|
 Butaan are so shy they frequently remain in a tree for more
than a week after being frightened. A large male we
rescued from a trap hid in a tree for 22 days before coming down!* . Most lizards do not appear traumatised by being caught and
released by scientists, and resume normal activity very quickly. But we think
that butaan, especially older individuals, may permanently alter their activity
areas after such an encounter. Because the animals are so shy, and highly
vulnerable to human disturbance, we have had to develop a range of techniques
that allow us to learn about them with the absolute minimum of interference.
|
|
Read more...
|
We tape spool and line devices to butaan that have been caught and release them at the exact point of capture as soon as possible. Spool and line data gives us a detailed account of the animals' movementes for a few hours, days or weeks after release. We have also used spool and line very effectively on other animals, including the endemic Polillo forest snail Helicostyla portei.
