First Adders of 2015

[JaySteel]

I performed my first adder survey of the year today at a Kent site that is scheduled for development and the building of a new crematorium in its place. I saw five Adders, a few Common Lizards and plenty of Slow Worms. It's such a shame that these beautiful reptiles will be relocated to another site. This adult female was enjoying the sunshine.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8738/17533581851_a7847453f3_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/sHoc2n)Adder130_JasonSteel_800 (https://flic.kr/p/sHoc2n)


https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8897/16913403293_eab020f0cb_o.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/rLzBxB)Adder131_JasonSteel_800 (https://flic.kr/p/rLzBxB)


Larger photos on my website here:
Adders Page 4 (http://www.jasonsteelwildlifephotography.yolasite.com/adders-4.php)

Jason

[Pareeeee]

Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing.

[JaySteel]

Thanks Pareeeee.


Jason

[FWK]

Breathtaking...

[FWK]

I'm going to go hang out on your website for a while lol. Reptilian eye candy, thanks for sharing.

[sharthun]

Amazing shots and snakes!

[JaySteel]

Thanks very much for your kind words everyone, and I appreciate people checking out my website too.


Jason

[SnakeyJay]

Nice shots, lovely to see our native herps :)

[JaySteel]

Thanks Jamie.


Jason

[Albert Clark]

PLEASE, make sure its just a relocation and they don't decide to kill these rodent killers. Thanks.

[Jim Smith]

Amazing photos!!! Since you know that the site will be developed, is there any chance you could help organize a wildlife roundup to relocate these beautiful animals? Thanks for sharing this information and for your amazing photos.

[JaySteel]

Thanks for your comments. All reptile species are protected by law in the UK so the developers wouldn't get away with simply killing those reptiles currently present on this site.

Relocating Adders is very difficult though. They are very easily stressed and relocation rarely works. They simply refuse to breed and sometimes even feed at the new sites unless conditions are perfect. Unfortunately there is very little suitable habitat left in the UK that can accept new populations of Adders. It's a sad state that as this country becomes more and more overcrowded and the need for new housing keeps increasing, wildlife is shown little concern by those in power.

Jason

[pet_snake_78]

ya relocation is mostly a feel good response, but in regards to the adders I've read some populations suffering inbreeding depression benefited from additional snakes being added. Sadly, most will just die though, if not all, before breeding.

[jossh27]

Nice shots. The red eyes make it look evil lol

[PatrickT]

This is allowed in UK? In germany before a project is planned they look what critters live there. If they find something like this the entire project can fall.

[SnakeyJay]

This is allowed in UK? In germany before a project is planned they look what critters live there. If they find something like this the entire project can fall.

That can and does happen here but there's always loopholes that some will abuse...

[JaySteel]

It's a shame that relocation of adders rarely works in the UK. Ecological surveys are performed and if protected species are found then they are simply moved somewhere else. It's all done within the law but it is a corrupt and flawed system.

And thanks, I agree the red eyes of the adder give them a really mean look.

Jason