Species
MAMMALS
Common Name
Golden Jackal
Scientific Name
Canis aureus
Habitat
Scrublands, wetlands and dense forests.
diet
Omnivorous; composed of carrion, poultry, rodents and fruits such as figs.
Description
Medium-sized canid, short fluffy tail, golden and brown fur colouration.
size
69-85 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Mature offspring often stay another year with their parents to help raise the next generation by providing food and security to the mother and newborn pups.
Common Name
Wild Boar
Scientific Name
Sus scrofa
Habitat
Wild Boars can live in a diverse range of habitats due to its flexible diet. They can be found in deciduous and broad-leafed forests, savannas, and even deserts.
diet
Flexible omnivores that eat grass, leaves, nuts, berries, seeds, roots, insects, reptiles and amphibians.
Description
Bulky, thick-set bodies with short, thin legs, black hooves, and a medium-length tail. Dark brown or black with a thick and bristly coat. Their necks are short and stocky, with heads that take up a third of their body length. The eyes are small and deep-set, and the ears are long and broad. Both sexes have tusks, although males have more pronounced canines that grow throughout their lives. Male canines point out and upwards, while female canines point out and downwards.
size
63-120 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Males develop a subcutaneous layer of tissue during breeding periods. This tissue covers the outermost muscles in the boar’s lateral shoulder region and protects males during fights for breeding opportunities. The upper tusks are referred to as whetters and are primarily used to sharpen the lower tusks.
Common Name
Beech Marten
Scientific Name
Martes foina
Habitat
Open forested areas, dense pine forests and rocky outcroppings.
diet
Omnivores, mainly consuming small mammals, insects and fruit whose diet is largely influenced by food availability due to seasonal changes.
Description
Long slender build, long fluffy tail. They have a grayish-brown coat with a white patch of fur covering their throat and extending to their forelegs. They have a light pink colored nose and widely spaced, rounded ears.
size
42-48 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Beech Marten are typically solitary animals except during mating season. They hunt and forage at night. During the day, they rest in tree hollows, abandoned buildings, or burrows. They are resistant to bee and wasp stings, allowing them to harvest honey unharmed.
Common Name
Least Weasel
Scientific Name
Mustela nivalis
Habitat
Dense forests with rocky outcrops and soft soil.
diet
Carnivorous; primarily small rodents, especially voles and mice.
Description
Long, slender with a short tail, brown coat colouration.
size
114-260 mm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They are the smallest carnivorous mammal in the world. They are known for their high metabolism and need to eat frequently.
BIRDS
Common Name
Barn swallow
Scientific Name
Hirundo rustica
Habitat
Villages, cities and cliffs.
diet
Insectivores, feeding on various small insects.
Description
Small migratory birds that build nests made out of mud and saliva in the corners of buildings. They have a white chest, black head, red throat and black back.
size
18cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They can be differentiated from martins and swifts by their signature V-shaped tails.
Common Name
Black-winged Stilt
Scientific Name
Himantopus himantopus
Habitat
Frequently found in shallow fresh, brackish or salt water (lagoons, saltpans, estuaries). Migratory birds generally spend winter in Africa. Nests are lined with scrapes on an islet or near water. Occasionally, they will create a raised mound of vegetation in shallow water.
diet
Carnivorous, mainly feeding on insects and crustaceans but may also eat tadpoles, molluscs, worms, and spiders.
Description
Straight black bill, long reddish-pink legs, and black and white plumage. Known for their high-pitched, repetitive calls.
size
33-36 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Nest in colonies, often with other wading birds, and build ground nests near water. They play a key role in maintaining wetland ecosystems by helping control insect populations.
Common Name
Common Chaffinch
Scientific Name
Fringilla coelebsa
Habitat
Breeds in all types of woodlands, parks and gardens. More commonly found in open woods than dense forests. They build nests in tree forks, camouflaged on the outside with lichens and moss.
diet
Ground feeders, preferring to forage for seeds, fruit, berries and insects in the grass.
