Rare reptiles and bats are making a comeback in the South Limburg region, signaling a positive trend in local conservation efforts. The return of the wall lizard and the greater horseshoe bat is attributed to targeted nature management and careful oversight of key habitats.
The region’s marl caves are proving to be vital refuges for bats, offering consistent darkness, stable temperatures between 8–10 °C, and undisturbed conditions. These factors create an ideal environment for these species to thrive, according to recent observations.
“This is a signal that the habitat is regaining quality,” said Léon Faassen, a local official. The province is increasingly establishing itself as a hub for nature preservation, and these successes are paving the way for future restoration projects focused on biodiversity in South Limburg.
The wall lizard has too been successfully reintroduced to the Sint-Pietersberg area, where it has adapted well to its new surroundings. Between 2024 and 2025, 184 native wall lizards were released in the Oehoevallei as part of a collaborative effort involving CNME Maastricht, the RAVON Foundation, Natuurmonumenten, the Limburg Provincial Government, the Elisabeth Strouven Fund, and the municipality of Maastricht. The project has demonstrated remarkable success, with the lizards quickly acclimating to the area’s varied limestone cliffs and dense vegetation.
In September 2024, four baby lizards were discovered, confirming successful reproduction within the population. The Oehoevallei’s favorable conditions – ample sunshine and minimal disturbance – have contributed to the lizards’ rapid integration into the ecosystem. The presence of the eagle owl, which receives extra protection during breeding season, further ensures the area remains undisturbed.
With the initial phase of the project now complete, the lizard population on the Sint-Pietersberg is expected to grow and expand into surrounding areas. This recovery highlights the importance of dedicated conservation initiatives in preserving vulnerable species and bolstering regional biodiversity.
The resurgence of these species underscores the effectiveness of collaborative conservation strategies and offers a promising outlook for the future of nature in South Limburg. The positive developments are expected to inform and inspire further projects aimed at ecological restoration.
