Efforts to make urban ponds more wildlife-friendly are being hampered by exotic terrapins, say Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
The charity’s urban pond regeneration scheme will leave their staff with a unique problem: how to find new homes for exotic terrapins, which, when caught during pond clean-ups, are prohibited by law from being re-released.
Originating from warmer climes, terrapins find it too cold to breed in the United Kingdom – but ‘populations’ have built up following several decades of former owners dumping unwanted pets into urban ponds and lakes.
“Wildlife conservationists have long been aware of the unwelcome effects of releasing non-native plants and animals into the wild – but lately terrapins are proving to be a new headache,” said Rebecca Turpin, London Living Water Officer at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
“Much of our work involves making ponds more wildlife-friendly, but if terrapins are caught we are then faced with the problem of where to re-home them. Often terrapins end up being taken to animal rescue centres, but sadly many are either full, or lack the finances to look after an animal which can live for over twenty years.”
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is calling for the public to think carefully about buying terrapins over the Christmas period, which is a boom-time for sales of exotic reptiles.
“Baby terrapins might seem attractive pets. But they can grow to the size of a dinner plate. The importation of one species, the red-eared terrapin, was banned over ten years ago - but we’re still finding them in urban ponds because they can live for several decades.” said John Baker, Conservation Officer at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
“More recently, their numbers have been reinforced by other terrapin species that have taken the place of red-ears in the pet trade.” added Dr Baker.
“Terrapins are best left to specialist pet-keepers. They’re not a suitable pet for casual interest and they certainly shouldn’t be purchased as a present at Christmas - or any other time.”
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is calling on the public to report sightings of exotic amphibian and reptile species (including terrapins) seen in the wild. For more information see the website, Alien Encounters - www.alienencounters.org.uk
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
Tuesday, 8 December 2009
Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting – details announced
Details of next year’s national conference for those involved in the conservation of amphibians and reptiles are being released today.
The Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting (HWM), is the main event of the year for those interested in learning more about the latest conservation techniques and research into the UK’s amphibians and reptiles.
The event is organised by ARG UK (the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK) and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
At the conference in Leicestershire, Pond Conservation’s director Jeremy Biggs will be speaking and also leading a workshop on pond management. Other topics will include an update on amphibian disease in the UK, and new educational approaches to promoting snake identification and appreciation.
“The conference is an opportunity to meet lots of interesting people for an enjoyable weekend, as well as a chance to hear a great range of speakers on a diverse range of conservation issues.” said organiser John Baker of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and ARG UK representative.
The 2010 HWM will be held in Hinckley, Leicestershire on January 30-31st 2010. For further details please see our flyer and booking form
The all inclusive rate includes registration for both days of the conference, accommodation for the Friday and Saturday evening, lunch for both days, the evening meal on the Friday night and evening meal (and social event) on the Saturday evening.
“The recent Amphibian and Reptile Conservation/BHS conference in Bournemouth earlier this month was a sell out, so don't miss out on the HWM by leaving registration to the last minute.”
The Herpetofauna Workers’ Meeting (HWM), is the main event of the year for those interested in learning more about the latest conservation techniques and research into the UK’s amphibians and reptiles.
The event is organised by ARG UK (the Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK) and Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
At the conference in Leicestershire, Pond Conservation’s director Jeremy Biggs will be speaking and also leading a workshop on pond management. Other topics will include an update on amphibian disease in the UK, and new educational approaches to promoting snake identification and appreciation.
“The conference is an opportunity to meet lots of interesting people for an enjoyable weekend, as well as a chance to hear a great range of speakers on a diverse range of conservation issues.” said organiser John Baker of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and ARG UK representative.
The 2010 HWM will be held in Hinckley, Leicestershire on January 30-31st 2010. For further details please see our flyer and booking form
The all inclusive rate includes registration for both days of the conference, accommodation for the Friday and Saturday evening, lunch for both days, the evening meal on the Friday night and evening meal (and social event) on the Saturday evening.
“The recent Amphibian and Reptile Conservation/BHS conference in Bournemouth earlier this month was a sell out, so don't miss out on the HWM by leaving registration to the last minute.”
Friday, 27 November 2009
Great crested newts, licensing and mitigation...
