Reptiles and Amphibians of Spain

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 Psammodromus (Psammodromus hispanicus) Lagartija cenicienta

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Spanish Psammodromus (Psammodromus hispanicus) Lagartija cenicienta

English: Spanish Psammodromus / Sandrunner Scientific: Psammodromus hispanicus hispanicus Spanish: Lagartija cenicienta Portuguese: Lagartixo-do-mato-ibérico Family: Lacertidae Distribution: Iberia, Western and central Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal). (Absent from most of north and all of north-west.) The northernmost populations were known in the 1980s from Orense, León, Tarragona, Barcelona and Gerona. Subspecies: Eastern Psammodromus hispanicus edwardsianus … Read more

Lataste’s Viper – Vipera latastei – Vibora hocicuda

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vipera latastei – vibora hocicuda

English: Lataste’s Viper Scientific: Vipera latastei Spanish: Vibora hocicuda French: Vipère de Lataste German: Stülpnasenotter Italian: Vipera di Lataste Portuguese: cobra-cornuda Distribution: Iberian Peninsula (except extreme north), North Africa VENOMOUS (If bitten seek immediate medical attention) Characterized by its dorsal markings the Lataste’s Viper – Vipera latastei – Vibora hocicudaa has a clear edged dark … Read more

Lilford’s wall lizard

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Lilford's wall lizard

Lilford’s wall lizard (Podarcis lilfordi ) is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to the Balearic Islands, Spain. Spanish: Lagartija balear Its natural habitats are temperate Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, rocky areas, and rocky shores. Originally distributed throughout the Balearics, the introduction of alien species which started with the Romans … Read more

Western Three-toed Skink

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chalcides striatus – eslizón tridáctilo – western three-toed skink

Spanish: Eslizón tridáctilo Scientific: Chalcides striatus English: Western Three-toed Skink French: Scinque à trois doigts German: Westliche Erzschleiche Italian: Luscengola striata Portuguese: Cobra-de-pernas-tridáctila Description Notable in the Western Three-toed Skink is the elongated serpent like body, often reaching lengths around 30 cm in total (12 inches). An intact tail can be longer than the head-body … Read more