Status of British Reptile and Amphibian species

Some 13 terrestrial reptile and amphibian species are currently recognised as being post-glacial natives of Britain, with all but four of these considered widespread across the region. A number of non-native species have established breeding populations, including Marsh Frog, Edible Frog, Alpine Newt, Midwife Toad and Wall Lizard.

Species
Distribution
Status
UK BAP priority listed
Common Frog
Rana temporaria
Widespread
Common. Documented decline up to 1970s, since when appears to have stabilized.
-
Pool Frog
Pelophylax lessonae
Localised, East Anglia
Recent reintroduction to a single site. Also exists as some introduced populations from other sources.
England
Common Toad
Bufo bufo
Widespread
Common, but long-term declines
England, Scotland and Wales
Natterjack Toad
Bufo calamita
Localised.
Stable after period of decline
England, Scotland and Wales
Smooth Newt
Lissotriton vulgaris
Widespread
Common; thought to have suffered a general decline in rural areas, though may have been offset somewhat by colonisation of new garden ponds.
-
Palmate Newt
Lissotriton helveticus
Widespread, though patchily distributed. More common in Wales and Scotland; rare in East of England.
General decline
-
Great Crested Newt
Triturus cristatus
Lowland species, widespread across most of England but rare or absent in north and west of UK.
General decline
England, Scotland and Wales
Common Lizard
Zootoca vivipara
Widespread, but patchy
General decline
England, Scotland and Wales
Sand Lizard
Lacerta agilis
Localised
Documented decline
England, Scotland and Wales
Slow-worm
Anguis fragilis
Widespread
General decline
England, Scotland and Wales
Grass Snake
Natrix natrix
Widespread in England and Wales. Almost absent from Scotland except for introductions.
General decline but current
trends unknown
England, Scotland and Wales
Adder
Vipera berus
Widespread, but restricted by habitat preferences
Declines in some areas
England, Scotland and Wales
Smooth Snake
Coronella austriaca
Localised, Dorset, Surrey and
Hampshire heaths
Decline, but current trends
largely unknown
England

Taken from BTO Research Report 572

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