Adders will go to great lengths to find a mate

Wyre Forest snakes make long-distance moves

June 2010: Male adders are prepared to travel up to a kilometre to find a mate, according to the latest research.

Wildlife experts have been monitoring movements of the snake in the Wyre Forest in the West Midlands as part of the Grow With Wyre Landscape Partnership Scheme. Tags were attached to adders in the area in mid-April, just as they awoke from hibernation. The data gathered shows that adult male adders will travel large distances - up to a kilometre - to find a mate.

IN FOR THE LONG HAUL: Male adders will travel long distances to find a mate

‘Some males move a lot further than anyone ever expected,' said Louise Sutherland, from the Forestry Commission and project officer for the Grow With Wyre project. ‘It has been surprising because people thought that they would not move far from where they hibernate but we have found some that have moved up to a kilometre. It is amazing considering they are small snakes and they have not eaten since last summer.'

Wildlife experts involved in the project believe that the findings could help preserve the species by altering the way land is managed. This information can be used to design forest plans which link up wildlife corridors.
‘This research provides hope for adder conservation,' said Miss Sutherland. ‘They are in decline nationally for a number of reasons, including habitat change and the fact that they are slow breeders.'

These pioneering males vital in maintaining a healthy gene pool

It was previously thought that snakes in unsuitable and isolated habitats would be unable to move long distances to find a mate. However, these results have proven that they are able to disperse, as long as major barriers such as busy roads, paths and intensive land use don't fragment suitable habitat. Connective corridors are vital in maintaining viable future populations. Early indications suggest these pioneering males travelling the furthest are vital in maintaining a healthy gene pool in the Wyre.

‘Our results will be used to ensure forest design and felling plans leave corridors for adders to travel through,' said Miss Sutherland. ‘If farmers and landowners work together to provide suitable habitats for them, we can reverse the decline in their numbers and protect these amazing snakes into the future.'

Nigel Hand, a consultant ecologist who has been commissioned to help lead the adder project, said: ‘The results so far give a fascinating insight to their patterns of behaviour. The evidence seems to suggest that some males have moved from forestry plantation into surrounding meadows, a habitat with good vole populations - a major prey species. This is valuable evidence as it proves any changes or reductions to either their known habitat or feeding areas all impact on the population.'

Mr Hand said that by examining the ecology of adders it would also provide information on the wellbeing of other animals in the area. It is believed there are just over 100 adult adders remaining in the Wyre.