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  • Saving species: Adders

    Saving species: Adders

    Adders are the most widespread of our native snake species and perhaps the most well-known. Within that broad range, however, they are very rare in some regions, and recent population declines have become a major conservation concern. Read more

  • Saving species: Smooth snakes

    Saving species: Smooth snakes

    ARC is currently finalising the Species Action Plan, monitoring and re-introduction plans to enhance the conservation status of this species. Read more

  • Saving species: Natterjack toads

    Saving species: Natterjack toads

    ARC is in the final stages of producing an up to date Species Action Plan which will set out how we can increase the size and range of natterjack populations in the UK. Read more

  • Saving species: Sand lizards

    Saving species: Sand lizards

    The captive breeding programme involves a range of organisations including ARC, government agencies, volunteers, Marwell Wildlife, Chester Zoo and the Institute of Zoology. Read more

  • Saving species: Adders
  • Saving species: Smooth snakes
  • Saving species: Natterjack toads
  • Saving species: Sand lizards
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  1. What we do
  2. Conservation
  3. Saving species

Saving species

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation believes that special measures are needed to conserve species effectively.

Conservation initiatives focusing on habitats, ecosystems or processes – while often valuable – normally don’t take into account the particular needs of species. This species focus underlies our work; whether it is managing habitats, providing advice to other land managers or influencing legislation and policy.

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation champions the conservation of our amphibians and reptiles. We do this by working with the UK government, including the devolved administrations and agencies, to ensure that these animals benefit from biodiversity initiatives. We also develop and promote action plans and specific projects at local, country, UK and European levels. Please see our latest Species Action Plans (SAPs).

Bringing back species: Reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding

Bringing back species: Reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding

We work with government, wildlife charities, landowners, scientists and others when we undertake reintroductions, translocations and captive breeding. Read more

Published: 21st March, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Saving species: Adders

Saving species: Adders

Adders are the most widespread of our native snake species and perhaps the most well-known. Within that broad range, however, they are very rare in some regions, and recent population declines have become a major conservation concern. Read more

Published: 20th March, 2023

Updated: 5th September, 2025

Author: Shane Gausden

Saving species: Smooth snakes

Saving species: Smooth snakes

ARC is currently finalising the Species Action Plan, monitoring and re-introduction plans to enhance the conservation status of this species. Read more

Published: 9th May, 2016

Updated: 6th March, 2024

Author: Anonymised User

Saving species: Natterjack toads

Saving species: Natterjack toads

ARC is in the final stages of producing an up to date Species Action Plan which will set out how we can increase the size and range of natterjack populations in the UK. Read more

Published: 1st May, 2016

Updated: 3rd July, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Saving species: Sand lizards

Saving species: Sand lizards

The captive breeding programme involves a range of organisations including ARC, government agencies, volunteers, Marwell Wildlife, Chester Zoo and the Institute of Zoology. Read more

Published: 21st April, 2016

Updated: 18th April, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Saving species: northern pool frogs

Saving species: northern pool frogs

Originally there was much debate over the status of this species in the UK, but it has since been declared native. How this once extinct amphibian was reintroduced to East Anglia Read more

Published: 21st April, 2016

Updated: 11th January, 2023

Author: Anonymised User

Saving species: Widespread species

Saving species: Widespread species

Even though they are found in more places than the more restricted species such as natterjack toads, the widespread species often face problems. Read more

Published: 20th April, 2016

Updated: 28th April, 2020

Author: Anonymised User

Species Action Plans (SAPs)

Species Action Plans (SAPs)

Due to our skills, experience and knowledge base, ARC was appointed as Lead or Joint Lead Partner for all of the published amphibian and reptile Species Action Plans. Read more

Published: 1st April, 2016

Updated: 22nd June, 2020

Author: Anonymised User

Great crested newt advice

Great crested newt advice

Amphibian and Reptile Conservation has a range of advice designed to meet the conservation challenges. Read more

Published: 1st April, 2016

Updated: 25th March, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

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Latest

  • New Forest Thrive festival

    New Forest Thrive festival

    Celebrating people, wildlife, and the future (Free event!)

  • Invasive Species Week 2026

    Invasive Species Week 2026

    Each year, Invasive Species Week raises awareness of one of the most significant threats facing wildlife and natural habitats across the UK.

  • Save the Date: ARC/BHS Joint Scientific Meeting 2026

    Save the Date: ARC/BHS Joint Scientific Meeting 2026

    Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and the British Herpetological Society (BHS) are pleased to announce the date of the 2026 ARC/BHS Joint Scientific Meeting!

  • Boosting Homes for Adders and Sand Lizards in North-East Wales

    Boosting Homes for Adders and Sand Lizards in North-East Wales

    The Welsh Mountain Zoo has joined forces with Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) to deliver targeted habitat management benefiting two of Wales’s most remarkable reptiles: the adder and the sand lizard.

Most read

  • Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts and advice on adder bites

    Facts about adder bites and answers to frequently asked questions about prevention and treatment. This text is based on ARC’s research and experience, published evidence, and authoritative sources.

  • Vacancies

    Vacancies

    Come and work for us! See our current vacancies.

  • Spawn & tadpoles FAQs

    Spawn & tadpoles FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about... spawn and tadpoles!

  • newts FAQs

    newts FAQs

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about... newts!

  • Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frogs & toads FAQs

    Frequently Asked Questions about... frogs and toads!

  • Where do frogs go in winter?

    Where do frogs go in winter?

    Answers to some frequently asked questions about common frog hibernation

  • Adder

    Adder

    where to find adders, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Smooth newt

    Smooth newt

    Where to find the smooth newt, how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Slow-worm

    Slow-worm

    Where to find slow-worms (legless lizard), how to identify them, their lifecycle and protection status.

  • Report your sightings!

    Report your sightings!

    Let us know which amphibians and reptiles you've seen

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amphibian conservation amphibian ladders amphibians biological recording citizen science conservation England gullypot introduction to surveying Scotland's amphibians monitoring monitoring app reptile conservation reptiles Scotland surveying Wales
ARC eNews

ARC eNews

Sign up and receive our e-Newsletter Read more

Published: 27th April, 2017

Updated: 28th April, 2025

Author: Anonymised User

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Dorset BH7 6BZ

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