Characterised by its large size (up to 60 cm) and vivid colours, the Ocellated lizard (Timon lepidus) is among the most endangered reptiles in France. Because of its status as a species in rapid decline, many measures have been drafted to study and protect it, including a National Action Plan (NAP) for 2012 – 2016.
To better understand this species and process, a training course on “Surveying and monitoring techniques” was organised at the Tour du Valat on 20 March, 2014. It was conducted within the framework of the Interregional Action Plan (IAP), currently being implemented in the Languedoc-Roussillon and PACA regions.
Organised by the PACA Natural Area Conservatory (CEN PACA), with support from the Tour du Valat, and intended for stakeholders in the regions concerned by the conservation of this species, this training was very successful with more than 60 participants.
During this day-long session, participants learned about various protocols and monitoring operations currently conducted in France. They shared their experiences in terms of Ocellated lizard surveys and habitat management, and were able to visit the area of the Tour du Valat Nature Reserve on which this species is present in small numbers.
Copyright photo : Joseph Celse