|
 |  |
Snakes are as central to our natural history and as prominent in folklore as the water vole, badger or barn owl. Yet, unlike these species, snakes are maligned by many people. There is a general lack of awareness of the conservation needs of these species amongst landowners and members of the wider community.
Persecution events still occur even though this practice is illegal. But the extent and significance of this is still largely unknown.
As part of International Year of Biodiversity 2010, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) is highlighting the recent declines of reptiles globally, and celebrating the importance of native species to our lives and culture. The "Sliding Scales" campaign will bring together the many aspects of ARC's work to promote the conservation of snakes.
In 2009, ARC conducted a preliminary investigation into the public's perception of snakes in the UK on 14,000 people. Some key observations were that:
- 47% of those asked showed either fear or unease towards snakes, while only 24% expressed an interest in snakes.
- If a snake was encountered in a garden only 2% indicated intent to kill or injure it.
- Although 47% of those asked did not know how many species of snake are native to the UK, 73% knew that the adder is a venomous species.
- 60% of those asked had not seen a snake in the wild.
Over the coming year ARC will be attempting to rectify this perception and to increase awareness of snake conservation issues by:
Finding out more about their distribution:
Seen a Snake?
To protect our native snake we need to know exactly where they are. We need your help to build up a more detailed picture of their distribution. Go to our " Report seeing a snake" page, to both help identify it and to tell us all about it.
You can see a map recording the distribution of the snakes you have reported so far here
More research urgently needed!
The ARC Snake GenebankIf you find a snake (or slow-worm) slough anywhere in the UK, please send it to us. To find out how click here
Raising Public Awareness:ARC will be attending various other high profile events throughout 2010 to meet members of the public and talk to them about snake conservation in the UK. Why not come along and find out more:
- BBC Springwatch Southampton (30/05/10)
- Avon Heath Country Fair (31/05/10)
- New Forest Show (27/07/10 - 29/07/10)
- Stock Gaylard Show (28/08/10)
- Dorset County Show (04/09/10 - 05/09/10)
Reptile Rambles:
Reptile Rambles are guided walks held on various nature reserves around the country that offer the chance to see our elusive reptile species up close, weather permitting. ARC is organising and promoting reptile rambles around the country.
Six rambles have taken place so far in May. Watch this space for details of more.
- Arne 29/05/10 & 30/05/10 (with RSPB)
In partnership with ARC, Natural England will also be holding reptile rambles on many of their reserves around the country - details can be found here.
Snake Advice
Adder
Dogs 'n' adders
The only venomous snake in the UK is the adder (Vipera berus). Dogs are occasionally bitten by adders; although the bites are painful they are very rarely fatal. Although widespread throughout the UK adders are a protected species and it is illegal to kill or injure them. Follow this link to find out more about how to behave with your dog around this secretive reptile.
Snake Snippets
Click here to see a few snippets of information about snakes.
Snakes Alive!
Chris Dresh (c)
Click here to learn more. 
The "Sliding Scales" campaign is supported by Natural England.
|
|
The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust is a registered charity (No. 1130188) committed to the conservation of amphibians and reptiles.
All photos on this website are (C) Amphibian and Reptile Conservation
unless stated and should not be reproduced without permission.Hosted by Crislis Computing
CONTACT US Data Sharing Policy Privacy Policy