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Wildlife
- Close
- - We protect wildlife in Britain and around the world by bringing our most threatened species back from the brink of extinction. We do this through ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Wild places
- Close
- - Some habitats contain such a richness of life that we need to protect them at all odds. We are working to preserve ancient woodlands, orchards and wood pastures and parklands, as well as the countless species they support.
What we do
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- - Everything we do is based on scientific evidence. We gather this through surveys, which you can take part in, and by awarding research grants to the most inspiring scientists worldwide. This evidence guides our conservation efforts and is shared through our events and publications.
Who we are
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- - People’s Trust for Endangered Species was set up in 1977 to save our wildlife. We are governed by a board of volunteer trustees and our team of staff are passionate about protecting endangered species and places.
Success stories
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- - We strive to bring our most threatened species in the UK and around the world back from the brink of extinction. Our successes come from ground-breaking research, practical conservation and education, all with the help of our supporters.
Get involved
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- - There are so many ways you can help save endangered species. Fancy taking part in a survey, joining us on a wildlife event or becoming a regular supporter?
Shop
- Close
- - Support our work in our shop with a range of charity gifts, home-ware, cards and more. 100% of the profits go directly to help wildlife both in the UK an overseas.
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- - There is nothing natural about the alarming rate at which we are losing animals and their homes. It is absolutely avoidable. We can stop the loss of our wildlife – but we need your support. You can act now by choosing to give to our cause. Thank you.

Home // Research grants // Our worldwide projects // Albany adders in South Africa

Albany adders in South Africa

Funding for this project has now finished

Albany adders suffer as infrastructure increases

South Africa is home to critically endangered Albany adders, a species of dwarf adder. With only 17 known records, this is one of the world’s rarest snakes. Added to which, their only known location is under threat from opencast mining, wind turbine and road developments.

Albany adders are closely linked to a particular type of vegetation called Coega Bontveld. There’s not much of it left, and two thirds of it is right in the middle of the mining area. Extinction hovers for the adders without urgent intervention.

Bitis albanica - Albany Adder in situ - 30th March 2019. Albany adders

Working with landowners to save Albany adders

With our support, the Endangered Wildlife Trust and others are working closely with the cement company that owns much of the land. Using computer modelling, verified by actual surveying on the ground, the team is urgently searching for other remaining populations. If discovered, the landowners will be asked to enter stewardship agreements with the South African conservation authorities. The agreements secure long-term protection for the adders. Land purchase is also an option.

The team is half way through its work. They’re still busy surveying for remaining, suitable habitat and, excitingly, have found another single specimen. Farmer owners of the surrounding land are mostly positive, granting access for the work. This bodes well should stewardship agreements be required.

The future of Albany adders remains very uncertain. But we’re doing all that we can.

Latest news

We are now half way through this project and the team are mapping out where there may be suitable habitat to find new populations of the adders. They are also working with the landowners who own those patches to get them on board with the project. These farmers – who typically own land about 200ha – have been mostly positive and giving access which is great news. One new rare specimen has been found and DNA samples taken.

Thank you to all our donors who helped us fund this work. You can help us support more projects like this with a donation today:

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