Iberian Rock Lizard
VU

Iberian Rock Lizard

Iberolacerta monticola

UnknownVUEU

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iberian_rock_lizard

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

The Iberian Rock Lizard faces significant pressure from climate change, as rising temperatures force populations to retreat to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat. Tourism and recreational activities in mountain areas cause direct disturbance and habitat degradation through trampling and infrastructure development. Grazing by livestock, particularly in the Cantabrian Mountains, alters the vegetation structure and microhabitat conditions essential for this specialized rock-dwelling species.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species inhabits rocky outcrops, stone walls, and boulder fields in montane and subalpine zones of the Cantabrian Mountains and Pyrenees, typically between 1,000-2,400 meters elevation. It requires areas with abundant rock crevices for shelter and thermoregulation, often associated with alpine grasslands and sparse vegetation.

Other threatened species in Lacertidae

Skyros Wall LizardVU

Skyros Wall Lizard

Podarcis gaigeae

Unknown
Milos Wall LizardVU

Milos Wall Lizard

Podarcis milensis

Unknown
Acanthodactylus mechriguensisCR

Acanthodactylus mechriguensis

Unknown
EN

Philochortus zolii

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Iberian Rock Lizard classified as Vulnerable?
Iberian Rock Lizard is classified as Vulnerable because the population is declining and the species faces a high risk of extinction in the medium-term future if current pressures continue. The Iberian Rock Lizard faces significant pressure from climate change, as rising temperatures force populations to retreat to higher elevations with increasingly limited suitable habitat. Tourism and recreational activities in mountain areas cause direct disturbance and habitat degradation through trampling and infrastructure development. Grazing by livestock, particularly in the Cantabrian Mountains, alters the vegetation structure and microhabitat conditions essential for this specialized rock-dwelling species.
Where does Iberian Rock Lizard live?
Iberian Rock Lizard occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Iberian Rock Lizard?
The main threats to Iberian Rock Lizard are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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