Spain is home to a rich diversity of reptile and amphibian species, with over 70 species of reptiles and 30 species of amphibians recorded. Some of the most iconic reptiles found in Spain include the Iberian viper, the ocellated lizard, and the Hermann’s tortoise. Spain is also home to a number of endemic species, such as the Montseny brook newt and the Spanish painted frog. The country’s varied landscapes, which range from mountains and forests to wetlands and coastal areas, provide habitats for a wide range of reptile and amphibian species. However, many of these species are threatened due to habitat loss and climate change. Overall, Spain’s reptile and amphibian diversity is a reflection of the country’s rich natural heritage and highlights the importance of conservation efforts to protect these species.
Spanish: Eslizón Ibérico Scientific: Chalcides bedriagai English: Bedriagas Skink French: Scinque iberique German: Iberische Walzenskink Italian: Lo scinco di bedriaga Portuguese: Cobra-de-pernas-pentadáctila Description Bedriaga’s skink, a small reptile with four visible limbs, although very short (almost atrophied) with 5 digits to each. To move quickly, it holds its limbs against its body and moves like … Read more
Spanish: Galápago leproso Scientific: Mauremys leprosa English: Mediterranean Pond Terrapin French: Émyde lépreuse German: Spanische Wasserschildkröte Italian: Tartaruga palustre iberica Portuguese: Cágado-mediterrânico Description The shell of the Mediterranean pond terrapin is olive, brown or grey. The limbs are short and stout, with orange or yellow lines that fade in the older specimens. The carapace normally … Read more
Spanish: Galápago europeo Scientific: Emys orbicularis English: European Pond Terrapin French: Cistude d’Europe, German: Europäische Sumpfschildkröte Italian: Testuggine palustre Portuguese: Cágado-de-carapaça-estriada Description The shell of the European pond terrapin has a black coloured background with yellow radial lines or spots in each plate. This basic scheme is variable, with specimens that have a lighter background … Read more
Spanish name: Salamanquesa Común Scientific name: Tarentola mauritanica English: Moorish Gecko French: Tarente de Maurétanie German: Mauergecko Italian: Geco comune Portuguese: Osga-moura Similar species: Turkish Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) Description The moorish gecko is a small reptile that can reach 16 cm (6¼ inches) in length – including the tail. Its body is robust and flattened … Read more