Small dragons revealed, now thriving in reptile haven

In the picturesque landscape of Schleswig-Holstein, a unique haven has been created for a humble yet fascinating creature - the wall lizard. Janis Ahrens, a dedicated conservationist working for the Nature Conservation Foundation Schleswig-Holstein, has spearheaded this project.

The heart of this lizard paradise is located on the foundation's land, Hasenkrug. In 2019, a 5-star deluxe resort for wall lizards was established here, complete with stumps buried in sand on one side, providing a cozy hibernation spot, and open stumps on the other, allowing lizards to disappear unnoticed.

Sandy bare spots in Hasenkrug are essential for females to lay their eggs and leave the incubation to the warmth of the sun's rays. The eggs were incubated at a perfect temperature of 24 to 26 degrees.

However, the wall lizard faces a significant challenge - its main food source, including insects like beetles, grasshoppers, wild bees, and butterflies, is dwindling. To combat this, the foundation has ensured sufficient amounts of flower-rich plants, sandy areas, and decaying wood are present, attracting these beneficial insects and providing a thriving environment for the small reptiles.

The wall lizard's problem is not just with food; its natural habitats are disappearing due to human activities like roads and settlements. The wall lizard is currently threatened by human lifestyle. To address this, the foundation has created similar lizard paradises in other parts of the state, such as Nordoe, Holnis, and the Geltinger Birk.

Every 60 meters, there are so-called stepping stones for the lizard throughout the area, making it easier for them to move from one habitat to the next with breaks. The wall lizards for the resort were bred at a station operated by the Society for Freilandökologie and Nature Conservation Planning (GFN).

Recently, 40 hatchlings were released into the lizard paradise near Hasenkrug, marking a significant step towards the conservation of this resilient creature that has been living in Schleswig-Holstein for a long time.

A video shows the birth of a small wall lizard at the breeding station, offering a glimpse into the delicate process of life for these fascinating creatures. The opening date of the Lizarden-Paradise Hasenkrug likely points to a significant or symbolic event related to the location or theme, such as a seasonal or cultural milestone.

In addition to thyme, heather, and kidney vetch, Schleswig-Holstein wildflowers present in the Hasenkrug Foundation Land provide hiding places for lizards. The foundation's efforts extend beyond Hasenkrug, with similar projects underway in other parts of the state.

The wall lizard, usually very site-loyal and only moving within a radius of about 20 meters, now has a sanctuary where it can thrive, thanks to the dedication of conservationists like Janis Ahrens and the Nature Conservation Foundation Schleswig-Holstein.