Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG)
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Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG)

    About us

    About Us

    The Group, formerly known as The Agile Frog Group, originally formed in 1993, it was then was renamed to Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group, JARG, in 2007. The aims of JARG are to:

    - Raise awareness of our 3 Amphibian Species and 4 Reptile Species.
    - Collect and collate herpetofauna records, sharing these with www.recordpool.org.uk & www.jerseybiodiversitycentre.org.je
    - Encourage the general public to report their herpetofauna sightings.
    - Conserve the native amphibians and reptiles through study and direct action.
    - Provide general advice on our amphibian and reptile species as well as their habitat management.

    The Amphibian and Reptile Species found on Jersey are:


    Amphibians

    - The Jersey Toad aka Crapaud (Bufo spinosus)
    - Agile Frog (Rana dalmatina)
    - Palmate Newt (Lissotriton helveticus)

    Reptiles

    - Grass Snake (Natrix helvetica)
    - Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis)
    - Green Lizard (Lacerta bilineata)
    - Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)

     

    All 3 Amphibians and 4 Reptiles are protected under the Wildlife (Jersey) Law 2021.

     

    Amphibians and reptiles suffer from a poor public image – feared by some people and simply misunderstood by many others. It is important to encourage public appreciation and awareness of amphibians and reptiles by providing the opportunity for people to become involved in wildlife recording and conservation.

    Many people have never seen a lizard or a snake and would not know where to see one; yet with simple guidance, the experience could be brought to many people, whilst overcoming the negative perceptions that often hamper conservation efforts.

    News

    News

    Agile Frog Summary of 2011 Breeding Season

    Posted on Tuesday 11th October, 2011

    Monitoring of the 2011 breeding season began on the 3rd February in relatively mild weather conditions with good levels of standing water across the sites. For the third year running spawning had begun by the 2nd week of February and continued for a further 5-6 weeks. The bulk of the spawn was laid in the first 3 weeks in relatively shallow areas of water and by the end of March significant numbers had hatched or were close to hatching. In total the numbers of spawn clumps laid was 116 and although slightly down on 2010, it is still very high in the context of recent years.

    Unfortunately the late winter and early spring became one of the driest for many years and as a consequence water levels fell rapidly across all sites. As a result of the dry conditions and falling water levels many spawn clumps were either transferred to Durrell as part of the head-starting and dietary investigation program* or had to be moved in situ to deeper water and subjected to netting and bagging.

    Whilst studies conducted in 2009 (Jameson.A.) demonstrated no significant effects on emergent populations by such disturbance there may well be un-quantified knock-on effects on this years in situ population from such rapidly falling water levels in terms of habitat conditions and available food sources.

     It may be too early to make a connection between changes in climate and a seasonal shift in weather conditions. However if the last two consecutive dry springs become a more prolonged and enhanced feature of our weather then it may seriously threaten the development of tadpoles to full term and the recently improving status of the agile frog in Jersey.

    As in 2010 the abundance and distribution in the sightings of agile frogs and spawn clumps across sites continues to be encouraging. This observation is particularly pronounced at Ouaisne and makes it all the more important to identify and mitigate against threats to the sites from surrounding development, pollution, changing land use and infection.  A significant development this year was the discovery of a single spawn clump at Woodbine Corner. Often cited as a potential breeding site by virtue of it’s connectivity to Ouaisne, there have been difficulties in the past with providing suitable habitat and ensuring appropriate water quality. Both issues are being addressed and head-started adults have been released on site over the last few seasons.

    These management activities continue on all sites targeting both species specific objectives (not just the agile frog) and habitat condition objectives. This may well be the catalyst for increasing distribution of the agile frog on sites. The ongoing objective is now to expand the range to other satellite sites and look to establishing (if possible) some degree of connectivity between them. As discussed earlier Woodbine Corner has been identified as a potential long-term site. In addition a pond constructed in 2009 at Les Creux is also a potential site. Regular water testing and management works are already in progress and with amphibians present on both sites (including agile frogs at Woodbine Corner) these areas will remain a focus of the Program.

