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66 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007

Sand Dune Lizards (Liolaemus multimaculatus) are extremely cryptic. Surveys consist of multiple researchers walking transects across the
dunes while counting the fleeting glimpses of lizards as they scurry away.

KACOLIRIS



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 67

The day is dawning on the beaches of Buenos Aires. The
sun’s first rays caress the sand. As the temperature starts to

rise, so too do the small inhabitants of this landscape. The Sand
Dune Lizard (Liolaemus multimaculatus) starts its daily activities
at a sluggish pace that will quicken with the warming rays of the
sun.

This small saurian, a typical representative of these
immense sand fields, has evolved for so many centuries in such
close association with the landscape that it is unable to survive
elsewhere. Its current conservation status is critical, primarily due
to the irrational and excessive exploitation of these environ-
ments. Thus, this Argentinean endemic lizard is now categorized
as a vulnerable species.

An overview of the dynamics of this ecosystem, as well as
of its former and present use, is essential in understanding both
the life history of this species and its current situation.

What is the Value of Coastal Areas?
Coastal environments represent about 8% of the Earth’s surface,
and they are considered among the most threatened environ-
ments on the planet. Most human-generated threats to biodi-
versity are exacerbated in these areas, mainly because human
populations have always flourished along shorelines. Over half
the world’s population (about 3.2 billion people) live within 200
km of oceans and seas (only 10% of the earth’s land surface).
With this population distribution, increasing human numbers
and mounting developmental pressures are taking a grim toll on
coastal and near-shore resources. Sand dunes act as filters for
water that allow the existence of aquifers (underground reser-
voirs of drinking water that supply nearby localities) and protect
the coastline from erosion, ensuring the long-lasting existence of
sandy beaches. In addition, coastal areas are attractive and offer
great potential for tourism.

The marine coastal zone of Buenos Aires Province is partic-
ularly diverse in natural environments, including sandy beaches,
cliffs, extensive sand dunes, and a large brackish lagoon (Mar
Chiquita). These diverse ecosystems support numerous native
plant and animal species that are threatened to varying degrees.
Several of these species are poorly known, and some are in dan-
ger of extinction, as is the case with the Sand Dune Lizard.

From a historical perspective, urban development along the
coast of Buenos Aires, which has been the most popular tourist
destination in the country for about a century, has not involved
adequate planning or resource management. Urban planning
has not taken into account the risks of erosion when designing
roads or drainages, or the impact of sand extraction on the sed-
iment transport cycle. Furthermore, the current environmental
impact legislation does not consider climate change, an
extremely relevant factor in these highly dynamic systems. Other
factors, such as pollution, overexploitation of resources (both
fisheries and sand), use of 4 x 4 vehicles on the beaches and
dunes, and the introduction of exotic plants for dune fixation,

Natural History and 
Conservation of the Sand Dune Lizard 

(Liolaemus multimaculatus)
Federico Kacoliris

Sección Herpetología, Departamento de Vertebrados
Museo de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina

(fedekacoliris@yahoo.com.ar)

Photographs by the author.

SAND DUNE LIZARD

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The Mar Chiquita Provincial Park lies along the Argentinian Atlantic
coast

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68 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 KACOLIRIS

represent additional disturbances. These problems seriously
affect biological and geological aspects of the coastal fringe by
altering its natural dynamics, modifying the landscape, and
threatening the natural, paleontological, historical, and cultural
heritage of the community.

The populations of endemic fauna and flora, that is, those
species that evolved in and can only survive in coastal habitats,
are the most affected by these activities, and they could be wiped
off the face of the Earth within a few years. The Sand Dune
lizard is one of these species, and its populations are already
severely compromised.

Sand Dune Lizards
Five species of lizards occur in the coastal sand dunes in Buenos
Aires province and the northern coastal region of Río Negro

Sand Dune Lizards (Liolaemus multimaculatus) have evolved in such close association with these sandy habitats that they cannot exist elsewhere.

Sand Dune Lizards, such as this adult female, are small saurians, less
than 70 mm from snout to vent, with a flattened body and a stout head.

Small size, body form, and color are all adaptations for life in the sandy dunes.



province, Argentina. These are Liolaemus multimaculatus, L.
wiegmanni, L. gracilis, L. darwinii, and Stenocercus pectinatus. All
but L. darwinii are known as sand-dwelling lizards due to their
preference for sandy biotopes. In addition, L. multimaculatus
and L. wiegmanni are highly specialized for life in the sand, and
are accordingly clustered in a monophyletic assemblage of “sand-
dwelling lizards” within the genus Liolaemus. However, only the
populations of L. multimaculatus occur exclusively in these habi-
tats, whereas the other four species have wider geographic dis-

IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 69SAND DUNE LIZARD

Six isolated patches of coastal dunes remain in Buenos Aires Province; all have been declared “Áreas Valiosas de Pastizal” (Valuable Grassland Areas).
These patches are separated from each other by coastal towns catering to tourists, which block gene flow between lizard populations in each area.

