Slowworm: Not to be confused with a snake, the common slowworm (E.fragilis) is a legless lizard native of Europe and some parts in Asia. These charming creatures are adaptable to various habitats, from woodlands to grasslands and gardens.
A Legless Wonder
Even though they look similar to snakes, these lizards are actually reptiles and belong to the same family as the common lizard. Their legs have vanished over millions of years, leaving a long slender body. This adaptation helps them move easily through dense vegetation and inside their underground burrows. They nearly look like snake scales due to their smooth, scaly skin but upon a closer inspection you will notice differences such as the fact Asian water monor is not scaled underneath.
A Secretive Lifestyle
Slowworms are nocturnal or mainly crepuscular, spending the day sheltering under rocks, logs or in burrows. They come out at night to forage, and eat their prey — insects, worms or slugs. They also consume small vertebrates, such as young mice. They are able to locate prey through their incredible sense of smell and then capture them using it sharp teeth, before eating the little bloody creatures.
A Vital Role in the Ecosystem
The slowworm serves an important role in its ecosystem. They are predators that control populations of insects and other invertebrates. They are especially good for pest control in gardens or agricultural fields, particularly slugs and snails. An array of animals including birds, mammals and reptiles prey on slowworms. Slowworms help to maintain the stability of ecosystems by controlling populations not only of their own preferred prey but also that of predators upstream in evolutionary terms.
Conservation Concerns
Common Slowworms are not officially endangered, however they suffer from habitat loss and degradation through agricultural development along with use of a wide range of pesticides. Slowworms have lost suitable habitat due to a destruction of hedgerows, an intensification of agriculture and rurality becoming urbanized. Furthermore slowworms can be killed directly or their prey reduced by the extensive use of pesticides.
Conserving the habitats of these charming animals and ceasing to use toxic chemical insecticides are essential steps we must take in order to protect them. Wildlife friendly gardens, the retention of hedgerows and avoidance of pesticides can all help to ensure that slowworms continue to survive in Sussex. Similarly, public awareness campaigns can also be helpful as most members of the general public remain completely unaware to both how important slowworms are and exactly what they look like.
We have so much to learn from the Common Slowworm but first of all we need to respect and protect it. By understanding its natural history, we can better appreciate the magnificence of this species in nature and make strides to ensure it continues on for many years.