In former times the Grass Snake (Natrix
natrix) lived in and near river-valleys. It's living space expanded
enormously since the end of the migration of nations in the 6th century
by deforestration for agriculture and cattle breeding.
In spite of regional persecution the Grass Snake was found
frequently in the 19th century. During that time it used farms, cellars,
stables and dung-heaps for egg-deposition and hibernation. Since the middle
of our century intense negative changes took place like building on large
areas, change of cultivation methods, regulation and contamination of rivers.
In overcrowded urban regions today there only remains
the possibility of creating and equipping habitat spaces according to the
necessities of the Grass Snake, as far as known, in order to compensate
the negative influences.
Summary from: Eckstein, H.-P. [1993]. Lebensraumveränderungen
und Schutz der Ringelnatter im Bergischen Land - In: Gruschwitz, Kornacker,
Podloucky, Völkl & Waitzmann (Ed.): Mertensiella, vol.. 3, Verbreitung,
Ökologie und Schutz der Schlangen Deutschlands und angrenzender Gebiete,
Bonn: 199-210 p.
Last Update 24.12.2000