Application of the comet assay, micronucleus test and global DNA methylation analysis in Darevskia lizards as a sentinel organism for genotoxic monitoring of soil pollution

•Darevskia rock lizards were tested as a model for in situ genetic monitoring.•Comet assay results show elevated genetic damage in lizards from polluted sites.•Global DNA methylation results show decreased levels in lizards from polluted sites.•DNA damage and global methylation in lizards correlate with metal content in soil.•Age influences DNA damage and global DNA methylation, while sex has no effects.