National statistics have shown that adder numbers are dropping throughout the country and the Forest of Dean is one area for concern.
I have been surveying for NARRS from day one (2007) and I have also been monitoring my snake locations for more than 20 years.
During one visit to one of my hot spots back in April 2005 I found 18 snakes in approx 1 hour. I visited he same area at the same time this year and found just one grass snake and no adders! Very disturbing!
However, I did find these two females at a spot, which has not been fruitful over the years and hopefully there will be a few fella's around soon.
No close up's today as they were tucked under a small tree and gorse bush and if I had pushed to get close it would have disturbed them.
Rob
I read that frog and toad numbers are down as well. I wonder if there is a correlation. Sad i like reptiles and it's years since I've seen a lizard or Slow Worm.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be possitive about these things really. Im worried that if people find out where adders live ( most dont ) they will harm them or complain that they are dangerous to the public. If that happens then land owners i.e the forestry commision may have to remove them.
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