Category Archives: Reptiles

‘The Life Story of the Adder’ through the Hebridean eyes of the ‘Adder King’

Posted on March 31, 2023 by NatureScot

Roddy Maclean ‘reviews’ the remarkable 1924 publication by Lewisman Norman Morrison – in his day the foremost authority on adders. Continue reading →

Posted in Folklore, Gaelic, NatureScot, Reptiles, Research | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

‘Beatha na Nathrach-nimhe’ tro shùilean Gàidhealach ‘Rìgh nan Nathraichean’

Posted on March 31, 2023 by NatureScot

Tha Ruairidh MacIlleathain a’ dèanamh ‘lèirmheas’ air leabhar iongantach le Tormod an t-Seòladair à Siabost, a bha na latha na phrìomh eòlaiche air an nathair-nimhe. Continue reading →

Posted in Folklore, Gaelic, NatureScot, Reptiles, Research, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

How do adders hibernate?

Posted on April 8, 2021 by NatureScot

Our blog today is written by Bethia, one of this year’s NatureScot student placements who will be spending a year based across the Stirling NNRs: Flanders Moss, Blawhorn Moss and Loch Lomond. Growing up on the doorstep of the Abernethy … Continue reading →

Posted in biodiversity, Flanders Moss NNR, Reptiles, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Shooting frogs in the dead of night

Posted on May 21, 2020 by NatureScot

Underwater photographer Mark Kirkland aims to bring the weird and wonderful of Scotland’s sea and freshwater life to the wider public. Recalling a mission shortly before lockdown restrictions, Mark gives us an insight into the techniques, patience and determination required … Continue reading →

Posted in amphibians, art, Nature in art, photography, Reptiles, Sustainable Drainage Systems, Uncategorized, urban nature, Year of Coasts and Waters 2020 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Toads versus frogs at St Cyrus NNR

Posted on April 6, 2020 by NatureScot

Frogs and toads clearly have a lot in common. For many, if not most of us, trying to tell the difference between the two is as confusing as being introduced to identical twins, called Anna and Hanna. But not for … Continue reading →

Posted in amphibians, biodiversity, photography, Reptiles, St Cyrus National Nature Reserve, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Scottish frogs under threat…enter the dragon finders

Posted on May 19, 2016 by NatureScot

Dragon Finder is an initiative aimed at spreading the word about amphibian and reptile conservation. It brings together practical conservation, surveying, data collection and interactive educational activities and now everyone can be involved by downloading a free app to help … Continue reading →

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Naturally Scottish

Posted on November 13, 2013 by NatureScot

Did you know that we have a series of booklets – free to download on our website – covering some of the most interesting species in Scotland ?  Our Naturally Scottish publications offer an insight into the lives of what … Continue reading →

Posted in Birds, Flowers, Fungi, Insects, photography, Reptiles | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The adder man: Norman Morrison

Posted on August 2, 2013 by NatureScot

Ask any Scottish police officer about Norman Morrison and they’ll tell you he was the co-founder of the Scottish Police Federation but it’s unlikely they’ll know he was also a pioneer in the study of Scotland’s reptiles. Along the way, … Continue reading →

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Fascinating adders

Posted on May 28, 2013 by NatureScot

The adder is the only species of  venomous snake found in Scotland. Easily identified by its dark zigzag markings it is widespread, although they are generally timid creatures and not frequently seen. Like other reptiles, they grow until they become … Continue reading →

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