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is providing a valuable training opportunity for wildlife consultants, planners and local authority ecologists working with great crested newts on development projects.
The course, entitled Great crested newts, licensing and mitigation, will cover licence applications, the planning and coordination of mitigation projects and it will include a workshop based on a local case-study.
It will take place on January 19th – 21st 2010, at Preston Montford Studies Centre near Shrewsbury. The course will be run in partnership with Golder Associates and the Field Studies Council.
Only 20 places are available - to avoid disappointment please contact the Field Studies Council directly on 0845 3307378.
If you have any queries about the course please contact David Orchard at david.orchard@arc-trust.org, 01204 529312; 07817 373853.
For more information: click here to download a flyer
The course, entitled Great crested newts, licensing and mitigation, will cover licence applications, the planning and coordination of mitigation projects and it will include a workshop based on a local case-study.
It will take place on January 19th – 21st 2010, at Preston Montford Studies Centre near Shrewsbury. The course will be run in partnership with Golder Associates and the Field Studies Council.
Only 20 places are available - to avoid disappointment please contact the Field Studies Council directly on 0845 3307378.
If you have any queries about the course please contact David Orchard at david.orchard@arc-trust.org, 01204 529312; 07817 373853.
For more information: click here to download a flyer
Thursday, 19 November 2009
“Lizards 1 - People 1” argues ARC in response to roadworks debacle
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation is calling for a more measured response from Bournemouth commuters to road verge works being undertaken while slow-worms and sand lizards are hibernating.
The story has received a great deal of coverage in past days. Papers, including The Daily Mail and The Sun, report that local businesses are upset over the roadworks, fearing an impact on trade in the run-up to Christmas. Many blame the lizards, arguing that the needs of wildlife have come before those of people. (‘Lizards 1: People 0’, reads one headline of Bournemouth’s Daily Echo).
The issue needs a measured response, argues Amphibian and Reptile Conservation in letters to the papers involved.
“Efforts to reduce the impacts of essential road repairs should not be seen as a ‘battle between lizards and motorists’ but rather an attempt to strike a delicate balance between the protection of Dorset’s wildlife and providing a good transport infrastructure.” said Dr. John Wilkinson, a spokesperson for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
“The needs of Dorset residents and its protected species are both valid concerns and both must be carefully addressed in large-scale construction projects.” he added.
“More often than not, it is the wildlife that loses out as roads are driven through nature reserves (as is the case here with the Bournemouth spur road), and other natural areas.” said Rowland Griffin, ARC’s Dorset Community Officer.
“This not only negatively impacts wildlife but reduces the areas available to local people for leisure, cycling, walking, horseriding and for simply enjoying the countryside.”
Dorset is a stronghold for lizards, particularly sand lizards – a species restricted to the small pockets of heathland that remain in the UK countryside.
“Dorset would be a much poorer place to live without its wonderful heathlands and the unique wildlife that lives there. On a global scale, Dorset’s lowland heaths are rarer than tropical rainforest.” added Dr. Wilkinson.
The story has received a great deal of coverage in past days. Papers, including The Daily Mail and The Sun, report that local businesses are upset over the roadworks, fearing an impact on trade in the run-up to Christmas. Many blame the lizards, arguing that the needs of wildlife have come before those of people. (‘Lizards 1: People 0’, reads one headline of Bournemouth’s Daily Echo).
The issue needs a measured response, argues Amphibian and Reptile Conservation in letters to the papers involved.
“Efforts to reduce the impacts of essential road repairs should not be seen as a ‘battle between lizards and motorists’ but rather an attempt to strike a delicate balance between the protection of Dorset’s wildlife and providing a good transport infrastructure.” said Dr. John Wilkinson, a spokesperson for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
“The needs of Dorset residents and its protected species are both valid concerns and both must be carefully addressed in large-scale construction projects.” he added.
“More often than not, it is the wildlife that loses out as roads are driven through nature reserves (as is the case here with the Bournemouth spur road), and other natural areas.” said Rowland Griffin, ARC’s Dorset Community Officer.
“This not only negatively impacts wildlife but reduces the areas available to local people for leisure, cycling, walking, horseriding and for simply enjoying the countryside.”
