8. Vertebrates
Reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals are the groups of vertebrates that will be found in Independent Quarry. Although fish could survive in any permanent ponds they would be unlikely to get there on their own and any introductions will be discouraged to protect the invertebrate population.
8a. Reptiles and Amphibians
Of the species in table 28, most are highly mobile and probably already living in or nearby Independent Quarry (Common Frogs are regularly seen on Grove Road alongside the quarry). The newt species are likely to take the longest time to colonize the quarry, if no introductions are made. Adder, Common Lizard and Slow-worm are protected against killing and injuring under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. There is some recent evidence that the rare Wall Lizard is spreading from Duncecroft Quarry in the south east of the island to a number of other quarries on Portland (ref. 20).
8b. Birds
It is likely that relatively few bird species will find Independent Quarry suitable to breed in. Breeding succes for these birds will largely depend on provision of suitable nesting sites. However, the quarry will also be used by many species breeding elsewhere on the island and by migrant birds passing through in Spring and Autumn. It is this last group that will benefit most from sympathetic restoration techniques. The provision of freshwater will be particularly important to migrating birds in an area where water is a scarce resource for wildlife. Many of the migrant passerines such as warblers and flycatchers will need insect-rich tree species such as Sycamores to feed in and build up energy reserves to continue their migration. Their movements through these trees will be greatly enhanced if areas of tree planting on the island can be linked by corridors of trees, providing routes from one area to another.
The information in the next 2 tables is largely derived from personal observations, consisting of direct sightings of birds and reports from other birdwatchers.
click here to view the list of Birds that could breed in Independent Quarry in a new window
click here to view the list of Birds that could use Independent Quarry on migration in a new window
8c. Mammals
No wild mammals larger than foxes and badgers regularly breed on Portland, and the status of the former is uncertain. With one exception, all the smaller mammals are only rarely seen and many may already be living in and around the quarry. As soon as food in the form of insects and seeds becomes available these mammals will become more common in the quarry. The status of bats on Portland is largely unknown, but there may well be undiscovered populations living in old buildings in the summer and hibernating in quarries in the winter. Any permanent caves or holes, of whatever size, that can be created in Independent Quarry may be used by these populations in the future and may even be essential for the long-term survival of existing populations as their current holes are destroyed by new quarrying. All bats are specially protected under The Wildlife And Countryside Act, 1981: Schedule 5.
click here to view the list of Mammals that could breed in Independent Quarry in a new window
References for Section 8.
20. Cade, M. (2003) Portland Bird Observatory web site, http://www.portlandbirdobs.btinternet.co.uk/wildlife_diary_1to5_2003.htm
21. Cade, M. (2003) The Breeding Birds of the Isle of Portland, in Portland Bird Observatory Report for 2003.
22. Pritchard, M. (2003) Wild Mammals at Portland 1995 - 2003, in Portland Bird Observatory Report for 2003.