🦎 Meet the Herps: The Reptiles and Amphibians 🐢 of the Lebanese Himas

Lebanon’s Hima Network is a vital conservation initiative that protects biodiversity, habitats, and cultural heritage while empowering local communities through sustainable environmental practices. The Hima approach, revived by the Society for the Protection of Nature in Lebanon (SPNL), is a community-based conservation model that strengthens the relationship between people and nature.

33 Hima sites spanning Akkar, Bekaa, Keserwan, Mount Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the West Bekaa, these protected areas play a crucial role in preserving Lebanon’s natural resources and supporting ecotourism, sustainable agriculture, and wildlife conservation.

These Himas are not only a sanctuary for butterflies and birds but also a thriving habitat for reptiles and amphibians. These cold-blooded creatures, known as herpetofauna (or herps), play a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of the garden, acting as natural pest controllers, seed dispersers, and key indicators of environmental health.

Here, we explore some of the fascinating reptiles and amphibians that call this unique conservation space home.

Amphibians: Nature’s Rainwalkers

Amphibians are essential components of the ecosystem, requiring both land and water to complete their life cycle. Their presence in the garden is a sign of clean water sources and a healthy environment.

🐉 Near Eastern Fire Salamander (Salamandra infraimmaculata)

• One of the most striking amphibians in Lebanon, this black salamander with yellow markings thrives in moist, shaded areas.
• Nocturnal and secretive, it emerges after rainfall, making it a symbol of Lebanon’s natural water systems.

🐸 Green Toad (Pseudopidalea viridis)

• This resilient amphibian can survive in a variety of environments, from wetlands to gardens.
• It is highly adaptable, with a call that signals the onset of spring.

🌳 Middle East Tree Frog (Hyla savignyi)

• Often seen clinging to leaves or branches, this small, vibrant green frog has sticky toe pads that allow it to climb with ease.
• Its distinctive croak can be heard during humid evenings, adding to the garden’s natural symphony.

Reptiles: The Silent Guardians of the Garden

Reptiles are crucial predators, helping to control insect and rodent populations. They are cold-blooded, meaning they rely on the sun’s warmth to regulate their body temperature—making the Butterfly Garden an ideal habitat.

🦎 Hardun (Stellagama stellio)

• This bold and resilient lizard is one of Lebanon’s most common reptiles.
• Often seen basking on rocks, it is known for its territorial behavior and rapid movements.

🦎 Levant Green Lizard (Lacerta media)

• One of the largest lizards in Lebanon, it is easily recognized by its vibrant green scales.
• A powerful predator, it preys on insects and small vertebrates.

🦎 Lebanon Lizard (Phoenicolacerta laevis)

• A fast-moving reptile, it darts between vegetation, avoiding predators while hunting for insects.
• Thrives in the Butterfly Garden due to its diverse plant cover and warm microclimate.

🦎 Snake-Eyed Lizard (Ophisops elegans)

• Named for its lack of visible eyelids, giving it a distinct, glassy-eyed look.
• Prefers dry, open areas, often seen running along stone pathways in search of prey.

🦎 Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus)

• Unlike most lizards, this smooth-scaled reptile has a more secretive nature, preferring to hide under rocks or logs.
• Feeds on insects and small invertebrates, contributing to the garden’s pest control.

Turtles & Tortoises: Ancient Garden Dwellers

Lebanon’s native turtles and tortoises are slow-moving yet resilient species, perfectly adapted to the region’s semi-arid landscapes.

🐢 Tortoise (Testudo graeca)

• Also known as the Mediterranean Spur-Thighed Tortoise, it is one of Lebanon’s oldest surviving species.
• A symbol of longevity and resilience, it thrives in protected habitats like the Butterfly Garden.

🐢 Stripe-Necked Turtle (Mauremys caspica)

• A semi-aquatic turtle, found in ponds, wetlands, and slow-moving streams.
• As an indicator species, its presence reflects the garden’s healthy water sources.

The Importance of Protecting Herpetofauna

The presence of amphibians and reptiles in the Butterfly Garden is a strong indicator of biodiversity and environmental health. However, these species face multiple threats, including habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. SPNL’s conservation efforts aim to preserve these species by protecting natural habitats, ensuring water sources remain clean, and raising awareness about their ecological importance.

How You Can Help

✅ Protect natural habitats – Support conservation initiatives that safeguard Lebanon’s biodiversity.
✅ Avoid using pesticides – Many reptiles and amphibians are sensitive to chemicals in the environment.
✅ Raise awareness – Share knowledge about these species and their importance in maintaining ecological balance.
✅ Support SPNL’s Hima Programs – These community-based conservation projects help ensure sustainable environments for Lebanon’s wildlife.

A Sanctuary for All Creatures

The Butterfly Garden at the Quranic Garden in Kayfoun and the Biblical Garden in Chemlan is not just for butterflies and birds—it is a thriving habitat for Lebanon’s reptiles and amphibians, proving that conservation and sacred landscapes can coexist in harmony.

By preserving and studying these species, we gain a deeper appreciation of Lebanon’s rich biodiversity and the delicate balance of nature that sustains it. 🌿🐢🦎🐸

📸 Photographs by Husein Ali Zorkot, Butterfly Garden Manager