The adder is Britain's only venomous snake and one of its most declining reptiles. Its welfare and survival are threatened by habitat loss, persecution, and illegal collection.
Adder welfare is compromised by fear-driven persecution as well as habitat loss. Adders killed by people are doing nothing wrong - they are shy reptiles that bite only in self-defense. Their slow reproductive rate means individual deaths have significant population consequences. Habitat quality affects adder welfare directly through access to adequate basking sites for thermoregulation and prey availability. Female adders are ovoviviparous - they retain eggs internally - and their welfare during pregnancy depends on access to warm basking sites that would be unavailable in degraded habitats.