June 12, 2026 

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The Welsh Mountain Zoo recently joined forces with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation to carry out essential habitat management work for two of Wales' most remarkable reptile species: the adder and the sand lizard.

Working at two locations across north-east Wales, staff from the zoo assisted ARC with practical conservation tasks designed to maintain and enhance habitats that these species rely on for survival.

Supporting Wales' Native Adder

The adder is one of only two native snake species found in Wales and is most commonly associated with heathland, moorland and coastal habitats. Although still relatively widespread, adders are considered one of Britain's most vulnerable widespread reptiles. Their limited mobility means populations can easily become isolated when habitats become fragmented.

The habitat management undertaken in north-east Wales is helping to maintain and expand suitable habitat, allowing adders to move more freely through the landscape. Improving connectivity between populations can help increase genetic diversity and support the long-term resilience of this iconic species.

A posing adder - Habitat management work helps maintain and connect adder populations across north-east Wales, supporting one of the country's most vulnerable widespread reptile species <Photo: Adobe Stock>.

Creating Space for Sand Lizards

The sand lizard is Wales' rarest reptile. Following its extinction in Wales during the mid-20th century, ARC has led a successful reintroduction programme that has re-established populations at a number of sites across north and mid Wales.

To thrive, sand lizards require areas of bare sand where they can bask and where females can lay their eggs. Maintaining these open sandy patches is a crucial annual management task within the coastal dune systems where the species now occurs. The work carried out with the Welsh Mountain Zoo helps ensure these habitats remain suitable for sand lizards into the future.

Male and female sand lizards basking together. Annual habitat management creates the bare sandy areas needed for basking and egg-laying, helping to secure the future of Wales' rarest reptile <Photo: Adobe stock>.

Working Together for Wildlife

Habitat management plays a vital role in supporting native amphibians and reptiles throughout their life cycles. Across north-east Wales, ARC manages a range of reserves and conservation projects where volunteers, community groups and corporate teams can make a valuable contribution to wildlife conservation.

Staff from Welsh Mountain Zoo joined ARC to carry out practical habitat management, helping to improve and maintain vital reptile habitats across north Wales <Photo: ARC>.

"Welsh Mountain Zoo is proud to support ARC. Providing staff time to assist with practical habitat management is an important way for us to contribute directly to native species conservation action. We are grateful to ARC for this opportunity and look forward to helping further safeguard habitats for adders, sand lizards and many other native species across North Wales." - Kim Wood, Director of Living Collections at the Welsh Mountain Zoo

The collaboration with the Welsh Mountain Zoo provided much-needed support for ongoing habitat management work and demonstrates the importance of partnerships in protecting and enhancing habitats for some of Wales' rarest species.