Studies have shown that Lyme disease is lower in areas where lizards occur. When ticks carrying Lyme disease feed on lizards’ blood, which they commonly do, a protein in their blood kills the bacterium that causes Lyme disease. The ticks blood is therefore cleansed and no longer carries Lyme disease*.
A number of pressures threaten the viability of lizard populations. The primary threat is habitat loss through urban development. A trend toward manicured gardens and cleared spaces has led to a decrease in the availability of shelter, habitat and food resources for lizards while increasing in deer populations.
Habitat wall at the RBC New Wild Garden
Creative Habitat
Lizards are a beneficial guest to gardens. They eat a variety of insects, and they are entertaining to watch. Inviting lizards to the garden is a healthy and exciting way to add insect control. Lizards and Amphibians are also important indicator creatures. Their presence indicates a very healthy environment. Their decline indicates environmental pollution and harmful chemicals. In an organic landscape, insects, lizards, and amphibians are all beneficial.
Beautiful Habitat
Good edible and ecological landscaping provides habitat for the insects the lizards use as a food source and also enable the lizards to move around safely. Mulch, ground covers, rock piles and walls, flowering and fruiting plants all support lizard habitat while boosting our soil life, controlling weeds, helping with saving water and beautifying our yards.
Ecologia can help design multi-purpose edible landscapes that support healthy ecologies and families.
Supporting Articles
