Written by Charles Bonnett, Transforming Lives Trainee.
Many species across this country – and the wider world – are experiencing population declines. Reptiles and amphibians are no different, as 4 out of Britain’s 13 reptiles and amphibians are considered under threat of extinction. In this vein, let’s take a brief look at our rarest amphibian and reptile.
Northern pool frog
Pool frogs are our rarest amphibians; not only that, but they are also the most vulnerable out of our 13
reptiles and amphibians. They were presumed extinct in 1995 but have since been reintroduced in East Anglia from pool frog populations in Sweden. Similarly to common frogs, male pool frogs are around 6cm in length, with the larger female reaching up to 9cm. They are generally brown or green in colour, with a cream or yellow dorsal stripe, and have a pair of ridges along their back. A distinct feature of the pool frog is their vocal sacs found on the sides of a male’s mouth, which can produce a loud call during breeding season.
Rare ponds named ‘pingo’s’ (the result of glacial activity during the last ice age) are their favoured habitat for breeding, and therefore the succession and destruction of these landscape features has contributed to the decline of the pool frog.
Smooth snake
Smooth snakes are our rarest reptile. Not only are they uncommon, but they are incredibly secretive animals, rarely basking in the open. Their name is derived from their scales, which are smooth in comparison to the keeled scales of their counterparts, the grass snake and adder. Adults reach about 60-70cm in length, with females often being the larger sex. They possess quite an understated colouring, consisting of grey and brown, with a distinctive eye stripe extending from the eyes across the side of the head.
As rare as the smooth snake themselves, is their favoured habitat. They are restricted to heathland primarily in Dorset and Hampshire. They prefer mature heathland vegetation, which can provide suitable cover and a supply of food. Unfortunately, heathland habitat suffers from degradation, due primarily to development, farming, human activity, and natural succession. All these factors impede upon the already diminished smooth snake’s habitat.
Despite the difficulties our amphibians and reptiles are facing, there are many ongoing amazing projects and initiatives with the intent to aid the survival of these animals. As time progresses, we will surely need to stay vigilant regarding the health of reptiles and amphibians and their habitats.
Every little helps, so if you spot any amphibians and reptiles whilst out and about, consider recording them on our free Dragon Finder app.
Usually when you ask someone what their favourite animal is, the answer is typically either some kind of mammal or reptile. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that as there are many amazing species all over the world. The popularity of these kinds of animals could possibly be due to ideologies pushed towards the public eye, influencing their views on certain animals for better or for worse. This means that amphibians are often overlooked except for frogs and axolotls whose popularity with the younger generation have risen greatly over the last few years. So, I would like to express what makes amphibians so wonderful. Why should they be given more love and recognition?
There has been a 50% decline in pond habitats in the UK over the past century, with 80% of those remaining being classified as either in ‘poor’ or ‘very poor’ condition. We can all do our bit to tackle this problem.