Rules of nature
How should a field herpetological hobbyist behave in the wild, what is the prober conduct in the field?
If you are a pedestrian who goes for a walk, an amateur herpetologist or a nature photographer - there are certain
unwritten rules you should follow naturally. We are all visitors in the animals world, not vice versa. Therefore both
nature, plants and animals should be respected. This text is no guidance or law whatsoever, just my own opinion
on what to remember on your way.
If you are a pedestrian who goes for a walk, an amateur herpetologist or a nature photographer - there are certain
unwritten rules you should follow naturally. We are all visitors in the animals world, not vice versa. Therefore both
nature, plants and animals should be respected. This text is no guidance or law whatsoever, just my own opinion
on what to remember on your way.
Never capture animals:
The first and most important rule, (which shouldn’t be necessary to mention), is; never capture or remove any reptiles or
amphibians from the wild. It's very hard, if not impossible to get them to thrive in terrariums anyway. It can destroy a great
deal in the environment where the animal lived; even a few missing individuals can destroy the balance in a local fragile
population. It is also highly illegal, (in Denmark), and ethically wrong. So even though herptiles may be very beautiful,
restrict your actions to just looking at them - do not remove them or take them home at any means.
About handling animals:
You should not handle animals very often; it is both stressful and may damage their fragile bodies. In Denmark the
common European adder may be directly harmful to your health. I must admit I handle the common adder at rare
occasions sometimes, but it is very rare - and I always assess the situation before doing it. I've been a captive keeper
of snakes through many years and I know how they should be handled gently and non stressful. If you can’t avoid
handling, make sure you know 110% how to do it correctly. You shouldn’t handle any animal directly in more than 1-2
minutes, never longer. And always avoid stressing the same animal 1 times during the same week. But I can’t
recommend handling the very least. A descent photographer should not do it. It’s always best to resemble nature as
nature is. (Remember; Some places consider it illegal to gather up animals, for example large amounts of frogs in a net).
Let nature be:
Always leave rocks and plants to be. Don’t flip any stones or break branches of a tree while you search for herps. If you
"accidentally" move a stone, then make sure you put it back exactly the place where you took it. There can be slow worms
and adders under rocks and stumps! It can be harmful for the animals if you remove a large rock. You may hurt them and
even break their bones if removing the rock improperly. If the animals chose to hide, they must not be disturbed. Spot the
animals by luck/skill, not by destroying their hiding places by ploughing everything up. Moreover it’s highly illegal and you
can get a fine, (in Denmark it's illegalto damage or remove stones from a stonedyke). So respect the animal’s natural
habitat and remember to tread carefully. And even more important, always remember not to throw any garbage or trash
in our beautiful Danish nature.
Gain insight:
Before you go searching for reptiles and amphibians in the wild, please gain some insight about the different species
habitats and biological cycles. Read about how to can find them. Without the requisite knowledge it can be very hard to
find anything. It can be very frustrating if you spend a lot of time. Talk to ether hobbyists or read up on the subject before
attempting to explore the field. Good planning is the key to succes.
Try to make an effort:
A good herpetological photographer will be able to visit an area unnoticed without leaving a single trace. If you always
remember to to remove garbage such as beer cans, fishing lines and other crap from the local breeding and hibernation
spots. Then you did a good deed, that might even help more than you know. If you are wise you should always try to keep
your local reptile spots clean and supervised - just a tiny bit. You can bring a bag for the trash you collect.
The first and most important rule, (which shouldn’t be necessary to mention), is; never capture or remove any reptiles or
amphibians from the wild. It's very hard, if not impossible to get them to thrive in terrariums anyway. It can destroy a great
deal in the environment where the animal lived; even a few missing individuals can destroy the balance in a local fragile
population. It is also highly illegal, (in Denmark), and ethically wrong. So even though herptiles may be very beautiful,
restrict your actions to just looking at them - do not remove them or take them home at any means.
