Reptiles and Amphibians of Spain

Spain hosts over 70 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians, many of which are unique to the Iberian Peninsula. Iconic reptiles include the Iberian viper, ocellated lizard, and Hermann’s tortoise. Amphibians such as the Spanish painted frog and the Montseny brook newt highlight the region’s endemic richness. From wetlands and coastal zones to forests and mountains, Spain’s varied landscapes provide vital habitats for these species. Yet, habitat loss and climate change threaten their survival, making conservation crucial to protect this remarkable diversity.

Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longissima or Zamenis longissimus) Culebra de esculapio

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Aesculapian Snake (Elaphe longissima or Zamenis longissimus) Culebra de esculapio
  • Non-Venomous
  • Scientific: Elaphe longissima (Laurenti, 1768) or Zamenis longissimus.
  • English: Aesculapian Snake.
  • Spanish: Culebra de Esculapio.
  • Basque: Eskulapioren sugea.
  • Catalan: Serp d’Esculapi.
  • Family: Colubridae.
  • Distribution: northeastern Spain (mainly areas in or bordering Pyrenees), northern and central France, southern Switzerland, northern and central Italy, western Sardinia, and practically entire Balkans and central eastern Europe from eastern Austria and Slovakia southwards and eastwards, as far as Moldova

The Aesculapian Snake is a species of Elaphe, a genus of snakes traditionally found in Eurasia, northern Africa and North America, although some authorities have now split the genus into smaller groups. Some also consider Elaphe longissima to be a species of Zamenis instead, but the traditional species name looks set to be around for a while yet.

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Viperine Snake (Natrix maura) Culebra viperina

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Viperine Snake (Natrix maura) Culebra viperina 1

Non-Venomous and although the name suggest a viper, the viperine snake is not poisionous and like most snakes, avoids human contact when it can.

  • Scientific: Natrix maura.
  • Castilian: Culebra viperina.
  • Catalan: Serp d’aigua.
  • Portuguese: Cobra-de-água-viperina.
  • Family: Colubridae.
  • Distribution: Found in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa. Portugal, Spain, France and northernwest Italy. Also found in African countries of Morocco, northern Algeria, northwestern Libya, and northern to central Tunisia.
Video of a viperine snake

Here´s a short video from Sue at Nature Plus Grazalema of a viperine snake

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Tortoises in Spain

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Tortoise in Spain

Spain is home to two species of tortoises: the Spur-thighed tortoise, Testudo graeca, (La Tortuga Mora) and Hermann’s tortoise, Testudo hermanni (La tortuga mediterránea).

The Spur-thighed tortoise has three separate populations in southwestern Spain (Parque Nacional de Doñana), southeastern Spain (provinces of Murcia and Almeria), and northwestern Mallorca.

Hermann’s tortoise inhabits the northeastern corner of the country (Catalonia), the southern part of Mallorca, and most of Minorca.

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Iberian spiny toad – Bufo spinosus – Sapo comun Ibérico

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Iberian common toad - Bufo spinosus - Sapo comun Ibérico

A relatively large toad with a total maximum length of about 21cm, though males are rather smaller at 9-10cm and the average female is 15cm. The head is longer than wide, with a short rounded snout, and the area between the eyes is either flat or concave. The tympanum is barely visible, measuring about half the diameter of the eye. The fingers are short, the third being the longest, followed by the the first and then the second and fourth, these latter two being of equal length. There are two tubercles on the palms. The toes are relatively long and flattened.

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