Captured by Chadi Saad, SPNL Homat Al Hima Activist and Manager of Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site
Amidst the towering cedars of Hima Hammana, at an altitude of 1,580 meters, a striking Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) was spotted during its mating season in spring 2022. The photographs, taken by Chadi Saad, Homat Al Hima activist and manager of the Hima Hammana Raptor Counting Site, reveal a magnificent adult male, measuring approximately 40 cm in length. This stunning reptile, known for its vivid green coloration and fascinating behaviors, is an important part of the local ecosystem.
A Surprising High-Altitude Sighting
In principle, it’s not unusual to find the Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) in Lebanon, but its presence at an altitude of 1,200 meters (about 4,000 feet) above sea level was surprising. It is usually found in lower valleys, and Dr. Riad Sadiq expressed his surprise at seeing it at this elevation.
Due to its diverse range of habitats within a small geographic area and its warm Mediterranean climate, Lebanon is home to 22 recorded species of lizards to date, with a few additional, yet unconfirmed records still awaiting validation. Five of these species are currently classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List.
Lebanon’s lizards belong to eight different families, with the most common being Lacertidae (true lizards) and Scincidae (skinks). Other families include Gekkonidae and Phyllodactylidae (geckos), Agamidae (dragons), Chamaeleonidae (chameleons), Anguidae (glass lizards), and Blanidae (worm lizards).
All lizards in Lebanon are diurnal (active during the day), except for geckos (Gekkonidae and Phyllodactylidae), which are nocturnal.
Preserving the Biodiversity of Hima Hammana
The sighting of this Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) in Hima Hammana highlights the region’s rich biodiversity and the importance of conservation efforts. SPNL’s Hima approach, which promotes community-based environmental stewardship, ensures that such unique species continue to thrive. By protecting their habitats and raising awareness about their ecological role, we contribute to the sustainability of Lebanon’s wildlife.
As the Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) basks in the sunlight, its presence serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of nature—a balance that organizations like SPNL work tirelessly to preserve.
A Closer Look at the Levant Green Lizard
Species Information
Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media)
The Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) is a large, vibrant green reptile native to the Eastern Mediterranean. It is part of the Lacertidae family, which includes agile and fast-moving lizards found in Europe, Asia, and North Africa. This species is known for its striking coloration, territorial behavior, and adaptability to various habitats.
Species Information
- Scientific Name: Lacerta media
- Common Name: Levant Green Lizard
- Family: Lacertidae
- Average Length:
- Body length (excluding tail): 15–18 cm
- Total length (including tail): up to 45 cm
- Weight: Around 40–60 g
Physical Characteristics
- Coloration:
- Bright green body with black speckles
- Males may develop blue coloration on their throats during the mating season
- Juveniles are often brownish-green with faint stripes and a yellowish belly
- Body Shape:
- Slender and elongated
- Long, powerful tail (can be shed as a defense mechanism)
- Sharp claws and strong limbs for climbing and digging
- Sexual Dimorphism:
- Males are larger and more colorful than females
- Females have a duller coloration and lack the blue throat patch
Reproduction & Behavior
- Mating Season: Spring (April–June)
- Mating Rituals:
- Males become aggressive and territorial, engaging in combat with rivals
- Dominant males court females by head bobbing and displaying bright colors
- Egg Laying:
- Females lay 5–20 eggs in moist, hidden locations, such as under logs or in loose soil
- Eggs incubate for two to three months, depending on temperature
- Hatchlings:
- Young lizards measure around 5 cm upon hatching
- They reach sexual maturity at 2–3 years of age
- Lifespan:
- Typically 6–10 years in the wild
- Can live up to 15 years in captivity
Habitat & Conservation Status
- Native Range:
- Found across Turkey, Lebanon, Syria, Palestine, Jordan, Iran, Iraq, and parts of the Caucasus
- Preferred Habitats:
- Woodlands, grasslands, and scrublands
- Agricultural fields and orchards
- Rocky hillsides and humid areas near water sources
- Often seen basking on rocks, logs, and low vegetation
- Threats:
- Habitat destruction due to deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural expansion
- Climate change leading to habitat fragmentation
- Predation by birds, snakes, and mammals
- Illegal pet trade in some regions
- Conservation Status:
- Listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN Red List, but local populations may be declining due to habitat loss
Diet
- Primary Diet:
- Insects (grasshoppers, beetles, crickets, ants)
- Spiders and centipedes
- Small invertebrates (such as snails and worms)
- Occasional Diet:
- Small vertebrates (such as baby lizards and small rodents)
- Fruits and berries (in late summer)
- Hunting Behavior:
- Uses sharp vision and quick reflexes to catch prey
- Actively hunts during the day (diurnal species)
The Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media) is a resilient and adaptable reptile found across the Eastern Mediterranean and parts of the Middle East. Despite being relatively common, habitat destruction and climate change pose increasing threats to its survival. As a key predator of insects and small invertebrates, it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance in its native ecosystems.
