Doug,
This is a very useful approach to collecting in Asia where slash and burn
agricultural techniques are still widely utilized.  You do not get specimen
shells this way, but it is an easy method to quickly make an assessment of
the macro-fauna.
 
Kurt
 
At 11:55 PM 5/13/98 EDT, you wrote:
>For what it is worth, I have had several opportunities to collect landsnails
>after forest fires; a collecting technique suggested to me by a USDA Forest
>Service biologist.  (For the cynical, no I did not set the fires.)  I have
>been amazed at the incredible numbers of landsnails which are clearly visible
>in the charred aftermath.  Most shells are brittle to the touch to the point
>of becoming ash when touched, but a surprising number manage to be caught in
>small crevices, etc. during the fires.  It is not enough to spare the animal,
>but occasionally it is enough to spare the shell and often the periostracum.
>I have several lots of specimens collected from such localities.  Has anyone
>else ever collected in this manner?
>
>Doug Shelton
>Alabama Malacological Research Center
>2370-G Hillcrest Road #236
>Mobile, AL  36695
>