Description
Has a slim build and has a longer tail (compared to the House Sparrow). Usually easily recognised by their double white wing-bar, white tail-sides and grey-green rump. Males have a rusty-red head and breast; their crown and nape are blue-grey. Females/Juveniles have a grey-green head with a faint brown tinge, and greyish-white lower bodies.
size
14-16 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Named “coelebs” (Latin for bachelor) because males and females often migrate separately. They become very territorial during breeding; males sing to defend their territories.
Common Name
Common Swift
Scientific Name
Apus apus
Habitat
Cities, towns and cliffs.
diet
Insectivore, feeding on aerial insects and spiders, catching them mid-air.
Description
The Common Swift is recognisable in flight by its silhouette, its look and its dark plumage. The bird has a big head with a hunched neck, long scythe-like wings and a pointed tail. The plumage of the adult is generally sooty black with a lighter throat. At close and very good light, the underside of the body appears slightly mottled. The remiges and the rectrices have a glossy appearance, which makes them appear lighter in underside view, especially when the ground reflects strong light.
size
17 cm
status (iucn)
Near threatened.
further information
They are among the fastest flying birds, reaching speeds over 110 km/h in level flight. They migrate between Europe and sub-Saharan Africa, covering thousands of kilometres. They can stay airborne for up to 10 months straight without landing.
Common Name
Crested Lark
Scientific Name
Galerida cristata
Habitat
Lives in open areas, marshes, and in agricultural fields.
diet
Mostly grains and cereals but also some insects like beetles.
Description
Small bird with light brown feathers and a signature crest, easily identifiable by its song.
size
17 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Mostly sedentary, meaning it tends to stay in the same area all year-round.
Common Name
Eleonora’s Falcon
Scientific Name
Falco eleonorae
Habitat
Nests in cliffs near the Mediterranean Sea, spends the winter in Madagascar and 80% of the population breeds in Greece.
diet
This bird of prey eats insects most of the year, but switches to small migrating birds during the breeding season.
Description
Medium-sized bird of prey, with slim wings that appear curved backwards while in flight and a long tail. Most individuals are dark with a light spotted chest and a white face with black moustaches, but some individuals are completely black with just a yellow ring around the eye.
size
36-42 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Known to remove flight feathers from captured birds and store them alive in rock crevices for later consumption—a rare behaviour among birds of prey.
Common Name
Eurasian Hoopoe
Scientific Name
Upupa epops
Habitat
Nests in rock or tree cavities, requiring an open environment with barren soil.
diet
Solely insectivores, feeding on beetles, crickets, locusts, and antlions.
Description
The Eurasian Hoopoe is immediately recognisable by its orangeish plumage, black and white wings and tail, long erect crest and curved beak. The three species of hoopoe look very similar, and their differences are subtle. The Eurasian Hoopoe can be distinguished by its black wing bars crossed with white (wholly black in its South African counterpart), and the white subterminal zone of the crest feathers.
size
32 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Females and chicks produce a foul-smelling secretion to deter predators; chicks can also hiss and squirt faeces at potential predators.
Common Name
Eurasian Jay
Scientific Name
Garrulus glandarius
Habitat
Breeds in various types of woodlands, both coniferous and deciduous. Prefers areas with acorns, secondarily beech nuts and hornbeam seeds, which are stored in autumn as winter food. Mostly resident, but northern populations migrate south and southwest during autumn.
diet
Omnivores, winter diet includes nuts and seeds, while the summer diet consists of eggs and other small infant birds.
Description
Plumage is pinkish-brown on the body, black tail, white rump, and a distinctive blue-and-black barred patch on the wings. A prominent crest on the head that is often raised when the bird is excited or alarmed.
size
32-35 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Known for hoarding acorns in the ground during autumn, which it retrieves in winter. This behaviour contributes to forest regeneration, as forgotten acorns can sprout into new trees.
Common Name
European Bee-eater
Scientific Name
Merops apiaster
Habitat
Nests in muddy cliffs or river banks, and hunt near water.
diet
Insectivores specialised in hunting various species of bees and wasps.
