Recent reports in the press may have alerted you to a ‘new’ species of grass snake in the UK. Unfortunately, most of the reports have been very misleading or downright incorrect. Fortunately, Acer Ecology can set the record straight and provide an account of our only grass snake!
Most of the press have misunderstood the findings of a research paper which looked at the genetics of grass snakes. The snakes were previously divided into different sub species – One sub species was Natrix natrix helvetica, (native to the UK), the other sub species was Natrix natrix natrix (only present in the UK in very low numbers as escapees from the pet trade, not native).
The paper found there to be a narrow contact zone between the two sub species, with limited gene flow between the populations. In light of these findings, the sub-species have been taxonomically split into separate species. No new snakes have been discovered and the grass snake we have in the UK is now known as Natrix helvetica (previously Natrix natrix). There certainly is no new species of snake in the UK and we still have only six native reptile species.
Taxonomic changes are common in biological science. Plants, animals and fungi are regularly reclassified as research discovers more about the genetics of life on earth. The original research paper discussed above can be found here.
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 about the Ecology Services we can offer, call us on 029 2065 0331 or contact us on info@acerecology.co.uk.
