Reptiles & amphibia
Reptiles
Lizards: The
common lizard is occasionally seen in the upland grassland. I know of no
reports of the slow worm or sand lizard being seen in Senni Valley.
Of the three snakes, the smooth
snake is the rarest, being found only in heathland and woodland areas of
southern England. The grass snake is our largest snake and is
widespread in England and Wales. It is more commonly found near water where it
hunts amphibians and fish. The adder, our only poisonous snake and also
the most common, is found in woodland, moorland, and mountain slopes from
Land's End to northernmost regions of Scotland. I know of no reports of snakes
in Senni Valley.
Amphibians
Frogs and toads are common in the Valley. They breed along
the river and are found at all levels. Some are probably eaten by herons. I
know of no reports of newts being seen in Senni Valley.
The chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis causes
chytridiomycosis which kills amphibians by damaging their sensitive skins,
blocking the passage of air and moisture, is considered a major cause of
amphibian decline worldwide. I do not know if this pathogen has killed
amphibia in Senni Valley.
Common toad
Updated by
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30 November 2005 07:21
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