WHICH SPECIES IS BEST?

Introducing: Celtic Reptile and Amphibian

Exotics on our doorstep Europe is home to some of the most vibrant species on the planet, but all too often the species that live on our doorsteps are often disregarded as drab or irrelevant. Although it’s undeniably exciting to see reptiles in the UK, people often consider the lizards they see on holiday as infinitely less impressive than the pythons, day geckos and dart frogs they might see in the zoo. However, there are a number of European species that are stunningly exotic and live much closer to home than expected.

Fire Salamanders (Salamandra salamandra) are found throughout most of Europe. Known for their stunning colouration, the locales of this species vary so much that several subspecies have been described. This amphibian spends the majority of its time hiding in damp bark and wood. When local people would burn firewood and logs, this species would often emerge from its hiding spot, coining its common name.

Favourite species to work with, Tom?

“For me it would have to be the European tree frogs. As we would work through the greenhouses last summer, the calling from those frogs was absolutely deafening. They’re the loudest frogs in Europe and don’t look like an average frog, they’re almost alien. But, working with our eyed lizards is also a favourite. They really have their own personalities and just have stunning colouration.”

The Mediterranean Chameleon (Chamaeleo chameleon) is present across southern Portugal and Spain, as well as North Africa. However, this species was introduced successfully to the Maltese islands in the mid-19th Century by Protestant missionaries. Although population numbers have dropped significantly, the introduction of this species to island strongholds is likely to have a positive impact on the species’ survival in Europe.

There are even members of the Boidae family in Europe. The javelin sand boa (Eryx jaculus), although thought to be extinct across much of its European range, was recently rediscovered in Romania and Siciliy. The researchers at Acta Herpetelogica who were responsible for rediscovering the snake published a paper suggesting this species found its way to Europe in 800BC, where it was used as a weapon by the ancient Greeks.

“I’m definitely in a turtle phase right now, I’m obsessed. I think the viability of reintroduction for this species is really exciting. They’re also stunning to look at, they’re dusted with gold and move with such elegance. I also think the male sand lizards are great, their colouration is starting to come through now and they’re stunning. If we can prove this species can be saved by captivity, people might consider doing this professionally.”

What Next?

Harvey and Tom, at the age of 17 have already managed to turn one dream into a reality. However, the duo are continuing to look forward to the endless conservation possibilities ahead of them. The first step for Celtic Reptile and Amphibian beyond their own captive breeding project is to open the facility to specialist training and photography workshops. The pair described the final goal for the project to launch a “playground of shared interests” where talks and workshops can be held to discuss conservation of European species. Harvey also described a passion for working with the conservation and reintroduction of large mammals at some point in the future.

By encouraging young people to inspire other young people, conservation becomes a persistent goal through generations. In this case, exotics keeping soon lead to captive breeding and for Tom and Harvey, their careers in conservation have only just begun, spelling fresh hope for Europe’s reptiles and amphibians.

UK NATIVE REPTILES

GRASS SNAKE (NATRIX NATRIX)

ADDER (VIPERA BERUS)

SMOOTH SNAKE (CORONELLA AUSTRIACA)

SAND LIZARD (LACERTA AGILIS)

VIVIPAROUS LIZARD (ZOOTOCA VIVIPARA)

SLOW WORM (ANGUIS FRAGILIS)

UK NATIVE AMPHIBIANS

COMMON TOAD (BUFO BUFO)

NATTERJACK TOAD (EPIDALEA CALAMITA)

COMMON FROG (RANA TEMPORARIA)

POOL FROG (PELOPHYLAX LESSONAE)

GREAT CRESTED NEWT (TRITURUS CRISTATUS)

SMOOTH NEWT (LISSOTRITAN VULGARIS)

PALMATE NEWT (LISSOTRITAN HELVETICUS)