RAUK - Archived Forum - Posts by Davew:

Hi,

Very interesting but could you clarify something for me. If Wall Lizard colonies are found to be spreading and if they are found to have a negative impact what exactly is meant by "assist with their management"

Hi,

I'm new to the forum but have a bit of info for this thread - apologies for adding to what is probably a dead thread.

I saw a single Aesculapian Snake at The Welsh Mountain Zoo in July 2003. I had previously contacted a keeper here and asked to be advised if any were caught. Apparently the snakes occasionally stray into and remain around public areas so need to be captured and released where they may cause less disturbance to visitors. In conversation a rough estimate of 100+ individuals was given for the Zoo and surrounding areas although this must have been a very rough estimate based on road casualties and captures as by nature they are very difficult to see. The individual I saw was approaching four feet and was extremely aggressive cosntantly striking the tank. It was awaiting later release as it was absolutely pouring down and the temperature had dropped.

Hi,

I'm trying to define which alien reptile species breed regularly or have bred within Great Britain. I currently have the following as self supporting;

Aesculapian Snake & Common Wall Lizard

With the following as have bred but are not self supporting;

Green Lizard, Dice Snake & European Pond Terrapin

I understand that Red-eared Terrapin may have bred but only with the help of heat lamps. Also I remember seeing somewhere that Green Lizard may now be self supporting in Bournemouth. Anyway comments and additions/corrections much appreciated

Dave Walters

In April this year at my regular Grass Snake site I first saw an individual that I estimated to be at least six feet. It was seen several times during the summer but only once photographed from a distance in the middle of the scrubby pond where I couldnt't venture to get comparitive feature measurements. On reflection and in comparison to the original photo in this thread my individual may have been even larger. Look carefully at the poor photo it coils around for most of the shot!!

Hi, From the photograph itself yes id to species would be impossible (other shots in the batch taken at this time show it to be Natrix but don't adequately display the size) I'd have to check my notes but I saw it around five times, usually briefly, and it defintely was Grass Snake. As to actual size it would be also impossible from the photo and the equally bad series of shots also taken at this time. It was distant taken with a x8 and as mentioned I can't get to the actual spot to measure features as it's in the middle of a pond. Therefore I obviously can't conclusively claim it as a six foot plus specimen however, I have seen hundreds of Grass Snake and this was easily the largest I've ever seen. Unofficially and off the record I'd now say the one in the shot was over six feet and am just hoping it's evident next year and I manage to decently photograph it this time. It really was quite an experience to actually hear it almost thundering away whilst the sedge shook wildly and I hurriedly backed up!!! Incidentally whilst this one was present my usual average of three or four individuals per visit dropped right off to this one and occasionally another if I was lucky. Additionly Common Lizard numbers were way down during last season but others factors would come into play.

Hi,

Don't actually have my notes to hand at the moment but was just wondering if anyone had any ideas for me. Turkey, Alanya. June 1994. A Tortoise sp was seen from the castle overlooking the town. Could this be narrowed down to species just from the location?? Any help at all would be appreciated. Additionaly if anyones familiar with the area would you know what the medium sized lizards would be which where commonly seen throughout the town usually on telegrpah poles etc. I know it's not much to go on but I wasn't as interested in reptiles back then as I am now. Thanks.

Thanks for that - Would the only possibility be Spur-thighed or are there other species in the area?

Forget about the lizards I didn't take sufficient notes to even slightly narrow it down although I may have an old photo - I'll have a look.

That's exactly the sort of Lizard. If not that species then something very similar. Hopefully I can find a photo I may have taken - thanks for all the help. Incidentally Turkey in 1994 was my last foreign trip where I didn't take notes on Reptiles.

Hi,

I'm very much an Adder novice and would appreciate some assistance. Here in mid-Cheshire we just don't get them at all so I spend a lot of time surveying the local Grass Snake population and have become aware of their timings, where to look, how to approach etc. Generally I'm quite succesful and usually have over 100 sightings per season. Adder wise believe it or not I've only ever seen three!! I spend at least a week in Dorset each year, this year it will be the first week in June and spend a lot of time visiting the relevant areas. Smooth Snake, Sand Lizard, Wall Lizard - no problem and there have been several times when I've seen six species but no Adder. Can anyone give me some advice? I've tried all times of the day and a large variety of sites. I often read about you lucky lot seeing several on each visit but what's the secret - thanks in advance.

Oh yes- when do Grass Snakes slough? Although I live near to a prolific Grass Snake area I've never actually found a skin!!

God I'm rubbish - sometimes think I should have stuck to birdwatching ;-)

Thanks for the info everyone. I have seen several with milky eyes in Dorset during June but observations on my regular spot haven't even turned up this feature yet. I assume that the area I watch is the prime feeding area for a large population and that only the large and dominant individuals get to inhabit it for lengthy periods. This is borne out by the general size of the Snakes, ie bleeding massive!!!! Perhaps when sloughing they become less confident/dominant and are driven away from the best sites or actually chose to retire to less busy spots. Sick of this weather, I've got five days to beat my earliest Grass Snake sighting and short of shovelling the snow off the ground and then digging them up from the disused rabbit burrows where I presume they are I haven't got a chance.

Hi,

Just got back from 10 days Reptiling/Butterflying/Dragonflying etc in Dorset and then Norfolk. Mostly a total washout but two sunny days gave me ample time to see all six naturals within three hours. Additionally saw several Wall Lizards at Bournemouth including the following brightly coloured individual. Is this as bright as they get, must admit I've never seen one even close to this before. Incidentally survived my first Adder strike - it missed!!!

"Gets the adrenalin pumping eh, when adders strike ? "

Don't know about adrenalin, certainly made my bladder spasm  I'm more used to Wall Lizards on Portland, Dorset which are generally , in my experience, quite dull. Your individual would have been bright for Portland. Perhaps the Bournemouth ones are more prone to the extreme colouration end of the spectrum - anyone have any experience here? I did see five others that day but mostly fleeting females. Also saw a mad German Woman taking some tadpoles for a walk but that's another story.

Hi,

I appreciate you dont know me but rest assured it's a def Sand Lizard sorry about the pic quality I haven't sorted my shots out yet and this a strongly compressed version but hopefully adequate. The Toft Zigzag is the one about 200 yards west of Boscombe pier, the first one you come to walking west from the pier so it sounds like you're already aware of their presence. I was rather surprised as the habitat didn't seem right. There was alittle question about the sex/age but I'm assuming that as there's no green whatsoever and it was the same size as other obvious adults seen at other sites earlier in the day that it's an adult female?

Also thought I'd add the following. Two of four seen (2 ad & 2imm). I have much better shots of the male and one of the immatures but this is unfortunately the best showing the male and female.