Animal Welfare Hub

Evidence-based resources for animal welfare

wildlife

Adder Welfare: Britain's Only Venomous Snake

The adder is the UK's only venomous snake and faces significant welfare challenges from habitat loss, persecution, and climate change.

Key Facts

Adders are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981
They have declined by 50%+ across the UK over the past 30 years
Habitat fragmentation isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity
Illegal killing and persecution by humans remains a welfare concern
Climate change alters thermoregulation opportunities and prey availability
Adders are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young rather than eggs

Welfare Considerations and Management

Adder welfare challenges include illegal persecution (killing on sight), habitat loss through scrub encroachment of heathland, and road mortality. Their specialised habitat requirements (heathland, woodland edge with open sunny areas) make them vulnerable to land use change. Conservation efforts focus on habitat management (maintaining open heathland), creating wildlife corridors between isolated populations, and education to reduce persecution.

What You Can Do

Never kill adders — they are legally protected and persecution is a criminal offence
Leave heathland and grassland habitats undisturbed to support adder populations
Support heathland conservation organisations working to restore adder habitat
Report adder sightings to local reptile recording groups to support monitoring