This note summarises the protection afforded
explicitly to native reptiles and amphibians
(herpetofauna) in England and Wales through nature conservation legislation. Note that in practice, reptiles and amphibians may receive additional protection through other routes, and we do not cover those in this note. These routes include: legislation protecting sites (such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest) and landscapes (such as National Parks);
animal welfare legislation; and land use planning.