Cornwall Reptile and Amphibian Group

The main aims of the group are to survey and gather records of these fascinating animals for use in conservation and to educate people and make them aware of the habits and needs of the creatures. There is no membership fee required for joining this group.

What is CRAG for?

Our main role is recording, with the aim of gaining protection for amphibians and reptiles by gathering information needed for their conservation. A secondary - but closely connected - role is to educate people and generally to raise awareness of these creatures. There are other ways in which we may be able to help as a group, such as practical habitat management and advisory work.

Why record?

For all we know, one of Cornwall's best amphibian or reptile sites might be destroyed tomorrow without anyone ever having been aware of its significance. Unless we identify our best sites, the systems that exist for site protection can never be brought into play on their behalf.

Where do we look?

Key reptile sites - we need to locate and assess the best reptile populations by focusing on the most likely areas in terms of habitat quality/extent and existing knowledge.

Pond clusters - these are much more likely to hold key amphibian populations than individual ponds.

Pond sample - we can obtain a rough assessment of the general status of ponds and amphibians in Cornwall - which will help us develop our strategy and argue the case for pond/amphibian conservation - by surveying a carefully randomised sample.

Getting involved

Membership of the group is free and we have a mailing list through which we try to keep members up-to-date with current activities.

Recording

Members are encouraged to go out in the field and record, and group site visits are organised during spring and summer. Printed recording forms are available by contacting us directly or you can email your records to us using our electronic recording form.

Background work

We need people to help compile a register of pond cluster sites from maps and identify landowners as necessary; draw up a "hit list" of reptile sites to survey and identify landowners as necessary; identify landowners for the pond sample survey.

Data entry

We have large numbers of records waiting to be processed and put onto computer. At best, this "log jam" is slowing down access to information. At worst, there may be information already existing which could have been used in defence of sites if it had been available in a readily usable form. We need people with time, patience and computer literacy to carry out this task.

Organising events

If you know about amphibians and/or reptiles, how about organising an outing or talk on the subject for children or adults?

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