Reptils and Amphibians

Discreet and often misunderstood, reptiles and amphibians are the heirs of a lineage that has endured through the ages. With over 11,000 reptile species and 6,600 amphibian species identified, they display astonishing biological plasticity, from arid deserts to the densest wetlands. Whether masters of camouflage or adorned with warning colors, they play an indispensable role as regulators within their ecosystems.

However, the balance of these miniature worlds is in peril. Amphibians, in particular, are bearing the brunt of biodiversity loss: it is now estimated that 40% of their species are threatened with extinction and that one species becomes extinct approximately every two weeks. Soil pollution and the drying of wetlands directly threaten their life cycles. To photograph these animals is to highlight a graphic beauty and a complexity that is often ignored, while bearing witness to the urgent need to preserve the habitats of which they are the most fragile witnesses.

2026, Mainland France Selection, Reptils and Amphibians

Asp viper in the heart of the moss

Close-up of an asp viper (Vipera aspis) in woodland, head raised, showing its scales and vertical pupil

Asp viper in the heart of the moss

An asp viper (Vipera aspis) moves discreetly between moss and twigs.

Discreet and often feared, the asp viper is nevertheless a fascinating animal that plays an essential role in ecosystem balance. Found across many regions of Europe, it particularly favors dry, sunny habitats, as well as woodland areas where it can blend into its surroundings.

In this image, one can observe the fineness of its scales and the subtlety of its coloration. Nearly motionless, it carefully monitors its surroundings, ready to flee at the slightest disturbance rather than attack.

Contrary to common belief, the asp viper is not aggressive toward humans. Bites are rare and usually occur when the animal is surprised or handled. Observing it from a distance, as shown here, allows one to appreciate the full beauty of this often misunderstood reptile.

2025, Oman Selection, Reptils and Amphibians

The Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes): A Night Watchman of Oman

Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes) photographed at night in the desert, Oman

A small marvel of adaptation to the extreme conditions of the Omani desert.

The Gulf Sand Gecko (Stenodactylus leptocosymbotes) is a discreet and elusive inhabitant of Oman’s arid regions.

Recognizable by its large eyes adapted for night vision, it emerges mainly at night to hunt small insects. Its slender legs allow it to move with agility over loose sand, while its pale coloration helps it blend seamlessly into its environment. A true watchman of the sands, this small reptile is a fascinating example of adaptation to the harshest climatic conditions of the Arabian Peninsula.

2007, Mainland France Selection, Reptils and Amphibians

Common toad (Bufo bufo)

A toad eagerly awaiting in his hole

The bufo bufo is a nocturnal animal. This animal spends the day hidden in a hole he dug, in abandoned burrows or simply under a stone or a dead piece of wood. This hiding place serves also as base for hunting. Indeed, the common toad hunts mainly on the lookout. He stays at the exit of his hole until a prey (fly, caterpillar, slug…) passes nearby. Then, he can catch the prey with his sticky tongue.

2015, Borneo Selection, Malaysia Selection, Reptils and Amphibians

Harlequin tree frog (Rhacophorus pardalis), Borneo, Malaysia

Harlequin tree frog (Rhacophorus pardalis), Borneo, Malaysia

The harlequin tree frog, Rhacophorus pardalis, is a species of frog in the Rhacophoridae family found in Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests, subtropical or tropical moist montane forests up to 1000 meters of altitude, freshwater marshes, and intermittent freshwater marshes. It is threatened by habitat loss. This frog was sighted on the riverside of the Kinabatangan, in the Malaysian part of Borneo

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