ARC highlights the scale of change for UK reptiles
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By Shane F. Gausden, Communications Officer
Wildlife charity, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) are celebrating this year’s National Reptile Awareness day, by spreading awareness of the depletion of native herpetofauna, and ARC’s involvement in their conservation.
In the UK, our six indigenous reptile species are split evenly between lizards and snakes. There are also a number of non-native species. Two lizard species (the wall lizard Podarcis muralis, and green lizard, Lacerta bilineata) are both native to Jersey and present as introduced non-native populations in Britain. Most species of sea turtle have been visitors to our coasts though the leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the most frequent of these visitors, thanks to adaptations that allow it to persevere in colder waters. All of our native species are present in mainland Europe and palaeontological data suggests they reached the UK after the last ice age.
Britain’s lizards include the gardener’s best friend - the slow-worm (Anguis fragilis), the common lizard (Zootaca vivipara) and the rare heath and dune specialist, the sand lizard (Lacerta agilis). The slow-worm and the common lizard are more widespread species that inhabit a variety of environments. Their populations can reach high densities in the more temperate south, but tend to be sparser further north. Common lizards are present throughout Ireland where slow-worms are not. There are few examples of habitat management specific to these widespread species though they benefit from management undertaken for rarer reptile species. Most interactions with slow-worms are typically focused on mitigation and translocation from development sites, the benefits of which are difficult to assess post-translocation. ARC monitors “domestic” or garden populations which comprise primarily of the more widespread species through the Garden Dragon Watch.
The only remaining native sand lizard (Lacerta agilis) populations are found on the heathlands of Dorset, Hampshire and Surrey as well as the dunes in Merseyside. Since sand lizards cannot disperse far, or at all over hostile habitats, they do not easily colonise newly suitable areas distant from occupied sites. Many conservation efforts have focused on returning them to their historic range. The biology and status of sand lizards mean captive breeding is a useful conservation tool. ARC is working with a number of partners on a captive breeding programme that has successfully reintroduced 10.000 animals to date.
Of the three native snake species, the adder (Vipera berus) is the most widespread, reaching from the south of England up to the Scottish Highlands. They inhabit a variety of environments but hibernation and spring basking sites are of particular importance to the species. They are less common in central England and have been declining across Britain in recent years. Despite the legal protection granted, there is still evidence of persecution. Grass snakes (Natrix helvetica) are also relatively common though their range does not extend as far north as the adder. This species’ feeding habits ensure an association with bodies of freshwater. Conservation action is directed at pond management and providing breeding sites and hibernacula.
Smooth snakes (Coronella austricaia), are heathland specialists like the sand lizard with a similar native geographic range. Far fewer reintroductions have been undertaken with the smooth snake as little is known about its habitat preferences and site suitability assessment can take several years. The smooth snake is, however, dependent on well managed heathland where it is found in mature vegetation with good cover. ARC works in partnership with a wide variety of conservation organisations, site managers, landowners and individuals to protect this elusive species specifically through National Lottery funded project, Snakes in the Heather.
Our six native reptile species have experienced population declines, primarily due to habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation. Even on protected sites, standard habitat management measures do not always encourage reptiles to thrive. In extreme cases, habitat management has even caused declines and local extinctions. This is why it is crucial to be aware of and understand the habitat requirements of reptiles when planning for effective management.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) work to conserve herpetofauna and provide the voice it needs to survive. As a leading custodian of UK amphibians, reptiles and the habitats on which they depend, ARC is well positioned to make a positive difference to conserving biodiversity, to challenge the threats to it and help people gain access to nature. Through its founding organisations, partnerships and academic collaborations, its 30-year pedigree of promoting and co-ordinating conservation work on amphibians and reptiles extends throughout the UK, Europe and into overseas territories.
Scientific research underpins the conservation activities ARC carries out. This includes the development of robust monitoring techniques on which the status of UK herpetofauna can be assessed.
There is growing concern that even our widespread amphibian and reptile species are in national decline, ARC’s use of mobile real-time technology strengthens the ability to assess how well species are faring.
ARC’s collaboration on policy advocacy, best-practice habitat management, education aims to connect people with nature. ARC is a founding member of the Rethink Nature partnership, a group of well-known species conservation organisations seeking to do something different by enhancing collaboration, collectively increasing the strength in the case for support and a more coherent message for species conservation.