Fauna
Reptile

Ajarian Lizard

Darevskia mixta

Also known as Mixed Rock Lizard

Ajarian lizards are agile rock dwellers that inhabit damp mountain valleys and forested ravines in the Caucasus. Unlike several all-female, parthenogenetic relatives in the genus Darevskia, this species reproduces bisexually, with males displaying vivid green or greenish-brown flanks during the spring breeding season. They spend sunny mornings basking on mossy boulders and river stones, retreating swiftly into deep rock fissures at the first sign of danger.

EndemicReptileMontane
Ajarian Lizard reference
(c) Kseniia Marianna Prondzynska, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Kseniia Marianna Prondzynska · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Near ThreatenedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNear ThreatenedRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySpiders, Ground beetles, Small flies
Predators
  • Smooth snake
  • Eurasian kestrel
  • Least weasel
ThreatsHabitat alteration from road construction, deforestation, and tourism infrastructure
HabitatsMontane mixed forests, rocky riverbanks, talus slopes, and moist ravines
Life span5–8 years
Classification
  1. FamilyLacertidae
  2. SpeciesDarevskia mixta
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Harmless to humans; observe quietly from a short distance.
What to notice
Recognized by a slender body, flat head, and greenish-brown back with dark irregular flecks along rocky streamsides.
Support conservation
Maintain a respectful observation distance and do not displace rocks, fallen logs, or moss cover.
Responsible observation
  • Scan Sunny Stones: Search mossy rocks near rushing montane streams during warm mornings.
  • Approach Gently: Move slowly to avoid casting a shadow, which triggers their escape response.
  • Do Not Dismantle Rock Piles: Refrain from turning or shifting stones, which destroys critical shelter crevices.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…