It is early march in a Dutch nature reserve (Nationaal Park de Sallandse Heuvelrug) and a male sand lizards awakens from its hibernation. Sand lizards are cold blooded reptiles which means they need the heat of the sun to increase their body temperature. In early spring the males awake first. Soon after them the females follow.
This sand lizard just came out of his winter hiding place.
Small sand grains from its winter burrow are still on the lizards skin.
Sand lizards prefer a habitat with a diverse terrain with small patches of sand, heather, grasses and differences in low and higher vegetation. This gives them the ability to forage and hide quickly. Old burrows of mice can be used as such hiding places.
Female sand lizard coming out of her hiding place.
Female sand lizard foraging in dead leaf litter.
You can find sand lizards basking in open sandy spots which makes it easier to see them. Those who prefer a more shady spot are harder to locate.
