Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) Captive bred ready for release, gathered in open hands. Sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) Controlled Environment juveniles, Just before being released from a captive breeding program into a suitable sand dune and heather area. Conservation of the species is critical and captive breeding programs are vital to establishing the smooth lizard into areas it previous would have lived. They are the only British Lizard to lay eggs. The Sand Lizard is strictly protected by British and European law which makes it an offence to Injure, Kill, Capture, Disturb, Destroy their habitat, or trade in them in any form.