Is it a snake or not? This mysterious creature slithers through Brabant. How many there are is the big question. Biologist Jeroen van Delft therefore calls in the help of Brabanders, because he would like to know where this reptile can be found.
Is it a snake? No, the slow worm looks like it, but it is a lizard without legs.
Van Delft works for RAVON. This foundation, together with bureau Ecologica, conducts research into the reptile. This is done at the request of the province, which wants to map out how often and where the animal occurs.
She previously called on the public for help for the Breda region. “From Bergen op Zoom to Breda, it is known that the slow worm has been seen there 26 times in a hundred years. Thanks to the public, we now know where important groups of slowworms live.”
“When people have seen it, they often speak of a fantastic nature experience.”
RAVON’s research is now focusing on an area between Alphen, Tilburg and Esbeek. But why is research so important?
“The animal has been here for thousands of years, you can be careful with that. To protect them, you at least need to know where they live.” The creature mainly eats slugs. It is tasty prey for birds of prey, badgers and hedgehogs: “It is one bite-sized chunk of protein. It is a link in the food chain.”
Anyone who encounters the slow worm in the woods will not quickly forget it, says Van Delft. “A worm like that makes an impression, precisely because it looks like a snake. When people have seen him, they often call it a special experience. It’s great for kids.”
“Snakes writhe a lot, slowworms are much stiffer and move much less smoothly.”
The slowworm can grow to be about a foot or two in length and as thick as a thumb. “That’s impressive, but the animal is completely harmless.”
Avid walkers and runners and people who spend a lot of time outside can encounter the animal in the woods. For example, if it crosses a forest path. In Brabant, these are areas with slightly better soil: stream valleys, old forests and country estates. “Think of the Groene Woud, but also the Liesbos near Breda and De Regte Heide right below Tilburg. There are also all kinds of areas around it that we suspect he lives there.”
Suppose you come across it, how can you be sure that it is not a snake? “Snakes writhe a lot, slowworms are much stiffer and move much less smoothly. He also often has one color. Snakes often have spots and stripes. And the lizard has eyelids, snakes don’t. That makes a snake’s gaze much colder and more penetrating.”
Do you think you’ve seen a slowworm? Then you can report this to RAVON via [email protected]. Even if it’s been a while, they’d love to hear from you. You can send photos and videos.
View the images below to see how the animal moves.
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