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Posts by manofkent:

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manofkent
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Joined: 23 Oct 2009
No. of posts: 5


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Posted: 23 Oct 2009 Topic: Reptiles vs Rain





Hands up who knows how do reptiles react to rain in
active season

Esp in cooler conditions (Autumn and Spring) when nights
are cooler?

Now we all know our reptile and amphibian
ecology/behaviour...don't we? hmm?:

Reptiles bask in certain temps
They bask at certain times of day
They bask at certain times of year
They hibernate at certain times
ect

blaa blaa, everything seems to be as per the famous Herps
Workers Manual...right?

But I question why I have been sent on a watching brief
at night, in 10 deg C, in mid October in a heavy storm.
A waste of client's money,,,over doing the "precautionary
approach" perchance?

Lets just have an ecology/biology answer/debate.


**** **** BSc MSc AIEEM
Ecologist
5yr exp
manofkent
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Joined: 23 Oct 2009
No. of posts: 5


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Posted: 24 Oct 2009 Topic: Reptiles vs Rain



This was not a survey.

This was a well meaning, precautionary watching
brief/destructive search works in an area which wouldn't
"normally/in text books or from experience" have SWs
(basking, feeding, hibernating in any large
numbers)...but we were there as there was the risk of 1
or 2 getting within the jaws of machinary...

I was hypothesising in my head, on site, in the pouring
rain and getting cold, that the conditions didn't look
massively conducive to reptile presence. In an absolute
sense I feel that rain in cooler conditions could create
conditions less favourable to reptiles. It certainly in
my view, wouldn't make for better or neutral conditions
based on a baseline day x.

So on those sites which are assessed by competent staff
as "low potential" for presence, might it be possible to
lower the risk of construction recklessly killing or
injuring reptiles by mitigating by weather. I'm sure
there are flaws to this idea, please feel free to comment
politely.

And please keep it anecdote free and assume the good in
consultants for now. (we know some are bad, but not
all!)








**** **** BSc MSc AIEEM
Ecologist
5yr exp
manofkent
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Joined: 23 Oct 2009
No. of posts: 5


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Posted: 25 Oct 2009 Topic: Reptiles vs Rain



I admited before I posted that comment that there may be
some "flaws". And it seems you're right onto them. I
apologise, it's a bit wacky. It's just interesting to
explore ideas. And I'll put it to bed if it's too
outrageous.

Assuming everyone is happy to debate, I'll continue. How
do people feel about the following hypothesis:

"all things remaining the same, the chance of slow worms
being present on grassland will be reduced during periods
of heavy rain*."

I've deliberately not defined any terms for the purpose
of debate:

PS I'm not endorsing this view, but waiting on the debate
to take an informed view. I'm aware of the IEEM Code of
Practice, and would not recklessly go ahead with
something based on speculation. Its just good fun to
have the debate with clever people like yourselves.

Thank you so far for your comments so far, it's
appreciated.




**** **** BSc MSc AIEEM
Ecologist
5yr exp
manofkent
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Joined: 23 Oct 2009
No. of posts: 5


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Posted: 25 Oct 2009 Topic: Reptiles vs Rain



That sounds reasonable. It's important that you've
picked up on being species specific. That will be good
for people viewing this in the future.

It also makes sense that slow worms will be less visible
during periods of rain, but do not necessarily depart the
area, rather hide/return to ground.

Without being arguementative, rather, continuing the
debating process. May I have your opinions on the
hypothesis when assuming that cracks/crevices/holes in
the ground are sparse.

I wonder whether slow worms might (on a survival basis)
depart open grassland in favour of sheltered ground off
site. Do we know enough about slow worm behaviour to say
for certain. Thank you for your patience.






**** **** BSc MSc AIEEM
Ecologist
5yr exp
manofkent
Member
Joined: 23 Oct 2009
No. of posts: 5


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Posted: 28 Oct 2009 Topic: Reptiles vs Rain



I think the comment that

"Slow-worm home ranges are relatively small (compared to
snakes) and the animals are unlikely to move significant
distances" ...is an important one to remember. Rain or
unfavourable conditions would not therefore be any reason
to let up on efforts to prevent killing/injury during
works (all things remaining the same).

I'm sure we all accept the note that such work like this
can seem generally "pointless" in terms of conservation.
But I'm sure a whole new thread could be set up on that.

If you're a consultant, I guess it's up to us all which
contracts we take, or don't.




**** **** BSc MSc AIEEM
Ecologist
5yr exp

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