The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust

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Smooth Snake (C) Fred HolmesSAVING SPECIES

Special measures are often needed to promote the conservation of a species to take account its particular needs. These may be missing from initiatives that focus on the conservation of habitats. This ethos underlies much of the work we do; whether it is managing habitats, providing advice to other land managers or working to achieve changes in conservation legislation or policy.

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation champions the conservation of our amphibians and reptiles and aims to see that the special needs of these species are being taken forward. We do this through developing and promoting Action Plans as well as specific projects at different geographic levels (Local, country, UK and European levels).

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation supports the UK’s Biodiversity Action Plan and are keen to see it achieve its potential for our wildlife. We contribute to the overall Biodiversity process by working with the UK Government, devolved administrations and statutory nature conservation organisations and with many other partners at both national and local levels.

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Captive breeding and release
In an ideal world there would be no need for projects such as this, but habitats are disappearing and populations are becoming isolated. Amphibian and Reptile Conservation have worked with various organisations to breed and release natterjack toads, smooth snakes and sand lizards. >>>

 Great crested newt project
 Britain is a stronghold for this declining species and our project is overseeing the implementation of actions outlined in the Species Action Plan. >>>

 Natterjacks in Cumbria
Alarmingly, populations of the natterjack toad have declined 70-80% in the last 100 years. This three year project, funded by Natural England, is taking forward action to conserve the natterjack toad in the UK’s hotspot for the species. This is being done by managing habitats, increasing our knowledge about the ecology and distribution of this species, and by raising awareness amongst the public. >>>

Pool frog reintroduction
The pool frog became extinct in the UK in 1995 and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation are working to reintroduce this species. During 2005 around adult, juvenile and tadpole-stage pool frogs were collected from Sweden and, after health screening, were released at a site in Norfolk. Further releases have taken place since then and initial indications are that these were successful; the animals are now breeding. >>>

Species Action Plans
ARC is involved in all the published amphibian and reptile Species Action Plans. >>>

Widespread species project
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is keen to promote the conservation of the more widespread species of amphibians and reptile, such as common frogs and slow-worms, as well as the more rare species. Much of this work is done by supporting the work of the national network of Amphibian and Reptile Groups. >>>


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