Endangered coastal dunes in Argentina act as filters for water that allow
the existence of aquifers and protect the coastline from erosion, ensur-
ing the long-lasting existence of sandy beaches.

Juvenile Sand Dune Lizards may be distinguished from adults by the
yellow lateral bands that disappear at maturity.



tributions. Historically, this species could be found throughout
the marine coast of Buenos Aires; now, however, it has become
hard to find in areas where it used to be abundant. Its habitat
specializations make this lizard an “indicator species.” Indicator
species reflect the “health” of the ecosystems they inhabit and are
the first to disappear when faced with serious alterations of their
habitats.

Liolaemus multimaculatus is a small saurian, less than 70
mm long from snout to vent, with a flattened body and stout
head. Its dorsal coloration shows a somewhat irregular pattern
of dark spots in transverse series on a brownish background. The
spots are outlined posteriorly by white scales, which give them
a sand-like appearance. These lizards show evident sexual dimor-
phism in size and ventral coloration (males are larger and have
scattered ventral spots). They usually are seen on dunes with low
or sparse plant cover as they scurry away; when not in motion,
the lizards are virtually undetectable; their coloration and tex-
ture are a perfect match for the substrate. To burrow and “sand-
swim,” these lizards require loose sandy substrate, which does
not occur in areas with abundant vegetation, such as the those
planted with exotic species such as pines (Pinus sp.), acacias
(Acacia sp.), or Tamarisk (Tamarix sp.).

What is Happening to the Sand Dune Lizard?
This species is highly adapted to life in the sand. Its sand-swim-
ming ability and cryptic coloration attest to the close evolution-
ary ties between this lizard and the coastal dunes. Its situation is
even more critical given the severe alterations experienced by the
coastal habitats in Buenos Aires Province, because it cannot col-
onize and survive in other habitat types. Studies carried out in a
dune sector called “Mar del Sur” have shown that this species is
highly sensitive to habitat alteration; minor disturbances such as
the establishment of a trail for 4 x 4 vehicles can seriously affect
its natural populations, causing a critical drop in population
density and eventually leading to localized extirpation. This sit-
uation is clearly evident in the dune sector situated between the

70 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 KACOLIRIS

Males are larger than females and have scattered ventral spots that are
not visible in this view.

“Sand-swimming” involves axial oscillations of the trunk and tail, and can be performed only in substrates that are too loose to permit tunnel for-
mation, which is not the case in areas with abundant vegetation, such as those planted with exotic species.

The author and Ricardo Cañete, a park ranger at the Mar Chiquita
Natural Reserve. Rangers monitor and enforce protective measures
intended to preserve some of the few remaining natural areas. They
also are providing logistical help with this study.



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 71

towns of Villa Gesell and Cariló, where this lizard was abundant
no more than 10 years ago; today it is practically impossible to
find in that area.

Only six patches of coastal dunes remain in Buenos Aires
Province, and they have been declared “Áreas Valiosas de
Pastizal” (Valuable Grassland Areas) for South America. These

patches are isolated and separated from each other by coastal
towns catering to tourists, thus making it impossible for the
lizard populations in each of them to interbreed. This factor pre-
vents gene flow, thus reducing the genetic and phenotypic plas-
ticity that allows greater flexibility in responding to abrupt envi-
ronmental changes. In addition, these patches (with the
exception of small portions that have been preserved as natural
reserves) are not managed with a focus on the conservation of
the habitats and species that live in them. On the contrary, the
excessive and irrational exploitation that takes place in these
areas disregards any environmental protection, and ultimately
facilitates the disappearance of the original environment along
with its native flora and fauna, including the Sand Dune Lizard.

Studying and Conserving the Sand Dune Lizard
In 2004, as part of a Ph.D. research program, a study of the pop-
ulation dynamics of this lizard was initiated under the direction
of Jorge Williams (La Plata University). Due to its restricted dis-
tribution in dune islands, as well as its high degree of specializa-
tion for this particular type of environment, this species is an excel-
lent model organism for basic ecological studies. Later, after
considering the problems that affect this species, the project was
expanded to include new aspects related to the protection of its
relictual populations. The main goals of this project are: (1)
Locating, assessing, and monitoring the status of wild populations,
and (2) providing the general public with clear information about
its circumstances, and taking action to promote conservation
strategies for this species in particular and the sand dunes in gen-
eral. This is accomplished by means of two interrelated programs.

SAND DUNE LIZARD

Spots are outlined posteriorly by white scales, giving these lizards a
sand-like appearance and rendering them extremely cryptic.

Even when their approximate location is known, finding and catching these lizards is difficult.



