Have you ever heard of a sand lizard? This animal is an important part of the natural ecosystem in the Netherlands. Let's learn more about it!
The zanhagedis, or sand lizard, is a lizard that is native to the Netherlands as well as to other parts of Europe. The females are a light brown color with scales in a pattern almost like cheetah spots. The pattern also looks a bit like little eyes. The lizards have wide, bottle shaped bodies and four legs sticking out from their sides. The males look similar but are a bright, lime green color, depending on the season. Some of the males have a very visible brown line down their backs with more spots within this line; and the lizards have more black spots all over their bodies. Sand lizards can be about ten inches long.
I was very excited to see this lizard. My Dutch friend from school is studying this lizard and doing lots of research on it. I was able to go with him into nature in order to see this creature for myself. As part of his research, my friend has to go into the countryside and find these lizards. He takes lots of measurements such as the temperature on different parts of the lizard's body and the temperature outside. He then notes the kinds of plants where he found the lizard.
