Welcome to the Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group (DRAG) website.

Who are we?

We are a friendly, volunteer led group who have a passion for reptiles and amphibians and a willingness to share this passion, knowledge and experience with others.

We are made up of individuals with a variety of backgrounds and interests, from those with a general interest in the natural world to experienced herpetologists, ecologists and conservationists.

What do we hope to achieve?

Here are some of the group’s key aims and objectives:

• To identify and protect important reptile and amphibian sites in the county of Devon
• To support partner groups and organisations in conserving these sites
• To better understand species distributions, populations and potential negative trends and to help mitigate or reverse those trends
• To promote conservation through education and public engagement
• To collect and submit data to Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC)

How do we achieve this?

• Through monitoring and surveying of known sites
• Through visiting potential sites of interest
• By working along with landowners and organisations in providing advice and consultations on habitat management and species monitoring
• By encouraging everyone to report sightings of reptiles and amphibians on Record Pool either using the Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group (DRAG) website (under the 'Record a sighting' tab) or by visiting https://www.recordpool.org.uk.
• By holding events and by providing resources that aim to raise awareness and educate people about these amazing animals and their habitats
• By recruiting more members

Introduction to Reptile Identification and Surveying

Adder Bites - Helpful Links

Facts and Advice

NHS Advice

Dogs and Adders

Dogs 'n' Adders - Information Leaflet

Snakes in Gardens

Snakes are fascinating creatures and for many, finding one in the garden is a real treat and a memorable experience.

However, for many others this can be a disconcerting and even worrying situation. This can be as a result of misunderstandings often fed by negative and often inaccurate media reports and rumours. Please be assured, though, that there is no reason to worry and that these situations can be resolved fairly easily.

The vast majority of reported snake sightings in gardens turn out to be either a Grass Snake or a Slow worm (a legless lizard which resembles a snake). Both species are harmless and are best left alone.

We only have one venomous snake species, the Adder, which is rarely found in gardens unless your property is situated close to favourable habitat. Even then, the adder is a very shy animal and avoids human activity whenever it can. Again, the best course of action is to leave it alone and allow it to move off when it’s ready. The likelihood is that it is just passing through anyway.

Occasionally, DRAG gets asked about relocating snakes. For all kinds of practical reasons this isn’t something we would do and would actually be the opposite of what our group encourages which is reptile conservation.

The best recommendation we can provide is to learn as much as possible about the reptile you have seen in your garden. We will happily help you identify it and provide related advice such as understanding which features of your garden have likely attracted it in the first place.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and send a photo or description of the snake to devonrag@hotmail.com or to our Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/groups/DevonARG/.

It would really help if you could record your sighting on Record Pool either using the Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group (DRAG) website (under the 'Record a sighting' tab) or by visiting https://www.recordpool.org.uk.

Please remember that reptiles are protected under UK law.

Devon's Reptiles

In the UK we have 6 native reptile species, each of which can be found in Devon.

To find out more about a particular species click on it's name which will then jump to the relevant information.

Adder Vipera berus

Grass Snake (or Barred Grass Snake) Natrix helvetica

Smooth Snake Coronella austriaca

Slow Worm Anguis fragilis

Viviparous (or Common) Lizard Zootoca vivipara

Sand Lizard Lacerta agilis

Devon's Amphibians

In the UK we have 7 native amphibian species, 6 of which can be found in Devon.

To find out more about a particular species click on it's name which will then jump to the relevant information.

Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus)

Smooth Newt (Lissotriton vulgaris)

Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus)

Common Toad (Bufo bufo)

Natterjack Toad (Epidalea calamita)

Common Frog (Rana temporaria)

Adder Vipera berus

For information on the adder please click on the fact sheet link in blue or you can watch the animated video below.

Adder Factsheet

Grass Snake Natrix helvetica

Tadpoles

We've all seen them right, often in large numbers early in the year in even the smallest bodies of water ..... but what are tadpoles? 

Tadpoles are the larval stage in the life cycle of an amphibian.  In the UK the tadpoles we most often encounter will belong to the Common frog (Rana temporaria) or Common toad (Bufo Bufo).

Amphibians go through several stages before reaching their adult form.  This incredible process is known as metamorphosis.  Below is a video showing in detail how this process takes place.

Why become a member?

Well, big things start in small ways and becoming a member of the Devon Reptile and Amphibian Group (DRAG) is one step you can take towards protecting the reptiles and amphibians in your local area and beyond.

Whether you’re dropping us a line by email, submitting a photo or participating as a volunteer in a reptile or amphibian survey your contribution is valued all the same. Everything we can do to keep the ‘conversation’ going is great for the reptiles and amphibians of Devon.

The more members that join the greater the potential for activity. Put simply, without members we couldn’t do what we do and it would be great to have you join us.

Membership benefits:

• · Become part of a group of like minded individuals and keep in touch via social media or email

• · Invitations to events, training and volunteering opportunities

• · A quarterly newsletter

• · Opportunities to see and work with elusive and hard to find species

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Gain practical experience in conservation

• · The opportunity to have a positive, lasting impact on Devon’s wildlife

Some of the activities that you will be invited to can include talks by local experts, guided walks, bioblitzes and even species identification and survey skills training.

Opportunities for volunteering could include surveying, habitat management or helping out at nature festivals.

Have a voice in what we do.

We value your feedback and encourage it.

For example:

• · Do you have an idea for an event or training?

• · Is there a site near you that we are unaware of?

Drop us a line and let us know at devonrag@hotmail.com.

How do I join?

If you would like to become a member please send your request by email to devonrag@hotmail.com.

FAQ

• · Question: How much does membership cost?

                Answer: Membership is free to join.

• · Question: How long will my membership last?

                Answer: Currently, membership is on a rolling annual basis.

• · Question: Do I need special knowledge, qualifications or experience to become a member?

                Answer: No. There are no prerequisites, nor is there any minimum level of commitment required.

• · Question: Can I be a member but not volunteer?

                Answer: Yes. Whilst volunteering makes a big difference to what we do, we totally understand that not everyone’s circumstances allow for it.

• · Question: How do I cancel my membership?

                Answer: You can cancel your membership at any time by sending your request to devonrag@hotmail.com.

ARGWEB Login

If you want to join DRAG and our email group, or have a general query, please contact a member of DRAG admin:

Please be patient with us, this email address is not checked every day!