About handling animals:
You should not handle animals very often; it is both stressful and may damage their fragile bodies. In Denmark the
common European adder may be directly harmful to your health. I must admit I handle the common adder at rare
occasions sometimes, but it is very rare - and I always assess the situation before doing it. I've been a captive keeper
of snakes through many years and I know how they should be handled gently and non stressful. If you can’t avoid
handling, make sure you know 110% how to do it correctly. You shouldn’t handle any animal directly in more than 1-2
minutes, never longer. And always avoid stressing the same animal 1 times during the same week. But I can’t
recommend handling the very least. A descent photographer should not do it. It’s always best to resemble nature as
nature is. (Remember; Some places consider it illegal to gather up animals, for example large amounts of frogs in a net).
Let nature be:
Always leave rocks and plants to be. Don’t flip any stones or break branches of a tree while you search for herps. If you
"accidentally" move a stone, then make sure you put it back exactly the place where you took it. There can be slow worms
and adders under rocks and stumps! It can be harmful for the animals if you remove a large rock. You may hurt them and
even break their bones if removing the rock improperly. If the animals chose to hide, they must not be disturbed. Spot the
animals by luck/skill, not by destroying their hiding places by ploughing everything up. Moreover it’s highly illegal and you
can get a fine, (in Denmark it's illegalto damage or remove stones from a stonedyke). So respect the animal’s natural
habitat and remember to tread carefully. And even more important, always remember not to throw any garbage or trash
in our beautiful Danish nature.
Gain insight:
Before you go searching for reptiles and amphibians in the wild, please gain some insight about the different species
habitats and biological cycles. Read about how to can find them. Without the requisite knowledge it can be very hard to
find anything. It can be very frustrating if you spend a lot of time. Talk to ether hobbyists or read up on the subject before
attempting to explore the field. Good planning is the key to succes.
Try to make an effort:
A good herpetological photographer will be able to visit an area unnoticed without leaving a single trace. If you always
remember to to remove garbage such as beer cans, fishing lines and other crap from the local breeding and hibernation
spots. Then you did a good deed, that might even help more than you know. If you are wise you should always try to keep
your local reptile spots clean and supervised - just a tiny bit. You can bring a bag for the trash you collect.
So remember what the old herpetological proverb says: "Kill only time - take nothing but pictures, leave only footprints".
If you follow these simple tips, there is a world of reptiles and amphibians straight in front of your door
- ready to be discovered by you and your camera.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
If you follow these simple tips, there is a world of reptiles and amphibians straight in front of your door
- ready to be discovered by you and your camera.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Can i collect/catch snakes or amphibians?
All wild reptiles and amphibians in Denmark are protected under the law and can’t be collected.
There are however some minor exceptions considering tadpoles:
These conseptions should be considered strongly as there usually exist no reason
to remove wildlife or tadpoles asf. But here are the legal conditions of Denmark:
This is copied directly from the Danish animal protection law:
(Quote: www.skovognatur.dk)
Tadpoles:
You may gather small quantities of tadpoles, of the species:
* Smooth newt, Lissotriton vulgaris.
* Common toad, Bufo bufo.
* European common frog, Rana temporaria.
* Edible frog, Pelophylax kl. esculentus.
When the tadpoles reach adulthood they must be released as close to the point of collection as possible.
Teaching and research
Higher education institutions, schools and other educational/research institutions must, limited,
collect specimens of the listed species for educational and research purposes:
* Slow worm, Anguis fragilis.
* Viviparous lizard, Zootoca vivipara.
* Smooth Newt, Lissotriton vulgaris.
* Common toad, Bufo bufo.
* European common frog, Rana temporaria.
* Edible frog, Pelophylax kl. esculentus.
And on Læsø, Endelave, the islands south of Fyn (between Ærø and Langeland), (sydfynske øhav) ,
Langeland, Lolland, Falster and Bornholm, Møen ->
Its legal to educational collect up to 50 eggs or juveniles of the species:
* Moor frog, Rana arvalis.
* Agile frog, Rana dalmatina.
When the tadpoles reach adulthood they must be released as close to the point of collection as possible.