The Scientific Research Program
The goal of this program is the study of basic aspects of popu-
lation dynamics (spatial arrangement, population density, sur-
vival, and mortality), autoecology (habitat use, home range), and
elements that allow us to assess the status of wild populations,
such as the study of fluctuating asymmetry (a bioindicator of
environmental stress that is expressed in populations subject to
primarily anthropic impacts producing size differences between
left and right body sides) and any decreases in genetic variabil-
ity due to population isolation. Knowledge of the basic ecology
of a species is essential for establishing management guidelines
and initiating conservation action. The study is intended to
encompass all of the coastal dunes that remain in Buenos Aires
Province. However, due to the lack of effective and sustained
financial support, the project has been restricted largely to
research in specific sectors, mainly the natural reserves at Mar
Chiquita and Faro Querandí and neighboring areas. The results
of these studies will permit the identification of priority areas for
monitoring and conserving wild L. multimaculatus populations,
as well as for ongoing assessments of their conservation status.
To optimize fieldwork, volunteers from around the world have
been solicited to help with this project. Thus, a relatively large
group of people are available during the most intense stages of
the project (e.g., during the reproductive season in spring and
summer, when these lizards are most active, given that they
hibernate and are inactive during the winter. Volunteers perform
different research-related tasks, and some also participate in
activities that promote public awareness.

72 IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 KACOLIRIS

Volunteers from around the world have helped with this project. The 2007 Sand Dune Lizard work group in the field (from left to right): Gala
Sanchez Velíz (La Plata University), the author, Gianluca Guaitoli (an Italian naturalist), Alberto Rafael (La Plata University), Cristiano Liuzzi (an
Italian wildlife technician), and Alejandro Molinari (La Plata University).

Gala Sanchez Velíz, an advanced biology student at La Plata University,
measures a lizard.



IGUANA  •  VOLUME 14, NUMBER 2  •  JUNE 2007 73SAND DUNE LIZARD

Public Awareness Program
The goal of this program is to provide clear and understandable
information about the severe threats affecting the Sand Dune
Lizard and the coastal dunes. Results of the research program are
conveyed to the local community in an effort to create a greater
awareness about these issues. Using a conservationist approach,
we emphasize information about the benefits of conserving the
coastal natural resources. This program is part of a larger team
effort, the “Coastal Conservation Workgroup” (“Grupo de
Trabajo para la Conservación de las Costas” or GTCC) integrat-
ing researchers from the Universidad Nacional de la Plata,
Universidad de Buenos Aires, and Fundación de Historia
Natural “Félix de Azara,” all of whom share a mutual interest in
the conservation of coastal environments. To achieve the pro-
ject’s stated goals, conferences are organized and brochures and
posters are distributed in several coastal towns. Results of this
work also have been presented at meetings and in scientific jour-
nals in Argentina and internationally.

What Can We Do?
Gaining knowledge is the first stage of a process that can lead to
a greater awareness of the difficulties faced by this species in par-
ticular and its environment in general. The second stage is the
initiation of definitive actions that promote rational and sustain-
able use of these habitats at personal, institutional, and govern-
mental levels. These natural habitats can be enjoyed without
altering them or affecting the plants and animals that have coex-
isted for such a long time. These goals can be realized if humans
become aware of the current situation and sensitive to other real-
ities beyond our own. The preservation of the natural world is
our responsibility.

The coast grows dark, and as the sun moves into the sea to hide
beyond the horizon, a lizard burrows in the sand under a large
tussock where it has chosen to spend the night, escaping the cold
and nocturnal predators. The Sand Dune Lizard rests from its
forays, recovering its energy for what we hope will be many new
tomorrows.

Acknowledgements
The International Reptile Conservation Foundation (IRCF) and
the Neotropical Grassland Conservancy (NGC) supported field-
work in 2007.

References
Bilenca, D.N. and F.O. Miñarro. 2004. Identificación de áreas valiosas de pasti-

zal (AVP’s) en las pampas y campos de Argentina, Uruguay y sur de Brasil.
Fundación Vida Silvestre Argentina, Buenos Aires.

Hinrichsen, D. 2004. Ocean planet in decline. People & the Planet 2000–2007
(www.peopleandplanet.net/doc.php?id=429&section=6).

Kacoliris, F., N. Horlent, and J. Williams. 2006. Herpetofauna, coastal dunes,
Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. Check List 2(3) (www.checklist.org.br/
getpdf?SL010-06).

Vega, L., P. Bellagamba, and L. Fitzgerald. 2000. Long-term effects of anthro-
pogenic habitat disturbance on a lizard assemblage inhabiting coastal
dunes of Argentina. Canadian Journal of Zoology 78: 1-8.

Once in hand, individuals are measured and marked prior to release at
the original site of capture.

Blood samples are taken for genetic studies that will allow researchers
to assess the effects of isolation on individual populations. The author
(right) is assisted by volunteers: Javier Caimi (center) and Paula
Lourenco are biology students at La Plata University.

Information about preservation efforts is diseminated in public educa-
tion programs and at scientific meetings; here, the author (right) and
Cintia Celsi present a poster at a meeting of the Grupo de Trabajo para
la Conservación de las Costas (GTCC = Coastal Conservation
Workgroup).




