to my website about nature photography. A large part of my spare time is spent on making inventories of the species of reptiles and amphibians that can be found in The Netherlands. As a Biologist and Biology teacher (Pleincollege Nuenen) I am aiming at two major goals; to inform the visitor about the Dutch herps and to show my photographs.

In The Netherlands the RAVON foundation made it its primary objective to keep track of the (changes in) dispersion of all frog- newt- and salamanderspecies (as well as their larvae and clutches), lizards and snakes. In addition all species of fish are taken into account by RAVON as well. By means of continuously collecting observations, an overview on the current status of the Dutch herpetofauna can be obtained. Next to that trends are recognized concerning stability and viability of populations.

In The Netherlands some 23 species of reptiles and amphibians are found. Some of these are quite rare however. A number of common species are known to almost everybody (often found in garden ponds) like the Common frogs (Rana esculenta sp.), common Brown frogs (Rana temporaria), and the Common toad (Bufo bufo) and their eggs and larvae. Less well known are five newt species that can be found in The Netherlands, one of which is the scarcely found Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra subspecies terrestris). This is currently largely due to its limited distribution. The destruction of biotopes and pollution of the sites where reproduction takes place have diminished a number of species and populations severely. In addition fragmentation of formerly large biotopes ocurred. When migration to and from other populations is inhibited, small populations will eventually cease to exist. In such cases (almost) no genetic material is exchanged. The lack of connecting corridors (like bushes and semi-natural canals), within agricultural area's isolates populations.

The species found in the Netherlands are thus very dependent on the availability of the appropriate environment where they can find enough food, hiding places and places to reproduce. For amphibians this implies that suitable canals and ponds where mating and egg-laying behavior can be displayed are present. In the past 'cleaning' and filling up canals and ponds did kill a number of populations of newts, frogs and toads as did pollution. Both reptiles and amphibians are strongly dependent on variation in their terrestrial habitat. This is particularly important in order to enable them to choose from a variety of non-biotic components in their environment to suit their specific needs. Also a sufficient amount of food and variation in available prey is imperative. Lizards and snakes too are quite demanding in that respect.

I included a number of other topics and subjects in my photography as well like insects, plants, Marine mammals and landscapes. Also a number of travels abroad made it possible to see and photograph nature and wildlife in different environments and settings like the tropical rainforest in South-America, Iceland and Canada. As a result photographs can be found on the subsequent pages wich I took in Guyana (South-America), Iceland, and for example Canada. Most of the time animals were photographed in their natural environment.

Photographs may only be used with my explicit permission. Also reproduction without creditline and communication prior to use is forbidden. It is of course possible to get prints. Everybody interested in my photographs can contact me; I welcome all reactions. Hope you enjoy this site !!