Search found 131 matches

by Paul Freed
October 3rd, 2023, 9:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Shed ID
Replies: 3
Views: 2468

Re: Snake Shed ID

Identifying snakes only by shed skins is rather difficult, however, it appears that the scales on this shed are somewhat elongated and maybe even slightly keeled, I would eliminate the Rubber Boa as a possibility since they have small, smooth scales.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
August 30th, 2023, 3:18 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Help ID - Assam, India
Replies: 2
Views: 1661

Re: Help ID - Assam, India

It appears to be one of the three species of Hoplobatrachus found in India, but without seeing more of the frog, I can't get it to species. Sorry.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
June 29th, 2023, 9:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tips for upcoming Namibia trip
Replies: 5
Views: 1992

Re: Tips for upcoming Namibia trip

Okay Frank, I'll get to your questions, but I hope you will consider posting your observations here after your trip.

-Paul
by Paul Freed
June 19th, 2023, 4:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tips for upcoming Namibia trip
Replies: 5
Views: 1992

Re: Tips for upcoming Namibia trip

Hi Frank, I've been to Namibia several times to herp and can say that it was one of my favorite places on Earth to visit. I say, was , because on my last trip there, in 2018, I had my vehicle broken into (and ironically, I was only 50 feet away from the car when it was vandalized), while I was photo...
by Paul Freed
November 11th, 2022, 12:16 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping salamanders in Portland
Replies: 6
Views: 2868

Re: Herping salamanders in Portland

Welcome, Xabier! Glad to have you join FHF. Since the weather has been cooperating (in terms of rain and milder temperatures) salamander hunting should be good around Portland. Are there specific species you're looking for or are you content to find just about anything? Obviously, getting away from ...
by Paul Freed
October 20th, 2022, 12:02 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: EASTERN GHATS 2022 Monsoon Report (several FHF firsts, big post)
Replies: 7
Views: 2723

Re: EASTERN GHATS 2022 Monsoon Report (several FHF firsts, big post)

Fantastic post, Mirza! Well documented and very well written. Your enthusiasm for all things herpetological (and invertebrates) comes through loud and clear. I look forward to more of your posts.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
October 20th, 2022, 11:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Oregon Salamander ID?
Replies: 3
Views: 1396

Re: Oregon Salamander ID?

This appears to be a young Pacific Giant Salamander, but it could also be a Torrent Salamander.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
August 16th, 2022, 9:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Help ID - Borneo
Replies: 2
Views: 736

Re: Help ID - Borneo

Hi Antee,

Your first frog is a Dark-eared Tree Frog (Polypedates macrotis), and I believe you are correct on the second frog being a Mangrove Frog. Thanks for posting these great photos of these frogs, well done.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
September 30th, 2021, 10:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ID Costa Rica Frogs and Salamander
Replies: 4
Views: 636

Re: ID Costa Rica Frogs and Salamander

Yes Frank, I believe that my i.d.s are correct given the localities you provided. You're right, there are a bunch of Glass Frog species in Costa Rica (15) and many look alike so it helped to narrow-down the locality. Good luck with your presentation.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
September 29th, 2021, 10:50 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: ID Costa Rica Frogs and Salamander
Replies: 4
Views: 636

Re: ID Costa Rica Frogs and Salamander

Hi Frank, I'll go ahead and take a stab at your herp i.d.s but it would help if you could tell where each of the herps were observed. You don't have to be very specific, even a general area would be helpful (e.g. northwest Costa Rica, near Limon, etc.) - The first image is a Striated Webfoot Salaman...
by Paul Freed
August 25th, 2021, 9:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: bio-fluorescent rattlesnake
Replies: 5
Views: 2495

Re: bio-fluorescent rattlesnake

In the most recent issue of Herpetological Review (volume 52, number 2, pp 221-237), there is an interesting article that touches on the same topic. ['Glow and Behold: Biofluorescence and New Insights on the tails of Pitvipers (Viperidae: Crotalinae) and Other Snakes']. The article illustrates numer...
by Paul Freed
June 15th, 2020, 9:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Help with an ID Please - SW PA
Replies: 2
Views: 1735

Re: Help with an ID Please - SW PA

It's really difficult to see the salamanders clearly, Melissa, but in the last photo I can make out that it's one of the Dusky Salamanders (Desmognathus). Definitely not a Hellbender.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
February 12th, 2020, 9:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2
Replies: 9
Views: 5178

Re: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2

Thanks for the kind words, Mirza. Yes, I felt it was time I finally made a post since I've been, as they say, 'lurking' on this site for quite some time. I do have a fair number of international destinations that I can post about but I don't think that most folks would be interested in my ramblings....
by Paul Freed
December 28th, 2019, 3:51 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2
Replies: 9
Views: 5178

