This species represents an isolated population originally assigned to the Mosor Rock Lizard, Lacerta (now Dinarolacerta) mosorensis (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). The specific identity of a recently-discovered Albanian population of “D. mosorensis” not included in the genetic analysis is unclear but may represent this species (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007).

Global and European regional assessment: Near Threatened (NT)
EU 27 regional assessment: Not Recorded

This European endemic species is assessed as Near Threatened on the basis that this species has a small range (with an estimated extent of occurrence below 600 km²), it is known from a small number of localities and the population may be severely fragmented. Although degradation in habitat quality has been recorded at one locality, this species presently remains abundant with no evidence of decline and the reported impacts are presently localised. The species is consequently close to, but does not quite qualify for, a threatened listing under criterion B1. This species is not found in any of the EU27 Member States.

The Prokletije Rock Lizard appears to be endemic to the Prokletije mountain massif in Montenegro, where it is thought to occur along the humid southern slope (J. Crnobrnja-Isailovic pers. comm. April 2011), and the Bridash Mountains along the Albanian flank of this massif, some 25 km south of the type locality (Petrov 2006, Ljubisavljević et al. 2007, Speybroeck et al. 2016). Genetic analysis indicates that this population is clearly distinct from rock lizards elsewhere in the Balkans (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). It is, therefore, likely to have a genuinely restricted distribution, although the limits of this range are not well-known, and it may be found elsewhere in the Dinaric Alps where suitable habitat is present (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). It has been reported from between 1,200 and 1,700 m asl in Montenegro (Ljubisavljević et al. 2016). Biogeographic comparisons with other pre-glacial relict species in the region suggest that this lizard may never have been more widespread than its current distribution implies, with the Morača River canyon acting as a natural barrier to dispersal (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007).

This lizard occurs in “dense populations” on cliffs on the northeastern slope of Debeza Mountain (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). Collection dates for known specimens range from 1996 to 2005, but no information on population trends is available (J. Crnobrnja-Isailovic pers. comm. April 2011). Although it is likely that this species has a fragmented distribution limited by the availability of rocky habitat within a matrix of pastureland (J. Crnobrnja-Isailovic pers. comm. 2009), as this is a natural consequence of its specific microhabitat requirements, it is unclear whether the population is severely fragmented and it is unknown whether this species can disperse between patches through the intervening grassland.

This high-montane lizard has been recorded from debris fields and large rock outcrops on Djebeza Mountain, both on and beneath cliffs, where it is associated with glacial lakes within cirques (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). It is confined to rocky areas, particularly karst, with a preference for moist habitats (J. Crnobrnja-Isailovic pers. comm. 2011) and is commonly found in the vicinity of water (Speybroeck et al. 2016). It occurs predominantly near the edge of montane beech forest (Ljubisavljević et al. 2016). The vegetation at the type locality is characterised by open Heldreich’s pine forest described as containing “Mediterranean floristic elements” (Ljubisavljević et al. 2007). A comparison of the ecology of the two Dinarolacerta species found that the Prokletije rock lizard is associated with higher proportions of rock cover, larger numbers of refuge sites, and consequently less vegetation (Ljubisavljević et al. 2017). Females of this egg-laying lizard were found to be gravid at the start of June, suggesting that reproduction may take place in May (Džukić et al. 1997). Referring to both Dinarolacerta species, Speybroeck et al. (2016) describe females laying 3-5 eggs shortly after emerging from hibernation, with a rapid incubation period (17–19 days) which may be an adaptation to short activity periods in high mountains (Speybroeck et al. 2016). At elevations of up to 1,660 m, the lizard occurs alongside the Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis).

Although the Djebeza site is accessible by car and lizards may be subject to low levels of collection (J. Crnobrnja-Isailović pers. comm. March 2009), there are no known threats to the area or the species’ habitat. At another locality, Žijovo mountain, livestock grazing, cultivation of vegetables (mainly potatoes), building of holiday cottages, renovation and expansion of old huts, and removal of stones for building of drywalls and enclosures have been recorded (Ljubisavljević et al. 2014), all of which represent potential threats and are considered to represent a decline in habitat quality (J. Crnobrnja-Isailović pers. comm. October 2022). A power line passes through this locality, and (mainly small) piles of solid waste were encountered during a site inspection (J. Crnobrnja-Isailović pers. comm. October 2022). In Montenegro only one locality visited during surveys reported by Ljubiasvljevic (2017) was found be unaffected by human impacts, with all others impacted by a combination of unplanned urban development, clearance during agricultural work of rocks and stones that provided shelter sites, and forest fires.

As a high-montane specialist which is associated with humid areas, this lizard might be at some risk from future climate change if this results in its habitat becoming too hot or dry for its persistence (J. Crnobrnja-Isailović pers. comm. April 2011).

While there may be or have been a low level of collection for research purposes and natural history collections, this lizard is not thought likely to be attractive to commercial collectors and there is no known use or trade (J. Crnobrnja-Isailović pers. comm. May 2011).

The Montenegran portion of the Prokletije massif was gazetted as a national park (Prokletije National Park) in 2009. Research is needed to clarify the specific identity of the Albanian population, and information is needed on life history, population trends and any threats to which this lizard may be exposed. Both species of Dinarolacerta were targeted by research aimed at evaluating threats and setting conservation priorities in 2016–2017, along with awareness-raising efforts aimed at encouraging forest preservation among local communities (Ljubiasvljevic 2017).

This species is still not legally protected in Montenegro, despite an application for its protection in 2016-2017 (although Dinarolacerta mosorensis is – Gvozdenović and Iković 2022), which permits potentially negative anthropogenic development (building tourist resorts etc). The threats recorded at site in Montenegro suggest that local protection of this species should be increased to prevent further anthropogenic changes.