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A First Report on the Reptiles and
Amphibians in Epping Forest
BY ALWYNE C. WHEELER, G. MALENOIR AND J. DAVIDSON
During 1958 an investigation was undertaken into the distribution
and abundance of the reptiles and amphibians of Epping Forest.
Apart from Stubbs's (1920) interesting notes, this seems to be the
only systematic attempt to record these animals in the Forest, and on
account of this a preliminary report has been prepared for publication.
In addition to the field work undertaken during the year, this report
contains many notes, taken casually during previous years by all of
us, and also reviews the rather sparse literature on the subject. We
would also like to thank the following for notes of these animals in
past years: R. H. Harris, Charles Jenkins, David Scott and Bernard
T. Ward.
As it was obvious from the outset of the survey that there would not
be sufficient helpers to cover the whole of Epping Forest, the area
was deliberately confined to that part of the Forest north of the Rangers
Road and Manor Road. Loughton. The survey area was further reduced
by the exclusion of all outlying parts of the administrative Forest, and
also the Lower Forest, north of Epping. Despite this restriction in size it
still proved impossible to cover the area adequately. We hope that
future work will enable us to complete the study, and we would appeal
for all records of these animals, and also for help in the field from
interested persons.
The weather in 1958 was partly responsible for the inadequate cover-
age of our area. In the early part of the year the ponds were covered
with ice until a relatively late date which appeared to inhibit activity
in the amphibians. Later, cool winds and overcast skies kept reptile
activity at a minimum. Despite these disadvantages, a considerable part
of the objects of the survey was achieved.
Slow-worm (Anguis fragilis L.). References to this species in literature
of the district seem to be few, and mostly very generalised. Buxton
(1923) referred to it as "not uncommon" in the Forest, but Stubbs (1920)
regarded it as "not markedly common in the county", without detailed
reference to the Forest district. Fitter (1949) writing of the London
area, which by definition includes our survey area, found that it was
"decidedly local . . . especially north of the Thames", and further
specified it as uncommon in Epping Forest.
During the past year we have recorded this lizard in the northern
part of the Forest; five times on the bush lined slopes of Baldwins
Hill, and on Broadstrood on two occasions. Records from earlier years
include the Long Running, Rushey Plain and Dulsmead Hollow in
addition. A single Slow-worm seen on two occasions in different years