Re: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2

You touched on it perfectly, Goose, all the local herpetologists we spoke to have lamented the fact that even they cannot enter any of the parks at night to conduct badly needed research. The exact words they used were, "extremely frustrating". And, not only were we swarmed by so many of t...
by Paul Freed
December 27th, 2019, 11:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2
Replies: 9
Views: 5178

Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2

Continuing on my adventure in Nepal, I'm currently in Chitwan National Park... IMG_6150.JPG Since entry into the park at night was prohibited, we walked around the outskirts of town in search of frogs, lizards, and snakes. Numerous frogs were observed both in roadside ditches and in the surrounding ...
by Paul Freed
December 27th, 2019, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 1
Replies: 2
Views: 2465

Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 1

I suppose I should start this post with an apology. Back in May of this year I posted a plea requesting info on herping in Nepal and regrettably, titled it: “Herping Nepal”. Apparently, this drew the attention of many of the members of FHF and as a result, it received more than 3500 views, unfortuna...
by Paul Freed
December 27th, 2019, 8:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: need help making a post
Replies: 7
Views: 2476

Re: need help making a post

Thanks 'herpseeker1978' for confirming that there's a 25 photo limit on posts, it was driving me crazy not knowing what I was doing wrong. Since it's obvious that I'm not that savvy when it comes to computer stuff, I don't have any social media related accounts so adding photos that way wouldn't wor...
by Paul Freed
December 26th, 2019, 8:34 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: need help making a post
Replies: 7
Views: 2476

Re: need help making a post

Thanks again, Kurt, unfortunately, I don't have a Flickr account so I can't do that. I thought by now that Scott W. would have answered me from weeks ago. Oh well, all I wanted to do was make my first 'official' post on my herping experiences in Nepal. I'll just keep waiting until someone can help m...
by Paul Freed
December 20th, 2019, 9:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: need help making a post
Replies: 7
Views: 2476

Re: need help making a post

Hi Kurt, Thanks for the suggestion, although I have no idea what "hotlinking" the image even means. All I did was drag an image from my desktop into the post and after I did that 25 times no other image could be dragged in. I could have sworn that I've seen other posts with more than 25 im...
by Paul Freed
December 12th, 2019, 8:59 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: need help making a post
Replies: 7
Views: 2476

need help making a post

Hi All, I'm trying to create a post and I have about 50 images to include. After I added the 25th photo I could no longer add any additional images. Is that the limit of photos one can have in a single post? (If so, I guess I can do a two-part post.) I did read in the 'Announcement' section under th...
by Paul Freed
November 22nd, 2019, 8:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: How cold/high can snakes go?
Replies: 7
Views: 2858

Re: How cold/high can snakes go?

Don't forget about, Thermophis baileyi (Bailey's Hot-spring Snake) the endemic colubrid from Tibet. It has been found at 4300 meters (ca. 14,000 ft.) living in the hot springs of the region.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
June 19th, 2019, 8:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Tips for Costa Rica, please!
Replies: 8
Views: 19759

Re: Tips for Costa Rica, please!

Greetings Hans, I've been to Costa Rica half a dozen times since 1983 (most recently in 2017) and can tell you that a lot has changed in that tiny country over the past 36 years. In fact, this past trip I took has been one of those: "you can't go home again" type things for me. Costa Rica ...
by Paul Freed
May 12th, 2019, 8:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Help with ID - Namibia Lizards
Replies: 2
Views: 5983

Re: Help with ID - Namibia Lizards

The top lizard is one of the Sand Lizards in the genus, Pedioplanus (probably P. undata) and the gecko is one of the Day Geckos in the genus, Rhoptropus, possibly a Namib Day Gecko, Rhoptropus afer. It helps to have the gecko in hand to see the subtle differences in the toes, however one of the expe...
by Paul Freed
May 7th, 2019, 11:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Nepal
Replies: 2
Views: 4235

Re: Herping Nepal

Thanks, Chaitanya, I really appreciate your feedback. I'll definitely try some of your suggestions.

