apparently well connected and the overall population appears to be viable. Most specimens observed were presumed to belong to the native South Alpine clade but some green-backed individuals of a presumably non-native lineage were also observed within a dense population of brown-backed individuals. This indicates that at least locally an introgression of a non-native lineage has already occurred. Due to the high conservation relevance of the local population a management plan is proposed. This should contain a comprehensive genetic mapping and monitoring of the wall lizards of the whole area, followed by a differentiated management of confirmed native and non-native sub-populations. Native sub-populations should be supported by conservation measures, whereas at sites of non-native lineages habitats should be degraded and even the removing of non-native individuals should be considered.

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The observations on amphibians and reptiles of Lake Endine (Val Cavallina - Bergamo) are reported. Between 1992 and 1996, 7 species of reptiles and 7 of amphibians were observed, among which the presence of Rana latastei is particularly.

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Short note on the successful hibernation of young Podarcis muralis maculiventris.

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One important cause for the loss of biodiversity worldwide is the introduction and spread of invasive species. In Germany, several introduced lineages of the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis) are known. The aim of this thesis is to investigate the influence of an frequently introduced Italian lineage on the native Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis) in Nürtingen/Germany, for the first time. The use of micro-habitats, activity-patterns and interactions of the Sand Lizard in comparison to presence and absence of the Common Wall Lizard had to be determined and compared.
The research took place in two wild populations (sympatric distribution in Nürtingen and reference L. agilis population in Frickenhausen) during the hatching-period of both species from the end of June to the end of August 2011. The investigation areas were visited in daily alternation. Determinations of position and monitoring protocols half-hourly were prepared. Photographic captures of all Sand Lizards allowed calculations of population sizes, spatial use and recapture rates. Dorsal temperatures of both species together with ambient air temperatures were metered. Associated with that, the substrate selection, activities and interactions between the two species were documented and tested for niche overlap.
Analysis of spatial distribution of the Sand Lizards in both investigation areas showed stronger aggregations in the sympatric distribution. The spatial niche overlap was significantly higher than expected (P = 0,017). In this case, the Common Wall Lizard was significantly more aggregated than the Sand Lizard. Within the sympatric range, the population size of the Sand Lizard comprised 69 individuals, whereas the population size of the Common Wall Lizard was estimated to 192 individuals. Activity ranges of the two species showed a high overlap for the sympatric distribution. Dorsal temperatures of P. muralis were at 2 °C significantly higher than ambient air temperatures. Compared with this, dorsal temperatures of L. agilis corresponded approximately with ambient air temperatures in both investigation areas. The overlap of substrate selection between the two species in sympatric distribution added up to 86,1%. This value was significantly higher than expected. Especially in the duration of basking, the analysis of behavioral monitoring showed a difference: P. muralis spent less time basking and showed more variable behaviors earlier during the course of the day and more often than L. agilis. Especially the Common Wall Lizard showed intraspecific interactions. Interspecific interactions were confined to basking at a distance. Considering the sympatric distribution it has been assumed that the spatial distribution of the species was not coincidental and the distribution was highly overlapping. This assumption could be confirmed. Highly overlapping distribution or aggregation is depending on several factors: Availability of preferential substrates, different abundance values and social behavior. P. muralis showed a more effective behavior of thermoregulation and reached higher body temperatures. The thermoregulative behavior and body temperatures of L. agilis showed no difference between the two study sites, indicating that there is no direct evidence for a negative influence through the presence of P. muralis. No shift in the habitat use of the Sand Lizard in the presence of the Common Wall Lizard could be observed, in spite of high niche overlap. Although the resource supply might be limited no interspecific aggressive interactions could be noticed.

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Within the city of Salzburg there are currently reproductive populations of twelve amphibian- and seven reptile species. Furthermore, five different kinds of North American turtles were observed. Besides the widespread and possibly introduced marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) there also exists a population of North Italian wall lizards (Podarcis muralis maculiventris). Because of the intense urbanisation there is also a variety of threats to the native herpetofauna, and many species have become rare or disappeared completely. Besides direct habitat loss the urban traffic is one of the biggest problems, leading to substantial losses and isolated habitats. This is also reflected at the two amphibian migration sites “Sinnhubstraße” and “Kreuzbergpromenade”, which are maintained by volunteers. However, there are still several areas within the city of Salzburg with a relatively high herpetological biodiversity. Urban ponds, the city hills and the remnants of the alluvial forests as well as private gardens and ponds play an important role as habitats for amphibians and reptiles. The preservation of the urban herpetofauna and its habitats is necessary not only from a conservational perspective, but also leads to a better quality of life for humans in Salzburg.

