Distribution, habitat characterization and conservation status of Iberolacerta martinezricai (Arribas, 1996), in the Sierra de Francia, Salamanca, Spain

Seven species of the rock lizard genus Iberolacerta are represented on the Iberian Peninsula. These lizards are considered to be under threat of extinction, with Iberolacerta Martinezricai (ArribAs, 1996), being one of the most endangered reptiles in Europe. There is however, lack of knowledge about its conservation status, distribution and ecology.The authors’ surveys in 2007 and 2008 aimed at clarifying the distribution status of the species in Centralspain, where 63 uTM squares (1 km x 1 km in size) were sampled and the density of the lizards, their distribution and habitat preferences studied. Iberolacerta Martinezricai was detected in 23 out of the 63 uTM squares (36.5%), with densities ranging from 25 to 50 lizards/ha. The statistical analysis revealed that the presence of the rock lizards was associated with altitude, lichen cover and rock/boulder size. Accordingly, the species is restricted to rocky slopes of the Peña de Francia mountain range. The results clearly indicate that the range of the species is highly restricted, that the habitats occupied are very specific, and that the population size is low compared with other species of the genus Iberolacerta. based on these findings, the species is categorized as Critically Endangered (Cr) under the criteria of the international union for the Conservation of nature (iuCn).