     

    Toadwatch 2011 - we need your help!

    Posted on Tuesday 22nd February, 2011

    Members of Jersey’s Toadwatch Campaign are making their annual call for the public to be vigilant as the breeding season for the Island’s not-so common toad Bufo bufo begins.

    Over the next few months, the Toadwatch Campaign is once again asking members of the public to send in records and reports of toad, tadpole and toad spawn sightings in and around their gardens and ponds.

    Importantly, the campaign is also aiming to identify those ponds that no longer contain any signs of toads. By studying ponds over a period of time, vital information can be gained on the distribution and movement of amphibians in Jersey.

    The States of Jersey Environment Department, Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and the Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group (JARG) have collaborated for a number of years towards the conservation of Jersey’s only toad. The Toadwatch Campaign has been running for the past six years and Islanders’ records have helped build an accurate picture of where the toads are breeding.

    The ‘Toads on Roads’ Campaign will also be running again this year. Last year well over 100 toads were saved from the busy roads at two Island sites, one in St Ouen and the other in Grands Vaux. This year it is hoped to broaden the scope of the teams’ efforts to cover more wet and mild nights and to man additional crossing black spots. Toads on Roads is essentially a road-crossing patrol or ‘lollipop men/women’ service for toads! One of the biggest concerns for the group is the loss of so many toads on island roads, many of them females, as they migrate to their breeding ponds. Simply by helping them across the most dangerous black spots, the Toads on Roads Campaign could potentially save hundreds of breeding adults.

    As toad breeding season is well under way, anyone interested in volunteering for night-time lollipop duty is being asked to contact Toadwatch as soon as possible on 860053 . Islanders who live near lanes which are used by toads are also being asked to speak to Transport and Technical Services Department for permission to erect warning signs making road users aware of the toads.

    Any information about toad sightings, ponds with toads or ponds that were previously used as spawning sites but have now become dormant, can be sent to toadwatch@durrell.org or left as a detailed message on the Toadwatch line 860053

    JARG 'toad day'

    Posted on Wednesday 16th February, 2011

    The Jersey Amphibian & Reptile Group (JARG) is running a local event on Amphibian and Reptile recording. The day is being held at Durrell’s international training centre on Saturday 19th February 2010 from 9:45 am to 4:00 pm.

    The event includes talks, workshops for existing volunteer recorders and for individuals who would like to take part to learn about local amphibian and reptile identification, pond assessments and survey methods and protocols. If you would like to join us then please contact Nina Cornish Telephone: 441624 or email (n.cornish@gov.je) for more details or to book a place.

     
    AGENDA
    0945 -1015 Arrive (tea/coffee)

     1015 -1030     John Wilkinson, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, “The Wonderful World of Toads”.

     1030 - 1100     Wendy Van Neste, ToadWatch coordinator JARG,  “ToadWatch     Update and Toads on the Road Campaign”.

     1100 - 1115  Alcindo Pinto, 'Little Green Man', “Building Ponds for Wildlife with     Toads in Mind”. 

     1115 - 1145 Andrew Arnell, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation “Modelling Toad   Distribution”.

     1145 - 1200 Lindsey Napton, States of Jersey, “Law Review and its Relevance to Jersey Amphibians and Reptiles”.

     1200 - 1300   Lunch

     1300 –1330 Nina Cornish, States of Jersey, “Jersey National Amphibian and Reptile Recording  Scheme (NARRS) Update”.

    Workshops

    Training in amphibian and reptile  identification, habitat assessment, survey methods, survey protocols, recording, health & safety will be provided

    1330 - 1430 Amphibian Surveying

    1430 -  1530 Reptile Surveying

    1530 - 1600 Close Any other business

     

    Round up of agile frog breeding season 2010

    Posted on Tuesday 25th January, 2011
    2010 has been a bumper year for agile frog spawn. A record breaking 125 clumps of spawn were recorded at sites at Ouaisne and Noirmont this spring, which is great news.

