Viviparous lizard

The viviparous lizard is a small reptile found across Eurasia, famous for being the northernmost-living lizard in the world. Unlike most reptiles that lay eggs, this hardy little lizard gives birth to live babies, which is why its scientific name means 'live birth' in both Greek and Latin.

• It survives in colder climates than any other land reptile.
• Its genus was renamed in 2007 when scientists reclassified lizard groups.
• Newborn lizards emerge live instead of hatching from eggs.