Herping Adventure in Western Ghats - trips in sep 2009 & June 2010. Gerry Martin, the Indian herpetologist will be leading the trips. Gerry is actively involved in research and conservation and much of his written & documentary work has featured in National Geographic
The trip in September is to the Western Ghats which are an ancient mountain range and run along almost the entire stretch of the Western Coast of Peninsular India and rank amongst the most biodiverse places on the planet with an extraordinary level of endemic species. Many which are new to science such as the newly discovered bizarre Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis species of frog with much more waiting to be discovered.
It is here that Romulus Whitaker, a legendary figure in Indian Herpetofaunal conservation, built his rainforest research station (ARRS) in the heart of the Western Ghats to facilitate further research into the elusive and enigmatic King Cobra.
I have been a tour operator for over four years specializing in India but from my own experiences on commercial trips I felt that most wildlife trips did not cater for the “hardcore herpetophile”. I wanted therefore to devise a perfect herping expedition and create a trip where people could “herp” with the very best herpetologists and trackers, improve their field herping skills and learn from those involved with pioneering research and conservation. By working with conservation institutions such as Romulus Whitaker's, Agumbe Rain Forest Research Station (ARRS) and the Madras Crocodile Bank, valuable funds go directly towards important research and conservation efforts. Furthermore by enlisting the help of indigenous tribes such as the snake tracking tribe – The Irula’s, we help provide valuable income for poorer communities.
Each trip is devised over several months of preparation and collaboration with herpetologists in the field and the result is a genuine eco tourist experience which positively benefits wider conservation movements. The trips are always incredibly rewarding for all those involved and for many, they prove to be a once in a lifetime experience.
We will stay at the Madras Croc Bank and also at Romulus Whitakers Rainforest Research Station in Agumbe and we will trek through some of the most biodiverse regions in Southern India. Along the way we will explore all different kinds of habitat from farm and scrubland to rivers and tropical montane rainforests to the coastline and sea in search of India’s rich and intriguing herpetofauna including such species as King Cobras, spectacled cobras, common kraits, russells & saw scaled vipers as well as a range of pit vipers, vine snakes, monitor lizards, mugger crocodiles, chameleons and much, much more.
You will meet those individuals at the forefront of herpetological research and conservation in India today. Not only will you be able to learn from the best herpetologists and wildlife trackers, but you will also get to herp and explore in an incredibly beautiful part of the world before chilling out on the beach in North Kerala.
This trip is limited to 15 people and 4 spaces have already gone – if you think you might be interested please get in touch so that I can hold a space on your behalf. This trip is as much for professional herpetologists as it is for serious wildlife enthusiasts (particularly herpers).
Please feel free to check out our herp homepage for additional information together with client feedback
http://www.partnershiptravel.co.uk/Herpetological_Holidays.aspx
cheers
Paul Greig Smith
paul@partnershiptravel.co.uk
pgs_22@hotmail.com
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