The Secret Life of the Adder: The Vanishing Viper

The adder is a venomous snake in Britain, which is facing local extinction due to persecution. Despite being a priority conservation species, not a single nature reserve in Britain has been designated to protect it. This book contains a 10-point adder action plan that could help to restore the adder to its former range, and features unique photographs of the species. It also contains a history of the adder and reveals its secret life, making it the most successful snake in the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 30 May 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In 2019, a groundbreaking survey was published, shedding light on the status of adders in Britain. Titled "Make the Adder Count," the report highlighted a concerning trend: unless immediate action is taken, the adder species is projected to disappear from most of Britain within the next 15-20 years. Despite being designated as a priority conservation species under the Biodiversity Action Plan, not a single nature reserve in the country has been specifically set aside to protect these reptiles.

Throughout history, the adder has faced relentless persecution due to its status as Britain's only venomous snake. Unfortunately, this has led to a rapid decline in its population, with its numbers occurring on increasingly small, isolated, and fragmented sites. According to the "Make the Adder Count" report, 90% of the sites where adders still thrive have fewer than 10 adult snakes, making them extremely vulnerable to local extinction.

However, it is important to note that it is still not too late to save the adder. This book offers a 10-point action plan that, if implemented, could help restore the adder to its former range across Britain. Packed with unique photographs of the species, it also provides a comprehensive history of the adder, revealing its secret life and the reasons behind its unparalleled success as a snake.

The book features a foreword by Iolo Williams, the renowned BBC Springwatch presenter, adding an extra layer of significance to its message. It serves as a poignant reflection of our times, a testament to the age of extinction that we are currently navigating and the responsibility we all hold in addressing this global crisis.

By raising awareness about the plight of the adder and offering practical solutions, this book aims to inspire action and encourage individuals to play a role in its conservation. It serves as a reminder that every species, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to the intricate web of life on our planet, and that our actions today can have a profound impact on the future of biodiversity.

Weight: 756g
Dimension: 181 x 253 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399018166