Viviparous lizard

The Viviparous lizard (Latin name Zootoca vivipara, formerly Lacerta vivipara) belongs to the order Squamata and the family Lacertidae. Known for its remarkable ability to give birth to live young, this reptile is well-adapted to cooler climates and is widely distributed across various habitats.

In agricultural settings, these lizards are generally considered beneficial as they consume numerous insect pests. However, they can become a nuisance in market gardens or greenhouses, where they may damage soft fruits like strawberries or trample delicate seedlings while foraging for water or heat.

Their biological cycle starts in early spring when they emerge from hibernation. The breeding season follows, resulting in the birth of active young during the summer months. These lizards are highly dependent on the local microclimate, often congregating in protected areas like cloches, tunnels, and polytunnels.

Damage is typically mechanical rather than nutritional. By scurrying over seedlings or feeding on ripe berries, they cause lacerations that serve as entry points for secondary fungal infections. Their burrowing activity can also displace shallow-rooted plants, affecting the overall plant health.

• Remove organic debris and piles of wood or stone.
• Install physical barriers like fine mesh or plastic fencing.
• Maintain short grass around garden borders to reduce cover.
• Use gravel or sharp mulch in areas where you want to deter them.

Protective measures should focus on deterrence rather than eradication. Since these lizards are effective predators of slugs, snails, and beetles, total removal is rarely advised. Instead, focusing on excluding them from specific vulnerable crop zones is the most sustainable approach to integrated pest management.