Description
The European Bee-eater is a striking migratory bird that journeys from Africa to Europe in spring and returns in autumn. Renowned as one of Europe’s most colourful birds, they boast vibrant blue, yellow, and orange feathers. It has a distinctive silhouette, marked by pointed wings and a curved beak. They have an iconic melodious sound when flying in flocks up in the sky.
size
28 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
During the breeding season, the European Bee-eater is monogamous, with both parents feeding the chicks. They remove the stingers of bees and wasps by rubbing the insects against a perch to squeeze out venom before eating.
Common Name
Great Tit
Scientific Name
Parus major
Habitat
Widespread across Europe, parts of Asia, and North Africa. Occupies a variety of environments, including deciduous and mixed woodlands, parks, gardens, and hedgerows. It is a common visitor to bird feeders and readily uses nest boxes.
diet
Omnivorous; primarily insectivorous during spring and summer, feeding on insects and spiders. In autumn and winter, diet shifts to include seeds, nuts, and berries.
Description
right yellow underparts with a distinctive black central stripe; glossy black head and throat; white cheeks; olive-green back; and bluish-grey wings and tail. Sexes are similar, males typically have a broader black stripe down the belly compared to females. Females are often somewhat paler yellow and has narrower and often broken black line.
size
4-15cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Possesses a diverse repertoire of calls and songs, with up to 40 distinct vocalisations.
Common Name
Greater Flamingo
Scientific Name
Phoenicopterus roseus
Habitat
Found in salt marshes near the ocean.
diet
Filter feeders that feed with their heads upside down, using specialised lamellae (comb-like structures) in their bills to filter out food from the water.
Description
Very peculiar and unmistakable bird, it gets its pink colour from its diet, mainly composed of shrimps. It is the largest flamingo species, although it might appear white sometimes, the pink colour is visible when in flight.
size
120-145 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Once they pair up, flamingos often stay with the same mate for a season and build mud mound nests to lay a single white egg.
Common Name
House Sparrow
Scientific Name
Passer domesticus
Habitat
Breeds in proximity to humans, both rural and urban areas. Prefers cavities in buildings, nest boxes, and other sheltered locations.
diet
Omnivorous; primarily consumes seeds and grains but also eats insects, especially during the breeding season.
Description
Males exhibit grey crowns, black bibs, and chestnut napes, while females and juveniles are more uniformly brown and grey.
size
14-16 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Originally from Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, and much of Asia. Now found across the Americas, sub-Saharan Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
Common Name
Little Owl
Scientific Name
Athene noctua
Habitat
Widespread across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Asia, extending east to Korea and south to North Africa. Prefers open landscapes such as farmland with hedgerows, orchards, woodland edges, and even urban areas. Often found in regions with scattered trees and structures suitable for nesting.
diet
Insects, small amphibians and snakes and other birds.
Description
Features a flat-topped head, bright yellow eyes, and a compact body. Its plumage is generally brown with white spots and streaks, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
size
Length 23-28cm, wingspan 50-57 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
In ancient Greek mythology, the Little Owl was sacred to the goddess Athena, symbolizing wisdom. This association is reflected in its scientific name, Athene noctua.
Common Name
Ruddy Shelduck
Scientific Name
Tadorna ferruginea
Habitat
Found across southeastern Europe, Central Asia, and parts of North Africa. Breeding populations are present in countries such as Turkey, Iran, and India, with some wintering in the Indian subcontinent. Prefers inland freshwater, saline, and brackish lakes, rivers, and open country, particularly in open steppe and upland plateau regions.
diet
Omnivorous, primarily consuming plant material such as grasses, grains, young shoots of terrestrial plants, and aquatic plants. It also feeds on small terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, and occasionally small fish and amphibians.
Description
Features bright orange-brown plumage with a pale head and neck. The male has a narrow black collar at the base of the neck, while the female’s head is paler and lacks the collar. Both sexes display white wing-coverts and contrasting black flight feathers.
size
Length 58-70 cm, Wingspan 110-135 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Primarily nocturnal, often seen in pairs or small groups. It can be aggressive towards others during the breeding season. Produces a series of loud, nasal honking notes, with discernible differences between the male and female calls.
