Search found 143 matches

by Chaitanya
November 29th, 2021, 7:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping In An Indian Mangrove Forest (pic heavy)
Replies: 7
Views: 2382

Re: Herping In An Indian Mangrove Forest (pic heavy)

Ahaetulla nasuta is endemic to Sri Lanka what you found is probably Ahaetulla anomala.
by Chaitanya
December 28th, 2019, 6:02 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping in Nepal (really, actual herping!) - part 2
Replies: 9
Views: 5176

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

Nice finds. Indian states neighbouring Nepal offer similar herp fauna so we dont have to venture across the border.
by Chaitanya
December 26th, 2019, 4:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Top 10 Venomous Snakes
Replies: 5
Views: 2905

Re: Top 10 Venomous Snakes

Here is something to keep you wanting to visit Deccan plateau. For now this is Sind Krait(Bungarus sindanus) but soon it might get a new name.
by Chaitanya
December 10th, 2019, 10:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Top 10 Venomous Snakes
Replies: 5
Views: 2905

Re: Top 10 Venomous Snakes

If you like Kraits then you should visit N.E. India for quite a few unique kraits. Even the drier parts have some interesting kraits(Sind krait and common krait) along with usual suspects.
by Chaitanya
November 26th, 2019, 10:56 pm
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 But Thermophis sp. do have luxury of their oasis i.e. hot springs in middle of high elevation cold des...
by Chaitanya
November 21st, 2019, 9:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: How cold/high can snakes go?
Replies: 7
Views: 2858

Re: How cold/high can snakes go?

There are couple of records of Gloydius himalayanus(most of its relatives are high altitude specialists) living upto 5000mts above msl. Again in this case its a pit viper living at high altitude. I remember seeing these snakes and its prey items(skinks and agamas) only above 1500mts msl and mystirio...
by Chaitanya
September 29th, 2019, 7:16 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Chinese Cobras Spit?
Replies: 6
Views: 12917

Re: Chinese Cobras Spit?

Even the Naja kouthua from India spit venom.
by Chaitanya
July 30th, 2019, 5:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: [VIDEO] What is herping?
Replies: 2
Views: 12293

Re: [VIDEO] What is herping?

Nicely done..
by Chaitanya
July 29th, 2019, 2:48 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Eastern Ghats Herping Trip Report ! (Images Up)
Replies: 13
Views: 19429

Re: Eastern Ghats Herping Trip Report ! (Images Up)

I've heard of the Western Ghats but never heard of the eastern Ghats.where are they Due to geography of Deccan plateau and how rivers flow on Deccan plateau Eastern Ghats arent a single long mountain chain like western Ghats and are rather discontinuous range. Also Eastern ghats are much more confl...
by Chaitanya
May 7th, 2019, 5:58 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping Nepal
Replies: 2
Views: 4232

Re: Herping Nepal

I havent herped in Nepal but regularly visit West Himalayas for trekking and butterflying. From my experience it is one of the hardest habitats to herp in along with grasslands of deccan plateau. Best bet to find anything is rains and spell of sunshine after rains as reptiles come out to bask in ope...
by Chaitanya
March 15th, 2019, 7:13 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Chambal Sanctuary India
Replies: 8
Views: 9236

Re: Chambal Sanctuary India

Hi Marcox, I have been a resident of New Delhi for the past 14 and 1/2 years, so I know my way around the country. if you are in New Delhi feel free to contact me my email is 22lsullivan@aes.ac.in and maybe we can go herping together. if you are in the Chambal area again I recommend going into the ...
by Chaitanya
November 18th, 2017, 10:14 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Requesting Images of the Commonly CB in the Wild
Replies: 14
Views: 10604

Re: Requesting Images of the Commonly CB in the Wild

Kelly Mc wrote:Yes! :thumb:
I was in field in evening and just returned home. found quite a few more leopards geckos and saw scaled vipers today.
by Chaitanya
November 17th, 2017, 11:32 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Requesting Images of the Commonly CB in the Wild
Replies: 14
Views: 10604

