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RAUK - Archived Forum - Lizard Tracks ??

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Lizard Tracks ??:

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Vicar
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Joined: 02 Sep 2004
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Posted: 05 Sep 2004

Does anybody know what lizard tracks look like ??

I'm guessing you rarely see tracks in mud...so light sand is possible ?

Saw these tracks in Sand Lizard country, it was something very light, as the indentations go over the crests of the sand without flattening the delicate crests, I don't think they are rodent tracks as I see no evidence of the long rear foot, also very short measured steps were taken in a walk, not like scurrying rodent tracks.

Any Ideas ?

Vicar38235.9128356481
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Danial
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Joined: 01 May 2003
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Posted: 06 Sep 2004
Hi Vicar,

The tracks look like they had been made by a lizard, you can see where the feet have been and the tail. These were probably made by a Sand lizard, especially as you mentioned you were in Sand lizard country.
Very nice picture btw.

Regards
Danial
Consultant Ecologist and Amphibians Officer of Surrey Amphibian and Reptile Group
www.surrey-arg.org.uk

Robert V
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Joined: 06 Aug 2004
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Posted: 06 Sep 2004

 

I would like to disagree if i may. I might try to find a pic of lizard tracks taken in Dorset that I have and I dont think that they look like that. I think if you look carefully, you'll see that it is more likely to be a mountain bike tyre or childs toy, and the reason I say that is that toward the top of the trail there is a square indentation....... The answers out there somewhere!


RobV
Vicar
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Posted: 06 Sep 2004

I'm certain its not a mountain bike track - even tho it does look damn square at times. The tracks went right over the 'crest' of the mini-sand dune, following the contour, anything weighing a few ounces would have collapsed the crest.

Tracks came out of heather, followed a small semi-circle (1.5m RoC?)and dived back in.

Nearest road was over a miles walk away. Incline was very steep.

I'm not defending that these are lizard tracks....I have no idea !, but they looked wierd and are not a MTB.

Any bright ideas out there ?


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Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG).
Robert V
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Joined: 06 Aug 2004
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Posted: 06 Sep 2004
Vic, I nearly forgot. Of course, it must be the mating trail of Doctorus martinisi, the lesser square booted beetle!
RobV
Tony Phelps
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Joined: 09 Mar 2003
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Posted: 06 Sep 2004
I have seen very similar tracks in Namaqualand made by beetles.

Tony
Vicar
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Posted: 07 Sep 2004

Problem solved ?? (Rob started it !! :P)

interesting web site here tho: http://www.biokids.umich.edu/guides/signs/tracks_o1.html

Vicar38237.38
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djp_phillips
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Posted: 28 Jan 2006
lizard yes because they are like crocodile tracks, with a line where the tail
went and their feet making those dashy side marks
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Dan Kane
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Joined: 30 Dec 2005
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Posted: 29 Jan 2006

Yes, look like fresh lizard tracks, of one that is walking. If it was running, the tail would make s-shaped marks and the feet would be all over the place, not in line as they are in the pic.

If they are the tracks of the lesser square booted beetle, (which I dont think they are), I can't imagine what the line between the feet indentations is.


Dan

www.randacumbria.moonfruit.com
djp_phillips
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Posted: 29 Jan 2006
when they run the space between the feet tracks is much bigger
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Dan Kane
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Posted: 31 Jan 2006
And the indentations get deeper...
Dan

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djp_phillips
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Posted: 31 Jan 2006
I always see these tracks at the breach
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Morpheus
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Joined: 30 Apr 2006
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Posted: 01 May 2006
It looks like something small so my guess is a common lizard but also a beetle.
If it is a beetle then its underside would scrape the floor making that indencation
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Mark T
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Posted: 08 May 2006

I'd say lizard, the track would be straighter if a bike
(the surves are quite subtle)

also the indentaion around the actual track would be greater, its obviously something very light.

Although it could be a kids toy, kids usually make a bigger mess when playing in the sand.
armata
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Joined: 05 Apr 2006
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Posted: 08 May 2006
NOT i repeat NOT a lizard, tis a bl..y beetle; a lizard would have to have six legs to male a track like that.

Millipedes and centipedes make similar tracks.

TP
'I get my kicks on Route 62'

- Lizard Tracks ??

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