Editing Sand lizard (section)

== Conservation status ==
This lizard is regarded as threatened and is strictly protected under UK law &ndash; as it is throughout most of Europe. This is in contrast to ''L. a. exigua'', whose [[Russian language|Russian]] name translates as the "common lizard".
The UK [[Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust]] coordinates conservation action for the sand lizard, including a successful captive-breeding and reintroduction programme.

The sand lizard is facing multiple threats throughout its range, including [[habitat destruction]], habitat degradation, [[habitat fragmentation]], lack of habitat management, climate change and inappropriate habitat management. Although the sand lizard is under strict protection in the UK, there are still actions needed to be taken, including habitat protection, habitat management, species protection, species management, distribution surveys, population and conservation status monitoring, scientific research, and public awareness.<ref>Russell, Liam (December 2012). "THE CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE GENETICS OF THE SAND LIZARD Lacerta agilis"</ref>

Efforts in the UK have been made to protect and conserve their habitats because the sand lizard is one of only six reptile species found in Britain. Lizard populations were analyzed and their habitats were studied and specific recommendations were made for maintaining the quality of the environments so sand lizards can continue to inhabit those regions.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=House|first1=Susan M.|last2=Spellerberg|first2=Ian F.|date=1983|title=Ecology and Conservation of the Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis L.) Habitat in Southern England|url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/2403517|journal=Journal of Applied Ecology|volume=20|issue=2|pages=417–437|doi=10.2307/2403517|jstor=2403517 |bibcode=1983JApEc..20..417H |issn=0021-8901|url-access=subscription}}</ref>

In Sweden, the sand lizard is also considered threatened and is managed by a national protection plan.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Åtgärdsprogram för sandödla |url=https://www.naturvardsverket.se/publikationer/6500/atgardsprogram-sandodla/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.naturvardsverket.se |language=sv}}</ref> Populations are highly fragmented. This is thought to have led to an increase in [[inbreeding]] and low genetic diversity; as of 2017, the Swedish sand lizard populations decreasing by around 20-40% in the previous approximately 20 years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Åtgärdsprogram för sandödla |url=https://www.naturvardsverket.se/publikationer/6500/atgardsprogram-sandodla/ |access-date=2024-10-30 |website=www.naturvardsverket.se |language=sv}}</ref> Swedish sand lizards are generally found around the coast where sparsely vegetative habitats are more common. However, there are also populations as far north as [[Värmland County|Värmlands]] and [[Dalarna County|Dalarna]]; despite the species' name sand, does not always appear to be a requirement for populations.