Five species of lizards occur in the pampas coastal sand dunes of Argentina. These are Liolaemus multimaculatus, Liolaemus wiegmanni, Liolaemus gracilis, Liolaemus darwinii, and Stenocercus pectinatus. All but L. darwinii are known as sand-dwelling lizards due to their preference for sandy biotopes. In addition, L. multimaculatus and L. wiegmanni are highly specialized for life in the sand, and are accordingly clustered in a monophyletic assemblage of “sand-dwelling lizards” within the genus Liolaemus. However, only the populations of L. multimaculatus occur exclusively in these habitats, whereas the other four species have wider geographic distributions.

Historically, Sand Dune Lizard could be found throughout the marine coast of the pampa region; now, however, it has become hard to find in areas where it used to be abundant. Its habitat specializations make this lizard an “indicator species.” Indicator species reflect the “health” of the ecosystems they inhabit and are the first to disappear when faced with serious alterations of their habitats.

Liolaemus multimaculatus is a small saurian, less than 70 mm long from snout to vent, with a flattened body and stout head. Its dorsal coloration shows a somewhat irregular pattern of dark spots in transverse series on a brownish background. The spots are outlined posteriorly by white scales, which give them a sand-like appearance (Cei 1993).

These lizards show evident sexual dimorphism in size and ventral coloration (males are larger and have scattered ventral spots). They usually are seen on dunes with low or sparse plant cover as they scurry away; when not in motion, the lizards are virtually undetectable; their coloration and texture is a perfect match for the substrate. To sand-bury and sand-swimming, these lizards require loose sandy substrate, which does not occur in areas with abundant vegetation, such as the those planted with exotic species such as pines (Pinus sp.) and Acacia (Acacia sp.).

Moreover, the Sand Dune Lizard has some peculiarities which become it an important species:

• Sand Dune Lizard is included inside the Liolaemus group, which is one of the most diversify groups of lizards in Neotropics.
• This species has a very high habitat specialization in relation to other lizards of Argentina.
• Sand Dune Lizard shows a high adaptation to live only in sandy habitats, emphasizing the close evolutionary relation between this lizard and their habitat.
• Is one of the most endangered reptiles’ species in Argentina.
• Is an indicator species of pampas coastal dunes health status.
• Is an umbrella species, it´s mean that the needs for their protection are the same to protect a lot of species in pampas coastal habitats.
• Still remain to generate lot of information about their natural history and ecological features.