Paul
by Paul Freed
May 6th, 2019, 9:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Nepal
Replies: 2
Views: 4235

Herping Nepal

My wife and I are planning a trip to Nepal this September and I was hoping to see if anyone on the Forum had experience herping there. I contacted, Hans Breuer and he suggested that I post an inquiry here on FHF. I am looking to visit regions that have a nice herp diversity to photograph as many amp...
by Paul Freed
April 16th, 2019, 7:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Paraguay Images Request
Replies: 1
Views: 4072

Re: Paraguay Images Request

Hi Kelly, If you can find a copy of the book: Amphibians and Reptiles of the Paraguayan Chaco, by Trutnau, Monzel, and Consul (2016 Chimaira publication, although unfortunately it's in German), it has lots of habitat and biome pictures as well as numerous amphibian and reptile images from northweste...
by Paul Freed
March 21st, 2019, 9:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: What's happening in this photo?
Replies: 28
Views: 28800

Re: What's happening in this photo?

I photographed an all grey Sonora semiannulata in Study Butte, west Texas back in 2004 (see below) that looks similar to the one in the posted observation. What do you all think?

Paul
by Paul Freed
February 23rd, 2019, 8:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Help with ID from Way Kambas - Indonesia
Replies: 5
Views: 12946

Re: Help with ID from Way Kambas - Indonesia

The skink appears to be, Lygosoma quadrupes, the first frog does look like a, Pulchrana glandulosa, and the other frog is a, Polypedates leucomystax.

Paul
by Paul Freed
February 18th, 2019, 9:18 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Nepal Lizard ID, please!
Replies: 5
Views: 7458

Re: Nepal Lizard ID, please!

Kelly is right, Hans, this is a Calotes versicolor, a very common species of Agamid in the region. I would really like to talk to you about your experiences in Nepal as I am very interested in visiting that country myself.

Paul
by Paul Freed
September 7th, 2018, 8:03 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: identification of a frog.
Replies: 4
Views: 6466

Re: identification of a frog.

The young frog looks more like a Green Frog ( Lithobates clamitans ), than a Wood Frog. It would help if a location was provided. The other species are: https://www.herpmapper.org/voucher/329768/full.jpg - hatchling Common Snapping Turtle ( Chelydra serpentina ) https://www.herpmapper.org/record/230...
by Paul Freed
August 13th, 2018, 7:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed
Replies: 17
Views: 23000

Re: Melanistic Snake Identification Needed

It sure looks like a melanistic Sharp-tailed Snake. I would contact Richard Hoyer, he's is the definitive authority on that species and he would know for sure.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
July 27th, 2018, 7:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Herping Trip June/July 2018 (lots of pics!)
Replies: 9
Views: 7285

Re: Borneo Herping Trip June/July 2018

Spectacular, simply spectacular! Amazing photography of amazing creatures. Thanks for sharing, Kurt.

Paul
by Paul Freed
June 20th, 2018, 9:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ecuador Trip (Reposted)
Replies: 4
Views: 5562

Re: Ecuador Trip (Reposted)

Hi JW, thank you for your first official post! It seems that all of your photos have gone through some sort of weird compression, resulting in an elongate appearance of the subjects. That is making identification of some of the subjects a bit difficult. That said, the first frog in your post is a Gi...
by Paul Freed
June 8th, 2018, 8:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ecuador Trip
Replies: 4
Views: 6495

Re: Ecuador Trip

Unfortunately, I'm not the right person to ask how to attach images (I myself have not posted any of my images since I've never been able to figure that out). But don't despair, I'm sure that someone will help you out and you'll be posting like a pro in no time. Hang in there!
-Paul
by Paul Freed
June 7th, 2018, 9:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ecuador Trip
Replies: 4
Views: 6495

Re: Ecuador Trip

Welcome to FHF, JW! I can't seem to open any of the attachments you posted and I think you would get a better response by adding the photos directly to the post yourself. If you can do that, I think you might get some of the herps identified. Good luck!

-Paul
by Paul Freed
June 1st, 2018, 9:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Costa Rica the pacific coast from Panama to Nicaragua!
Replies: 16
Views: 18721

Re: Costa Rica the pacific coast from Panama to Nicaragua!

So many fantastic and iconic herps from Costa Rica, thanks for posting them. The Rhinophrynus dorsalis, the all yellow-bellied sea snake, the Northopsis rugosus, the spider with the Rocket Frog, even the King Vulture, all amazing! Yeah, 'Black Pearl' is definitely on to something, there seems to be ...
by Paul Freed
February 25th, 2018, 9:41 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Reptile Odyssey - Bill Love?
Replies: 4
Views: 14078

Re: Reptile Odyssey - Bill Love?

You have to contact Bill directly for a copy. It's an interesting read, it really sheds light on the early days of the reptile craze and Bill tells it wonderfully.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
February 13th, 2018, 8:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A photographic guide to the Chameleon of South Africa.
Replies: 7
Views: 5656

Re: A photographic guide to the Chameleon of South Africa.

