Reptiles
Reptiles are distinct from other animals because of their scales, ability to shed their skin and in some cases replace their teeth for the duration of their lives. They are also cold blooded.
There are four main types of reptiles in the world. Crocodilia covers crocodiles, alligators and similar species; Testudines cover turtles, tortoises and terrapins and Squamata, which covers snakes, lizards and worm lizards (or amphisbaenids). There are also some known as Sphenodontia which include tuatara from New Zealand of which there are few known species.
The reptiles commonly found in the UK are Squamata of which there are six native species. Of snakes there are adders, grass snakes and smooth snakes; of lizards there are sand lizards and common lizards and of amphisbaenids there are slow worms.
Most people will not associate the United Kingdom with reptiles and this is because they are in decline. As a result of this, they are under protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 meaning that it is a criminal offence to cause harm to any of the reptiles in this country. Therefore no-one can intentionally kill or injure them, nor can they posses, capture, handle or advertise them for sale.
As a result of the 1981 act, we can be hopeful that reptiles remain in the UK for years to come.