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During a short trip to Hannover in August 2020 the Berggarten in Herrenhausen was visited. Thirteen wall lizards (Podarcis muralis maculiventris-East) were spotted: nine adults and two juveniles directly in the rockery plus two adults outside of the Canary greenhouse. An increase in number compared to KOTHE (2009) seems to be unlikely.

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Im Rahmen eines regionalen Überwachungsprogrammes werden die Reptilienvorkommen im 160 km2 großen Liechtenstein periodisch kontrolliert. Ziel dieses Montorings ist die systematische Überprüfung der Verbreitungs- und Gefährdungssituation der Zielarten (Zauneidechse, Ringelnatter, Schlingnatter, Kreuzotter und der allochthonen Mauereidechse) sowie die Abschätzung von Bestandsentwicklungen. Die Bilanz (basierend auf einem Datensatz von 2198 Nachweisen für den Zeitraum von 1980–2014) fällt sehr ambivalent aus: Während sich im Mehrjahresvergleich bei der Kreuzotter eine stabile Entwicklung abzeichnet, lässt sich bei der Zauneidechse eine rückläufige und bei der Schlingnatter stark rückläufige Entwicklungstendenz feststellen. Die Arealentwicklung der Ringelnatter ist relativ stabil, die Bestandsentwicklung jedoch seit Jahrzehnten rückläufig. In der heute dicht besiedelten Kulturlandschaft zeigt sich bei allen Arten mit Verbreitungsschwerpunkt im Talraum (430– 600 m) eine auffällige Konzentration der Vorkommen in den noch verbliebenen Sekundärlebensräumen am Rhein- und Bahndamm sowie den Rüfegebieten. In Expansion befindet sich die allochthone Mauereidechse, die sich seit den 1980er Jahren massiv in der Region ausbreitet.

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In this paper we present an analysis of phenetic relationship between two subspecies of Common Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis (LAURE TI, 1768) in the supposedly transition zone in the town of Rijeka and its vicinity (Croatia, orthern Adriatic Coast), A total of 96 adult specimens was investigated, using univariate methods (ANOYAand Mann-Whitney U-test) and multivariate cluster-analysis, based on 43 external morphological characters. A considerable amount of phenotypic dissimilarity was found between specimens from the town of Rijeka and specimens from the nearby area of Grobnik. The Grobnik population can be described as nominotypic, continentally adapted Podarcis muralis muralis, while Rijeka samples showed much closer phenetic similarity to Podarcis muralis maculioentris populations from the narrow coastal zone of the Istrian Peninsula. Although recognized as P. muralis maculioentris in a sense of conventional subspecies concept, substantial evidence supports the hypothesis of the hybrid character of the Rijeka population. The Rijeka population shows, for example, greater morphological variability and appearance of lIIuralis-specific color and pattern character states. Cluster analysis showed, therefore, incomplete morphological separation between Rijeka and Grobnik specimens. These two populations also differ substantially in their habitat and climatic preferences, Population differentiation may be caused by a corresponding change in environmental conditions, which are particularly evident in this region along the transect from the Adriatic Coast to the coastal mountains. New evidence for the presence of P. muralis maculiuentris on the eastern coast of the Istrian Peninsula is also discussed. This evidence seems to further support the hypothesis that P. m. mnculiventris appears in climatically favorable habitats in the narrow coastal zone of the Istrian Peninsula, while P. nt. muralis inhabits cooler habitats, mostly further away from the coast.

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We inspected the phenetic relationship among coastal and insular lizard populations of Podarcis muralis muralis and P. muralis maculiventris in the northern Adriatic region.

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The author reports on two wall lizard populations in the area Sargans / Heiligkreuz / Trübbach (Canton St. Gallen). Obviously these two populations form one big single population nowadays.

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Now that Yugoslavia is rapidly becoming a European tourist centre, many herpetologists may be interested in the variety and abundance of forms which can be seen and collected there. This is a short account of the species seen during the last two weeks of March 1964 in an area so far little visited by British herpetologists. Rainfall was high during this period, in contrast apparently to the dry summer. It was understood from the local population that the visit was too early to see the larger lacertids and snakes.

