In het voorjaar ontwaken de kleinere mannen enkele weken eerder dan de grote vrouwen om zich voor te bereiden op de paring. Deze ringslangmannen kijken uit naar het eerste vrouwtje die ontwaakt uit de winterslaap

Artificial refuges for hibernating grass snakes in dykes

RAVON
26-MAY-2016 - Last year, Rijkswaterstaat (part of the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and the Environment) carried out major repairs on some parts of the dykes of the former island of Marken in the IJsselmeer. Because this snake hibernates in these dykes, the whole operation took place in close consultation with experts. Repairs could thus be carried out without bringing harm to this protected species.

Overwintering in the rubble 

For decades, it has been known that the Grass Snake (Natrix natrix) hibernates in large numbers in the dykes bordering the Markermeer lake. However, until recently, we did not know what sort of environment the snakes were looking for in which to spend the winter. During a dyke inspection, we discovered that the places where the snakes hibernate consist of coarse debris just beneath the basalt facing of the dyke; the crevices and cracks in the rubble seem to be ideal for overwintering.

During maintenance, these "natural" hibernation spots were left practically untouched, apart from putting the basalt blocks in place again. Additional opportunity for overwintering was created at five more places by applying a thick layer of coarse rubble beneath the facing. The cracks and gaps between the basalt blocks were not filled up with pebbles or gravel as is usually the case, but left open. In this way, the rubble layer remains accessible for the snakes. In addition, these small spaces also offer shelter for other animals, such as mice and amphibians.

During monitoring, snakes are caught so that they can be measured, weighed and sexed

Artificial refuges

Apart from creating additional opportunity for overwintering in the rubble layer, four artificial hibernation chambers were placed just below the surface of the dyke embankment. They are fitted with sensors that measure the temperature and humidity. In coming winters, they will be inspected to see if the Grass Snake is making use of this new type of hibernation residence.

The snake can enter the artificial refuge through a narrow slot that is covered by a metal flap. This flap offers shelter to the emerging snake in the spring when, just coming out of its winter sleep and not yet very active, it would otherwise lie exposed on the barren slopes of the dyke

If the artificial refuges prove effective, they can be introduced during the major dyke improvement that is planned for other dykes in the area. Moreover, depending on the results of monitoring, some may also be put into place by the Hoogheemraadschap (Water Board) Hollands Noorderkwartier when carrying out improvements on the dykes along the western coast of the IJmeer and Markermeer as far as the small town of Monnickendam. These dykes are home to many Grass Snakes.

Text: Ingo Janssen, RAVON
Photos: Martine van Oostveen (lead photo: in the spring, the smaller males wake up a few weeks earlier than the females to get ready for mating. These males are on the lookout for the first female to awake from hibernation); Ingo Janssen