CALL FOR EUROPEAN REPTILE EXPERTS

Dear herpetologists,

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has recently developed methods to assess species' vulnerability to climate change impacts, known as the `Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment Framework' (CCVF). These methods have so far been applied to the world's birds, corals and amphibians, as well as at a more regional scale to a range of East African species.

As an upcoming MSc project it is my aim to apply these same techniques in the assessment of European reptiles. This will be the first time that such assessments have focused on this particular group of species and will likely compliment IUCN's Red List in highlighting areas (taxonomic or geographic) of high priority for conservation. This project will also likely form the groundwork for the assessment of other reptiles worldwide.

Having previously worked for IUCN in the application of these methods I am well qualified to perform this assessment. Furthermore, also collaborating on the project are Wendy Foden (Programme leader – IUCN's Climate Change and Species Programme), Dr Richard Davies (Ecologist and GIS expert – University of East Anglia, UK) and a number of other faculty members from the schools of biological and environmental sciences, meaning that a high level of expertise will ensure a robust and well executed assessment.

The success of this assessment relies on the contributions of large numbers of reptile experts, with a good knowledge of one or more European species or location. Therefore, I am looking to form communications with as many experts as possible. Communications will likely involve the discussion of factors that make reptiles more or less vulnerable to climate change impacts, and the consideration of which species possess these `traits'. Most data will be collected through the completion and review of short forms, and there is also likely to be a series of workshops at key locations across Europe for experts making substantial contributions and wishing to attend.

I am aware that many of you have extremely busy schedules and will, therefore, aim to keep communications simple and to a minimum. It is also important to note that contributors will choose their own level of participation – THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO COMMITMENT REQUIRED AT ANY STAGE!

If anyone wishes to contribute their knowledge to this study, or would simply like more information on the project, then please feel free to contact me at:

Jamie.carr@uea.ac.uk

For my own organisational purposes it would be helpful if you could state your location of residence and any specific area of expertise (e.g. species, family, country or other geographic location) that you have.

Thanks very much to you all and I look forward to your responses and collaboration.

Best wishes,

Jamie Carr

--
Faculty of Science
School of Biological Sciences
University of East Anglia
Norwich
UK
jamie.carr@uea.ac.uK