'Concerning' decline of Scotland's only native and venomous snake
The found the number of 10km squares in which adders had been reported in Scotland has declined by 36% from 567 pre-1994 to 364 post-1994.
The overall range of adders is largely the same as it was in 1994 with the snakes, which are native to Scotland, remaining absent from the Central Valley, Outer Hebrides and Northern Isles as well as a large proportion of the region between Glasgow and Inverness.
The study is a partnership between NatureScot, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation, and Amphibian and Reptile Groups of the UK, also reported major gaps in distribution across Scotland and perceptions that the adder is now becoming less common.
The Great Britain IUCN Red List assessment considers adders to be near threatened in Scotland, Wales and Britain as a whole as well as vulnerable in England.
Their declines have been attributed to several pressures, including habitat loss and fragmentation, disturbance, and a lack of conservation management.
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NatureScot's Amphibians and Reptiles Advisor, Catherine Whatley said: 'Reptiles are a challenging species to study in Scotland, due to their low detectability combined with how vast and remote Scotland can be, so we haven't been able to draw robust conclusions about changes in the adder population size. The evidence we have gathered points to a picture of decline, with the contraction in adder distribution quite alarming.
'We're very grateful to all the people who took part in the Scottish Adder Survey, from the surveys and questionnaire participants to everyone who has submitted adder records in Scotland.
'The adder, along with all Scotland's reptiles, is an important species that contributes to Scotland's biodiversity, so it's vital that we have a picture of how they are faring. Further research is needed to give a clearer picture of their status, so that we can carry out the most effective conservation work.'
Adders are Scotland's only native and venomous snake but reactions to bites are normally mild. They are secretive and timid and generally stay away from humans, but can often be found in places such as railways, road embankments and golf courses.
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