    The frogs had a drier start to the year than 2009, but never the less after distribution of spawning branches in early February, 9 frogs were spotted within their proximity. The first frog spawn clumps appeared on Feb 15th and tens more were recorded in the following weeks. 18 clumps were found in the main pond area at Ouaisne. This is fantastic as no clumps have been found in this area since back in the 1990’s. Spawn was also found in a previously uninhabited slack. These finds suggest a healthy recovery of the agile frog population may be in progress. A steady upwards trend began in the years just after 2000 and in the last 3 years the number of clumps has been doubling annually!

    The newt population also seems to be increasing, with many more spotted than in previous years. However, it cannot be certified that this increase is in relation to increasing frog numbers.

    Unfortunately, the long dry spell of early summer caused many of the slacks used by the frogs to shrink in size, and some to dry out completely. In a normal year only around 2.3% of tadpoles survive to the froglet stage, and the dry spell will mean the journey to adulthood will be even more hazardous this year. Time will tell whether the high numbers of spawn recorded this spring will be enough to offset this additional challenge faced by the tadpoles. The tadpoles take 2-4 months to metamorphose, depending on water temperature and so should emerge in late summer.

    In a Grouville pond in 2009, a clump of common frog spawn was found. This species is not native to the Island. Thankfully, this incident was spotted and reported by a observant member of the public and the spawn was subsequently removed. It is thanks to vigilance such as this that our local amphibians remain relatively safe from threats from invaders.

    Licence now Required to Import Amphibians

    Posted on Tuesday 25th January, 2011
    As of February 2010, a licence is required to import amphibians into Jersey. This means that the Environment Department can now control which amphibians are entering the Island. Amphibians are the latest group to be added to the schedule of animals, such as foxes, grey squirrels and reptiles which require a licence.

    One problem with bringing non-native amphibians into the Island is that there is a risk they may be carrying diseases. There is a risk that the natural amphibians of Jersey, such as the agile frog, could contract these foreign infections and their survival rate could potentially be reduced. A prominent worry is that the fatal fungal disease chytridomycosis will be introduced. The Island is currently free from the disease which is sweeping many other parts of the world, including the UK. The Diseases of Animals (Importation of Miscellaneous Goods) (Jersey) Order 1958, with its new reach to amphibians means that it will become easier to monitor the importation of all amphibians. There will obviously be particular interest in keeping out ‘chytrid’ fungus as well as other harmful diseases.

    Foreign species can not only bring disease, but if released into the wild, intentionally or otherwise, can interfere with the survival of natives. This might be by competing with them for already limited habitat resources, for example.

    In addition to controlling amphibians entering the Island, it is therefore of utmost importance that amphibian pets are not released into the wild. If these pets can no longer be cared for, the JSPCA Animal Shelter should be called, rather than anything being released. Please be vigilant, and if you spot any creatures which you suspect might be alien, please get in touch with the Environment Department.

    Events

    Events

    Show Past Events

    Reptilewatch JE 2025 training event

    Sat 12th April, 2025

    Reptilewatch

    Reptilewatch JE Monitoring Scheme 2025

    Come join us for the ReptilewatchJE 2025 training event at the Frances Le Sueur Centre! This in-person event is a fantastic opportunity to learn about reptiles and other wildlife you might encounter, help monitor their populations and contribute to their conservation. Whether you're a seasoned reptile enthusiast or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone interested in nature and wildlife. Don't miss out on this exciting chance to make a difference and connect with nature!

    Book your free ticket here

    What is Reptilewatch JE?

    Reptilewatch is an island-wide effort to record Jersey’s four native reptile species. The project aims to assess how they are doing, where they are and what they need to survive and flourish in an environment. Getting involved in Reptilewatch is a fantastic way to regularly benefit from time surrounded by nature and to contribute to the protection of wildlife.

    How can you help?

    There are opportunities for everyone to get involved. Depending on your interest, available time and experience you can currently get involved in 3 different ways:

    Single surveys – spend 30 minutes looking for reptiles and submit your results. No experience or training is required. Can be a one-off survey or you can do as many as you like at a variety of locations.

