Reptiles & Amphibians

Reptiles and Amphibians
The region contains 31 species of reptile and Amphibians, including chameleon, tortoise, and several species of snakes, lizards, frogs, and toads. Viperidae: The vipers are represented in Lebanon by 3 species found in various locations and altitudes. All these snakes are venomous and their bites may cause death. They become normally active at the end of the day and through the night. At high altitudes, they are active during the day especially early and late in their activity and breeding season..

Salamandridae
Salamandra infraimmaculata
infraimmaculata
Fire Salamander
Salamandre de fer
Arouset Al-Ain

Adult size (approx.):20cm
Status: abundant
Habitat: damp woodland with aquatic habitats, 0 – 1500m
Observation: evening, at night or when it rains

Bufonidae
Buo cf. bufo
Common European toad
Crapaud Commun
Oljoum

Adult size (approx.): 12 cm
Status: fragmented distribution
Habitat: Rocky river banks.400-1000m
Observation: Mostly at night, occasionally daytime

Bufonidae
Bufo viridis
Green toad
Crapaud vert
Oljoum Akhdar

Adult size (approx.): 10cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Aquatic, moist habitat, 0-2100m
Observation: Most of the year, except in cold months, especially at night

Hylidae
Hyla savignyi
Middle East tree frog
Rainette verte
Dafdaa el shajar

Adult size 3-5 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: varied, most often near water
Observation: day time, most of the year except the coldest months

Colubridae
Eirenis levantinus
Levant Snake
Couleuvre
Barsha

Adult size (approx.): 60-75 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Varied, 0-1500m
Observation: Day

Chamaeleonidae
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
Mediterranean Chameleon
Chameleon
Herbaya

Adult size (approx.): 20 cm
Status: Few. (Globally endangered species)
Habitat: Woodland (on trees), 0-1300m
Observation: Day, in warm seasons

Colubridae
Elaphe sauromates
Barouk rat snake
Serpent de barouk
Hanash Al-Barouk

Adult size (approx.):150cm
Status: Limited local distribution
Habitat: Shrubland, Forest, 1400m – 1800m
Observation: Day

Lacertidae
Phoenicolacertakulzeri
Mount Lebanon Rock Lizard
Lézard des murailles
Saqqaya Jabaliyyeh

Adult size (approx.): 10-15 cm
Status: Abundant at high altitudes (Globally threatened species) Endemic species Habitat: Rocky slopes and plateaus, trees (cedars), 1400-2100m Observation: Day

Agamidae
Laudakia stellio stellio
Agama
Agame
Hardun

Adult size (approx.): 20-22 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Rocky areas, woodlands, 0-2000m
Observation: Warm sunny days

Lacertidae
Phoenicolacerta laevis
Common wall lizard
Lézard des murailles
Saqqaya, Shimmaysse

Adult size (approx.): 6-8 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Moist habitats, Walls, trees, rocks, 0-1450 m
Observation: day

Colubridae
Macrovipera lebetina
Levant viper
Vipère
Afaa

Adult size (approx.): 200cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Woodlands and shrublands, 0-1300m
Observation: day/night depending on season

Colubridae
Malpolon monspessulanus
Montpellier Snake
Couleuvre de Montpelier
Hanash Ahmar

Adult size (approx.): 180cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Sunny shrub land and open fields, 0 – 1600m
Observation: Day

Colubridae
Natrix tessellate tessellata
Water snake
Couleuvre tessele
Hayyet May

Adult size (approx.):150 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Ponds, marshes, rivers, 0-1500m
Observation: Day

Viperidae
Montivipera bornmuelleri
Lebanon Mountain Viper
Vipère du Mont Liban
Afaa Al-Jabal

Adult size (approx.): 60 cm
Status: Endemic; Abundant at high altitudes (Globally threatened species) Habitat: Rocky and mountain vegetation (Jord), 1500-2000m
Observation: Day

Lacertidae
Ophisops elegans
Snake – eyed lizard
Lézard à oeil de serpent
Shemmaysse

Adult size (approx.): 15 cm
Status: Abundant
Habitat: Dry shrub and open woodland, 0 – 1500 m
Observation: Day