Wall lizard project - Winspit Quarry colony

Winspit Quarry (Dorset)

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Closest Town:

SWANAGE (5.6 km)

Introduction date:

Circa 1986

Site Name:

Winspit Quarry

Source of introduction:

Captive bred stock, released by a private breeder. Original stock believed to have been imported from Brittany (France) in 1982.

Site Access:

Public

Colony Status:

Extant

Relative population estimate:

864

Extirpation date:

N/a
History:

This colony, based at the popular climbing quarry, is believed to comprise the green-backed form, as found at the other Purbeck coastal sites. The date of origin is unknown, although it is thought to have been a deliberate release.

There are reports from 2007 of wall lizards being found on properties at Worth Matravers, more than a kilometre inland from Winspit Quarry. It is possible that this is an indication of the spread of this colony, but could equally be a human local translocation.
Habitat:

Sea cliffs/Quarry face. Rock outcrops with associated vegetation.

Habitat at Winspit Quarry
Habitat at Winspit Quarry
Morphology:

Presumed Podarcis muralis muralis.

Morph at Winspit Quarry
Morph at Winspit Quarry
Ecological impact:

Not assessed
Location: