Wall lizard project - Stogumber colony


Stogumber (Somerset)

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Closest Town:

WILLITON (4 km)

Introduction date:

1981

Site Name:

Stogumber

Source of introduction:

Stock from the Wellington colony

Site Access:

Public

Colony Status:

Extirpated

Relative population estimate:

0

Extirpation date:

N/a


History:

This colony was a deliberate introduction attempt made in (around) 1981. About ten adult lizards (spp. unknown) from the Wellington colony were released at a fruit and honey farm at Stogumber in north Somerset, close to the town of Williton. The release site was at the top of a south facing valley where there was a sandstone ridge, the hamlet about 1/2 mile down the valley consisted of around 6 stone houses with stone walls. There have been no confirmed sightings since 1983.Occasional reports suggest that the colony still exists, although these reports are not confirmed.


Habitat:

Based upon residential gardens and walls. Can often be seen basking on the walls of village buildings.


Morphology:

Believed to be the brown-backed form, and of French origin.


Ecological impact:

Not assessed


Location: