New Name for NARRS?

New Name for NARRS?

Come up with a better title û and win a prize!

NARRS, or the National Amphibian and Reptile Recording Scheme is the working title for the UK-wide herpetofauna monitoring project we are currently developing, but we feel æNARRSÆ might be seen as a slightly misleading title, or perhaps an ineffective or unattractive one. During the development of NARRS, it has been pointed out that the programmeÆs title æNational Amphibian and Reptile Recording SchemeÆ may not be suitable.  The main objection is that NARRS is very much more than a recording scheme.  The key aim of NARRS is to develop structured programmes that will allow us to monitor speciesÆ range, distribution, abundance and future prospects. NARRS will be an umbrella for its component projects, but can also be a guiding hand for other projects.  NARRS recognises that there is already a great deal of recording going on, and aims to embrace and enhance this by promoting standard approaches and effective communication.  However, primarily, NARRS needs to meet the following needs:

1.      Measuring and reporting on æconservation statusÆ of European-protected species

2.      Measuring and reporting on status of BAP and rare species

3.      Measuring trends in widespread species

4.      Monitoring interest features on designated sites (SSSIs and SACs)

5.      Surveillance of non-native species

Full information on the above can be found in the scoping report: Gleed-Owen et al. (2005).  Costed plans and options for herpetofauna surveillance and monitoring.  This is available as English Nature Research Report Number 663 (http://www.english-nature.org.uk/pubs/publication/PDF/663.p df) or as the Countryside Council for WalesÆ Contract Science Report 666 (documents section of the HCTÆs website: http://www.herpconstrust.org.uk/).

Win a prize for the best name!

We are offering a prize of a hand-held GPS or Cluson survey torch for the best suggestion for an alternative name for NARRS.  All entries will be judged by the NARRS Steering Group û which reserves the right to keep the existing title in the event of no better alternative!

The new title should ideally:

À         Accurately and succinctly reflect the nature of the programme.

À         Form an acronym that is easy to say and remember.

À         Attract participation and media interest.

There is no limit to the number of suggestions you submit. Remember, we want NARRS to continue into the indefinite future, so the name we choose now will be the name that sticks for many years to come.

Please send your entries by 26 May 2006, ideally by email, to:

John Baker

johninhalesworth@aol.com

The Herpetological Conservation Trust
655A Christchurch Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH1 4AP