In our series of blogs for 2024, we’re going back to basics. This is a guide for budding ecologists who are keen to get started in the industry, or anyone interested in learning a little more about professional ecology practices in the UK.
This one isn't for Indiana Jones - this month we're looking at our British snakes and lizards.
About Reptiles
The UK is home to six terrestrial reptile species: Adders (Vipera berus), Grass Snakes (Natrix helvetica), Smooth Snakes (Coronella austriaca), Slow Worms (Anguis fragilis), Common Lizards (Zootoca vivipara), and Sand Lizards (Lacerta agilis). These reptiles are commonly found in heathlands, dunes, grasslands, and woodlands across the country, although the rarer Smooth Snake and Sand Lizard are now limited to protected sites in southern counties. Being cold-blooded, or ectothermic, these reptiles rely on external heat sources and can often be seen basking in the sun or on warm surfaces like compost heaps and hibernate over the winter to survive the colder months.
Reptile Conservation
In the UK, all native reptile species are safeguarded under the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), which offers a fundamental level of protection by making it illegal to intentionally harm or disturb them.
For the Smooth Snake (Coronella austriaca) and Sand Lizard (Lacerta agilis), additional protections are provided under The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2017), offering enhanced measures to protect their specific habitats and mitigate the impacts of human activities.
Despite these legal protections, UK reptiles face significant threats, primarily from habitat loss and fragmentation caused by development and agricultural practices. As urban and rural areas expand, natural landscapes are increasingly altered or destroyed, reducing the available habitat for these species. This not only impacts their living space but also disrupts the ecological networks they depend on, making it harder for them to find food, shelter, and breeding sites.
Survey Methods
Surveys are primarily carried out by exploiting reptiles' basking behaviour by creating warm areas using artificial refugia. These are made from:
- Roofing Felt, which retains heat well, is cost effective, and lightweight but will degrade quickly.
- Corrugated metal; which heats up quickly but is heavy and can be unsuitable for intense light conditions
- Bitumen; is great at retaining heat, but is heavy and may be less durable in some environments.
Typically, refugia are cut into squares or rectangles measuring 50cm to 100cm on each side. They are placed on grass or other suitable surfaces in sunny areas of the site to maximise exposure to sunlight. The number and distribution of refugia depend on the size and characteristics of the site.
Refugia should be checked regularly, ideally from March to September, during morning hours on good weather days. Safety equipment, such as bite-proof gloves and snake hooks should be used to protect against bites. This is especially important where adders are present, as hey are venomous and should only be handled by trained professionals.
Mitigation Methods
Effective reptile conservation often requires a range of mitigation methods to address habitat disruption and ensure the safe relocation of these important species.
Habitat Restoration and Enhancement
Restoring and enhancing habitats is crucial for supporting reptile populations. This involves rehabilitating degraded areas and creating new, suitable environments that cater to the needs of local reptile species. Restoration efforts may include improving vegetation structure, creating basking sites, and ensuring access to water sources.
Fencing
This method is useful for guiding reptiles away from areas of development while ensuring they have a clear route to safe habitats. One-way fencing is particularly effective; it allows reptiles to leave an area but prevents them from re-entering. Pitfall traps can be used to capture young snakes and lizards within or along the fence boundary. These traps consist of containers buried in the ground allowing reptiles to fall in while moving through their habitat. They are an effective way to monitor and collect young reptiles for relocation or study.
Translocation
When a habitat is being altered or developed, translocation may be necessary to move reptiles to a receptor site—a carefully selected and prepared area that provides a suitable alternative habitat. This method requires thorough planning to ensure the receptor site meets all the ecological needs of the reptiles and that the relocation process is conducted with minimal disruption to the animals.
Further Reading
To further your learning about reptiles, take a look at the following resources:
