For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Although slugs are not considered to be the most exotic of creatures, their cousins the sea slugs are a completely different prospect!
A recent report by the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) about sea slugs at Skomer Marine Nature Reserve (MNR) has revealed that sea slugs are flourishing – with a huge variety of these attractive, striking species being recorded (66% of UK species represented in an area of just 13.2 square kilometres).
CCW Assistant Marine Nature Reserve Officer Kate Lock said: "Sea slugs are specialised predators, each having their own particular food choice, which can be either plants or other animals. The high number of sea slug species means that there must also be all the different foods present too. This is a great indication that the health of the Marine Reserve is really good and that the conservation of this part of the sea is proving a huge success for wildlife."
During the 2010 survey a wide range of habitats, in all conditions, were searched to find the sea slugs. Some can be hard to find as they are both very small and well camouflaged, and quite often the only clue to their presence is their eggs or prey species.
"We were particularly delighted to find some of the UK’s rarest sea slugs" added Kate.
Visit Skomer MNR’s exhibition at Martin’s Haven to see the beauty of the underwater world and find out more about techniques used to survey and monitor marine wildlife. Opening times: From Easter to November - 10.00 until 16.00 everyday. Winter opening times vary, but normally 10.00 until 16.00 on weekdays.
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