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
Environment, Transport and Development
County Hall
Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2SG
Email:
[email protected]
Website:
NBIS
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
[email protected] for identification.