Native reptile species are in a bad way
Published: Thursday, Nov 30th 2023, 11:10
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Reptile populations in Switzerland are in continuous decline. The situation is particularly critical for the grass snake and smooth snake. The situation is somewhat better for amphibians. Protective measures have partially slowed the decline there.
This was announced by the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) on Thursday. The authority published the updated Red Lists for the two animal classes of reptiles and amphibians.
According to the report, more than 80 percent of the 16 reptile species native to Switzerland are on the Red List, in accordance with the criteria defined by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that Switzerland has a particularly high proportion of endangered reptiles compared to the surrounding countries.
According to the FOEN, the decline in grass snakes and smooth snakes, which are tied to wet and dry habitats and a network of small structures, has accelerated in particular. According to the documents, a "marked decrease in observations in the control squares" was recorded for both species.
All snake species critically endangered
The viperine snake and the European pond turtle are threatened with extinction in Switzerland. All other snake species are highly endangered - in addition to the grass snake and the smooth snake, these include the razor snake and the dice snake as well as the asps viper and the adder.
According to the FOEN, the population losses demonstrate that diversified habitats with small structures must be preserved and newly created throughout Switzerland. "The decline in reptiles can only be halted by significantly improving habitats."
A ray of hope for amphibians
The situation is only slightly better for amphibians. Of the 19 species assessed, 15 are on the Red List according to IUCN criteria. The percentage of endangered species is almost unchanged compared to the last Red List in 2005.
However, there are rays of hope. According to the FOEN, measures to protect amphibians have at least slowed down the decline in populations of most species. For example, the targeted maintenance of existing spawning grounds and the construction of temporary ponds have led to local successes.
If efforts to protect amphibians do not slacken, then according to the FOEN there is a chance "that amphibians can recover". What is already happening locally as a result of good projects should now be pursued throughout Switzerland. Many amphibians are still heavily dependent on these protection and promotion measures.
©Keystone/SDA
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