Lokes under pressure: habitats threatened, tips for gardens!

Lokes under pressure: habitats threatened, tips for gardens!

Dolomitenstadt, Österreich - On August 11, 2025, the world's day of the lizards will be celebrated worldwide, and in Austria the efforts to protect this fascinating animal group are particularly pronounced. This reports dolomitenstadt . Lizards that belong to the warm reptiles are dependent on the sun's rays to regulate their body temperature. In Austria, five types of lizards are legally protected.

lizards live in different habitats such as sunny dry grass, forest edges and structurally rich gardens. A particularly interesting way is the blind sneak, which is often confused with snakes due to its snake -like shape. In contrast to them, the blind sneak has eyelids and is therefore not blind. Her name is guided by the Old High German term "Plintlicho", which means "dazzling Schleicher".

unmistakable characteristics of the blind sneak

The blind sneak, which belongs to the family of the lizards, is widespread throughout Europe and has a body length between 35 and 50 cm. In exceptional cases, it can even grow up to 60 cm. Their weight is between 20 and 50 grams. This reptile has a smooth skin with small, solid dandruff and can take on different shades of color. Mainly twilight and nocturnal, blindly hide during the day.

A striking defense behavior is the throwing of the tail (autotomy), which helps the blind sneak to distract predators and gain time to escape. This is particularly exciting, since the renewable tail is usually shorter, thicker and darker than the original. Likewise, the lifespan of the blind sneak in the wild is impressive: it can live up to 54 years old, although the average age is around 30 years.

threats and protective measures

As with many other reptiles, the blind sneaking of threats are also affected. The loss of their habitat through urbanization, the use of pesticides and road traffic are great risks. In Austria, an adaptation of the gardens is necessary to promote the lizard. dolomitenstadt recommended to create natural, structurally rich habitats by stone and dead wood, thorny hedgehole and wild corners become.

The adjustments can help improve the living conditions for lizards as a whole, while the nature conservation association and Global2000 observe the populations of amphibians and reptiles in gardens. Citizens are called to support their observations by sharing photos.

The bleak sneak, together with other European lizard types such as the fence lizard and the wall lizard, is an important part of the habitat in Austria. Her preservation is not only crucial for biodiversity, but also for the natural balance in the ecosystems. Responsible behavior towards reptiles in nature is essential to secure its continued existence.