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The Reptiles & Amphibians of Sri Lanka
Tour Code: LKA12A 16-day herpetology tour of Sri Lanka’s habitats in search of their most spectacular reptiles and amphibians.
Highlights
Tour Itinerary and Reports
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Summary
The endemic-rich Indian Ocean island of Sri Lanka is a dream destination for the naturalist and herpetologist. A land of ‘dragons’, Sri Lanka is home to some of the most fascinating and sought-after Agamid lizards on earth; Hump Snout Lizard (Lyriocephalus scutatus), Rhino-horned Lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii), Rough Nose Horned Lizard (Ceratophora aspera), Leaf-nosed Lizard (Ceratophora tennentii) and the outstanding Pygmy Lizard (Cophotis ceylanica).
There are yet more ‘dragons’ in Sri Lanka, less known but equally fascinating as the aforementioned selection, and on this exceptional itinerary we’ll make an exciting search for these species too; Dumbara Agama (Cophotis dumbara), Pethiyagoda’s Crestless Lizard (Calotes pethiyagodai), Erdelen's Horned Lizard (Ceratophora erdeleni), Karu's Horned Lizard (Ceratophora karu) and Ceylon Black-band Whistling Lizard (Calotes desilvai).
Sri Lanka also picks up some of the wonderful species from the continent’s mainland and on this tour we have the opportunity to find the elegant Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans), Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris), Russel’s Viper (Daboia russelii) and Indian Chameleon (Chamaeleo zeylanicus), with our first hotel chosen for its close proximity to a stronghold for the latter species.
For more information about the holiday, please click the 'Detailed Information' button below, or download the full itinerary above.
- Superb endemic lizards; Hump Snout Lizard, Rhino-horned Lizard, Leaf-nosed Lizard and Pygmy Lizard
- Rare amphibians such as Half-webbed Pug-snouted Frog, Poppy's Shrub Frog and Golden-eyed Shrub Frog
- Sought-after snakes such as Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper, Green Vine Snake and Sri Lankan Green Pitviper
- The little-known species include such delights as Dumbara Agama, Karu's Horned Lizard and Pethiyagoda’s Crestless Lizard
- Visit the wonderful cultural sites of Pidurangala Rock temple, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya Lion Rock
- Comfortable en suite accommodation throughout
This exciting tour is part of our portfolio of herpetology holidays.
Grading
On a typical day on our herpetology tours we’ll begin searching in the field after breakfast, when the sun has warmed the substrates and landscapes, often getting into the vehicles at 9am and, after stopping for approximately one hour for lunch, we’ll continue into early-evening when we will stop for a rest and dinner. Most evenings it will be possible to do excursions in search of nocturnal species, which will on average be for three hours after dinner. With an equal percentage of the target reptile and amphibian species likely to be nocturnal, these night searches are an important part of the tour but are optional, with some participants preferring to rest on some of the days. On average, 5-8 miles are walked per day.
We’ll focus our time in the field on building an enviable list of reptile and amphibian species seen. Whilst searching, there is no doubt we’ll come across a huge variety of amazing fauna and flora, which we’ll also take time to enjoy, but reptiles and amphibians will strongly remain our focus. Sensitively checking under stones, logs and other refugia is an effective way of finding many species. Some of the target reptile or amphibian species may require longer field hours to locate and therefore this tour is suitable, and most enjoyable, for experienced herpetologists or naturalists who, aside from wishing to see the region’s rarely-seen reptiles and amphibians, relish being in the field searching for and identifying the vast array of birds, mammals, butterflies, invertebrates, orchids and other wildlife which can be found sharing the wonderful habitats that we’ll explore on the tour.
In summary, Naturetrek herpetology holidays are suitable, and offer tremendous value, for those who spend most of their holiday time in wildlife habitats and for whom seeing some of the world’s superb reptiles and amphibians is the focus of their time away.
This is a traditional lodge-based wildlife tour. Whilst some of the lodges are appointed simply, each is comfortable and has en suite facilities. A certain level of fitness is required for the tour, as the terrain may be rough, steep, or slippery in parts.
Our itinerary takes in the opportunity to find some truly wonderful snakes, species such as Green Vine Snake (Ahaetulla nasuta), Brown Vine Snake (Ahaetulla pulverulenta), Sri Lanka Humpnose Viper (Hypnale nepa), Lowlands Humpnose Viper (Hypnale zara), Humpnose Viper (Hypnale hypnale), White-lipped Pitviper (Trimeresurus albolabris) and the fantastic Sri Lankan Green Pitviper (Trimeresurus trigonocephalus).
Amphibians are little-known from Sri Lanka, despite having around 2.5% of the world’s frog and toad species, and on this tour we will have the chance to discover some little-known wonders such as the endangered Half-webbed Pug-snouted Frog (Uperodon palmatus), Poppy's Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus poppiae), Golden-eyed Shrub Frog (Pseudophilautus ocularis) and the striking Common Yellow-banded Caecilian (Ichthyophis glutinosus).
Using comfortable en suite accommodation throughout, we’ll explore each of Sri Lanka’s foremost herping locations of the UNESCO listed Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Morningside, Hortons Plains National Park and Nuwara Eliya whilst enjoying visits to the wonderful cultural sites of Pidurangala Rock temple, Temple of the Sacred Tooth, Dambulla cave temples and Sigiriya Lion Rock.
Outline Itinerary
What's Included?
- Flights
- Accommodation:
Comfortable lodges with private facilities.
- Food:
All meals and bottled water provided throughout. Western, vegetarian and vegan diets catered for.
Why Naturetrek?
At Naturetrek we craft expertly-guided group and tailor-made wildlife holidays and cruises to all seven continents. On one of our holidays, you can be assured that our passionate team will enable you to experience and enjoy the best of the world's wildlife and natural spectacles in as comfortable and rewarding a manner as possible, caring as best we can for the environment in the process. We are proud to provide:
- The widest choice of wildlife holidays worldwide
- Tours managed and led by naturalists, for naturalists
- Outstanding value and exceptional customer service
Furthermore, as a Naturetrek client, our office team are always to on hand to help you – so if you have any queries about your holiday, whether before or after you have booked, we will be delighted to answer them on the phone. Please just give our team a call!
