Impacts of the installation of basking banks on four UK reptile species in a before–after control–intervention experiment

Abstract

Reptiles are often overlooked in conservation efforts. Hence, long-term population data is often unavailable, and evidence for effective conservation actions that improve reptile habitat remains scarce for most species. Here we used a before–after control–intervention (BACI) experiment to investigate the impact of basking bank creation on four co-occurring reptile species: European adder, barred grass snake, slow worm, and viviparous lizard. Long-term refuge monitoring at a UK wildlife reserve allowed population assessment before and after habitat modification. Only viviparous lizards were observed at basking banks within 12 months of construction. In subsequent years, barred grass snake observations increased near basking banks and slow worms were observed for the first time, while European adder observations increased away from banks and barred grass snake observations decreased away from banks. Our small-scale BACI study suggests basking banks attracted barred grass snakes from the surrounding area, which saw a corresponding increase in European adder sightings.