The Atlas Dwarf Lizard (Lacerta andreanskyi) is a species of lizard

Lizard

Lizards are a widespread group of squamate reptiles, with nearly 3800 species, ranging across all continents except Antarctica as well as most oceanic island chains...

 in the Lacertidae

Lacertidae

Lacertidae is the family of the wall lizards, true lizards, or sometimes simply lacertas, which are native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. The group includes the genus Lacerta, which contains some of the most commonly seen lizard species in Europe...

 family. It is endemic to Morocco where it is restricted to High Atlas Mountain range. It is also found from 2,400 up to 3,800 m asl. Although the species of lizard is generally considered to be rare, animals are often well hidden in vegetation and may occur at higher densities than was first assumed. They can be very common in favourable conditions and are found in alpine meadows

Alpine Meadows

The term Alpine Meadows may refer to:* Alpine Meadows, California, an unincorporated community in California* Alpine Meadows Lodge, outside Golden, British Columbia* Alpine Meadows Ranch, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in Darby, Montana...

, scree

Scree

Scree, also called talus, is a term given to an accumulation of broken rock fragments at the base of crags, mountain cliffs, or valley shoulders. Landforms associated with these materials are sometimes called scree slopes or talus piles...

, amongst boulders, and in areas of thorn cushion vegetation and thickets. It has a long hibernation period. The female lays three clutches of between one and three eggs per year. There do not appear to be any major threats, but it does occur in areas that are readily accessible, most especially by hikers.

Source

• Geniez, P. 2005. Lacerta andreanskyi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Downloaded on 28 July 2007.