Tayside
Recorders Forum - Amphibians in Drains Project
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Amphibians in Drains Project
Proposal
Over
2008 and 2009, anecdotal evidence collated
by Rangers working in East & Highland
Perthshire, and by Tayside Contracts staff
undertaking routine drain maintenance suggested
that a significant number of drain gully
pots contained trapped amphibians - mainly
toads, but also frogs and even the occasional
newt – and small mammals. It has been
suggested that a more robust study to ascertain
the scale of this problem is required. This
proposal will be supported by the Tayside
Biodiversity Partnership’s Water & Wetlands
sub-group and will be listed as a project
in the Tayside Biodiversity Action Plan.
| Project
Aims: |
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To
estimate the number of drains that
may be affected |
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To
estimate the number of amphibians (& mammals)
that may be trapped |
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To
record species of amphibian (& mammals)
affected
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To
correlate drain design and number and
species of amphibian trapped |
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To
identify other contributory features
(such as proximity of drain to other
habitat areas) |
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Survey technique/
methodology:
Within
defined criteria (an initial health & safety
check, checking line of sight on road, average
traffic speed along length of road, etc),
a number of roadside drains will be selected
and checked regularly throughout spring and
autumn. The design, number of animals trapped
(amphibian & mammal) and other details
will be noted in the table below. Rangers
must wear high visibility jackets and protective
gloves at all times. Warning signage will
be erected in front of & behind van (with
flashing hazards). A net will be provided
for amphibian rescue. See attached risk assessment.
Results:
Results
will be compiled that identify species affected,
numbers affected and whether particular
designs of gullies seem to have greater problem
than others. It is hoped that on the basis
of this, it may be possible to target future
work, using best practice from other areas
to trial methods for reducing amphibian loss
in gullies. Information will be shared locally
through the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership
as well as nationally through the Amphibian
and Reptile Groups & the Mammal Society. |
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If
you would like further details
about the project, please contact
Daniele Muir at DMuir@pkc.gov.uk
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