Scientific research underpins the conservation activities carried out by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. This includes the development of robust monitoring techniques on which the status of our species can be assessed.
Some of this research is carried out by students from Bournemouth University, and other institutions, who carry out work placements or dissertation projects (2-3 students per year are catered for). Current students are investigating the effects of grazing on reptile habitats and smooth snake ecology. Such research is central to our core mission, so we aim to support other academic investigations where possible.
Results of this research are disseminated widely. Some is presented in the form of talks at the annual Joint Scientific Meeting (organised with the British Herpetological Society) on Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, Ecology and Biology, usually held in December (details of this meeting are announced on the website in late summer).
The ability to assess how well a species is faring is critical to ensure its future conservation. For many years, we have run national monitoring schemes for the rare species (natterjack toad, sand lizard, smooth snake) and, more recently, we have implemented new national schemes covering all UK herpetofauna. There is growing concern that even our widespread amphibian and reptile species are in national decline, and we need surveys to tell us more about trends in their status across the UK.
Help record amphibians and reptiles in your garden Read more
At ARC we use Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and statistical approaches to model at both the landscape and national scales. Read more
Coordinated by ARC; the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) is an umbrella for a number of recording projects. Read more
Help with targeted surveying of natterjack toads using Living Records Read more
Send in snake sloughs (shed skins) and help to build up a ‘Reptile Genebank' Read more
On this page we provide general advice on the design, execution and analysis of amphibian and reptile surveys for a range of scales and purposes. Read more
ARC staff work on a range of scientific and technical projects to help conserve amphibians and reptiles. Read more
ARC staff and Trustees are involved in important scientific research to produce evidence that will assist the conservation of amphibians and reptiles. Read more