Dorset is a stronghold for lizards, particularly sand lizards – a species restricted to the small pockets of heathland that remain in the UK countryside.
“Dorset would be a much poorer place to live without its wonderful heathlands and the unique wildlife that lives there. On a global scale, Dorset’s lowland heaths are rarer than tropical rainforest.” added Dr. Wilkinson.
Thursday, 5 November 2009
ARC receives warm applause...
Scientists and politicians were among those celebrating the formal launch of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation in London on Wednesday 4th November.
The organisation will lead on conservation efforts to save the UK’s disappearing frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation formed from the merger of national wildlife charities, Froglife and The Herpetological Conservation Trust. The charities merged in order to use limited resources more efficiently to tackle the causes of the recent decline.
“By merging we can achieve more for these animals – by forming a single organisation our thinking is clearer, making partnerships is easier, our money goes further and our message is stronger.” said Dr. Tony Gent, CEO of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Almost half of the world’s amphibians are disappearing, with early indications suggesting that reptiles are likely to be facing a similar risk of extinction. At the launch the charity outlined a ‘rescue plan’ to help save the UK’s thirteen native species.
“These actions give us the direction that we must take as a new organisation, but we need partnerships with other wildlife organisations and commitment to act from those in power, to make them into winning results for reptiles and amphibians.” said Dr. Gent.
The Right Hon. John Gummer MP (Cons), former Secretary of State for the Environment, gave the keynote speech at the launch event: “I am much impressed in the way that this amalgamation has taken place. It is amazingly valuable, and it will give you huge strength.”
The organisation will lead on conservation efforts to save the UK’s disappearing frogs, toads, newts, snakes and lizards.
Amphibian and Reptile Conservation formed from the merger of national wildlife charities, Froglife and The Herpetological Conservation Trust. The charities merged in order to use limited resources more efficiently to tackle the causes of the recent decline.
“By merging we can achieve more for these animals – by forming a single organisation our thinking is clearer, making partnerships is easier, our money goes further and our message is stronger.” said Dr. Tony Gent, CEO of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Almost half of the world’s amphibians are disappearing, with early indications suggesting that reptiles are likely to be facing a similar risk of extinction. At the launch the charity outlined a ‘rescue plan’ to help save the UK’s thirteen native species.
“These actions give us the direction that we must take as a new organisation, but we need partnerships with other wildlife organisations and commitment to act from those in power, to make them into winning results for reptiles and amphibians.” said Dr. Gent.
The Right Hon. John Gummer MP (Cons), former Secretary of State for the Environment, gave the keynote speech at the launch event: “I am much impressed in the way that this amalgamation has taken place. It is amazingly valuable, and it will give you huge strength.”
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Bonfire warning for garden amphibians
Bonfire night can be a worrying time for hedgehogs. But bonfires, when lit, may also be a potential death trap for some garden frogs and toads, say experts at Amphibian and Reptile Conservation.
Like hedgehogs, amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) seek out sheltered parts of gardens in the autumn weather to prepare for the cold winter. Unlit bonfires can be perfect because they offer protection from predators, and because they attract amphibian prey including woodlice, worms, spiders and beetles.
“Garden frogs, toads and newts can be very active at this time of year as they look to stock up on invertebrate prey for winter,” said Dr. John Wilkinson of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, a national wildlife charity.
“We advise that people avoid making up their bonfires until the day they’re to be lit – better still make up a similar stack of logs and branches in the corner of your garden and leave it for the frogs.”
Although people may think of amphibians as creatures that occur only in the countryside, gardens are important refuges for many of them.
Losses of ponds in the wider countryside have reduced the habitat available to many of these species: of the UK’s 13 species of amphibians and reptiles, 10 are listed on the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) ‘watchlist’.
For more information on looking after amphibians in your garden visit: www.arc-trust.org/dragons
Like hedgehogs, amphibians (frogs, toads and newts) seek out sheltered parts of gardens in the autumn weather to prepare for the cold winter. Unlit bonfires can be perfect because they offer protection from predators, and because they attract amphibian prey including woodlice, worms, spiders and beetles.
