Midlands Teenagers Spearhead European Herpetofauna Conservation with New Captive Breeding Project

Harvey Tweats and Tom Whitehurst, 17, from Staffordshire have recently developed the largest breeding facility of European reptiles and amphibians in the UK, with plans to expand throughout the year. Their company Celtic Reptile and Amphibian has 10 European species which they hope can be used to encourage conservation efforts across the continent.

The idea began as a business venture that the duo had planned during their GCSE’s. As they received more support and national coverage, they broadened their horizons for the facility. Now, Tom and Harvey are working closely with a number of conservation and biosecurity organisations to discuss the reintroduction of species, conservation workshops and zoological training sessions.

Moor frog (Rana alvaris)

Harvey said: “We want to make conservation interesting for everyone. We want it to be cool and not presented in a nerdy way. I think people can relate to turtles much easier than, say, bee orchids. Even though they are in need of conservation, it’s hard to get people excited about bee orchids.

Harvey has kept reptiles and amphibians for 10 years, whilst specialising in European species for four. While best friend Tom, has developed his passion more recently, describing Harvey as “a great influence.” The pair hope to pave the way for hobbyists to keep species that could benefit from captive breeding in the private sector.

Harvey told Exotics Keeper Magazine “there’s hardly anyone keeping European reptiles and amphibians in the UK. The ones that do are getting older, so there’s a real need to mobilise the hobby. Having this coverage raises awareness for the European herps in the hobby. Unfortunately, the industry is so dominated by morph breeding. I think it pushes out other species that could really benefit from captive breeding in the private sector.”

Sand lizard female (Lacerta agilis)

When asked about the preference for conventional species in the industry, co-founder, Tom added: “I think there’s a mix of reasons. Firstly, people not keeping them outside as a standard, so it pushes people to choose a more exotic species. There are more exotic reptiles in the industry than localised species, but people don’t realise European species are often easier to keep!”

Surprisingly, British native species are appearing to be more troublesome, due to the specific requirements of the mainland bloodlines they are sourced from. The duo told Exotics Keeper Magazine that their specific locale of sand lizards (Lacerta agilis) are proving to be problematic. Tom and Harvey have therefore had to adapt their enclosures, alternating between indoor and outdoor housing options throughout the year. Harvey is particularly proud of the scope of conservation for European pond turtles (Emys orbicularis). He claims “despite being listed as Near Threatened, they’re easily an endangered species, they’ve been hugely affected by road modifications in recent years. They are beautiful animals, dusted with gold and move so elegantly and the locales are all so different. It would be a shame to lose them.”

European pond turtle (Emrys orbicularis)

Celtic Reptile and Amphibian has strict biosecurity measures in place to protect against chytrid, ranavirus and other infectious pathogens. Harvey said: “We take biosecurity very seriously. We’re working closely with Garden Wildlife Health to create watertight biosecurity methods. We also use a block system, involving sanitisation and foot dips between enclosures. Our biggest threat comes from other private collections, so every animal is subject to a 6-week quarantine period too.”

As well as building ecologically certified newt and reptile fencing around the facility, the duo have deliberately avoided including midwife toads (Alytes obstetricans), alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) and all salamander species to their collection, which are particularly susceptible to disease.

Pool frog (Pelophylax lessonae)

For more information on Tom and Harvey’s journey, the care and husbandry of the species they work with and where the company fits into wider conservation efforts, be sure to subscribe to Exotics Keeper Magazine before April.

They also have a running YouTube challenge which documents their efforts and shares their knowledge on keeping and protecting the species they work with, so be sure to follow them there for regular updates.