Adders near extinction in London

Ken Livingstone today warned that the adder was on the verge of extinction in London.

The mayor said the situation was so dire that he was considering importing the snakes - the only poisonous species in Britain - to the capital to protect its indigenous wildlife.

About 150 snakes are thought to remain within London's boundaries. The Mayor said this was because they were unable to cross the "quite lethal barrier" of the M25 from breeding grounds in the Home Counties.

They favour dry heathland and are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

Mr Livingstone said: "We are now virtually on the edge of extinction of the adder."

The mayor - famous for his love of reptiles - said there were another six adder sites between London's boundary and the M25.

He today launched a website of London's nature reserves and wildlife areas and said he will ask Tube and train firms to be mindful of wildlife when they undertake maintenance.

Tim Webb from the London Wildlife Trust said: "These are vital [wildlife] corridors and have been recognised as such for a long time."