“Garden frogs, toads and newts can be very active at this time of year as they look to stock up on invertebrate prey for winter,” said Dr. John Wilkinson of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, a national wildlife charity.
“We advise that people avoid making up their bonfires until the day they’re to be lit – better still make up a similar stack of logs and branches in the corner of your garden and leave it for the frogs.”
Although people may think of amphibians as creatures that occur only in the countryside, gardens are important refuges for many of them.
Losses of ponds in the wider countryside have reduced the habitat available to many of these species: of the UK’s 13 species of amphibians and reptiles, 10 are listed on the Government’s Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) ‘watchlist’.
For more information on looking after amphibians in your garden visit: www.arc-trust.org/dragons
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Amphibian extinctions may not be uniquely high, say scientists
The global extinction crisis facing amphibian populations around the world may be as severe for reptiles like snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.
The findings have been put forward in a scientific review in the journal Diversity.
The scientific review also cites evidence that recent scientific research into amphibian declines far outweighs research into reptile declines, even though both groups of species may be facing a similar extinction threat.
The authors of the paper, based at the University of Sussex and the UK wildlife charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, argue that future research should be more equally balanced, so that the investment in research mirrors the extinction risk of each group.
Reptiles in decline
The fragile state of the world’s amphibians was widely recognised in 2004, after release of the IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment. This report found that amphibians were facing a greater number of extinctions and declines than any other taxonomic group for which data were available at the time, with one third of all amphibian species worldwide threatened with extinction.
A Global Reptile Assessment is as yet incomplete but already research is indicating that a similar extinction risk may be facing reptiles too.
In May 2008, studies commissioned by the European Commission and carried out by IUCN, found that Europe’s reptiles and amphibians were in similar degrees of trouble. 22.9% of Europe’s native amphibian species were categorised as threatened with extinction, and 19.4% of reptiles. The study also reported that 4.3% of reptile species in Europe were listed as Critically Endangered, the most serious of the Red List categories. This is double the number of amphibians in the same category.
“It is increasingly clear that amphibians are not alone in facing a major biodiversity crisis,” said lead author Professor Trevor Beebee of the University of Sussex. “Other groups of ‘cold blooded’ vertebrates, notably reptiles and freshwater fishes, are in the same boat.”
The research bias toward amphibian decline studies
In the new study, the authors undertook searches of scientific publications between 2005-2009 under the theme of ‘biodiversity and conservation’, comparing the numbers that contained amphibian-related search terms (such as “frogs or toads") with those containing reptile-related search terms (such as “lizards or snakes”).
The results showed that published scientific papers covering amphibian declines outnumbered papers covering reptile declines by four to one (153 papers to 42 respectively), even though there are substantially more species of reptiles than of amphibians in the world ( 8,734 and 6,347 species respectively).
Similar findings emerged when looking solely at published studies relating to native amphibians and reptiles in the UK. There were, during 2005-2009, 69 “biodiversity and conservation” papers on the seven native British amphibians, compared to just 20 papers on the six native terrestrial reptile species.
“Evidently there has been a significant bias towards study of declines in the amphibians…,” say the paper’s authors. “…the question arises as to whether the bias in favour of amphibian decline research is justified on the basis of risk.”
Though amphibians and reptiles differ in their anatomy and life-histories, the causes of declines and extinctions are similar for both groups of species. They include: habitat loss, invasive wildlife species and disease, pollution, climate change and the impact of roads. Disturbance and persecution (particularly of snakes) are an added cause of concern to reptiles.
Future research into amphibian and reptile declines
To reduce risk of extinctions, the authors suggest that research should focus on the impact that the UK’s changing habitats and landscapes may be having on populations of amphibians and reptiles. This requires detailed ‘baseline’ knowledge about where these species occur, and how individual populations are faring.
In 2007, the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) was launched to improve understanding of the status of British amphibians and reptiles. The scheme is coordinated by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and encourages volunteers to survey selected 1km squares for amphibians and reptiles.
“We can base conservation decisions only on robust information,” said NARRS Coordinator Dr. John Wilkinson of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. “So if you’re looking at getting out and seeing some wildlife, learning new skills and helping protect some of our most threatened creatures, why not take part in NARRS?”