    Wall lizard – carry out 6 surveys, each taking 30 minutes. You will search for wall lizards using visual searches. You do not need any experience, but you do need to attend this training event.

    Widespread reptiles – carry out 6 surveys, each taking 1-2 hours. You will search for reptiles and other wildlife using visual searches and artificial refugia. You do not need any experience, but you do need to attend this training event.

    Provisional Schedule

    09:30 - Arrival, coffee and welcome

    10:00 - Introduction

    10:30 - Reptiles in Jersey and identification

    11:00 - Break

    11:30 - Survey methods (risk assessment and data recording)

    13:00 -Lunch and sign up

    13:45 - Reptilewatch App demonstration

    14:15 - Field session

    15:00 - Questions and site allocations

    15:30 - Close

    Light refreshments will be provided. We cannot cater for specific dietary requirements.

    Please don’t forget to wear appropriate outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear to be able to participate in the field session. Please check weather forecast and bring water and sun protection if required.

    Find out more about our Wild about Jersey initiatives on Wild About Jersey

    Pondwatch JE

    Pondwatch JE

    What is Pondwatch JE?

    Jersey has three native amphibian species, and a host of other wildlife for which ponds are a vital habitat.

    Pondwatch JE was launched in 2018 with the aim of using citizen science to help gather sightings of Jersey’s pond life, so we can help assess their conservation status, distribution and habitat requirements. Pondwatch JE is the successor to both the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) which ran in Jersey from 2007 to 2018 and Toadwatch which ran from 2005 to 2018. During this time volunteers provided a great deal of information which has been used to inform the design of Pondwatch JE as well as influence efforts to protect the species.

    Pondwatch JE was launched at the 2019 Wild about Jersey event.

     

    How can you help?

    There are opportunities for everyone to get involved, with 3 levels of surveys depending on your interest, available time and experience.

    All surveys take place between January and May.

    Check out the training presentations below for an overview of the scheme and to learn more about the pond life you may encounter.

    Training: Introduction to Pondwatch JE

    Training: Pond Life Identification

    Training: Dragonflies and inverts

    Training: Invasive plant identification 

     

    Level 1 – spend 30 minutes looking for wildlife in ponds and send us your results. No experience or training is required.

    pdfPondwatch JE Level 1

    pdfPondwatch JE level 1 handbook

    docxPondwatch JE level 1 survey form  

     

    Level 2 – carry out 5 surveys, each taking 30 to 60 minutes. You will search for amphibians and other pondlife at a pond using three methods; visual searches, netting and night time torch surveys. You do not need experience but you will need to attend a training event.

    Training: Pondwatch JE Level  2

    Training: Pondwatch JE L2 - Recording your data

    pdfPondwatch JE level 2 handbook

    docxPondwatch JE level 2 survey form

    pdfGrassland classifications guide is a summary of the key grassland habitats you may find in your survey area.

    This guide is adapted from the UK Habitat Classification (UK Habitat Classification Working Group, 2018)

     

    Level 3 – you will carry out multiple intensive surveys at known and suspected agile frog sites. You will also contribute to testing Jersey’s amphibians for diseases. This is for experienced surveyors only.

     

    All Pondwatch JE surveys take place between January and May.

     

    Water quality tests – you can help us assess the level of pollution in Jersey’s ponds using quick and simple test kits.

    pdfPondwatch JE Water quality handbook

    pdfPondwatch JE Water quality form

     

    Even if you don't have the time to commit to one of these surveys, you can still join in by recording any sighting you have and submit these as a casual record.

     

    Getting started

    Before starting your survey you will need to complete a volunteer working agreement and have written consent from the landowner.

    pdfVolunteer Working Agreement  

    pdfLandowner Agreement.

     

    Following the instructions in the appropriate level handbook, visit the site and modify the generic risk assessment as required for any risks associated with the site.

    docGeneric Risk Assessment Template (ARG UK)

      

    ID guides

    A number of identification guides and information sources are available for you to download:

    A guide to the identification of Jersey amphibians - pdfAmphibians of Jersey ID guide

    A guide to the identification of Dragonfly and Damselfly - pdfDragonfly and damselfly ID guide

    A summary of invasive non-native plants and a free e-learning course are available via the links below.

