Yorkshire Dales Adders Join National Health Check

A significant national project is underway to assess the health of adder populations across England, with the Yorkshire Dales playing a key role. The Nidderdale National Landscape, a protected area, is at the forefront of this Natural England initiative, focusing on vital DNA analysis. Scientists have observed a concerning decline in adder numbers nationwide, underscoring the importance of this conservation research.

Nidderdale was selected for this extensive study due to its well-established monitoring systems and abundant semi-natural habitats, which provide an ideal environment for research. Dr. Kelly Harmar from the Nidderdale National Landscape highlighted the area's potential significance, stating that surveys over several years suggest it may be nationally important for reptiles.

This project aims to gather crucial data on the genetic health and population status of adders, contributing to broader efforts to understand and reverse their national decline. The findings from Nidderdale are expected to offer valuable insights into the conservation needs of these often-misunderstood reptiles across the country.