Introduction to habitat management for reptiles

Reptile habitat requirements

• Conditions to allow maintenance of their body temperature (reptiles are ‘ectothermic’, i.e. warmed up by external heat sources for example, by basking in the sun) and to avoid extremes of temperature.

• Access to direct sunlight

• Shelter from the elements such as wind and excessive heat

• Food: Sufficiently large populations of prey species

• Cover to avoid predators

• Suitable breeding sites for egg laying species

• Suitable hibernation sites

Management objectives

The aim is to secure viable populations that are secure and self-sustaining in the long term.  Management of habitat should therefore aim:

 To maintain:

• A diverse vegetation structure

• Sunlight at ground level – open areas within habitats

• Continuity of sufficient and appropriate habitat over time

• Connectivity of areas occupied and used by reptiles

• Features for breeding/egg-laying where appropriate

• Hibernation areas

 To avoid:

• Damaging activities that impact adversely on vegetation structure

• Activities that can cause direct killing or injuring of animals or significant disturbance

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