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Die in Österreich nur in Tirol vorkommende Unterart der Mauereidechse Podarcis muralis maculiventris wurde in diesem Gebiet bisher kaum untersucht. Von März bis Oktober 2011 habe ich daher an einer freilebenden Population im Gelände des Alpenzoo Innsbruck (auf einer Fläche von 4 ha) eine exemplarische Untersuchung über den lokalen Mauereidechsenbestand, über Muster der Dichte und Raumnutzung, sowie über das Verhalten und die Morphologie durchgeführt. Die Daten habe ich unter Einsatz verschiedener Methoden gesammelt: Bestände, Raumdichten und die Raumverteilung habe ich während der gesamten Untersuchungsperiode über 89 standardisierte Rundgänge zu verschiedenen Tageszeiten erfasst. Mit Hilfe genormter Protokolle habe ich an Antreffpunkten einzelner Tiere verschiedene Habitatparameter erfasst, um Habitatpräferenzen zu ermitteln. Das Verhalten und tageszeitliche Muster der Aktivität und Substratnutzung wurde nach der Methode des focal animal samplings aufgenommen. Zusätzlich habe ich 69 Tiere gefangen, vermessen und markiert. Maximal wurden 98 Tiere während eines Rundganges gezählt, jedoch ergibt sich aus der Summe von kleinflächigen Maximalzählungen ein Schätzwert des Bestandes von 177 Eidechsen. Die Anzahl der gesichteten adulten Tiere nahm im Laufe des Jahres konstant ab. Der Jungtieranteil betrug 2011 insgesamt ein Drittel des Gesamtbestandes, wobei dieser vom ersten Auftreten bis in den Herbst hin größer wurde. Insgesamt konnte ich eine Dichte von ca. 5 Ind./100m² für das untersuchte Areal ermitteln. Die Nutzung des Zooareals war nicht gleichmäßig. So wurden im Hochsommer in 96% der Kleinflächen adulte Mauereidechsen angetroffen, während es im Oktober nur mehr 42% waren. Bereiche in denen besonders oft und viele Tiere angetroffen wurden zeichneten sich durch viel Fels, genügend Versteckmöglichkeiten, einen hohen Anteil an niederer Vegetation und ein stark strukturiertes Relief aus. Fels und Stein waren mit Abstand die beliebtesten Strukturen auf denen sich Mauereidechsen aufhielten. Die Antreffhäufigkeit von Mauereidechsen war stark von der Substrattemperatur abhängig. Bis zu einer Temperatur von 40 °C bestand eine positive Korrelation zwischen Temperatur und Anzahl angetroffener Individuen. Einen starken positiven Einfluss hatte die Substrattemperatur auf die Bewegungsaktivität der Tiere. Bei schwacher bis fehlender Bewölkung wurden bei niedrigen Temperaturen mehr Eidechsen gesehen, während sie bei starker Bewölkung und bedecktem Himmel höhere Temperaturen bevorzugten. Die Mauereidechsen im Alpenzoo Innsbruck hatten eine grau/braune bis grünliche Grundfärbung. Auf der Unterseite waren Farbtöne von weiß bis zu einem dunklen Orangeton dabei und oftmals wiesen Individuen ein blaues Seitenband auf. Im Durchschnitt konnte bei den untersuchten Individuen eine Gesamtlänge von 16 cm (Kopf-Rumpflänge: Ø 6,6 cm, Schwanzlänge: Ø 9,5 cm) und ein Gewicht von 5,9 g festgestellt werden. Eindeutige Geschlechtsunterschiede waren bei dieser Population nicht zu erkennen.

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The variability in behavioural syndromes at different scale levels (e.g., within population or among species) is relevant in ecological and evolutionary patterns. It provides the basis on which natural selection can act to promote evolutionary processes. Additionally, behavioural syndromes can be seen as a form of pre-adaptation, favouring a species’ ability to cope with novel selective pressures, establish in new habitats, enhancing population stability, and dealing with deseases and parasites. We assessed repeatability (two replicates for individual) for five behavioural traits (activity, boldness including components of exploration and escape, sociability, and foraging activity) and tested the occurrence of behavioural syndromes in both sexes of three taxa of lacertid lizards: two clades of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis maculiventris and P. m. nigriventris), and the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis siculus). All behavioural traits except sociability were repeatable in all the three taxa. Our findings clearly reveal the occurrence of a behavioural syndrome related to the propensity to move through and explore new enviroments, escape from predation risk, and successfully capture prey. We also provide empirical evidence for higher repeatability of behaviours in males compared to females, as well as differences in behavioural syndromes at the taxon-level. These results support the occurrence of personality in both common and Italian wall lizards, highlighting marked variability in personality across different scales. This variability could ultimately reflect the interaction between the specific needs inherent in both sexes within each species, and the environmental/competitive context in which these needs are fulfilled.

