Two lacertid lizards belonging to the genus Podarcis are found in Low Guadalquivir. P. carbonelli is ecologically (in terms of vegetation and humidity) and geographically restricted and vulnerable to extinction whereas P. vauchei is widespread in Southern Iberia. Here, we propose analysing the thermal and hydric requirements of both species (both at adult and egg stages) in order to construct mechanistic distribution models. In comparison with the usual models based on correlation with environmental variables, such ecophysiological models are expected to have higher predictive value and to be more extrapolable to novel situations (i.e. climate change, declining/expanding species, competition). This novel, integrative approach is expected to provide insights for the conservation or such species and also be applicable to other organisms.