Black adder site information needed

With a group of students, we plan to investigate the effect of pattern polymorphism, particularly melanism, in adders over the summer. The procedure will largely follow that of W³ster et al. (2004), i.e., we will use plasticine models of snakes to determine bird attack rates on different patterns.

It would be particularly helpful to try this experiment in areas where there are populations containing a high percentage (defined as meaning that they should not be exceptional) of melanistic adders. This is to ensure that the snake predators (raptors, corvids) at the location have indeed experienced contact with melanistic adders. I would therefore be very grateful for any reports on sites with a substantial proportion of melanistic adders and which might be suitable for this sort of project.

As stated above, the project does not involve any actual interference with adders (indeed, this will be strongly discouraged). All participants in the project will receive strict instructions to minimise disturbance to adders, and to keep the sites confidential. Permission from the landowner or manager will be sought in all cases.

Any help from forum members will be greatly appreciated. Please do not give locality information on the forum, but send it by personal email (w dot wuster at bangor dot ac dot uk) or private messenger.

Any help would be hugely appreciated!

Cheers,

Wolfgang


W_STER, W. C.S.E. ALLUM, I.B. BJARGARDËTTIR, K.L. BAILEY, K.J. DAWSON, J. GUENIOUI, J. LEWIS, J. MCGURK, A.G. MOORE, M. NISKANEN & C.P. POLLARD (2004) Do aposematism and Batesian mimicry require bright colours? A test, using European viper markings. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London, Biological Sciences 271(1556): 2495 - 2499. Downloadable as a PDF file here

Edited by Wolfgang Wuster