Volunteer Distribution Survey

Purpose: Serve as a repository for the numerous sightings every year by individuals.  Many fish and game departments do not have the time or resources to evaluate current distributions of non-game species.  This database will be able to document casual sightings of Rubber Boas to help establish specific data regarding distribution.

Requirements for Submission:  At a minimum, I need the date and location of the sighting.  Location information in the form of coordinates is preferred - either standard latitude and longitude, or UTMx and UTMy (both are available from standard GPS units, or by going to topozone.com to look them up.)  Also, to verify the accuracy of the coordinate information, please provide a short description of the location (i.e. 5.5 miles north of City, State on Hwy 1234). Additional information regarding who found it, how it was found, dominate flora, substrate, temps, time of day, a digital photo, etc. is desired, but is optional.

In The Mean Time:  Please notify me of your finds via email.  Include the following information:

  • Date of find

  • Time of day

  • Location (as specific as possible see topozone.com if you don't have a GPS)

  • Size of the boa, and sex if known

  • How found ( i.e. on road, under rock, under board, etc)

  • Dominate flora ( i.e. grass, sagebrush, pine trees, aspen, etc)

  • Dominate substrate ( i.e. gravel, sand, loam, clay, talus, etc.)   

  • Any other information you can provide

  • Attach a photo if you have one

How will the info be used:   I will NOT be giving out specific locality information without good cause, so please don't ask.  The information will be used for wildlife management, and assistance with research.  Even then, the location will likely be masked so as not to pinpoint the exact location.  Unique finds or new locations, if supported with accurate information and a photograph, may be submitted to natural history museum. Feel free to contact me if you have any concerns with detailing your find.

Also:  Shed skins are also sought to add to museum collections.  Email me if you have a shed skin, and can provide the exact coordinates of the find.