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The first records of Zootoca vivipara carniolica in South Tyrol (the Italian autonomous province of Bolzano, Antholzer Tal, affluent to the river Rienz in the Pustertal) and the northeastern most finding of Podarcis muralis maculiventris in South Tyrol (from above Olang-water reservoir in the Pustertal, an important Alpine geological cross-drain separating the central- and southern Alps) are reported.

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Due to limited data on oviposition site choice and clutch-size variation of introduced and native P. muralis in Germany, field observations on six clutches (range: 5-9, mean: 6,8) of introduced wall lizards (P. m. maculiventris-West) in a quartzite quarry near Bramsche are briefly reported.

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Ventral colour polymorphism of 415 adult common wall lizards (Podarcis muralis) were examined within five introduced and one native population in Germany. All five examined evolutionary lineages of the species show a distinct ventral colour polymorphism. Ventral colours were lacking in both sexes of the Venetian lineage (P. m. maculiventris-Ost), which exhibited a marbled white pattern. Orange colours in combination with a black mottling can be found frequently in the Central Balkans lineage (P. m. muralis). Contrary, all other lineages (Eastern France, Western France and Southern Alps) feature three different colour morphs (white, yellow and orange) in different frequencies. Yellow to ochre bellies are typical for the Southern Alps lineage (P. m. maculiventris-West), whereas whitish morphs are most common in the Eastern France (P. m. brongniardii) and Western France lineages. We discuss different approaches that might explain ventral colour polymorphism in this species.

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The present detailed account of the amphibian and reptile distribution in the North Adriatic Island of Cres (Croatia) is chiefly based on literature data supplemented by new observations kindly provided by a number of correspondents or made by the authors during various trips to the island. Dot maps of the species’ distribution on Cres Island are presented. The overview is completed by information on the herpetofauna of 25 neighboring islands in the Kvarner Bay. Lacerta oxycephala DUMÉRIL & BIBRON, 1839 is reported for the first time from Cres Island.

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In July, September and October 2022, the authors independently visited populations of introduced wall lizards in Berlin. Wall lizards were found in the districts of Reinickendorf and Lichterfelde. The large morphological differences of the wall lizards in these two districts are remarkable and are impressively documented with photos. We provide maps with an overview of the previously known distribution of two introduced populations in the district of Lichterfelde. Afterwards we collected further interesting information on the Berlin wall lizards and sand lizards.

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In July, September and October 2022, the authors independently visited populations of introduced wall lizards in Berlin. Wall lizards were found in the districts of Reinickendorf and Lichterfelde. The large morphological differences of the wall lizards in these two districts are remarkable and are impressively documented with photos. We provide maps with an overview of the previously known distribution of two introduced populations in the district of Lichterfelde. Afterwards we collected further interesting information on the Berlin wall lizards and sand lizards.

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The aim of this preliminary study is to evaluate some differences between two populations of Podarcis muralis muralis and Podarcis muralis maculiventris living in Slovenia using some biometric and meristic characters. Forty-eight specimens from @ovnek (Central Slovenia, 46°16` N, 15°10` E) and 24 specimens from Lucija (Slovenian Istria, 45°30` N, 13°36` E) were included in a statistical analysis. The values of body dimensions of both sexes differ significantly between the two locali- ties. Specimens from Lucija are bigger with a longer pileus. According to the results of this prelimi- nary study on some characters of the external morphology, the classification of Slovenian popula- tions of wall lizard into two subspecies seems justified.

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This newspaper article reports on the longterm consequences of a deliberate release of alien Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis maculiventris, Venetian lineage) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada in the year 1970.

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This newspaper article reports on the longterm consequences of a deliberate release of alien Common Wall Lizards (Podarcis muralis maculiventris, Venetian lineage) on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada in the year 1970.

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Es wird über Beobachtungen an der Mauereidechse Podarcis muralis maculiventris während einer Italienreise im Juni 2015 berichtet. Erstes Ziel war die Stadt Verona, anschließend ging es weiter zum Gardasee in die Ortschaften Lazise sowie Sirmione.