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Species |
Slow worm - Anguis
fragilis, reptile |
| Habitat |
URBAN HABITAT
Note that the species is found on a variety of
habitats and is not specifically associated with urban ones.
|
| Background
and status |
The slow
worm, often mistaken for a snake, is a legless lizard. It grows to up to
45 cm long and is, brown, shiny and sleek. Well known for its habit of shedding
part of its tail as a defence mechanism if seized by predators (or careless
people). Hibernates underground in soft soil from October to March. Mates
in April and May, 6-12 young born in August or September (in a membranous
egg that breaks within seconds). Eats live prey - slugs, spiders, insects.
Basks in partial sunlight though rarely seen in open. It can live for many
years but it has many natural predators, including hedgehogs, adders, rats,
kestrels.
Its status is unknown but it is thought to be
common.
|
| Main
Threats |
Habitat loss/change
- development, general `tidying up’/over-management of waste ground,
loss of open/green spaces in towns and villages, farmland intensification. |
| Conservation
and targets |
Clarify status of species
Maintain its existing range and populations.
Expand via appropriate management in areas
that could support this common species.
Promote public appreciation of slow-worms and
retention of its habitats (especially in gardens).
Ensure retention and enhancement of diversity
of slow worm habitats elsewhere via work on planning policy (eg, urban
green spaces) and agricultural policy (to reduce intensity of modern
farming).
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