Three-year study to save Jersey’s endangered grass snake

Tuesday 04 February 2014

A study has been launched into how to save Jersey's threatened grass snake from extinction.

The snakes were a common sight in the 1960s but are thought to be close to dying out. Environmentalists hope a three-year Island-wide study will reveal how many are left, where they are living and what can be done to help conserve them. The rare reptile is the focus of the Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Groups annual conference which is being held at Durrell Conservation Academy on Saturday 8 February.

States of Jersey Research Ecologist Nina Cornish said: “It is fantastic to be part of a new three-year study. Grass snakes are Jersey’s rarest reptile and we hope to halt their extinction and conserve for future generations.”

She said there have been very few sightings of the species and those the Department have had are mainly from the West of the Island - Ouaisné common, the sand dunes, golf courses and on private land. They are usually found near water where they get their prey - frogs and toads. 

The conference at Durrell is open to anyone interested in learning more about amphibians and reptiles and who want to get involved in wildlife recording and conservation.

The speed of grass snakes and their wariness make them incredibly difficult to spot so as well as learning more about the species, delegates will learn how to find them when conducting surveys.

The scientist who is carrying out the study, and who will also be looking at the Island's slow-worms, will be speaking at the conference.

The annual seminar is organised by JARG and the Environment Department. Each year it focuses on a different species and is attended by local and visiting wildlife experts.

The conference starts at 9.30am.