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Current Biological Recording Schemes
( by Ken Butler)
These are schemes being run in the
current year by various organisations to enhance knowledge of our natural
habitat. Members are encouraged to contribute if they can. Some schemes
require a degree of specialist knowledge and dedication, while others
require only common sense and the will to write it down. The standing
schemes of long term recording were described in the 2002 issue of the
Bulletin. This article denotes special schemes being given emphasis
currently.
Small Blue Butterflies
The Small Blue (Cupido minimus) is undergoing a decline nationwide and (in
the jargon of Biodiversity) is a UK Species of Conservation Concern. There
is a substantial colony on Dunnet Links and some smaller colonies
elsewhere in the county. It likes sandy coastal places in Caithness and
its favourite food is kidney vetch. It would be very helpful if
observations of this species in Caithness (or anywhere else in North
Scotland) were sent to Gill Nisbet (phone 01479831581)
Beeflies
Beeflies look like flies but have hairy bodies like bees. Jimmy McKellar
is collecting records for the Highland area and would look at specimens
collected in Caithness. Phone 01463 241185.
Mammals
The project to record mammals continues. At present there is emphasis on
recording small mammals - rats, bats, mice,voles, shrews. Also sightings
of Sika deer and Muntjac deer. The contact is Ro Scott 01381 600392. |