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Transcript
LINK Wildlife Forum Species Champions Slow Worm Photo: Lucy Benyon DESCRIPTON Although superficially snake-like the Slow Worm is actually a legless lizard. They have shiny scales that give them a smooth appearance. Slow worms are usually bronze or gold coloured; females and juveniles have dark flanks and, often, a stripe down the back. They can grow up to 40cm. These lizards love compost heaps, where their invertebrate prey thrives and are popular with gardeners due to their slug-eating habits. Slow Worms are widely distributed throughout Britain, however populations tend to be smaller and less frequent in Scotland. Protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, 1981, and classified as a Priority Species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. DISTRIBUTION MAP Map: Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group ACTIONS REQUIRED Increased Habitat Management to create and restore terrestrial habitats to suitable conditions. Targeted agrienvironment strategies to be encouraged to achieve this. Improved Planning Processes to take better account of presence during early stages of local authority plans and development. Increased Survey & Monitoring is essential to allow species status assessments to be made. MSP SPECIES CHAMPION Bruce Crawford MSP Member for: Stirling Region: Mid Scotland and Fife Party: Scottish National Party THREATS Development & agricultural intensification Habitat fragmentation Loss of terrestrial habitat Loss of hibernation sites from changes in farming practices Predation from domestic cats Persecution due to misidentification as snake [email protected] www.froglife.org