European common adder:
Vipera Berus, European common adder, can be collected and moved when taken in the
immediate vicinity of housing and it’s estimated to pose a risk to humans.
_________________________________
If you want to know more about the regulations in Danish nature, then take a look at my various page.
What is?
Nature Protection Act
A danish law made to help safeguard Denmarks nature and environment; so that the community can develop on a
sustainable respect for nature and the preservation of animal and plant life in the future. The nature protection act
protects the countryside, with its wild population of flora/fauna and the historical, scientific and educational values it
holds. It helps to improve, restore or create areas that are important for wildlife, landscapes and cultural/historical
interests. And finally to give people access to the countryside and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Habitat Directive (Natura2000)
The Habitats Directive of 1992 (Council Directive 92/43/EØF) requires EU member states to preserve habitats and
species of EU interest. The habitats directive, together with the birds directive and the water framework directive is
EU's main contribution to the protection of biological diversity in all of the member states. A centerpiece of the
implementation of the Habitats Directive is the designation of special areas of conservation, known habitat areas.
In the areas must be secured or restored at a favorable conservation status of natural habitats and species, as each
area is designated. It aims to protect some 220 habitats and approximately 1,000 species listed in the directive's
Annexes. Annex I covers habitats, Annex II species requiring designation of special areas of conservation, Annex
IV is species in need of strict protection, and Annex V is species whose taking from the wild can be restricted by
European law. These are species and habitats which are considered to be of European interest, following criteria
given in the directive. Natura 2000: The habitats toghether with the bird directive form an ecological network of protected
natural areas throughout the EU, this network of areas is called Natura2000.
Bern Convention
The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 1979, also known as the Bern
Convention (or Berne Convention), came into force on June 1, 1982. The convention sets out to conserve wild flora
and fauna and their natural habitats; promote co-operation between states; monitor and control endangered and
vulnerable species and assist with the provision of assistance concerning legal and scientific issues. The convention
operates alongside the European Union's Natura 2000 programme. It also provides for the monitoring and control of
endangered species, and the provision of assistance concerning legal and scientific issues. Four appendices set out
particular species for protection. They are regularly updated by a committee, who are advised by a number of expert
Groups. There are five appendixes, Appendix I: Strictly protected flora species. Appendix II: Strictly protected fauna
species. Appendix III: Protected fauna species. Appendix IV: All species of reptiles and amphibia,
and most birds are included in this appendix.
Bonn Convention
The objective of the Bonn Convention is the conservation of migratory species worldwide. The convention promote,
cooperate in or support research relating to migratory species; and provides immediate protection for migratory
species included in Appendix I; and to conclude agreements covering the conservation and management of migratory
species listed in Appendix II. To protect endangered migratory species, the parties Convention must endeavour: To
conserve or restore the habitats of endangered species; to prevent, remove, compensate for or minimise the adverse
effects of activities or obstacles that impede the migration of the species; and to the extent feasible and appropriate,
to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger the species.
CITES
Pronounced site-ease, stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and
Fauna. It's a treaty administered by the United Nations and signed by more than 171 countries that regulates
international trade in species of wild plants and animals considered threatened or endangered. CITES, the biggest
wildlife trade treaty in the world, came into force in 1975. Its purpose is to ensure that no species of wild fauna or flora
becomes or remains subject to unsustainable exploitation because of international trade. (Domestic trade - trade of a
species within any one country - is not covered by CITES, but remains an issue for individual nations to address.)
Countries that join CITES agree to adhere to the treaty's rules and to monitor and regulate - or in some cases
eliminate - trade of species listed in the treaty.
Urban and Landscape Protection Agency: Red and yellow list
The Red List is a list of flora/fauna species that have disappeared in recent times, or are becomming in danger of
disappearing. In the preparation of the Danish Red List; all species are assessed - including the common species. The
Danish plant and animal species that have been red listed are assessed according to the guidelines developed by the
international conservation organization (IUCN). The wellow list includes plant and animal species in decline. It also
includes species that Denmark has a special responsibility to preserve in an international context.