Re: Requesting Images of the Commonly CB in the Wild

https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8560/29674604150_8b8c9bc58f.jpg Eublepharis fuscus by Chaitanya Shukla , on Flickr https://farm1.staticflickr.com/692/21331707969_7842e11f72.jpg IMG_9696 by Chaitanya Shukla , on Flickr Will be going to other private herping spots soon to cover remaining 3 species of ...
by Chaitanya
October 31st, 2017, 10:46 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: western ghats india
Replies: 2
Views: 3336

Re: western ghats india

I will ask my friend he knows few good guides and resorts to stay in wayanad. I have contacts for Munnar but there finding snakes is really hard but frogs are whole another story.
by Chaitanya
September 10th, 2017, 9:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Madagascar Part 8: Anjozorobe National Park
Replies: 2
Views: 3485

Re: Madagascar Part 8: Anjozorobe National Park

That 2nd butterfly looks like a Painted lady.
by Chaitanya
May 30th, 2017, 9:33 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: RFI Herping Southern India
Replies: 2
Views: 2078

Re: RFI Herping Southern India

Hi Folks, I'll be traveling to India for a teacher exchange. I'll be visiting schools and doing some teaching while I'm there. My best opportunity to get out and poke around for herps will be when I'm at my host town which will be in Chennangkuppam, roughly half way between Bengaluru and Chennai. I...
by Chaitanya
May 23rd, 2017, 2:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Western Ghats, India
Replies: 9
Views: 5898

Re: Western Ghats, India

I'm heading to India in a little over a month for an educational exchange program. Unfortunately, the organizing group has been a little sketchy on specific details, beyond our ports of entry and departure (Bangalore and Delhi) I'm not even sure of the specific region that I'll be spending most of ...
by Chaitanya
April 17th, 2017, 1:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?
Replies: 22
Views: 12067

Re: Question / Poll : How Far do you move herps from roads?

generally prefer the animals to move on their own. dont mind waiting and stopping traffic till animals move out of danger.
by Chaitanya
October 8th, 2016, 8:44 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets
Replies: 22
Views: 12869

Re: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets

Really interesting discussion. Chaitanya, pepper spraying a hyena sounds like a harrowing experience. Sounds like a very complicated (but rewarding) place to herp. Hopefully one day. I've heard of the effectiveness of some of the capsicum sprays but I've heard many accidents where people spray them...
by Chaitanya
October 4th, 2016, 9:06 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets
Replies: 22
Views: 12869

Re: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets

I stand corrected. You're right >4 oz is a no-no. (I knew 4 fishermen who all successfully carried it in their luggage to Yellowstone, but apparently that is prohibited by TSA.) Jonathan, There may be a source in India or contact the major manufacturers to see if they have a way. Jimi's right about...
by Chaitanya
October 4th, 2016, 8:47 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets
Replies: 22
Views: 12869

Re: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets

Personally for me place where I herp on outskirts of my city, striped hyenas and leopards are threat and I have to watch out for those two animals constantly. Do you herp alone at night in any bear/leopard territory? If not, what do you consider a minimum? What precautions do you take? In leopard/b...
by Chaitanya
October 3rd, 2016, 8:59 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets
Replies: 22
Views: 12869

Re: About as exhilarating/terrifying as a herping story gets

Interesting insight, sloth bears and their reputation as maulers has always intrigued me. They always seemed to have this fierce reputation while American black bears were overshadowed by their larger congeners. Having had a my own experiences with black bears that were w far more unnerving than th...
by Chaitanya
September 30th, 2016, 4:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Where to herp in India?
Replies: 9
Views: 5360

Re: Where to herp in India?

