On the hunt for reptiles ahead of the 2026 EGSA meeting
Helmut kreyerhoff (Text & photos)
A detour to the Nahe
It’s almost become a tradition. Before the EGSA meeting, I always make time for a detour into the countryside to go in search of reptiles. Species that are very rare in Germany are on my wish list. So, early in the morning, I find myself once again in the wine-growing village of Waldböckelheim on the River Nahe. The weather is almost too fine: not a cloud in the sky – which photographers don’t like – and it’s getting very hot on the ground, which green lizards (Lacerta bilineata) don’t like. As a result, although I keep coming across this species at the edges of rocky outcrops, fallow land and dry stone walls, I only ever catch a glimpse of them darting away through dense vegetation for a fraction of a second. It is only late in the evening and the following morning that I spot a few individuals out in the open. With a total length of well over 30 cm and, now in spring, a bright green body colour and bluish throats in the males, I delight in these rare reptiles of our homeland. As the sun sinks low, I finally manage to take a few photographs.
At midday, I cycle downstream along the River Nahe, enjoying the beautiful countryside. Along this route, there are frequent signs calling for the protection of the dice snake (Natrix tessellata), which is very rare in our region. In Bad Münster am Stein, I look down from the cycle path above the retaining wall towards the River Nahe with keen interest. To my disappointment, I can’t spot any snakes on this stretch at first. However, I’m pleased to hear from a local woman that, at around 11.00 am, she had counted about a dozen of them basking on the stones along the bank. I’m relieved that this population apparently still exists at this very well-known site. And then I see a smaller grass snake near the bank, slowly slithering along the bottom in the shallow water as it hunts for fish. What a fantastic sight! Later on, more and more snakes appear on the bank and climbing up the wall. I’m thrilled.
Searching for Aesculapian snakes
The next morning, I set off for Marienthal. Today is the sociable EGSA chat evening! But first, there’s another highlight on the agenda: I’m meeting my EGSA colleague Bernhard wolf above Eltville in the Rheingau. Once again, the sky is a brilliant blue and the air temperature is rising rapidly. At midday, we walk together along a secluded path beside an old and completely overgrown dry-stone wall, hoping to find the Aesculapian snake (Zamenis longissimus), which is very rare in our region. I’ve already spotted it several times here in the Taunus, although there’s only a small remnant population. This area is largely wooded, with a few open patches where the glaring midday light contrasts sharply with the shaded areas, making the search and photography difficult. Bernhard is brilliant and still manages to find a smaller specimen in the wall and points to the spot. I still can’t see it amidst the chaotic interplay of light and shadow. “When I’m searching, I look out for the sheen of the scales,” he explains, “it’s different from everything else around it.” At last, I spot it too. Completely relaxed, she lies on a small rocky outcrop above us and watches us. We are fascinated by this discovery, as her natural range is actually much further south in Europe. It is also heartening to see the measures taken in this area to conserve this species: reinforced nests with mixed bedding for egg-laying and covered woodpiles providing shelter. Later, on the way back to the car, Bernhard has spotted another ‘Glanz von Schuppen’ – a large specimen is lying about three meters away from us, remaining motionless. Now I have ‘Glanz’ in my eyes, for I have never before seen such a large animal of this species so close up. She allows him to pick her up. We can now estimate its body length at around 150 cm and see that it is a male. What a uniquely beautiful experience, we think, as Bernhard gently sets the animal down at the spot where he found it and it slowly and unconcernedly continues on its way.
This afternoon we’re setting off for Marienthal and are really looking forward to the convivial EGSA social evening with our dear friends.
A look ahead to the 2027 EGSA meeting in Augsburg
Oh, and one more thing – does anyone know of any interesting reptile habitats along the route from the Münsterland to Augsburg and fancy joining a group of us to go and explore them? Go on then – I’ve learnt from Bernhard that it’s even more fun as a team.
Helmut Kreyerhoff
Alter Kreuzweg 49
D – 46325 Borken
E-Mail: hkreyer@gmx.de
Image description
1 I found green lizards in this beautiful landscape
2 my first Lacerta bilineata that would let me take a photo
3 I found another one in the evening sun
4 the chances of spotting them are better in the morning too
5 with a body length of over 30 cm, they are quite impressive and beautiful reptiles
6 Signs along the cycle path to protect the rare dice snakes
7 Later on, a few dice snakes do appear along the wall after all