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Wall Lizard Survey Methodology: |
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Blacky Member Joined: 05 Mar 2009 No. of posts: 1  View other posts by Blacky |
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. |
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Vicar Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 No. of posts: 1181 View other posts by Vicar |
Posted: 06 Mar 2009 Hi Alistair, Drop me an email using the link below. :P Steve Langham - Chairman 
Surrey Amphibian & Reptile Group (SARG). |
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Matt Harris Senior Member Joined: 03 Jun 2003 No. of posts: 196 View other posts by Matt Harris |
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) |
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Peter Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2008 No. of posts: 260 View other posts by Peter |
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. 
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Vicar Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 No. of posts: 1181 View other posts by Vicar |
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). |
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Peter Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2008 No. of posts: 260 View other posts by Peter |
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!
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herpetologic2 Senior Member Joined: 15 Jun 2004 No. of posts: 1369  View other posts by herpetologic2 |
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 |
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Vicar Senior Member Joined: 02 Sep 2004 No. of posts: 1181 View other posts by Vicar |
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). |
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David Bird Forum Specialist Joined: 17 Feb 2003 No. of posts: 515 View other posts by David Bird |
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. |
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Peter Senior Member Joined: 17 Jan 2008 No. of posts: 260 View other posts by Peter |
Posted: 12 Mar 2009 Thanks Jon, Steve and David for the info.
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- Wall Lizard Survey Methodology |
