Extinction fears for Britain’s only native venomous snake as habitat loss worsens

Britain's only native venomous snake is facing an increasing extinction threat as habitat loss continues to drive down numbers across the countryside.

A report by the West of England Nature Partnership identified "intense habitat loss" as one of the biggest dangers facing adders in Britain.

The study warned that adders could be confined to just a handful of locations across the UK by 2032, leaving them increasingly vulnerable to extinction.

The snakes are currently found in areas including the South Downs, the New Forest and parts of East Anglia.

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Chris Monk, of the Amphibian and Reptile Group, said housing developments and road construction were among the factors contributing to the decline.

He told The Telegraph of an incident in Hampshire two years ago where "adders were living on a new development of housing" and found their habitat had been destroyed after emerging from hibernation.

Mr Monk added: "Road deaths can be quite significant. In some areas we've got them living in verges next to main roads with the main road on one side and then a hedge, and then you're into intensive agriculture."

Experts also warned that rural fires caused by disposable barbecues and outdoor cooking equipment pose a growing threat to adder habitats.

The exact number of adders in Britain is unknown, although conservationists believe there are likely to be tens of thousands.

However, populations are becoming increasingly isolated, raising concerns about inbreeding and declining genetic diversity.

Mr Monk said: "There's a lot of very small populations, with maximum numbers seen basking [in the sun], in single figures."

Conservationists warn that continued interbreeding could leave the species more vulnerable to disease and environmental pressures.

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The adder warning comes amid wider concerns about the state of Britain's wildlife.

The West of England Nature Partnership report found that 62 per cent of fish species in the region are in decline, alongside 44 per cent of bird species.

Environmental groups have argued that the Government's housebuilding ambitions risk placing additional pressure on already-fragile habitats.

Labour has pledged to build 1.5 million homes during this Parliament as part of its drive to boost economic growth.

However, ministers have insisted that planning rules and environmental regulations should not unnecessarily delay development.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves previously argued that the lives of "bats and newts" could not be allowed to hold up major projects.

Last October, the Chancellor also suggested that plans for 20,000 homes in Sussex were being delayed by "some snails that are a protected species or something".

In February, 60 leading conservationists, scientists and environmental charity leaders signed a letter urging ministers to halt what they described as "attacks on nature protections".

A Government spokesman said: "This Government is investing £60m over the next three years - more than double the previous round of funding - into the Species Recovery Programme. Previously, the programme has funded specific projects to help protect adders, including adder tunnels in Berkshire.

"We are committed to a win-win for nature and for development."

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