Simply outstanding, well done Tyrone!
-Paul
by Paul Freed
February 8th, 2018, 8:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Negev Desert lizard
Replies: 2
Views: 2793

Re: Negev Desert lizard

Your lizard appears to be a Desert Agama, (Trapelus mutabilis pallidus), which is a somewhat common species from that region.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
August 30th, 2017, 7:56 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herp Nation Magazine question and some recent shots
Replies: 5
Views: 5234

Re: Herp Nation Magazine question and some recent shots

Zach,

Apparently, Herp Nation Magazine is no longer being printed but rather it is now a free online magazine. This started within the past year. Like you, I enjoyed it greatly.

-Paul
by Paul Freed
July 27th, 2017, 10:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy
Replies: 7
Views: 5816

Re: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy

Mitch,
You can also add another species of mammal to your list, the first and second photos of the 'Black Lemur', are actually an Indri (the third photo of the female is a Black Lemur).
-Paul
by Paul Freed
July 26th, 2017, 8:25 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy
Replies: 7
Views: 5816

Re: Madagascar Part 6: Ankanin'ny Nofy

Simply amazing post, Mitch! Not only did you see some spectacular animals, but your photography is outstanding. Seeing a Langaha in the wild is really a treat! I really enjoyed all your lemur photos, especially the sifakas, but photographing an Aye-aye in the wild is just mind blowing. And you saw a...
by Paul Freed
July 20th, 2017, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay
Replies: 3
Views: 3431

Re: Madagascar Part 2: Arboretum d'Antsokay

Great photos and stories, Mitch. Your trip brings back nice memories of Madagascar. And that Heteroliodon occipitalis, is fantastic! Thanks for sharing.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
July 20th, 2017, 10:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: what Spesies of Bornean Cyrtodactylus it is ?
Replies: 5
Views: 3918

Re: what Spesies of Bornean Cyrtodactylus it is ?

That's clear, Aan, I photographed a Cyrtodactylus baluensis in Kinabalu that looked similar to yours, that's why I was hesitant to declare for certain that it was C. baluensis.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
July 19th, 2017, 8:12 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: what Spesies of Bornean Cyrtodactylus it is ?
Replies: 5
Views: 3918

Re: what Spesies of Bornean Cyrtodactylus it is ?

Aan,
This looks like Cyrtodactylus baluensis, but I am not completely certain. Hopefully, someone with more experience in geckos from that region will post their opinion.
-Paul
by Paul Freed
May 29th, 2017, 9:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: New to Oregon
Replies: 5
Views: 3560

Re: New to Oregon

Welcome to Oregon, Nick! Your photos are outstanding, thanks for sharing. I reside some 50 miles south of the Portland area and am also an avid herper/photographer. There are a fair number of like-minded folks in this region so I'm sure you'll get some nice responses to your request. Unfortunately, ...
by Paul Freed
May 21st, 2017, 10:37 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Western Ghats, India
Replies: 9
Views: 5900

Re: Western Ghats, India

Outstanding photos, Jasmine! Yes, the Western Ghats is an amazing place especially for amphibians and reptiles. I spent three weeks there (in 2014) and was fortunate to see numerous species of amphibians and reptiles (approximately 80 species). Knowing that the region is a bit difficult to get aroun...
by Paul Freed
April 4th, 2017, 9:03 am
Forum: Reading Room
Topic: Reptiles of Paraguay
Replies: 1
Views: 10855

Re: Reptiles of Paraguay

An excellent reference on an obscure region, thank you for sharing that with everyone. FYI, another interesting publication on Paraguayan herps was published the same year (2016) by Chimaira Publishers: Amphibien und Reptilien des Paraguayischen Chaco (in German). Although this book was not publishe...
by Paul Freed
March 21st, 2017, 9:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Malaysia 2017, part 4: Fraser's Hill
Replies: 10
Views: 8421

Re: Malaysia 2017, part 4: Fraser's Hill

Such a shame, John that the weather was not optimal for your visit. We were there just a day or two after you and the weather was very cooperative. In fact, we found some outstanding herps in the exact spots you hit. In addition to a new species of Dibamus (which was not only a new lifer but was a n...
by Paul Freed
March 6th, 2017, 3:28 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Malaysia 2017, part 1: Semenyih, or, Night of the Lifers
Replies: 20
Views: 13591

Re: Malaysia 2017, part 1: Semenyih, or, Night of the Lifers

Yeah, it's a shame that we didn't spend more time with Kurt but we had our itinerary worked out months in advance and he only had time to take us out the one night. That's incredible that he also found a convictus, but then again, he's Kurt and he really knows where to look for herps.
-Paul