Nature Protection Act
A danish law made to help safeguard Denmarks nature and environment; so that the community can develop on a
sustainable respect for nature and the preservation of animal and plant life in the future. The nature protection act
protects the countryside, with its wild population of flora/fauna and the historical, scientific and educational values it
holds. It helps to improve, restore or create areas that are important for wildlife, landscapes and cultural/historical
interests. And finally to give people access to the countryside and improve opportunities for outdoor recreation.
Habitat Directive (Natura2000)
The Habitats Directive of 1992 (Council Directive 92/43/EØF) requires EU member states to preserve habitats and
species of EU interest. The habitats directive, together with the birds directive and the water framework directive is
EU's main contribution to the protection of biological diversity in all of the member states. A centerpiece of the
implementation of the Habitats Directive is the designation of special areas of conservation, known habitat areas.
In the areas must be secured or restored at a favorable conservation status of natural habitats and species, as each
area is designated. It aims to protect some 220 habitats and approximately 1,000 species listed in the directive's
Annexes. Annex I covers habitats, Annex II species requiring designation of special areas of conservation, Annex
IV is species in need of strict protection, and Annex V is species whose taking from the wild can be restricted by
European law. These are species and habitats which are considered to be of European interest, following criteria
given in the directive. Natura 2000: The habitats toghether with the bird directive form an ecological network of protected
natural areas throughout the EU, this network of areas is called Natura2000.
Bern Convention
The Bern Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats 1979, also known as the Bern
Convention (or Berne Convention), came into force on June 1, 1982. The convention sets out to conserve wild flora
and fauna and their natural habitats; promote co-operation between states; monitor and control endangered and
vulnerable species and assist with the provision of assistance concerning legal and scientific issues. The convention
operates alongside the European Union's Natura 2000 programme. It also provides for the monitoring and control of
endangered species, and the provision of assistance concerning legal and scientific issues. Four appendices set out
particular species for protection. They are regularly updated by a committee, who are advised by a number of expert
Groups. There are five appendixes, Appendix I: Strictly protected flora species. Appendix II: Strictly protected fauna
species. Appendix III: Protected fauna species. Appendix IV: All species of reptiles and amphibia,
and most birds are included in this appendix.
Bonn Convention
The objective of the Bonn Convention is the conservation of migratory species worldwide. The convention promote,
cooperate in or support research relating to migratory species; and provides immediate protection for migratory
species included in Appendix I; and to conclude agreements covering the conservation and management of migratory
species listed in Appendix II. To protect endangered migratory species, the parties Convention must endeavour: To
conserve or restore the habitats of endangered species; to prevent, remove, compensate for or minimise the adverse
effects of activities or obstacles that impede the migration of the species; and to the extent feasible and appropriate,
to prevent, reduce or control factors that are endangering or are likely to further endanger the species.
CITES
Pronounced site-ease, stands for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and
Fauna. It's a treaty administered by the United Nations and signed by more than 171 countries that regulates
international trade in species of wild plants and animals considered threatened or endangered. CITES, the biggest
wildlife trade treaty in the world, came into force in 1975. Its purpose is to ensure that no species of wild fauna or flora
becomes or remains subject to unsustainable exploitation because of international trade. (Domestic trade - trade of a
species within any one country - is not covered by CITES, but remains an issue for individual nations to address.)
Countries that join CITES agree to adhere to the treaty's rules and to monitor and regulate - or in some cases
eliminate - trade of species listed in the treaty.
Urban and Landscape Protection Agency: Red and yellow list
The Red List is a list of flora/fauna species that have disappeared in recent times, or are becomming in danger of
disappearing. In the preparation of the Danish Red List; all species are assessed - including the common species. The
Danish plant and animal species that have been red listed are assessed according to the guidelines developed by the
international conservation organization (IUCN). The wellow list includes plant and animal species in decline. It also
includes species that Denmark has a special responsibility to preserve in an international context.