Common Name
Sardinian Warbler
Scientific Name
Sylvia melanocephala
Habitat
Found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, including southern Europe, North Africa, and the Canary Islands. Prefers dense scrubland, coastal scrub, open woodlands with gorse, olive and almond plantations, and gardens.
diet
Omnivorous; feeding on insects such as beetles, caterpillars, moths, and spiders. But also fruits during autumn and winter.
Description
They often adopt a crouched posture with their head lowered. Males (from August) feature a black head, white throat, grey back, and red eye-ring. Female plumage is generally duller, with a grey head, white throat, and buff-colored underparts.
size
13-14cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Builds nests in low shrubs or brambles. Eggs are variable in colour, ranging from pinkish to white with reddish or olive-brown speckles.
Common Name
Scopoli’s Shearwater
Scientific Name
Calonectris d. diomedea
Habitat
Nests on rocky islands and steep coasts across the Mediterranean. After breeding, Scopoli’s Shearwaters migrate to the tropical eastern Atlantic.
diet
Primarily feeds on fish and squid, often foraging near the ocean surface. It is also known to scavenge behind fishing boats for scraps.
Description
It has a robust and rounded head. It exhibits a dull colouration, with grayish-brown colours in the upper areas that reach the lower part of the beak. The underparts are almost entirely white, except for the outer edge of the wings, which is dark. It has a yellowish beak with a blackish tip. There are no appreciable differences between sexes or ages.
size
Length 45-52 cm, Wingspan 112-122 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
The species is nocturnal at its breeding sites, returning to nests under the cover of darkness to avoid predators.
Common Name
Short-toed Snake Eagle
Scientific Name
Circaetus gallicus
Habitat
European populations migrate to sub-Saharan Africa during the winter months, typically leaving in September and returning in April or May. Prefers open, arid landscapes with sparse vegetation, such as cultivated plains, semi-desert areas, and foothills. It requires tall trees for nesting and open habitats for foraging.
diet
Specialises in hunting reptiles, primarily snakes, but also consumes lizards and occasionally small mammals.
Description
This eagle exhibits a predominantly white underside with greyish-brown upperparts. It has a broad, rounded head with yellow eyes and a distinctive owl-like appearance. The tail is banded with 3–4 dark bars.
size
Length 62-69 cm, Wingspan 162-178 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Builds nests in tall trees, often on slopes or hilltops. In Europe, breeding occurs from April to June. The female lays a single egg, which is incubated for about 40–47 days. The chick remains in the nest for 60–80 days before fledging.
Common Name
White wagtail
Scientific Name
Motacilla alba
Habitat
Found across most of Europe and Asia; winters in North Africa and southern Asia. Prefers open areas near water, including riverbanks, meadows, farms, and urban settings. Commonly seen walking or running on the ground.
diet
Feed mainly on flies, beetles, caterpillars, and other small invertebrates.
Description
Slender bird with a long, constantly wagging tail. Males in breeding plumage have a white face, black bib, grey back, and black cap. Females and juveniles are paler.
size
18 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Northern populations are migratory; southern ones may be resident or partially migratory.
REPTILES
Common Name
Anatolian rock lizard
Scientific Name
Anatololacerta anatolica
Habitat
Found in western Anatolia (Turkey) and on adjacent Aegean islands, including Samos and Ikaria. Prefers rocky areas in open woodlands, Mediterranean forests, shrublands, dry stone walls, cultivated fields, and olive groves. It is often associated with rocky outcrops, cliffs, boulders, and dry-stone walls.
diet
Insectivorous, feeding primarily on insects such as beetles and spiders, as well as arachnids, small invertebrates, and various larvae.
Description
Exhibits a dark olive-brown base colour with pale dorsolateral spots that may merge into lines. The throat can be reddish, while the underparts are pale with occasional dark spots on the flanks. The tail of juveniles is often bright blue. Males and females may display different colouration patterns, with males often having more vivid hues.
size
24 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
This lizard grows to a snout-to-vent length of about 7.5 centimetres with a tail twice as long as its body.
Common Name
Balkan green lizard
Scientific Name
Lacerta trilineata
Habitat
Prefers areas with dense vegetation, ranging from sea level up to elevations of at least 1500 meters. Common habitats include Mediterranean-type shrublands, rural gardens, plantations, and areas with abundant ground cover.
diet
Feeds mainly on large invertebrates such as snails, beetles and grasshoppers, but also on small lizards and mammals.
