A new study has demonstrated that the grass snake hatching success is significantly affected by the medium in which eggs are deposited.
The paper by Kristin Löwenborg, Simon Kärvemo, Alma Tiwe and Mattias Hagman published in the Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation describes an experiment whereby grass snake eggs were placed in different materials and hatchling success monitored.
Hatching success was highest in manure heaps (71%), whilst there was reduced success in compost heaps (43%) and nonexistent hatching (0%) in ‘natural’ nests. The study showed that manure heaps have higher and more stable temperatures which resulted in earlier egg hatching and more successful development of embryos.
The decline in the storage of large manure and compost heaps on farmshas meant that these unusually warm environments are disappearing from the landscape. The decline in this practice is very detrimental to grass snakes.
Our ecologists have extensive experience in surveying and designing mitigation for reptiles and can advise you on survey methodology, legal protection, mitigation options and the timing of development works. For more information call us on 029 2065 0331.
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