h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi Skanks, and thanks for your help on the Parakeet entry.

It has been suggested to make the entries into a University project, which does appeal, as my aim is to do a number of linked entries on Non-native Flora and Fauna in Britain. The first is avian, of which the first two entries are now almost complete, and another 10 entries need to be added.

The next would be non-native fauna, including Mammals (linking to your entry if acceptable) insects, fish and others, such as crustaceans etc.

The last would be Flora, linking plants, trees etc.

However, I need some guidance on how to start. Do I begin the entries, link them and then post, or post the intention first, and then write the entries?

The majority of the groundwork on the birds and mammals has been done. The rest of the fauna should not be hard. Flora will be. I expect a polished University Entry on Fauna to be ready in 2 months. Is this reasonable?

I look forward to your reply.



MMF

If you would like my help, I'll be glad to assist I think it's a great idea. I'm a Sub-editor as you may know, and I'm happy to voilunteer myself to sub this project even at this early stage.

I think the best thing for you to do would be to list here the Entries you plan to work on and, where you have already started, put the A-number next to it. I can take care of the formalities of announcing it in the University and creating a project page (leaving you to concentrate on the writing) if you wish, or just point you in the right direction to do it yourself.

I'd love to be involved and am happy to help you as much or little as you need. This sort of project is what the University should be all about.

Thanks for that.

So far the only entries I have completed are the Canada Goose (A14540447) and Ring-Necked Parakeet (A13980008).

The other birds in the list will be Ruddy Shelduck, Ruddy Duck, Ring-necked Pheasant, Collared Dove, Little Owl, Mandarin Duck, Chukka, and I've forgotten the other two, but have the full list at home. The information is loosely collated for them.

The Mammal list would be the Deer family, except Red, Rabbit, Mink, Coypu, Capybara (although they have now been exterminated) Ferret, Edible Dormouse. It may also include wild boar but that doesn't seem right, as it was native. The list is still in progress.

The other fauna list need research, but will include such things as American Signal Crayfish, Red-necked Terrapin, Zander, etc. However I haven't looked at this in any depth.

I intend that the Entry will be written along the lines of the two I have already done, but hopefully with a bit more information on their native habitat, and any variations with living in Britain. For example, the Canada Goose in the UK is smaller than its original stock in the Americas.

The Fauna section is going to be a real labour of love, and will need to nvolve someone with plenty of Fauna experience, which I definitely don't. Should I include Triffids?

I'll more tomorrow when I have the info to hand.

Thanks for your assistance. It really is appreciated, as I have only two solo entries to my name, so a bit of an unknown area, but I like a challenge

Have a good evening, and I'll speak again with updates tomorrow.



MMF

Sounds fabulous! You'd probably be best to start with the birds, as you're already on the road with that one. You might find you stretch yourself rather thin if you tackle the whole series in one go.

Would you accept my services as the nominated Sub? If so, I'll get along and create a project page for you. Incidentally, if you know about deer, I think I might need a hand with the British Mammals: Artiodactyla Entry - they're not a speciality of mine, and I'd have to research almost the whole thing! Entirely up to you, I'm not suggesting this as a condition of my help