Description
One of the largest lizards in its genus. Adults display a bright green hue with fine black speckles. Males frequently show bright blue heads in the spring. Juveniles are typically brown with three yellowish longitudinal stripes along the back, a feature that gives the species its name “trilineata“.
size
50 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Diurnal and highly active, often seen basking in the sun or swiftly moving through vegetation. When threatened, it can detach its tail (autotomy) to escape predators, with the tail regenerating over time.
Common Name
Caspian whipsnake
Scientific Name
Dolichophis caspius
Habitat
Inhabits open, grassy areas with sparse shrubbery, rocky riverbanks, and sometimes human-altered environments like gardens and cemeteries. Found in warm and sunny biotopes.
diet
Diurnal, a generalist predator feeding on small mammals, birds, lizards, and other snakes. Its role in controlling rodent populations makes it beneficial for agriculture.
Description
These are large, powerful snakes that have a silver-grey to light brown colour, with adults becoming orange or copper with age. Juveniles have large dark transverse bars on a part of the back and a light longitudinal stripe in the middle of the neck, often forming a cross with the mantle and the first lateral bar. The head of juveniles resembles young Balkan snakes.
size
100 – 160 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
When threatened, these snakes stand up and hiss, and can jump up to 1m. They are typically terrestrial, but can climb to more than 7 meters when in search of prey. The largest recorded specimen reached approximately 250 cm.
Common Name
Coin-marked snake
Scientific Name
Hemorrhois nummifer
Habitat
Inhabits a variety of environments, from arid deserts to Mediterranean woodlands and urban areas. Commonly found in rocky areas with limited water and sparse vegetation, as well as in ruins, stone walls, and agricultural lands.
diet
Opportunistic, its prey includes lizards but also various small mammals and birds.
Description
Features a robust body with a dorsal colouration ranging from grey to light brown, adorned with dark, coin-shaped spots along the back. The ventral side is generally lighter, often white or yellowish. The head is relatively broad with large eyes possessing round pupils, indicating its diurnal activity pattern.
size
Up to 160 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
When disturbed, it may flatten its head, making it resemble the Xantine viper.
Common Name
Common Chameleon
Scientific Name
Chamaeleo chamaeleon
Habitat
Found in southern Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. They inhabit a variety of environments such as pine forests, shrublands, plantations, and rural gardens. They are arboreal, often residing in trees and bushes. In Europe, confined to areas free of coastal frost, but up to 900m in Samos.
diet
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on various insects and arthropods. Larger individuals may also consume small vertebrates.
Description
Their skin colour varies widely, including shades of green, yellow, grey, and brown, often with stripes and spots. Colour changes are influenced by factors such as mood, temperature, and communication needs. They possess independently rotating eyes, allowing for a 360-degree field of vision, and a long, sticky tongue used to capture prey. Their feet are adapted for grasping branches, and they have a prehensile tail for balance.
size
Up to 30 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They are solitary creatures, typically maintaining individual territories. Females lay clutches of 20 to 50 eggs in self-dug holes in the ground. The eggs incubate over winter, with hatchlings emerging in the following summer.
Common Name
Dahl’s whip snake
Scientific Name
Platyceps najadum
Habitat
Inhabits a variety of environments, including dry rocky areas, open woodlands, scrublands, and agricultural fields, from sea level up to 2,200 meters in elevation.
diet
Diurnal, feeds on a diverse diet comprising insects, lizards, small mammals, and occasionally other snakes.
Description
Features a slim, elongated body with a greyish to brown dorsal colouration and a lighter ventral side. The head is distinct from the body, with large eyes and round pupils. Distinctive dark markings may be present on the head and neck regions.
size
Up to 120 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They are not venomous, although due to the absence of hooks, the bite can cause symptoms of poisoning if the skin has been pierced and the saliva has time to infiltrate it.