    Invasive Non-Native aquatic plant species ID guides

    Invasive Non-Native Species free e-learning course

    For help with habitat classifications the UK Habitat Classification guidance is available from the ecountability.co.uk website.

     

     

     

    Additional resources

    docxPondwatch JE Introduction

    pdfPondwatch JE training presentation

     

     

     

               

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Reptilewatch JE

    Reptilewatch JE

     

    What is Reptilewatch JE?

    Jersey has four native reptile species, some of which are rarely seen and are limited to certain habitats. Reptilewatch JE is a new project that aims to gather sightings of Jersey’s four native reptile species to help assess their conservation status, distribution and habitat requirements. Reptilewatch JE is the successor to the widespread reptile surveys undertaken as part of the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme (NARRS) which ran in Jersey from 2007 to 2018. During this time volunteers provided a great deal of information which has been used to inform the design of Reptilewatch JE as well as influence efforts to protect the species.

    Reptilewatch JE was launched at the 2019 Wild about Jersey event, you can review the presentation here:pdfReptilewatch JE training presentation.

    How can you help?

    There are opportunities for everyone to get involved, with 3 levels of surveys depending on your interest, available time and experience.

     All surveys take place between March and October.

    Check out the training presentation below for an overview of the scheme and to learn more about the reptiles and other wildlife you may encounter.

    Reptilewatch Introduction and Identifying Jersey reptiles

    pdf1.Reptilewatch -ID other species.pdf

     

    Level 1 – spend 30 minutes looking for reptiles and send us your results. No experience or training is required.

    Reptilewatch JE Training: Level 1

    docxReptilewatch JE Level 1 survey form 

    pdfReptilewatch JE Level 1 handbook

     

    Level 2, option 1 – carry out 6 surveys, each taking 1 to 2 hours. You will search for reptiles along a survey route and check artificial refugia (sheets of roofing material) for reptiles and other species. You will need training at one of our training events but no previous experience is needed.

    Reptilewatch JE Training: Level 2

    pdfGuide - Reptilewatch App

    pdfReptilewatch JE Level 2 widespread reptiles handbook

     

    Level 2, option 2 – carry out 6 surveys, each taking 30 minutes. You will search for wall lizards at known and suspected wall lizard sites. You will need training at one of our training events but no previous experience is needed.

     Reptilewatch JE Training: Level 2 Wall Lizard

    pdfReptilewatch Level 2 wall lizard handbook

    docxReptilewatch Level 2 Wall Lizard survey form

     

    Level 3 – you will carry out multiple intensive surveys at known and suspected grass snake sites. This is for experienced surveyors only.

    pdfReptilewatch Level 3 handbook

    All surveys take place between March and October.

     

    If you currently do not have time to commit to carrying out these surveys please record any sighting you have and add a casual record. 

    Getting started

    Before starting your survey you will need to complete a volunteer working agreement and have written consent from the landowner.

    pdfVolunteer Working Agreement

    pdfLandowner Agreement.

    Please complete and return the volunteer and landowner agreement forms to the Natural Environment Team before you get started.

     

    The next step is to consider the risks associated with your survey and the surrounding area.

    Please refer to the docGeneric risk assessment template and modify this as required.

    How to survey

    A reminder of the 2020 training presentation is provided here: 

    For survey guidance, please refer to the relevant handbook for the level of survey you are undertaking.

    Additional help on habitat assessment of grassland areas is available from the UK Habitat Classification website: ecountability.co.uk

      

    Reptilewatch JE ID Guides

    A series of ID guides are provided to help with identifying the reptiles and other species you might find on your surveys.

    pdfReptiles of Jersey ID guide

    pdfBeetle ID guide

    pdfCockroaches of Jersey ID guide

    pdfSmall mammals of Jersey ID

    For help with habitat classifications the UK Habitat Classification guidance is available from the ecountability.co.uk website.

     

     

     

    Contact us

    Contact Us

    Contact Kristina Le Feuvre

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