Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Is any familiar with the Dalquest Research site? It is owned by Midwestern State University.

I was given a book (Ribbons of Time: The Dalquest Research Site) about this area. Looks like pristine habitat (field collecting only, no roads). It appears to be located in the middle of nowhere, north of BB Ranch State Park.

The guy who gave me the book wants me to take him there. I've mapped three possible routes (miles and miles of 4wd roads) but have no idea if this is accessable to the public.

I email MSU but have yet to get an answer. The website has no info on the site.

The Dalquest research site is not going to be easy to get access to. A friend of mine is doing a bird survey there at the present time. It is an extremely rough road and has fairly limited areas where I would feel that you would have much of a chance to collect alterna. The person that you need to contact at MSU is Norman Horner. He is in charge of access to the site. Collecting of any type is not permitted.

Thanks for the info!

I hadn't planned on collecting. I gave up keeping herps years ago but still enjoy looking and photographing.

I'm no were near dedicated enough to make the long and rough trek out there on my own. However, my friend (an artist in Marfa) is obsessed with going. He was really enchanted by the book I mentioned earlier.

I'll pass the info on to him. If he's still determined and gets permission, I'll go along as his guide (with my camera in tow, just in case!). Otherwise, I'll be content to stick to my properties in Terlingua Ranch.

BTW, do you know if anyone has ever done a serious herp survey there? I'm by no means qualified. But someone (or some group) should do it. I bet those canyons with permanent water are full of surprises.

Daryl

Actually I may take on the task of surveying the reptiles. I will be spending some time down there helping my friend with the birds. I just don't know if I will be able to find the time to do a very good job. There is a very large canyon with water on the property. I know that he has found some pretty good birds there.

Sounds like fun.

Let us know how it goes.

Of course if you need some help...