Reptilewatch JE
What is Reptilewatch JE?
Reptilewatch JE is a project that aims to gather sightings of Jersey’s reptiles to help assess their conservation status, distribution and habitat requirements.
By taking part in the Reptilewatch scheme, you will be contributing important data to inform the ongoing conservation of reptiles in Jersey.
How can you help?
There are opportunities for everyone to get involved. Depending on your interest, available time and experience you can currently get involved in the following three ways.
Level 1
Spend 30 minutes looking for reptiles and send us your results here. No experience or training is required but we recommend that you attend the annual training event (details below) to find out more about the survey and Jersey's reptiles.
Level 2 - Wall Lizard
Carry out 6 visual surveys for Wall Lizards, each taking 30 minutes. No previous experience is needed but you will need to attend a training event (details below).
Level 2 - Widespread
Carry out 6 visual surveys along a transect, each taking 1-2 hours. No previous experience is needed but you will need to attend a training event (details below).
All surveys take place between March and October.
Training
An in-person training event is held at the start of the Reptilewatch survey season each year.
The 2024 training event will take place on Saturday 16th March 2024 from 10am at the Frances Le Sueur Centre, St Ouen.
We are delighted that Dr Rob Ward will be joining us to share his knowledge of Jersey's rarest reptile, the Grass Snake.
This free event is open everyone although we ask that anyone wishing to attend reserves a place via Eventbrite.
Schedule of the day (Provisional):
Part 1- General introduction to Reptiles and the scheme.
- Welcome and Introductions.
- Reptiles in Jersey: Identification of reptiles and some other animals you might encounter.
- Level 1 - How to get involved and how to record and submit your sightings.
- Focus on the Grass snake.
- How to get involved Level 2 -Wall Lizard and how to record and submit your sightings.
Lunch Break (light refreshments provided).
Opportunity to sign up and network with other volunteers.
Part 2- Widespread Reptiles - Reptilewatch Level 2.
- How to get involved Level 2 - Widespread reptiles.
- Demonstration of the Reptilewatch App to record and submit your sightings.
- Field Session - survey methods and use of the App.
- Opportunity to sign up.
Note: Light refreshments will be provided. Unfortunately we are unable to cater for specific dietary requirements.
Please don't forget to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the field session.
If we are lucky enough to have good weather on the day, please bring a hat and appropriate sun protection and some drinking water. Also, if you have any close focusing binoculars, please bring these with you.
Jersey’s Reptiles
Western Green Lizard Lacerta bilineata
Male Western Green Lizards are bright green with a bright blue throat, while females have the same bright green colouration but with a duller throat.
They are typically sighted on warm sunny days in coastal grassland, heathland and dune habitats.
Wall Lizard Podarcis muralis
Wall Lizards are typically brown to grey in colour.
They are most commonly found in the north and east of the island, favouring fortifications and dry stone walls.
The largest population is located in the area of Mont Orgueil Castle.
Slow worm Anguis fragilis
Looking somewhat like a snake, these reptiles are actually legless lizards.
Slow Worms are grey, brown and copper in colour and grow up to 50cm in length. Females can be identified by the presence of a black strip running along the side of the body. The Juveniles of both sexes are gold with brown bellies and sides.
Slow worms can be found in a variety of habitats across the Island but they are rarely seen out in the open, preferring to spend their time underground or in amongst low-level vegetation and leaf litter.
Like many lizards they have the ability to shed their tails to escape predators.
Grass Snake Natrix helvetica
This non-venomous snake is Jersey’s rarest and most elusive reptile.
Grass Snakes are olive green or brown with a yellow collar behind the neck, and can grow up to a metre long.
Grass Snakes can be found in grassland, wetland, dune and heathland habitats. They are typically sighted in the west of the island, with Noirmont, Ouaisne, St Ouen's Bay and La Moye Golf Course being particularly important locations for them.
Resources
Reptilewatch survey guides, survey forms, identification guides, species fact sheets, health and safety information and more can be found on the Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG) website
Reptilewatch JE Partners:
- Government of Jersey.
- Jersey Amphibian and Reptile Group (JARG).
- Jersey Biodiversity Centre.
- Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC).
Ad Hoc Recording
If you encounter any reptiles outside of a Reptilewatch survey, please record your sightings via the add a casual record form.
