Fauna of Scotland - Amphibians and Land Reptiles

Amphibians and Land Reptiles

Only six amphibians and four land reptiles are native to Scotland. The amphibians include three species of newt: the Great Crested, of which fewer than 1,000 individuals survive; the Smooth, and the Palmate. The other amphibians are the Common Toad, the Natterjack Toad, found in only four locations in the south-west, and the Common Frog. A single alien amphibian is known in Scotland, the Alpine Newt, a recent escapee confined to the Edinburgh area.

The reptiles include the Adder and the Grass Snake, the Slow-worm, which is a legless lizard, and the Common Lizard. Smooth Snakes, found elsewhere in the UK are absent, and Grass Snakes are rarely reported.