EOLIZARD

The project

LIFE EOLIZARD (LIFE22-NAT-IT-LIFE-EOLIZARD, 101114121) is a five-year project co-funded by the European Union’s LIFE Programme. Launched on 1 June 2023 and running until 2028, it is dedicated to the conservation of the Aeolian wall lizard, Podarcis raffonei.

The species is endemic to the Aeolian Archipelago, classified as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List, and is among Europe’s most threatened reptiles. Only four known populations remain, surviving on three tiny islets and on the Capo Grosso promontory on Vulcano Island. Its extremely restricted range, severely fragmented populations and low genetic variability make the species particularly vulnerable.

Its main threats include habitat loss and degradation, the abandonment of traditional land management practices and the introduction of the Italian wall lizard, Podarcis siculus. This highly competitive species can also hybridise with the Aeolian wall lizard.

Aims

The project combines scientific research with direct conservation action to:

protect and monitor the remaining Podarcis raffonei populations;
restore and manage the habitat at Capo Grosso, including black rat control and shrub vegetation management;
develop an ex situ breeding programme at Fondazione Bioparco di Roma and in Malfa, on Salina Island;
create a sanctuary for the species on the islets of Lisca Bianca and Bottaro;
translocate the introduced Podarcis siculus population from the islets and reintroduce captive-bred Podarcis raffonei;
engage local communities and stakeholders in protecting the biodiversity of the Aeolian Islands.

Methods

Activities combine demographic monitoring, genetic analyses for founder selection, ex situ conservation and conservation breeding. These are complemented by habitat restoration and management, black rat (Rattus rattus) control, the translocation of Podarcis siculus from selected islets, and the reintroduction of captive-bred Podarcis raffonei.

The project also includes outreach, citizen-science activities and the involvement of young people and local communities across the archipelago.

Expected results

By establishing new populations, the project aims to increase the species’ occupied range by 320%, the number of populations by 50%, and the total number of individuals by approximately 300%.

The project seeks to reduce extinction risk, improve habitat quality and develop transferable protocols for the conservation of other threatened Mediterranean island reptiles.

Geographical area and species involved

Activities take place within Natura 2000 sites and nature reserves across the Aeolian Archipelago: Capo Grosso on Vulcano, Strombolicchio, La Canna, Scoglio Faraglione, Lisca Bianca, Bottaro and Panarea, as well as the breeding centres in Rome and Malfa.

The target species is Podarcis raffonei. Management actions also involve the Italian wall lizard Podarcis siculus and the black rat Rattus rattus.

Partnership

LIFE EOLIZARD brings together expertise in conservation, ecology, genetics and land management. Partners include Roma Tre University, CNR, the University of L’Aquila, Triton ETS, Fondazione Bioparco di Roma, ISPRA, the Municipality of Malfa, CNRS, Associação Biopolis and the University of Milan.