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Dieren en planten

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

Amphibians and reptiles

The Dutch North Sea region is not known for its abundance in amphibians and reptiles. It consists mostly of several species of frog, toads and lizards. 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. The edible frog and the European common frog are much more common, although they are growing rarer in the coastal regions. Several species from the coastal area are on the Red List for amphibians and reptiles.

  • 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.