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Norfolk Emys: |
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Peter Sutton Member Joined: 30 Aug 2006 No. of posts: 22  View other posts by Peter Sutton |
Posted: 12 Sep 2006 Have there been any attempts to identify the origin of the current Norfolk population of Emys orbicularis? I was interested to read that the species is present at more northerly latitudes in Poland, and is able to persist due to a combination of the longevity of the species, and the occasional hot summer that provides temperatures warm enough to allow for a successful hatch. Could it be at all possible that this species has persisted at low density in East Anglia since its post glacial arrival in the UK? I find it very hard to believe....surely there would be recent evidence in the peat record? (Although, thinking logically about it in terms of the vast expanse of peat formed, the amount that was actually expoited for fuel etc., and the low density of Emys populations...... searching for the remains of the odd carapace would probably be like looking for a needle in a haystack.) Peter Sutton Emys orbicularis, found at Tilgate Lakes, West Sussex 1986 |
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Davew Senior Member Joined: 12 Jan 2004 No. of posts: 99 View other posts by Davew |
Posted: 12 Sep 2006 Are the Norfolk populations self supporting?, any ideas of numbers. Must admit it's the first I've heard (other than occasional reports of singles) so would be very interested to learn more. |
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Peter Sutton Member Joined: 30 Aug 2006 No. of posts: 22 View other posts by Peter Sutton |
Posted: 13 Sep 2006 I understand that there have been nothing more than sporadic sightings of Emys in Norfolk, but questions have been asked regarding the possibility of relict populations in northern Europe and the Norfolk Broads. I am still highly sceptical but in the light of the Rana lessonae discovery, would like to gauge current opinion. Peter Sutton |
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Vicar Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 No. of posts: 1181 View other posts by Vicar |
Posted: 13 Sep 2006 Peter, I'd suggest dropping Chris Gleed-Owen a mail at the HCT. I believe his background includes reptile palaeontology of in the UK. Cheers, Steve Langham - Chairman 
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG). |
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Peter Sutton Member Joined: 30 Aug 2006 No. of posts: 22 View other posts by Peter Sutton |
Posted: 14 Sep 2006 Many thanks Steve, Will do. I would be interested to know if there is a distinct cut-off point (observable in peat record or otherwise) viz post bronze-age disappearance of Emys in East Anglia. All best Peter |
- Norfolk Emys |