Common Name
Eastern Montpellier snake
Scientific Name
Malpolon insignitus
Habitat
Species typical of Mediterranean biotopes, combining sunny sites and wetter sites: scrubland and maquis, dunes, salt marshes, but also rocky slopes in hilly terrain. Also in anthropised environments such as quarries, agricultural land and even gardens in urban areas.
diet
Feed on a wide variety of prey such as reptiles, birds and mammals.
Description
Features a distinctively elongated head with prominent supraorbital scales, giving it a characteristic “eagle-like” appearance. The belly is usually pale yellow or whitish, sometimes with fine orange speckles. Males typically exhibit a uniform grey-green to bluish-grey dorsal colouration without the dark “saddle” marking seen in related species. Females and Juveniles display brownish tones with 2–3 longitudinal rows of dark spots or stripes along the back.
size
Up to 250 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They are venomous, although the hooks of the snakes are located at the back of the mouth. This reduces the possibility of injecting venom, which has a low toxicity.
Common Name
European cat snake
Scientific Name
Telescopus fallax
Habitat
All kinds of hot or rocky biotopes. Prefers dry, rocky areas with ample cover, including scrublands, stone walls, and ruins. Often found in Mediterranean-type environments and sometimes near human habitations. A lowland species, it can nevertheless be found below 1300m.
diet
Primarily preys on lizards, geckos, and small mammals. Its rear-fanged venom is used to subdue prey.
Description
Features a light brown to grey base colour with dark dorsal spots or bands. The head is distinct and flattened, with vertical slit pupils reminiscent of a cat’s eyes.
size
Up to 100 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Venomous, but there are no known cases of human envenomation. The hooks located on the rear reduce the possibilities of venom injection, and their toxicity is too low to cause visible symptoms. Nocturnal species.
Common Name
European copper skink
Scientific Name
Ablepharus kitaibelii
Habitat
Wide variety of arid habitats, but normally on sites offering low vegetation or leaf litter for shelter, such as meadows, grassy slopes, and forest edges. More common in the plains, but can be found up to 1800m.
diet
Small invertebrates.
Description
Slim, snake-like body covered with shiny rounded scales that are a dark metallic brown colour.
size
Up to 12 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Unlike many other lizards, the European copper skink belongs to a group called Ablepharinae, meaning it lacks movable eyelids. Instead, their eyes are protected by a transparent scale like snakes.
Common Name
European ratsnake
Scientific Name
Zamenis situla
Habitat
Prefers Mediterranean-type environments such as shrubby vegetation, pasturelands, plantations, and rural gardens. Often found near human settlements, including barns and gardens, likely due to the abundance of rodent prey.
diet
Hunts small rodents, which constitute the bulk of its diet. They can climb walls, bushes and trees to hunt birds and lizards.
Description
Its base colour ranges from grey to tan, and it features a distinctive Y-shaped marking on the back of its head. It has a striking pattern with a series of reddish-brown blotches bordered in black along its back.
size
Up to 100 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Generally shy and non-aggressive, when threatened, it may vibrate its tail as a warning.
Common Name
Grass snake
Scientific Name
Natrix natrix
Habitat
Prefers wetland habitats such as ponds, lakes, rivers, and marshes. Also found in forests, grasslands, and gardens, especially those near water sources.
diet
Feeds primarily on amphibians like frogs and toads. Occasionally consumes fish, small mammals, and birds. Swallows prey whole without constriction.
Description
Typically dark green or brown with a distinctive yellow or whitish collar behind the head, earning it the nickname “ringed snake. Colour variations include grey to black, with darker hues more common in cooler regions. The underside is whitish with irregular black markings, useful for individual identification.
size
Up to 150 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
When threatened, may hiss, release a foul-smelling secretion, or play dead by flipping onto its back with mouth open and tongue hanging out.
![Natrix natrix (Grass snake) [J]](https://archipelago.gr/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Natrix-natrix-Grass-snake-J.jpg)
Common Name
Greek tortoise
Scientific Name
Testudo graeca
Habitat
Occupies a variety of environments, from arid scrublands and grasslands to Mediterranean forests. These tortoises thrive in areas with ample sunlight and sparse vegetation, which facilitates their basking and foraging behaviours.
diet
Primarily feeds on a variety of herbaceous plants, grasses, and succulent vegetation. They may occasionally consume small invertebrates or carrion, but this is not a significant part of their diet.
