SNAKES, spiders, reptiles and frogs are back after the Welsh Mountain Zoo reopened it's reptile house.

After months of refurbishment, the Colwyn Bay attraction has been transformed into the Tropical Trail - with new animals and a focus on some of the world's most vulnerable habitats.

Assistant Head Keeper Tom Lawrence said the Tropical Trail was an exciting way to highlight the dangers facing some unique species.

"We have focused the trail largely on Madagascar and the Indian Ocean region," he said. "We have the critically endangered Spider Tortoises, the Malagasy Tree Boa which is in decline and the Western Girdled Lizard.

"All these species live exclusively on the island of Madagascar and as a result all are under threat. The Western Girdled Lizard actually has a healthy population there, but the fact all these species only live in one place is a major risk.

"One extreme weather event or some human impact through development could wipe out an entire population. Along the Tropical Trail we try to show visitors that regardless of a species' conservation status, they face serious challenges and that we can al have a positive impact to help and support them.

"These animals are ambassadors for their species, helping us to get that message across by getting visitors excited and interested in them and their conservation."

The zoo has invested to improve the reptile, snake, spider and amphibian habitats and install interactive learning zones to help explain the challenges these animals face - from human development to hunting and medicine and environment factors. 

"We've recieved lots of calls and messages asking when the reptile house will reopen," said Tom. "Since we opened the doors it's attracted lots of guests. New visitors are keen to see the new species while members have been excited to see what changes we have made.

"We've made the trail engaging and interactive with exhibits you can touch and plants that give off the smells of each habitat," said Tom. "We want to immerse people in the tropical realm and help them understand the dangers these species' face.

"We have opened up the enclosures and added more habitat-specific plants and leaf litter plus mock rock which we've acid-washed to give each enclosure a more realistic feel for the animals."

Other species on show on the trail include the endangered Burmese Python and the Baboon Tarantula from East Africa.

The trail also features a handful of species from the opposite side of the world that are facing similar challenges.

The Californian Kingsnake, South American Red Footed Tortoise and the rare Golden Poison Arrow Frog from Central America are all unique species trying to survive the joint challenges of habitat loss and climate change.

Despite the importance of protecting these species however many visitors remain scared of snakes, reptiles, spiders and frogs - but Tom encouraged them to use the Tropical Trail to face their fears.

"It is hard if people have a real fear but this is a safe place," he said. "Our animals are behind glass and this is the perfect opportunity to take a closer look and see if you can overcome your fear.

"If you can you'll learn how wonderful and important these animals are and hopefully feel a sense of achievement. But if the fear is too much you can always turn back, you've lost nothing.

"What matters is getting the message across that every single animal is important, from plants and micro-organisms to insects and amphibians up to the largest predators. If any of those parts of the food chain disappear the rest of the food chain will disappear. 

"Every species is precious and we need to do all we can to protect them."