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Dieren en planten

Animals   Amphibians and reptiles   Moor frog   Edible frog   European common frog   British toad   Reptiles   Snakes   Sand lizard   
Smooth newt, larva, foto fitis, sytske dijksen

Amphibians and reptiles

Amphibians and reptiles also live in coastal areas. The smooth newt is commonly found in wet dune regions. The British toad is an excellent example of a dune amphibian. Rarer species are the moor frog and the sand lizard. Several species from the coastal area are on the Red List for amphibians and reptiles. Every once in awhile, sea turtles are spotted in Dutch waters.

  • Shot star

    Sometimes in the winter, strange lumps of white gelatin is found in fields and by water. One used to think that it was the remains of falling stars, which is why it was referred to as 'shot stars'. In reality, it is the remains of a female toad or frog, which has been consumed by a heron or ferret. The frog or toad has immature eggs in its body. As soon as it touches water (or gastric juices), it expands into a large lump of eggs and gelatin. The animal that eats the victim becomes nauseous and spits it out.