Lizards lounging at Downhill

Experts say that urgent action is needed to preserve the creatures following years of "agricultural intensification".

A study by Queen's University, published in international journal Amphibia-Reptilia, has found their natural habitats are being replaced by altogether more unusual living spaces.

Dr Neil Reid, Manager of Quercus, Queen's centre for biodiversity and conservation science said: "The fact that Northern Ireland has a lizard population will be news to many people. But most people are surprised and delighted when they spot them,

"Unless we act quickly to establish a new ecological network that will preserve the connectivity of remaining heath and boglands, these reptiles could disappear from our landscape altogether."

Often associated with hotter countries, lizards in Northern Ireland can be seen in upland places but also coastal habitats such as sand dunes like those on the Magilligan-Umbra-Downhill stretch in County Londonderry.

Aodan Farren, the PhD student who led the study added: "We must now move to increase awareness of the lizard population in Northern Ireland and protect their habitats, which are continuing to be altered by conversion to agriculture, planting of forests, development of links golf courses, invasive species and infrastructure development."

Explaining what to look for when trying to spot a lizard, Dr Reid said: "The lizards which are found in Northern Ireland are usually 12 centimetres or 5 inches long, excluding the tail, which can be almost twice as long as the body. The colour and patterning of this species is remarkably variable with the main colour being typically mid-brown, but it can be also grey, olive brown or black.

The study also pointed to the need for a Northern Ireland Lizard Survey to help gather more information on the reptiles.

Causeway Coast and Glens has acknowledged that the dune land as part of the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty provides a habitat for Ireland's only reptile, the common lizard.