Hi and random update

[damiensharjah]

Hi group

Twelve 'expeditions'so far this summer, to four key areas in the United Arab Emirates have yielded.......... Zero!!!!..... Persian horned vipers Pseudocerastes persicus

I did however find several donkeys, some camels, a few sundry geckos and stuff and a dead Wildebeest (I sh!t you not - likely a fatality from a Sheikh's collection).

[Bushviper]

Possibly you should try looking in the sandy areas?

[damiensharjah]

BV I've found every known species in 'the sand'.

This wildebeest and the other large group of nothings all were found in the high mountain.

[Bushviper]

Then they are not there. Possibly global warming? Is it warm where you are looking?

[damiensharjah]

'was it warm?' he asked.



It probably dropped to about 30c at 3 am BV and that's at 1100 meters above sea level!! I live in suburbia at the foothills and 50c is not considered abnormal. The Uromastyx can be seen in midday in this stuff!

[Bushviper]

Okay so it is warm and there is enough sand. Possibly they are hiding? Make a noise like a mouse and they might show themselves?

[damiensharjah]

That's an excellent idea.

[Bushviper]

Oh yeah they are deaf.

Seriously now possibly try finding out if they are regularly seen in specific areas. Surely there are some locals who collect (illegally) and they will know exactly where to look. It could be something subtle like a certain altitude or a certain area where mist rolls in or near where certain plants occur. Are there any museum collections which have GPS co-ordinates? Good luck and keep us posted.

[damiensharjah]

BV

I have very specific locality data on the most of the UAE specimens found, but they are exceptionally rarely seen and are only known from a dozen or so findings. In Oman they are found more regularly near the summit of Jebel Akdhar, and on the Musandam Peninsula above 100m. Apparently they are relatively common on mainland Asia (Iran, Pakistan).

It would be fantastic to get genetic samples of Arabian specimens though to see how much they vary from mainland specimens and also how much the populations within Arabia vary from each other, as they are altitude-dependant.

I'm looking at making baited traps as a possible technique, although foxes might prove to be a bugger.

[damiensharjah]

BV

.... Peninsula above 100m. ...

I meant 1000m

[Bushviper]

Well I am holding thumbs for you. It would be rather interesting to see the results if you do manage to get some DNA work-ups done.

[damiensharjah]

Thank BV

I'm looking to collect at least one pair of live specimens to breed, but I'd feel obliged to send blood to WW with such a seldom-found animal.