Genetic studies suggest the occurrence of deeply divergent mitochondrial lineages in Corsica and Sardinia, but with a relatively limited divergence at nuclear genes (Salvi et al. 2017; Rodríguez et al. 2017). Despite the complexity of the genetic variation in this group, the validity of the numerous described subspecies based on morphology, is at present not always supported by genetic data. The species is characterised by four differentiated lineages and a mosaic of 17 allopatric haplogroups widespread in the two main islands of Corsica and Sardinia with no evidence of long-term barriers to gene flow (Salvi et al. 2017). However, several insular endemic lineages with marked genetic divergence have been found in the surrounding islands and archipelagos of Sardinia, including La Maddalena and Asinara (Salvi et al. 2017; Senczuk et al., 2019). Nevertheless further research is needed to clarify whether this is a species complex (Salvi et al. 2017).

The European endemic Tyrrhenian Wall Lizard is restricted to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardinia. It is assessed as Least Concern globally and for the EU 27 Member States (which encompass the entire range) in view of its relatively wide distribution, presumed large population, and because - although it is undergoing observed continuing declines in habitat quality in some parts of both its mainland and insular Sardinian range - it is unlikely to be declining fast enough across the range as a whole to qualify for listing in a threatened category. It is nonetheless of local conservation concern, and in particular distinct island morphs on Molarotto and Toro islets are in need of direct conservation intervention to ensure their survival and the species has not recently been confirmed from several islets from which it was historically reported.

This species is restricted to the islands of Corsica (France) and Sardinia (Italy) and occurs on 53 circum-Corsican islets (Delaugerre et al. in prep) and on 89 satellite circum-Sardinian islands (Corti et al. 2022). It is widespread on both main islands, being practically absent only in the Campidano plain in south-west Sardinia (Societas Herpetologica Italica 1996, Corti 2006, Salvi and Bombi 2010, Mangiacotti et al. 2012, Corti et al. 2022) where the habitat is not idoneous for the species (Corti et al. 2022). It occurs from sea level, with the highest recorded elevations of 1,800 m asl in Corsica (Delaugerre and Cheylan 1992) and 1,787 m asl Sardinia (Salvi and Bombi 2010).

The species is relatively abundant and widespread in Corsica while is appears to undergo rarefaction in some areas of Sardinia (Delaugerre and Cheylan 1992, Corti 2006, Salvi and Bombi 2010, Corti et al. 2022).

This species is a typical species adapted to the Mediterranean bioclimate. It is found in a relatively great variety of habitats such as dry and stony places with little vegetation, clearings, wood edges, macchia and garrigue, areas behind dunes but quite rich in vegetation (Bruschi et al. 2010). P. tiliguerta can also be found in anthropised areas but does not like intensely cultivated areas (Bruschi et al. 2010). It appears to avoid dense woodland (Arnold and Ovenden 2002). The species feeds on Arthropoda both in Corsica (Pérez-Mellado and Corti 1993) and in Sardinia (Capula and Luiselli 1994). Females lay clutches of 6 -12 eggs (Schneider 1973). The species is active from February until November, but it can be observed throughout the winter in particular warm days (Corti 2006). A maximum age of 15 years has been recorded in captivity, but its longevity in the wild is unknown (Bannert 1998, Jesus 2012).

This species has been replaced in sandy lowland areas of Eastern Corsica by the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus), which colonised Corsica during the Middle Ages (Bailon and Rage 2012). The introduced species is mainly confined to lowland areas (below 400 m asl) in plains, grasslands, and culture habitats (Cheylan 1992) and so represents at most a relatively localised impact, however Podarcis tiliguerta is gradually colonising this area (M. Delaugerre pers. comm. 2023). The species is threatened by habitat fragmentation, by the extension of both intensively cultivated areas (including agroforestry - C. Corti pers. comm. 2023) and tourist infrastructures as well as by uncontrolled urbanisation in general, in particular in the northeast Sardinian coastal zones (Societas Herpetologica Italica Sez. Sardegna, comm. 2021). Fire could also threaten this species. Insular subpopulations - in both Corsica and Sardinia - are potentially threatened by their small population size, climate change, and by the introduction of predators. Several subpopulations in north-eastern Sardinia have been affected by a prolonged drought while has resulted in desertification; while the subspecies P. t. ranzii - restricted to Molarotto Islet in northeast Sardinia, where vegetated areas represent an important food resource subject to the combined impacts of drought and rapid soil erosion following periodic torrential rains (C. Corti pers. comm. 2023). Surveys on a number of other circum-Sardinian islets where the species historically occurred have not recorded evidence of extant subpopulations, and similar climate impacts may have been responsible for possible declines or local extinctions (C. Corti pers. comm. 2023).

An earlier Red List assessment (Cheylan et al. 2009) of the species suggested that this species may be impacted by "overcollection", but the basis for this is unclear as there seem to be no reports of this species in trade.

This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention and is protected by national legislation in France.

It occurs in several protected areas. Although the available evidence may appear conflicting or deemed insufficient to confirm that it is a species complex, the issue is still debated, with patterns of genetic variation suggesting that individual lineages should still be considered as distinct management units (Rodriguez et al. 2017, Salvi et al. 2017). This is especially true in those insular contexts where ancient lineages have been found and where populations may be more vulnerable to alien species invasion, habitat loss, and human-induced harmful effects (Senczuk et al. 2019). Two distinct lineages have been considered as management units in the Liste rouge régionale des oiseaux nicheurs, des reptiles et des amphibiens de Corse (Linossier et al 2017), with island subpopulations being considered of greatest concern and listed Near Threatened. The species as a whole is listed as Near Threatened in the Italian Red List, with the subspecies Podarcis tiliguerta ranzii and the distinct variety from Toro both listed as Vulnerable. Small island subpopulations are essential in maintaining the network of connectivity and endemicity across the archipelagos (Sillero et al. 2018).