Surveying greatly assists in mapping the fortunes of these species so that new colonies can be discovered and the health of existing populations monitored. What a great excuse to get out during the spring and summer for a walk around some of Norfolk’s wonderful countryside searching for these elusive and enigmatic animals!
There are no specialist skills or equipment necessary for surveying amphibians and reptiles, although familiarity with the key features of each species will be required.
For full species profiles and images of all resident Norfolk reptiles and amphibians visit the
species explorer.
For a list of Norfolk amphibians and reptiles on the Biodiversity Action Plan
click here.
Reptiles, amphibians and the law
All reptiles and amphibians are protected by law under the
Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, meaning it is illegal to sell or intentionally kill or injure them.
The
great crested newt has additional special protection under UK law, making it illegal to catch, possess or handle them without a licence or to cause them any harm or damage their habitat in any way.
The
natterjack toad is afforded the same protection as the
great crested newt. In addition, even photographing natterjacks requires a licence. In view of the vulnerability of natterjack toads and their habitat it is not recommended that you actively survey this species.
If you do accidentally discover natterjack toads or great crested newts when surveying for other species do not attempt to handle them but make a record of your find and report it to:
Norfolk Biodiversity Information Service
Planning and Transportation Department
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2SG
nbis@norfolk.gov.uk
When should we survey?
Amphibians and reptiles generally emerge from hibernation in early spring and are then very active with the business of seeking mates and breeding.
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March to June is the optimum time to conduct surveys for breeding amphibians.
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March to July is the best time to find the eggs and larvae of amphibians in ponds.
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March and April is the best time to find basking reptiles fresh from hibernation.
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August and September is the best time to look for young reptiles.
All species will begin to seek hibernation sites during October with hibernation generally taking place between November and February when they should not be looked for or disturbed.
Unlikely encounters?
Norfolk does have small populations of pool frog, marsh frog and edible frog. There are also likely to be small populations of terrapins and exotic amphibians which have escaped or been deliberately introduced into the wild.
Whilst the distribution of these amphibians is very limited, if you believe you have found one take a photograph and send it to us at
wild@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk for identification.
Need some inspiration?
Discover just some of the amphibian and reptile surveys people have been carrying out in Norfolk.
Would you like to tell us about your amphibian or reptile survey?
Click here.
Snap away…
A digital camera can be quite useful during surveying either to record habitats, or to take a photograph of a reptile or amphibian that needs to be identified.
Need help identifying that mystery amphibian or reptile?
Take part in a wildlife workshop
To get details of amphibian or reptile workshops in Norfolk check out our
event section.
For all your amphibian and reptile surveying needs…
You may find the following books, dvds, cds and equipment helpful when carrying out an amphibian and reptile survey:
Please watch this space we will be updating this section shortly.
Get the low down on Norfolk reptiles and amphibians
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How can I find out what species are present in my garden?
Unless you live adjacent to a suitable wild habitat or have a large garden with a corridor to an area of open country, you are unlikely to have amphibians or reptiles in your garden. Perhaps the most likely will be grass snakes, which may feed in garden ponds or lay eggs in compost heaps.
However, if you live close to a wild area, amphibians and reptiles may sometimes use your garden for feeding and breeding or as a corridor between more favoured habitats. Techniques for surveying amphibians and reptiles in your garden is essentially the same as for larger spaces. You can tailor the techniques to suit the size and nature of your garden.
Use sample garden amphibian and reptile survey form g.
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - What species of amphibian are present in my garden?
If you have a pond or plenty of natural cover you are quite likely to have frogs, toads and newts visiting from time to time, and maybe breeding - even if you live in the middle of a town or city.
If you are surveying amphibians in your garden, you should look for breeding colonies in ponds and in damp areas - such as under log piles, accumulated leaf litter or long grass - throughout the spring and summer months. Newts and young frogs and toads can sometimes be found in holes in walls and rockeries, or under paving slabs and plant pots.
Use sample garden amphibian and reptile survey form g.
For information on how to attract reptiles and amphibians to your garden,
download a leaflet.
(Surveying amphibians and reptiles.)
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How do we find out what reptiles are present in a wider area?
Use survey form f.
The best times to survey reptiles are in the morning (between 8.30 – 11am) and in the late afternoon/early evening (between 4 – 6.30pm), when they will most likely be basking in favoured locations. In peak summer, when temperatures are high, the period during which reptiles will bask is likely to be shorter than in the cooler spring months because they will take less time to warm up.
Surveying dry habitats requires stealth and patience. Reptiles are well camouflaged and secretive, so to catch sight of them is not easy. A key to success will be familiarity with your survey area and prior identification of the likely hot-spots.
For maximum success and efficiency your visits should coincide with the most suitable conditions. Move slowly and quietly using light steps over the terrain, stopping frequently to scan the ground in front and to the side of you. Try to position yourself in relation to the sun to ensure your movements do not throw shadows onto hot-spots, which could alarm the creatures before you are able to see them. Do not lose heart if you fail to see anything to begin with – your success rate will improve over time as you gain experience and ‘get your eye in’.
Safety first
Adders are venomous, but will usually only bite if an attempt is made to pick them up. Their bite is rarely fatal but symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling. If you or somebody with you is bitten whilst surveying amphibians and reptiles you should:
- Stay calm.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- If possible, immobilise the affected body part.
(Surveying amphibians and reptiles)
Surveying amphibians and reptiles - How do I make an artificial refuge for carrying out a survey?
Different methods should be used for surveying amphibians and reptiles. Perhaps the best method of surveying reptiles is to provide a number of artificial refuges; pieces of corrugated iron, roofing felt, plywood, roofing tiles (Norfolk pantiles will work well) or squares of old carpet can be place in the areas you judge most likely to attract basking reptiles, such as woodland edges or grassy banks. The refuges work by providing a safe, predator-free shelter which absorbs heat and allows the animals to warm up quickly.
Refuges should be placed about 100 metres apart and left for a couple of weeks before they are checked so that the reptiles can get used to using them without disturbance. When checking for reptiles it is recommended you wear a thick pair of gloves (in case adders are present) or even use a stout stick or cane. Carefully lift up the cover to a vertical position, being alert for any movements beneath. Always replace the refuge in exactly the same position.
Top tips for using refuges:
- When on private land be sure to obtain prior permission from the landowner to use refuges.
- Avoid using refuges in areas which are likely to be frequented by lots of people.
- Give each refuge a number to clearly record its location.
- Place refuges in sunny locations.
- Do not comstruct your refuge from brightly coloured or shiny materials; they may attract undesirable attention.
- Ensure that you remove the refuges at the end of the survey period.
Use Survey Form F to record your findings.
Safety first
Adders are venomous but will usually only bit if an attempt is made to pick them up. Their bite is rarely fatal but symptoms that may occur include dizziness, vomiting and swelling. If you or somebody with you is bitten you should:
- Stay calm.
- Seek immediate medical attention.
- If possible, immobilise the affected body part.
What are the best reptile hot-spots?
- Sand dunes
- Forest rides and glades
- Woodland edges
- Brash piles
- Manure/compost heaps
- Railway cuttings and embankments
- Rough grass, for example as found in churchyards and allotments
- Commons and heaths
- Marshy ground and bogs
- Dykes, tracks and path edges