Reptiles

There are several species of lizards and green lizards in hot, dry areas, while slow-worms prefer cool, damp places. There are snakes such as black Western whip snakes (known locally as scarbonasso); Aesculapian snakes are less common. Grass snakes and dice snakes are also found throughout the area. The asp viper has been observed on rare occasions and lives on higher ground in quiet areas. European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis) are also worth noting, though this species is threatened in its own habitat by the exotic pond slider (Trachemys scripta), the well-known turtle species raised in captivity that unfortunately is often released into the wild in swampy areas where it takes over from the local species.