Amphibians

With the exception of the Alpine salamander, all native amphibians require standing or slow-flowing water to mate, lay their eggs and raise their young, which they regularly visit during the breeding season. All 15 species recorded in Upper Austria are on the "Red List of endangered amphibians (amphibians)" and are strictly protected under the Upper Austrian Nature Conservation Act.

A total of seven amphibian species have been confirmed for the national park: Alpine newt, pond newt, yellow-bellied toad, common toad, grass frog, fire salamander and Alpine salamander. Three other species occur in the immediate vicinity of the national park: Jumping Frog, Pool Frog and Alpine Crested Newt. Of the seven confirmed species, three are listed in the Habitats Directive (FFH): Yellow-bellied Toad (Annex II), Alpine Salamander (Annex IV) and Grass Frog (Annex V). The three most numerous and widespread species in the national park are the grass frog, Alpine newt and common toad. Experts consider the good populations of the yellow-bellied toad to be of supra-regional and international importance.

Yellow-bellied toad in the water
Yellow-bellied toad © Herfried Marek
Yellow-bellied toad in the water.
Yellow-bellied toad © Herfried Marek

Yellow-bellied toad

In the intensively used valleys of Central Europe, the yellow-bellied toad has become rare and has already disappeared in many places. This has also been the case in the Alpine foothills for some years now. However, it is still widespread in the area of Kalkalpen National Park and the intact population is becoming increasingly important for Upper Austria.

Alpine salamander on a stone.
Alpine salamander © Herfried Marek

Alpine salamander

The Alpine salamander, also known as the "Bergmandl" or "Tattermandl", lives mainly in middle and higher mountain regions and grows to around 15 cm in size. It is the only native amphibian that does not need a body of water to reproduce, but gives birth to two to four fully developed young after a gestation period of several years.

Reptiles

Ten reptile species (reptiles) are native to Upper Austria, seven of which can also be found at Kalkalpen National Park . The smooth snake (also known as the Austrian smooth snake) is one of the National Park's characteristic species. Due to its distinct head and the black markings on its back, this completely harmless snake is often mistaken for the adder, the only native venomous snake. However, the smooth snake can be easily distinguished by its round pupils and rounded head, as adders have a striking reddish eye with a vertical elliptical pupil and a flat snout. Another sure sign is the dark, broad zigzag band of the adder, while the back pattern of the smooth snake consists of paired dots. In the mountains, coal-black forms ("hell vipers") are preferred for the adder, while the copper-red color variant ("fire vipers") is also found as a special rarity at Kalkalpen National Park . Among the lizards, the occurrence of the very thermophilic sand lizard at surprisingly high altitudes, close to the tree line, is remarkable. The mountain lizard is sighted much more frequently, as it also occurs as a cultural successor and settles in considerable numbers on alpine pastures, preferably near wetlands. The warmth-loving tortoises are missing from the reptile group at Kalkalpen National Park .
Two sand lizards on tree bark
Sand lizards © Herfried Marek
Mountain lizard runs over stone
Mountain lizard © Franz Sieghartsleitner

Mountain lizard

At around 18 cm long, the mountain lizard is one of the smallest reptiles in Austria.

Copper-colored adder lying curled up on a stone.
Adder in brown color variant ©HerfriedMarek

Adder

The coloration of the adder is very variable, which makes a clear description impossible. In the national park it can be found completely black and also reddish-brown with the familiar zigzag band on the back.

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