Wildlife
conservation charity Froglife has received exciting news that The Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded a grant of £422,400 for Scottish Dragon Finder. This exciting new project will directly
involve 28,000 people in conserving Scotland’s amphibian and reptile species,
with activities taking place all over the country in the next four and a half
years. There are ten native amphibian and reptile species in Scotland, seven of which feature as priority species in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. There is an urgent need for more data on where the animals are and their populations, with current evidence suggesting the creatures are in decline. Dragon Finder will introduce thousands of new people to the intriguing lives of amphibians and reptiles, teaching them how to survey, record and protect these amazing animals.
Colin McLean, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Scotland, said:
“This year, the Year of Natural Scotland, brings into focus the natural beauty and biodiversity that surrounds us. It is one of our greatest national assets, attracting visitors from home and abroad and making a valuable contribution to our tourist economy.
“We have some incredible native wildlife in Scotland but our species and habitats are under constant threat. Recent reports such as State of Nature and the Scottish Government’s 2020 Challenge for Scotland’s Biodiversity plan highlight the need to act now if we are to protect it. We hope that with the Heritage Lottery Fund support announced today, communities across the country will be inspired and empowered to safeguard the existence of these rare creatures.”
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| Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) |
Scottish
Dragon Finder will involve communities, school children, gardeners and hill
walkers in improving fresh-water ponds across 14 local authority areas,
identifying and recording the current amphibians and reptile populations and in
learning activities to raise awareness of the endangered species and the role
they play in the country’s biodiversity. It is an expansion of London Dragon Finder, which has been running in the City for just under a year.
Kathy
Wormald, Froglife’s CEO added:
“We are thrilled to be bringing our innovative
Dragon Finder project to Scotland. We
will be introducing people who have never seen these animals before to the
wonders on their doorstep, and encouraging those who spend a lot of time
outdoors to let us know when they see amphibians and reptiles through our free
app. We’ll be hosting some really
creative educational activities and hosting trainee placements, alongside work
to create and restore habitats across Scotland.”
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| Creative activities will celebrate Scottish 'Dragons' |
Ron
Macdonald, Scottish Natural Heritage's Head of Policy and Advice was just as excited
with the good news for the nation’s wildlife:
"We look forward to supporting Froglife in this great
opportunity for the conservation of amphibians and reptiles across Scotland."
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| Great Crested Newt (Triturus cristatus ) |
- Help co-fund Froglife's work and enable us to restore even more habitats by donating to the Save our Dragons appeal and texting NEWT13 followed by a donation of £2-10 to 70070
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