Northern reds and Ambystomids in northern WV

John said:

We all like to share our field experiences, but not everyone knows where to observe a species in the wild. This is a good thing because not everyone is as ecologically minded as you. Individuals who collect rare species or who like to collect wild herpetiles for sale would love you to give details of where to find those species on a public forum. So please don't. In the US, even revealing the county can be enough because counties are small and google has satellite maps!

Do the animals a favour and generalise: use state names, province names, mountain range names, even country names. You'll help preserve the lives of those animals and you'll be able to return to the same place knowing they'll still be there.

If someone does contact you regarding where exactly you saw something, be wary. Try to find out about the person before you decide whether or not to reveal a location. If in doubt, ask a moderator for a second opinion on someone. They'll often know if the person is genuine or they'll know who to talk to in order to find out.

Thank you.

Click to expand...

aquick06 said:

Thank you, I haven't spoken with Dr. Pauley personally; but my boss at work is helping him with his northern panhandle herp survey, and I am helping my boss--therefore helping Dr. Pauley. I believe you are correct in regards to maculatum, although my boss tells me any Ambystoma would be a good find. I have personally caught a northern red salamander in Ohio county when I was a kid in the mid nineties; but of course that means little to science . I feel confident we will find the caudates we are looking for, and I will personally contact Dr. Pauley in regards to favored habitat, etc. I hope to at least find one species before I get caught up in hellbender stuff this summer! Thanks a lot!

Click to expand...