The distribution and dispersal of herpetofauna in lowland farmland

This project aims to assess how the distribution, quality and management of aquatic and terrestrial habitats affect the distribution, abundance, dispersal and condition of amphibians and reptiles within farmed landscapes in Oxfordshire.

It aims to provide critical information on the terrestrial habitat use of two species which are thought to be declining in the UK – the common toad (Bufo bufo) and the grass snake (Natrix natrix).

The key objectives of the project are to ascertain:

1. Which terrestrial habitats within lowland farmland are utilised by amphibians and reptiles?

2. How effective are agri-environment options (for example riparian buffer strips, field margins, hedgerow management, ditch management) at providing suitable habitat for toads and other amphibians and reptiles?

3. Do landscape-scale factors, for example the 'connectedness' of ponds by suitable habitat, affect distribution and condition of common toad and grass snake?