Hiding in plain sight next to one of Bristol's busiest attractions, their habitat boasts one of the best views in the city. The backdrop of Clifton Suspension Bridge provides the ultimate distraction, with most passers-by too busy taking photos to notice a flash of lime green or swish of a tiny tail out of the corner of their eye.
Lurking in the crevices of the rocks are a little-known colony of wall lizards, whose distinctive green and black speckled skin offers the perfect camouflage. Officially known as Podarcis Muralis, the exact origin story of the non-native lizards in Clifton is still something of a mystery.
According to Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group, which keeps a log of wall lizard colonies reported in the UK, their presence in Bristol dates back to at least 2006. They are listed as "possible escapees", potentially brought into Bristol for research purposes.
