Reptiles and Amphibians 🐍

    Since wetlands are known to be inhabited by such diverse fauna it would be weird not to include reptiles and amphibians. Some of them are very commonly associated with wetlands - like frogs and toads; but there are also some less obvious ones like wetland-specific snakes.

Lets take a look on some of the chosen reptiles and amphibians!

Reptiles

Grass snake. Source: Private archives.

Grass snake (Natrix natrix) - a non-venomous snake common in almost entire Europe. Females are bigger than males - reaching up to 1.5m in length while the latter ones having up to 1m in length. They feed on amphibians, fish and small rodents, swallowing them without killing them beforehand. In captivity they can live up to 15 years. They play dead when threatened and are incredible swimmers and divers which makes water habitats attractive for them. It is under partial protection.

European pond turtle. Source.

European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) - the only species of turtles occuring naturaly in the country. Their size can reach up to 20cm. Even though European pond turtle is capable of breathing atmospheric oxygen, the only time it leaves water is when females lay eggs. They fancy hard-to-reach areas with abundant vegetation and are very easily scared. They can spend up to even 1 hour underwater without surfacing. It is under strict protection and labeled as critically endangered.

Amphibians:

Great crested newt. Source.

Great crested newt (Triturus cristatus) - is a reptile that can lead both, aquatic and terrestrial lifestyle. It chooses places with still water, plentiful vegetation and lacking fish. It is not capable of making any sounds - the main way of communication for this species is bodily movement which includes elaborate mating dances and rituals. Their name (both, in English and Polish) comes from the impressive, jagged crest developed by males on their dorsal side during mating season. It is under strict protection due to the population decrease caused by habitat loss.

European green toad. Source: Private archives.

European green toad (Bufotes viridis) - a very common toad in Central and Eastern Europe, Northern Africa and western parts of Asia. Females reach about 10cm in size while males reach about 8cm. Skin colored from yellowish, to light and dark gray, is spotted with dark green irregular marks. It is very tolerant when it comes to habitats and lives in wild forests, urban areas, fountains, wetlands, garden ponds and even in deserts, however it needs to visit bodies of water regularly to make up for the water loss. During the mating season they are extremely loud and persistent with their calls. It is under strict protection.

Pool frog. Source.

Pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae) - it is a relatively small frog (5-7cm in size) with a preference towards smaller waterbodies. It is green in color with dark spots on its body. It is a diurnal species often spending days in direct sunlight on the shores. When threatened, it jumps into water, hiding in the mud. It feeds on insects, especially flies, but pool frog is also known to eat small salamanders. It is under partial protection.