Why Reptiles Matter (even if they’re scary!)
Many people are scared of reptiles (but not tortoises and turtles, as they look super-cute!) But reptiles often get a bad rap, with their slithering bodies and cold stares.
But actually all reptiles are important parts of our ecosystem, keeping nature in check. And many suffer terribly (housed in glass ‘jewellery boxes’ in zoos). Or even skinned alive for the fashion industry (a good reason to choose vegan handbags).
Most of England’s reptiles are harmless. Even poisonous adders usually won’t disturb you, unless they are disturbed.
If you find a loose snake (more likely a legless grass snake or glow worm), Amphibian & Reptile Conservation has advice and local volunteers).
Keep Dogs Away from Adders
Dog-Friendly Cornwall has tips on when to avoid walking near basking adders (‘safe hours’ were before 9am and after 7pm).
But rising temperatures means times may change. Adder bites need emergency vet care (read more on how to avoid & treat adder bites).
Natural Ecosystem Control
It would be nice if all creatures were vegetarian, but nature won’t oblige. Reptiles keep the numbers of mice, slugs and insects in check.
Grass snakes eat amphibians, and adders and smooth snakes eat small mammals. But these are nature’s hunters, so there is no need to use pesticides, if their natural habitats are maintained.
Spotting a lizard or snake in the countryside, is usually a good sign that the land is healthy. Reptiles need shelter, clean water and safe places to bask and hide.
England’s reptiles then also become a meal for many birds and mammals, for an interconnected food web.
Sand lizards are also endangered due to their sandy dunes disappearing, so always keep to pathways on dune areas (like the east coast) to avoid stepping on their homes.
Reptiles Need Habitats, Not Zoos
Reptile welfare experts say housing captive snakes in ”glass jewel boxes’ is not good, as enclosures should be more like large swamps.
Here’s a list of reptiles in England, all need natural habitats protected:
- Adder
- Common frog
- Common toad
- Common lizard
- Grass snake
- Slow worm
- Smooth newt
- Great crested newt
- Palmate newt
Also read how to protect our amphibians.
Understanding Reptiles: Biology & Behaviour
There are around 10,000 species of reptiles worldwide, including snakes, lizards, turtles, and crocodiles. Each has developed unique features to survive in their environments.
- Snakes sense vibrations through the ground
- Lizards can regenerate tails
- Crocodiles boast the most powerful jaws
- Turtles have very hardy shells
Reptiles rely on external heat to regulate body temperature. That’s why you see them basking in the sun. They need to, in order to survive.
Conservation Efforts and Success Stories
Thankfully, many conservation initiatives are in place to protect these species. For example, India’s Project Crocodile has been instrumental in reviving crocodile populations. Sea turtle conservation efforts worldwide have seen hatchlings safely reach the sea.
These initiatives highlight the positive impact humans can have when we unite to conserve our natural world.
