Reptiles and amphibians of the Carpathians

Snakes, lizards, frogs, the fire salamander and newts of the Carpathians: which snake is venomous, what to do after an adder bite, which are protected.

Venomous snakeCommon European adderVipera berusThe only venomous snake in the Ukrainian Carpathians. A bite is rarely fatal but requires medical attention: call 103 or 112.

Red Data Book of UkraineFire salamanderSalamandra salamandraThe black salamander with yellow spots emerges in the beech forests of the Carpathians after rain. It is a vulnerable species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Sand lizardLacerta agilisThe most common lizard of sunny edges and clearings. In spring, males turn green, while females lay eggs in warm soil.

Red Data Book of UkraineSmooth snakeCoronella austriacaA rare snake that is safe for humans, often confused with the viper and unjustly killed. Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineAesculapian snakeZamenis longissimusThe longest snake of the Ukrainian Carpathians, non-venomous and rare. Listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine as a vulnerable species.

Common toadBufo bufoThe large warty toad with copper eyes. In the Carpathians, it rises to 2000 m and migrates en masse to ponds in spring.

Red Data Book of UkraineCarpathian newtLissotriton montandoniAn endemic of the Carpathians: a small newt with an orange belly lives only in these mountains. A vulnerable species in the Red Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineYellow-bellied toadBombina variegataA small gray toad with a bright yellow belly lives in the puddles of forest roads in the Carpathians. It is a vulnerable species listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine.

Red Data Book of UkraineAlpine newtIchthyosaura alpestrisThe Alpine newt has a blue back and an orange belly, breeding in cold ponds and puddles of the Carpathians.

Grass snakeNatrix natrixA non-venomous snake with yellow spots on its nape, living near rivers, ponds, and in the villages of the Carpathians.

Common frogRana temporariaThe highest-altitude frog of the Carpathians: found from valleys to polonynas and the first to wake up in spring.

Viviparous lizardZootoca viviparaA small lizard that gives birth to live young and therefore lives even on the cold polonynas of the Carpathians.

Slow wormAnguis fragilisA legless lizard often mistaken for a snake. Non-venomous, slow, and beneficial: it eats slugs in forests and gardens.

Eastern slow wormAnguis colchicaThe Eastern slow worm, which was only distinguished from the fragile slow worm in 2010. It most likely lives in Ukraine.