Hi folks
I would like to share with you a little herping review of 2018. All pictures taken in Switzerland. Most of it quite common, but nevertheless worth to share.
Let’s start with my personal favorite. At one of the first warm day’s end of February I visited
A population of Vipera aspis in Central Switzerland. I saw 2 adult snakes and this beautiful juvenile Vipera aspis.
During March and April I was able to take a few nice shots of Lacerta agilis agilis in Canton of Lucerne. This species is more and more endangered. In the populated area mainly because of house cats and the loss of habitat. The other problem is the introduced Podarcis muralis from south of the Alps which suppress Lacerta agilis in stony habitats. There is an specific Species protection program in progress in Central Switzerland. https://www.zauneidechse.ch/
Another rare species in Central Switzerland is Coronella austriaca. This nice picure was taken in the pre-alpine area of Canton Nidwalden.
Back in Lucerne I visited a swamp area with the intention to search for Natrix natrix. Unfortunately not successful. At least the prey was present. Pelophylax spec.
During summer I was for a few days in Canton of Ticino. For me a little bit surprising was to see this Podarcis muralis maculiventris at an altitude of 1700m.
Quite common in the Valle Maggia are those two species.
Podarcis muralis maculiventris
Coronella austriaca
I hope you have enjoyed my short herping review 2018.
Marcel