The taxonomic status of the subspecies Podarcis waglerianus marettimensis from Marettimo Island needs to be clarified.

This European endemic species is restricted to Sicily and some adjacent islands. It is assessed as Least Concern globally and for the EU 27 Member States in view of its wide distribution, tolerance of a broad range of habitats, presumed large population, and because it is unlikely to be declining fast enough to qualify for listing in a threatened category.

This species is endemic to Italy in Europe. It occurs on the island of Sicily, where it is widespread but largely absent from the northeast (Speybroeck et al. 2016), and is also present on the Aegadian Islands (Favignana, Levanzo and Marettimo), on Isola Grande dello Stagnone, and on Isolotto Maraone. It possibly occurs up to 1,500 m asl; Arnold and Ovenden (2002) indicate a highest known elevation of 1,200 m asl.

It is a relatively common species and generally has a stable population, except perhaps some subpopulations on the smaller islands.

This is a largely terrestrial species found in areas of scrubland, woodland edges and clearings, pasture, cultivated land and rural gardens. It prefers grassy areas and those with a dense herb layer (Speybroeck et al. 2016). The females lay clutches of two to six eggs, and two clutches may be laid in a year (Speybroeck et al. 2016). It co-occurs with the Italian Wall Lizard (Podarcis siculus), but is less common than this species around human habitation (Speybroeck et al. 2016).

There appears to be some competition and hybridisation with the Italian Wall Lizard and the Marettimo subspecies (Arnold and Ovenden 2002). The subpopulation on Sicily is also threatened by competition and hybridisation with P. siculus. A number of insular populations (including that on Marettimo Island) might be threatened or declining, possibly due to invasive predators.

There is no significant use of or trade in this species.

This species is listed on Annex II of the Bern Convention. It presumably occurs in some protected areas.