For more information visit: www.narrs.org.uk or join your local Amphibian and Reptile Group www.arg-uk.org
PAPER CITATION: Beebee, T.J.C.; Buckley, J.; Wilkinson, J.W. Amphibian declines are not uniquely high amongst the vertebrates: trend determination and the British perspective. Diversity 2009, 1, 67-88.
Online copy: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/1/1/67/pdf
The findings have been put forward in a scientific review in the journal Diversity.
The scientific review also cites evidence that recent scientific research into amphibian declines far outweighs research into reptile declines, even though both groups of species may be facing a similar extinction threat.
The authors of the paper, based at the University of Sussex and the UK wildlife charity Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, argue that future research should be more equally balanced, so that the investment in research mirrors the extinction risk of each group.
Reptiles in decline
The fragile state of the world’s amphibians was widely recognised in 2004, after release of the IUCN Global Amphibian Assessment. This report found that amphibians were facing a greater number of extinctions and declines than any other taxonomic group for which data were available at the time, with one third of all amphibian species worldwide threatened with extinction.
A Global Reptile Assessment is as yet incomplete but already research is indicating that a similar extinction risk may be facing reptiles too.
In May 2008, studies commissioned by the European Commission and carried out by IUCN, found that Europe’s reptiles and amphibians were in similar degrees of trouble. 22.9% of Europe’s native amphibian species were categorised as threatened with extinction, and 19.4% of reptiles. The study also reported that 4.3% of reptile species in Europe were listed as Critically Endangered, the most serious of the Red List categories. This is double the number of amphibians in the same category.
“It is increasingly clear that amphibians are not alone in facing a major biodiversity crisis,” said lead author Professor Trevor Beebee of the University of Sussex. “Other groups of ‘cold blooded’ vertebrates, notably reptiles and freshwater fishes, are in the same boat.”
The research bias toward amphibian decline studies
In the new study, the authors undertook searches of scientific publications between 2005-2009 under the theme of ‘biodiversity and conservation’, comparing the numbers that contained amphibian-related search terms (such as “frogs or toads") with those containing reptile-related search terms (such as “lizards or snakes”).
The results showed that published scientific papers covering amphibian declines outnumbered papers covering reptile declines by four to one (153 papers to 42 respectively), even though there are substantially more species of reptiles than of amphibians in the world ( 8,734 and 6,347 species respectively).
Similar findings emerged when looking solely at published studies relating to native amphibians and reptiles in the UK. There were, during 2005-2009, 69 “biodiversity and conservation” papers on the seven native British amphibians, compared to just 20 papers on the six native terrestrial reptile species.
“Evidently there has been a significant bias towards study of declines in the amphibians…,” say the paper’s authors. “…the question arises as to whether the bias in favour of amphibian decline research is justified on the basis of risk.”
Though amphibians and reptiles differ in their anatomy and life-histories, the causes of declines and extinctions are similar for both groups of species. They include: habitat loss, invasive wildlife species and disease, pollution, climate change and the impact of roads. Disturbance and persecution (particularly of snakes) are an added cause of concern to reptiles.
Future research into amphibian and reptile declines
To reduce risk of extinctions, the authors suggest that research should focus on the impact that the UK’s changing habitats and landscapes may be having on populations of amphibians and reptiles. This requires detailed ‘baseline’ knowledge about where these species occur, and how individual populations are faring.
In 2007, the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) was launched to improve understanding of the status of British amphibians and reptiles. The scheme is coordinated by Amphibian and Reptile Conservation and encourages volunteers to survey selected 1km squares for amphibians and reptiles.
“We can base conservation decisions only on robust information,” said NARRS Coordinator Dr. John Wilkinson of Amphibian and Reptile Conservation. “So if you’re looking at getting out and seeing some wildlife, learning new skills and helping protect some of our most threatened creatures, why not take part in NARRS?”
For more information visit: www.narrs.org.uk or join your local Amphibian and Reptile Group www.arg-uk.org
PAPER CITATION: Beebee, T.J.C.; Buckley, J.; Wilkinson, J.W. Amphibian declines are not uniquely high amongst the vertebrates: trend determination and the British perspective. Diversity 2009, 1, 67-88.
Online copy: http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/1/1/67/pdf
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