The UK’s only venomous snake could become extinct by 2032 scientists have found.
New research from 'The British Herpetological Society' has found that the elusive Adder Snake is now facing extinction within the next two decades if nothing is done to save these elusive animals. The British Herpetological Society has been studying Adders in the UK for the past 11 years and they have found that 90% of Adder populations are now in decline - something, if continues, will cause their extinction.
How Many Snake Species Does The UK Have?
When we think of wild animals in the UK, we think of Puffins, Hedgehogs and Foxes. Rarely, do we think of our Snakes that are within our natural landscape.
Snakes seem like animals which are in tropical countries.
However.
The UK has three snake species.
One of these snake species is venomous (the Adder Snake), while two of these Snakes are not venomous (the Barred Grass Snake, and the Smooth Grass Snake).
It has only recently we have discovered that the UK has a third Snake species.
Before 2017, it was thought that the UK only had two species of Snake: the Adder and the Smooth Grass Snake.
However, in 2017, it was discovered that a new species of grass snake was discovered in the UK: that new grass snake was the Barred Grass Snake.
What Does The Adder Look Like?
The Adder has a distinguished appearance from the Smooth Grass Snake and the Barred Grass Snake. Both the Smooth Grass Snake and the Barred Grass Snake are more green than black - but they do have black lines, similar to the Adder.
Whereas, the Adder Snake is more black than the other two animals. But, their appearance on their skin can look like a zig zag of black and green/grey.
Sometimes it can be hard to spot the difference between all three animals.
Where Are Adders Found?
Unlike many of the worlds wild animals, which are either restricted to one specific habitat, or a few habitats - the Adder can be found in a wide variety of habitats.
They can be found in habitats including:
. Forest Clearings
. Sand Dunes
. Near Lakes, Streams or Ponds
. And, Meadows
These are just some habitats that these animals are found in. But, they are also found in many more habitats across the United Kingdom.
What Is Their Current Conservation Status In The UK?
The Adder Snake is a priority species in the UK. Adders are one of our wild animals which are protected by law. Adders are protected by law through the ‘Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Their protection from the law means that it is illegal to kill Adders, and it is also illegal to trap Adders or sell them.
What Is The Future For Adders?
The future for Adders is starting to look bleak, as a new report says that Adders are facing extinction in the UK within the next two decades.
Scientists believe that Adders could become extinct by 2032.
The study by scientists was 11 years long. Sadly. The study concluded that 90% of the Adder populations which were surveyed were declining. And, that this trend - this decline in the Adder population - could see them become extinct by 2032.
If nothing is done to stop the decline in Adders in the UK, and these declines keep happening, then Adders will become extinct in the UK in our lifetime.
Most of the areas where Adders are found in the UK have small populations of Adders. By small, we mean very small: scientists only found around 10 Adders in the areas where Adders were present. Therefore, within Adder population areas, there is only a small handful of Adders - making them vulnerable to extinction.
Only 10% of the areas where Adders are found had a large population of Adders in the UK. In other words, nine out of ten areas where Adders are found in the UK have very small populations. While one in ten areas have large populations.
Why Are Adders Threatened With Extinction?
Adders are now threatened with extinction due to a disturbance in their habitat/the destruction of their habitat by humans across the UK.
The British Herpetological Society - those who undertook the survey on our Adders - found that public pressure and disturbance of the Adders habitat, was the main reason why these animals had suffered a serious decline.
Therefore, to protect Adders and conserve them for the future - we need to ensure that their habitats are not disturbed, and that they can live freely and at peace in their homes. If they are left undisturbed, Adders can live for up to 15 years!
Why Are Adders Declining Important?
The decline of Adders is important because Adders play a vital role in our ecosystems - which is partly why Adders are a priority species, and protected by the government. Another reason why Adders are a priority species is because they are vulnerable and at risk of extinction in the near future. A combination of the two factors is why these beautiful animals are important in preserving.
Do Adders Have A Future In The UK?
The good news is - we have time to save Adders.
We have knowledge well in advanced before Adders (potentially) become a species on the edge of extinction. That means, there is time for us to save them.
Adders are one of our few Snake species, and like all of our wild animals, they deserve our protection, consideration and help.
Let’s make the future for Adders a bright one. 🐍
Sources:
https://www.thebhs.org/publications/the-herpetological-journal/volume-29-number-1-january-2019
https://www.reading.ac.uk/news-and-events/releases/PR794608.aspx
https://phys.org/news/2019-03-adders-extinction-britain-national-adder.html
https://wildlifeact.com/blog/what-are-priority-species/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40853286