Description
Their domed carapace varies in colour from yellow to brown, often adorned with dark blotches or patterns that provide camouflage in their natural habitats. Named for the small, conical spurs located on each thigh, a characteristic feature of this species.
size
Up to 30 cm
status (iucn)
Vulnerable.
further information
Renowned for their long lifespans, Greek tortoises can live over 100 years in the wild, with some individuals reportedly reaching ages of 125 years or more.
Common Name
Javelin sand boa
Scientific Name
Eryx jaculus
Habitat
Prefers dry environments such as sandy or rocky hills, semi-desert coastal areas, dunes, and light Mediterranean forests with low vegetation.
diet
Juveniles tend to forage actively for lizard eggs, while adults, especially females, often employ ambush tactics to capture small mammals.
Description
They possess a stout body with a short, blunt tail. Their coloration varies from brownish-green to gray, adorned with darker blotches. The belly is usually white or yellowish, sometimes speckled with darker spots.
size
70 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Specific details about their breeding habits are limited, but like other boas, they are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young.
Common Name
Legless lizard
Scientific Name
Pseudopus apodus
Habitat
They inhabit dry, grassy areas with good cover like grasslands, scrubby hillsides, woodland edges, and rocky slopes. They prefer areas with dense vegetation offering both sunning spots and quick retreat options.
diet
Primarily consume large insects, snails, slugs, earthworms, small rodents, bird eggs, and smaller lizards.
Description
Snake-like in appearance, with a robust, cylindrical body. It has a wedge-shaped head with movable eyelids, external ear openings, and a distinctive lateral fold running along each side. Colouration ranges from beige and tan to brown or grey, often with darker flecks, providing excellent camouflage in its natural habitat.
size
140 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
These reptiles give birth to live young (ovoviviparous) rather than laying eggs, typically producing 6-10 offspring after a gestation period of about 5-6 months.
Common Name
Levant skink
Scientific Name
Trachylepis aurata
Habitat
Inhabit Mediterranean scrubland, rocky areas, stone walls, and coastal regions across the eastern Mediterranean basin. They thrive in relatively dry environments with scattered vegetation, particularly favouring areas with rock piles, ruins, and agricultural terraces.
diet
Primarily consume various arthropods, including crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also eat small snails, worms, and occasionally plant matter such as berries and soft fruits.
Description
It has a robust body covered in smooth, glossy scales, well-developed limbs, and a long tail that can reach up to twice the body length. Its most distinctive feature is the pattern of light-colored longitudinal stripes running down its olive-brown to greyish body, typically one mid-dorsal stripe and two lateral stripes on each side, creating a characteristic striped appearance. The belly is usually lighter, ranging from whitish to pale yellow.
size
20 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They can detach their tail, the detached tail continues to wriggle vigorously, distracting the predator while the skink escapes. The tail regenerates over time, though the new growth is typically darker and lacks the original pattern.
Common Name
Mediterranean house gecko
Scientific Name
Hemidactylus turcicus
Habitat
They occupy rocky outcrops and stone walls, while in human environments, they readily colonise buildings, ruins, and other structures. These geckos are highly adaptable to urban areas, often found on exterior walls near artificial lighting that attracts their prey.
diet
Feed on small arthropods, especially moths, flies, spiders, beetles, and other insects attracted to lights.
Description
It is a small lizard with a flattened, translucent pinkish-grey to light brown body. Covered with small tubercles, giving it a warty appearance. Its most distinctive features include large, lidless eyes with vertical pupils that reflect light at night, specialised toe pads with microscopic setae that enable climbing smooth vertical surfaces, and a segmented tail that can be detached and regenerated. The underside is typically translucent white.
size
12 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
These geckos are known for their vocalizations, producing distinctive chirping or clicking sounds used in territorial disputes and mating rituals.
