Five of seven Dutch reptile species in decline, CBS says

Five of the seven reptile species found in the Netherlands have declined over the past 12 years, according to new figures from national statistics office CBS and research foundation RAVON.

Only the wall lizard has grown in number since 2014, while the slow worm has stayed stable. On average, reptile populations have fallen since 2014 and are now roughly back at their 1994 level.

The viviparous, the common lizard, has fared worst, with numbers down almost 75% since 1994. The smooth snake has fallen by more than 60% since 1997, and the adder and grass snake are also in decline.

CBS said climate change may be hitting species that prefer cooler, wetter conditions, such as the common lizard and the adder. Overgrown habitats and fewer insects to eat are also likely factors.

Wall lizard numbers, by contrast, have risen more than five-fold since 1995, helped by the warmer climate.