Chelonia (and other animal) Fieldwork in Turkey

v-max · #1 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 06:59 PM

Recently the topic of my fieldwork was brought up in the shelled forum, and it put me in the mood for looking through some of my digital photography work. I remember in the early 90's writing an article forThe Reptilian magazine about how easily fieldwork can be carried out whilst on general holidays. I used one of my trips to the Greek Island of Corfu as an example - its rich and varied herpetofauna makes a trip worthwhile in itself, but combine this with all the more run of the mill tourist type activities that the whole family can take advantage of - well Im sure you can see the advantages for yourself!

Here are some pictures of fieldwork I carried out to survey reptile and amphibian species in one particular area of Turkey - again only a stones throw away from some of the tourist coastal areas. Sorry, its not just chelonia, but it should be of interest anyway. I hope it wets peoples appetite for studying wild reptiles. perhaps if there is a demand I can post further pictures of my travels studying reptiles and amphibains throughout the world?

v-max · #2 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:06 PM

wizzasmum · #3 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:06 PM

I too have done lots of tortoise studies in Turkey - Antalya region mainly. One thing that absoultely must be mentioned though is that you must NEVER handle the wildlife. Observe it, photograph it but never pick up a tortoise or turtle, especially in the summer months.
Hope this helps

Graham · #4 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:06 PM

Are those Marsh Frogs at the bottom of the first post ? I saw lots of them in Cyprus in the summer, but I saw some much bigger ones in a park in Tamworth of all places!

Graham · #5 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:13 PM

And the turt looks like a European Stripe Necked Terrapin Mauremys caspica, in Crete some years ago we visited a lake in the hills that was absolutely teeming with them, there wasn't a floating branch or rock in the whole lake that wasn't covered in them fighting for the best basking spot!

v-max · #6 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:14 PM

v-max · #7 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wizzasmum

I too have done lots of tortoise studies in Turkey - Antalya region mainly. One thing that absoultely must be mentioned though is that you must NEVER handle the wildlife. Observe it, photograph it but never pick up a tortoise or turtle, especially in the summer months.
Hope this helps

Unfortunately, scales counts, sex ratios etc etc that are needed for surveys cannot be done without handling.

snakelover · #8 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:16 PM

cool pics ...

v-max · #9 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:17 PM

Graham - both correct!

vikki_john · #10 (**permalink**) 30-10-2007, 07:28 PM

You did this survey whilst on holiday in that area ?

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