Common Name
Ottoman viper
Scientific Name
Montivipera xanthina
Habitat
Occupy rocky hillsides, mountain slopes, and dry scrubland across southwestern Turkey, several Greek islands, and parts of Bulgaria. They prefer areas with good sun exposure, rocky outcrops for basking, and adequate vegetation cover for hunting and protection. These vipers can be found from sea level up to elevations of about 2000 meters.
diet
Ambush their prey, primarily feeding on small mammals such as mice, voles, and young rats. They also consume birds, lizards, and occasionally other snakes.
Description
It has a robust body with strongly keeled scales. The head is distinctly triangular and set off from the neck. Colouration varies but generally features a greyish, brownish, or yellowish-tan base colour with a zigzag or series of connected diamond-shaped patterns running down the back. This pattern is typically darker, ranging from dark brown to almost black. The belly is lighter, often yellowish or greyish, with dark mottling. Female snakes are often longer than males.
size
Up to 100 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They possess a sophisticated heat-sensing system, located between their nostrils and eyes. These specialised organs can detect minute temperature differences, allowing them to locate prey.
Common Name
Ring-headed dwarf snake
Scientific Name
Eirenis modestus
Habitat
Inhabit dry, rocky environments including open woodland, scrubland, rocky slopes, and agricultural areas across parts of the eastern Mediterranean, Anatolia, the Caucasus, and the Middle East. They’re often found under stones, in rock crevices, or among low vegetation in arid to semi-arid regions.
diet
Primarily feed on invertebrates, especially small insects, spiders, and insect larvae. They also consume small lizards, particularly skinks and geckos, and occasionally young rodents.
Description
They have cylindrical bodies with smooth, glossy scales. Relatively small, slightly distinct heads with large eyes featuring round pupils. The most distinctive feature is its colouration pattern, typically greyish, olive-brown, or tan body with a characteristic dark collar or “ring” marking behind the head. Some individuals display faint, darker flecking along the body. The underside is uniformly light coloured, usually cream or yellowish-white, without distinct markings.
size
Up to 60 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
When threatened, they may flatten their heads and necks slightly and perform jerky, somewhat erratic movements to appear more intimidating to potential predators.
Common Name
Snake-eyed lizard
Scientific Name
Ophisops elegans
Habitat
They prefer areas with sparse vegetation and good sun exposure, commonly in open, dry environments including rocky hillsides, scrubland, garrigue, and arid grasslands across the eastern Mediterranean region.
diet
Consume small arthropods, especially insects such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also eat small invertebrates like worms and occasionally small snails.
Description
It has a streamlined body covered in small, keeled scales, well-developed limbs, and a pointed snout. Its most distinctive feature—and the source of its common name—is its fused, transparent lower eyelids that cover the eyes like permanent “spectacles” similar to those of snakes, rather than the movable eyelids found in most lizards. Coloration is typically brownish, grayish, or olive with light lateral stripes running down each side and sometimes a pattern of small dark spots or flecks. Males often show brighter colors during breeding season, particularly blue spots on their flanks.
size
Up to 19 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
They represent an interesting case of convergent evolution, having independently evolved fixed transparent “spectacle” eyelids similar to those found in snakes. This adaptation protects their eyes while moving through abrasive, sandy or dusty environments.
Common Name
Starred agama
Scientific Name
Laudakia stellio
Habitat
These highly adaptable lizards thrive in arid to semi-arid environments with abundant sun exposure and vertical surfaces for basking and territorial displays. Often seen in rocky landscapes, stone walls, ruins, and buildings across the eastern Mediterranean region.
diet
These omnivorous lizards primarily consume insects. They also eat spiders, small snails, and various plant materials such as flowers, leaves, and berries.
Description
It has a somewhat flattened body covered in rough, spiny scales, particularly prominent around the neck, back, and tail. The head is relatively large and triangular. Its most distinctive features include the star-like arrangements of pointed scales scattered across its body. Colouration varies by location, gender, and temperature but ranges from grayish-brown to olive with darker spots or mottling. Males develop vivid breeding colours on their heads and throats, usually bright blues and oranges, especially during territorial displays and mating season.
size
Up to 35 cm
status (iucn)
Least concern.
further information
Males perform distinctive “head-bobbing” movements of varying speeds and intensities to communicate territorial boundaries, mating readiness, or threats to rivals.
