Green lizard (Lacerta viridis)

The common green lizard with the scientific name Lacerta viridis is one of our most beautiful and powerful lizards, which with its intense emerald color immediately catches the eye of every hiker. Adult specimens can reach a length of up to 40 centimeters, with a considerable part accounted for by the long and strong tail. It is recognized by its bright green body, which in males is often dotted with small dark spots, and during the spring mating season, their throat glows in beautiful blue shades.
In nature, it is most commonly encountered on sunny, shrub-covered forest edges, dry meadows, and stone walls. In Prekmurje, where it was photographed, the common green lizard is a frequent inhabitant of warm slopes, where it can be observed basking motionless on rocky ledges or trunks. Despite its apparent calmness, it is an extremely cautious and fast animal; at the slightest sign of danger, it darts with surprising agility into the shelter of dense vegetation, where it blends perfectly with the surroundings due to its color.
The green lizard plays an important role in nature as a beneficial predator, feeding on various insects, spiders, and other smaller invertebrates. In Slovenia, it is listed among protected animal species, so an encounter with this "living emerald" on the trail is always a special event. Its presence indicates a preserved natural environment and rich biodiversity of our landscapes, which provide it with a safe home.