Reptile & Amphibian Forums

But Harvey won't allow roadside collecting...
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4552733

Also, what are the odds of TPWD sponsoring one of these for herps?
http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4550954

Check the part under 'Calling all birders'

>>Also, what are the odds of TPWD sponsoring one of these for herps?
>>http://www.chron.com/CDA/archives/archive.mpl?id=2008_4550954
>>
>>Check the part under 'Calling all birders'

I'd say pretty much zero. Logistically, herpers as a whole would be more detrimental to the well-being of their target species than the birders. I've seen how rowdy the birders get--it was comical if not somewhat sad to see a truck pull up, 4 guys race out, do a couple of sweeps with binoculars, then speed off to find another species (too bad they didn't stop and just observe in peace and quiet for more than 20 seconds--they might've seen a lot more). I imagine herpers in that sort of hurry wouldn't necessarily replace each rock/AC exactly as found.

By the nature of the hobby, we're more "hands-on" than the birders. I can't see TPWD buying off on a similar event for us. Too many wannabe Austin Stevens-es out there.

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Chris McMartin
www.mcmartinville.com
I'm Not a Herpetologist, but I Play One on the Internet

Of course thanks to HH we will probably see alot more rocks flipped in TX, as opposed to roadhunting which simply gathers surface active herps from a very small area where they are already at a high risk of death from being run over anyways. That Harvey is a real thinker.

But Harvey won't allow roadside collecting...

Have fun with it. Release a few thousand Lamprophis fuliginosus on private land. Start a canned African-herp hunt-club. When they start spreading, argue that it should be legal to collect them from the sanctuary of roadways, but only without the use of a firearm. Herpers can be a crucial tool in minimizing the spread of pathogens from the sanctuary......keep the roadway splattering minimal by collecting every herp that may or may not be a vector. Another good idea would be to raise the price of gasoline so that roundup hunters can't afford to fill their pump-sprayers any longer.........

Just brainstorming

Shane
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Lifelist

Sounds like you are reading the charter from the exotic hoofed animal groups in TX.... what was that guys name that was in charge of that? ..... Hildebran was it? I think they like to take non-native animals and free range them on private land.
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Herp Conservation Unlimited