 |
|
|
Posts by steveb: |
| Author | Message |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7  View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 29 Jul 2004
Topic: Travelling Reptiles
Hi Here is a question for our resident experts. I am interested that generally (unless we know where to look and particularly in my part of the country) reptiles are seldom seen by the average person (particularly me). I know that they are generally secretive but I understand that some species (eg Slow Worms) are said to be widely distibruted. Does that mean that these animals are found everywhere in the country and are very good at hiding or are there areas (with a suitable habitat) where for some unknown reason they are absent? Also - if there is a colony of reptiles, will they just breed and stay within the colony or do some individuals or groups go off and set up camp elsewhere or perhaps join other colonies? I don't expect that the answers will be simple and perhaps will differ between species. I do find it quite fascinating though.
Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 30 Jul 2004
Topic: Travelling Reptiles
Thank you all for the comrehensive replies. It seems then that even widely distributed reptiles are not 'everywhere' and even in places where thay live you have to know what you are doing in order to spot them. I've just been up to my local woods about 7 miles north of Nottingham. I was investigating under old logs and all I found were lots of ants and the occasional centipede. The situation was probably not helped by my 2 year old daughter. She is capable of making enough noise to frighten humans, never mind reptiles!! Thanks again
Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 06 Aug 2004
Topic: Travelling Reptiles
Hi Rob Thanks for all the info and advice. I'll give it a go. Interesting to hear you say that you handle the snakes. I had read that they play dead and if that fails squirt a nasty smelling fluid. Is that not the case or have you managed to avoid it? Perhaps your snakes have got used to being handled. I have got hold of a few peices of roofing felt which I am hoping to leave around for them to hide under. If there are snakes or slow worms in the area how long do you think will it take them to use my hiding places? Also does anyone have any tips on the best type of places to leave the felt? Cheers
Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 18 Jul 2004
Topic: Smooth or Grass Snake
Hi We've just returned from holiday in Dorset and whilst there we spent a day in the New Forest. I had heard that there were snakes in that region and so decided to see if I could spot one. I came acrooss a small piece of corrugated iron in the heather and sure enough there was a snake underneath it. The snake didnt seem too upset about being disturbed and after tasting the air with it's tounge slowly moved away. I was very suprised as I didnt think that I would actually see one (I have never seen a snake in the wild in this country before now). When I replaced he corrugated iron I noticed that someone has sprayed the number 6 on it. It then dawned on me that the metal could have been put there deliberately to attract snakes as part of a survey perhaps (hope I haven't messed things up)! On returning home I decided to check what sort of snake it was but I can't make my mind up if it is a Smooth or Grass Snake (should have taken my camera). Does anyone have any idea as to the likelyhood? It was about 30 inches long, slender and a beautiful olive green colour with what looked like black bars across its body. As I said it did not seem too upset and went on it's way almost with an air of indifference!
Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 18 Jul 2004
Topic: Smooth or Grass Snake
Thanks for the info and advice. Do you think there might be a chance of seeing snakes or Slow Worms close to where I live near Sherwood Forest? Are there any reported sightings or known areas arond here where reptiles are found? It might be worth leaving some tin around perhaps!
Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 19 Jul 2004
Topic: Smooth or Grass Snake
Hi Gemma Thanks again for the advice. I'll keep you posted should I manage to spot anything. Steve |
|
steveb Member Joined: 18 Jul 2004 No. of posts: 7 View other posts in this topic |
Posted: 10 Aug 2004
Topic: What about the weather!
Hi Everyone I was wondering what our native reptiles think of this weather - hammering down with rain one minute and hot/humid the next. I know that they like to bask in the sun to warm their blood, but........ Do reptiles like the rain? Do they 'go out' in it to deliberately get wet or do they hide away? Do they like the hot humid weather and are they more active or less active. Are reptiles active at night (the frogs in my garden certainly are)?
Cheers
Steve |
- Posts by steveb |