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