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RAUK - Archived Forum - Wall Lizard Survey Methodology

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Wall Lizard Survey Methodology:

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Blacky
Member
Joined: 05 Mar 2009
No. of posts: 1


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Posted: 06 Mar 2009
I have been asked to survey a site in the channel islands for wall lizards, but I am not aware of any accepted methodology and I was wondering how people go about surveying for this species in England. Superficially, the site is sub-optimal for wall lizard as it is north facing but there is much suitable habitat and a large population exists close by. The purpose of the initial survey would be to confirm presence absence with a population estimate to follow should wall lizards be found. I am particulary interested in the amount of effort that people think would be required to confirm presence/absence though any help would be much appreciated. 
Vicar
Senior Member
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 1181


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Posted: 06 Mar 2009
Hi Alistair,

Drop me an email using the link below. :P

Steve Langham - Chairman    
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG).
Matt Harris
Senior Member
Joined: 03 Jun 2003
No. of posts: 196


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Posted: 09 Mar 2009
[QUOTE=Vicar] Hi Alistair,Drop me an email using the link below. :P
[/QUOTE]

If you have an answer to the op question, why not post it on this forum - I'm sure there are others that would like to hear it. Or is it some sort of secret?
Gwent Amphibian and Reptile Group (GARG)
Peter
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Jan 2008
No. of posts: 260


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Posted: 09 Mar 2009

I must admit, I did think that this forum was a place for sharing knowledge.

 

I for one would certainly like to know more regarding muralis survey techniques so far employed.

Peter39881.6306018519



Vicar
Senior Member
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 1181


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Posted: 10 Mar 2009
No big secret...

Surveying for wall lizards is just an extension of lizard survey for our native species. Except perhaps that Pm are more obvious as they will bask in more open situations.

Unlike UK mainland, some channel island populations are native, and are protected under European legislation. These sites are already well known to local herpetologists. It is against forum policy to name specific sites, especially for the more protected animals...hence email contact.

Steve Langham - Chairman    
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG).
Peter
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Jan 2008
No. of posts: 260


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Posted: 10 Mar 2009

Hi Steve,

 

I don`t think anybody was after specific site locations.    Survey methodology was the thread title, and that is what interests me, not locations.

As the species are more obvious than the natives, maybe there is not much to add though!





herpetologic2
Senior Member
Joined: 15 Jun 2004
No. of posts: 1369


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Posted: 10 Mar 2009
The status of the wall lizards on Jersey is not certain
as a study is looking at the genetics of the populations
which are heavily associated with large buildings on the
Island etc

Also the Wall Lizards are fully protected under Jersey
State Law and any survey would require a survey license
if significant disturbance is necessary.

Wall lizards are easier to find generally - they like to
bask on walls, rocky outcrops etc unlike the viviparous
lizard and sand lizard etc

Presence surveys would be multiple survey visits over
non consecutive visits in the optimal time of year. The
only method would be visual surveys of suitable basking
areas.

Absence - likely absence would be determined after 7 to
10 visits in optimal weather and time of year.

Population estimates - possibly from the peak number of
adults seen during the survey and then multiplying this
figure by 10 and 20 - to give an estimate based on the
peak count being 5 to 10% of the population.

Mark recapture probably not practical and would need
licensing.

Jon
Vice Chair of ARG UK - self employed consultant -
visit ARG UK & Alresford Wildlife
Vicar
Senior Member
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
No. of posts: 1181


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Posted: 10 Mar 2009
Probably worth adding that 'optimal weather' is different for Pm. All they really need is strong sunshine (and less than a strong wind) to bask.

January wouldn't be optimum...but there are generally baskers out in bright sunshine right through the winter season.

Steve Langham - Chairman    
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG).
David Bird
Forum Specialist
Joined: 17 Feb 2003
No. of posts: 515


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Posted: 11 Mar 2009
In the past the presence and numbers of faeces has been used in the survey of the Jersey populations. I have not found this to be useful in Dorset on the rocks or in the sand of the cliffs but did find they basked and defaecated on "tins" that had been put down by a consultant for Slow Worms and were very noticeable.
British Herpetological Society Librarian and member of B.H.S Conservation Committee. Self employed Herpetological Consultant and Field Worker.
Peter
Senior Member
Joined: 17 Jan 2008
No. of posts: 260


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Posted: 12 Mar 2009
Thanks Jon, Steve and David for the info.



- Wall Lizard Survey Methodology

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