Stogumber
(Somerset)

Closest Town:

WILLITON (4.0 km)

Introduction date:

1981

Site Name:

Stogumber

Source of introduction:

Stock from the Wellington colony

Site Access:

Public

Colony Status:

Extirpated

Relative population estimate:

Unknown

Extirpation date:

N/a

This colony was a deliberate introduction attempt made in (around) 1981. About ten adult lizards (spp. unknown) from the Wellington colony were released at a fruit and honey farm at Stogumber in north Somerset, close to the town of Williton. The release site was at the top of a south facing valley where there was a sandstone ridge, the hamlet about 1/2 mile down the valley consisted of around 6 stone houses with stone walls. There have been no confirmed sightings since 1983.Occasional reports suggest that the colony still exists, although these reports are not confirmed.

Not assessed

Based upon residential gardens and walls. Can often be seen basking on the walls of village buildings.

Believed to be the brown-backed form, and of French origin.