RAUK - Archived Forum - Posts by MikeR:

Hi Guys,

I have always had an interest in herptiles and have enjoyed watching Adders, Grass Snakes, Slow-worms and Common Lizards over the years.

However, I have never seen a Smooth Snake or Sand Lizard in the wild.

On 3 June I will be visiting Dorset for four days and hope to see both these species.

From what I understand Smooth Snakes are very difficult to observe at the best of times, mainly due to their rariety and secrecy.

I would therefore greatly appreciate any tips or advice on finding these snakes. I believe lifting tin is probably my best chance, although the last thing I want to do is disturb a protected species.

Is lifting tin common practice or is it frowned upon by the herping community? If not, do any Dorset reserves have areas of tin that I would be able to look under?

Finally, I know it's a long shot, but if any reserve wardens or locals could spare half an hour to point me in the right direction I would be greatly indebted.

Thank you in anticipation

Mike 

Hi

In mid March I will be spending a week in Southern Spain around the Malaga area.

I would very much like to see some reptiles, especially Ocellated Lizard, Chameleon and any of the Natrix snakes.

Firstly I would appreciate any site information where these species are present. I realise that such information is best kept off public forums, but IÆm only asking for well known sites (for chameleon) and for the localities of some common species. Please PM if appropriate.

Secondly, I would value any tips on finding Spanish reptiles in March. Although I herp regularly in the UK, USA and the tropics, I have never actively searched for reptiles in mainland Europe.

I welcome any information