RAUK - Archived Forum - Posts by Angelo Pernetta:

Dear All,

Im currently trying to research what has determined the current distribution of Palmate newts on the islands off the coast of britain. I was wondering if anyone knew/ had access to a list of islands on which it is present?

Many thanks in advance for your help

Angelo Pernetta

Many thanks for those messages

I havent seen the map before - that was a great help.

I'll keep you posted with what I find out

Thanks Lee for that message - I have a theory as to why Palmate newts have been recorded on Islands such as Sheppy without being recorded in the near vicinity on the mainland. I dont want to go into detail yet as it needs more backing - but as soon as I think I have enough proof I'll let you know!

Thanks again

Angelo

Dear all,

I know that this post is way-off topic as it is a question pertaining to a behaviour observed in a Mauritian skink (Leiolopisma telfairii) see my website for a small picture of one. Whilst conducting research on the ecology and dietary preferences of these guys I observed what I believe to be caudal luring of smaller skinks (Gongylomorphus bojerii).

The thing is, a search of the literature suggests that caudal luring only occurs in snakes and one species of legless lizard. I was wondering therefore if anyone here knows of a similar behaviour in other lizards species? any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Angelo

Hi Ross,

Like you I am trying to get into a career in herpetology and my  advice to you is that you should follow the academic route. As you know herp jobs are few and far between here in the UK so competition is fierce. I see from your posts that left school with GCSE's and no A-Levels. Have you thought about doing a HND in Ecology/Wildlife Management or a similar subject? Most technical colleges will offer courses like this and they allow you to gain fieldwork experience as well as the necessary academic qualifications for entry into university.

Most universities accept HND's as a substitute for A-Levels and will allow you to do a BSc in Ecology, Zoology or related field. At the moment there are no dedicated herpetology degrees in the UK however Bangor University does have three herpetologists in their department and offer undergraduate courses in herpetology which can make up a component of your degree.

I didn't take this route into university but I know some people who did and were glad of it. Sadly though having a BSc doesn't seem o be enough these days (I've just completed a masters course and aim to begin a PhD in the near future to ensure I get a herp job!) so I would encourage you to gain as much practical experience at the same time.

Whichever way you go I wish you the best of luck.

Cheers,

Angelo

Hi all,

Im posting this message as I am keen to buy a copy of Trevor Beebee and Richard Griffith's New Naturalist title - A natural History of the British Herpetofauna. I have just been accepted to o a PhD on Smooth Snakes at CEH in Dorset and would really like to do some advanced reading. Problem is that this book is out of print and I can't seem to find a copy anywhere. If anyone knows where i might find a copy or has a spare they wish to sell it would be great.

Thanks

Angelo

Thanks mike.

Had alreay tried - there are only two copies available at the moment in hardback - ú68 and ú150 both a bit out of my price range unfortunately!

Many thanks Danial,

I will check Abebooks out now!

Angelo