I have yet to reach India, but I imagine the street markets have some interesting creatures for sale. Street herp'n, in addition to the above suggested wild locations. in North east you will find bushmeat available for sale. especially in small tribal villages. But even then it wont be any herps fo...
by Chaitanya
September 24th, 2016, 9:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Where to herp in India?
Replies: 9
Views: 5360

Re: Where to herp in India?

Hello, I am having thoughts of making a trip to India, but I really have no idea where to start. I know there are plenty of national parks, but typically one would have to go on a guided group tour, and I really prefer to hike alone. Maybe we have some locals on the forum who can point me in the ri...
by Chaitanya
September 8th, 2016, 10:25 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: It's been too long since we've had an in situ theme thread..
Replies: 212
Views: 837276

Re: It's been too long since we've had an in situ theme thre

Here are a few from across the three countries I've lived and herped in. India, Israel, and California: India First: Still my favorite snake to photograph, Common Vine Snake: https://c3.staticflickr.com/4/3801/8837781826_aaec508159_b.jpg Common vine snake (Ahaetulla nasuta) by eryx jhoni , on Flick...
by Chaitanya
March 25th, 2016, 9:23 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herps in habitat - photo thread
Replies: 69
Views: 31472

Re: Herps in habitat - photo thread

Here is one of my favourite lizard in situ. I didn't take habitat shot as they are collected illegally for pet trade.
ImageIMG_9722 by Chaitanya Shukla, on Flickr
by Chaitanya
March 14th, 2016, 9:11 am
Forum: Image Lab
Topic: Herp Photography Gear Reviews - links
Replies: 16
Views: 70362

Re: Herp Photography Gear Reviews - links

Thanks for the links to review.
by Chaitanya
November 27th, 2015, 12:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Back to the Sundarbans
Replies: 10
Views: 4620

Re: Back to the Sundarbans

That brings back the memories! Great trip, Jodee and I will always remember it. In regards to Trimeresurus feeding in the mangroves, my experience with captive members of that genus (albolabris, purpureomaculatus, flavomaculatus, vogeli, popeorum & trigonocephalus) is that they all hold onto th...
by Chaitanya
November 10th, 2015, 7:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Can Snakes Strike Up?
Replies: 20
Views: 10831

Re: Can Snakes Strike Up?

Really cool photo. I'm always surprised how many folks working with venomous snakes wear open toed shoes. Living in India might be a valid reason for not wearing boots but if you're in North America, working with venomous snakes, ABSOLUTELY NO SANDALS OR FLIP-FLOPS! Just something that has always v...
by Chaitanya
November 6th, 2015, 3:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Can Snakes Strike Up?
Replies: 20
Views: 10831

Re: Can Snakes Strike Up?

Russell's vipers are capable of getting their whole bodies off ground when striking. Here is one such photo showing RV striking: http://www.indianaturewatch.net/display ... ?id=309631
by Chaitanya
October 2nd, 2015, 9:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Ease of finding caecilians QUESTION
Replies: 9
Views: 4098

Re: Ease of finding caecilians QUESTION

In western ghats just after the onset of monsoons caecilians are fairly easy to find. As the ground gets saturated in water they emerge on surface for the 3 months of monsoons. During post monsoon period(late Aug to Mid Sept) one has to turn rocks and check under leaf litter for the caecilians.
by Chaitanya
September 21st, 2015, 9:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: More snakes from Selangor and Pahang
Replies: 12
Views: 4771

Re: More snakes from Selangor and Pahang

great pics as usual.
by Chaitanya
September 13th, 2015, 9:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Post photos of wild herps feeding
Replies: 56
Views: 49212

Re: Post photos of wild herps feeding

Here is a shieldtail(Melanophidium sp.) feeding on earthworm: https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14898507898_ee30743afd.jpg IMG_7039 by Chaitanya Shukla , on Flickr https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3908/15084734122_54e910fe55.jpg IMG_7043 by Chaitanya Shukla , on Flickr https://farm4.staticflickr.com...
by Chaitanya
September 12th, 2015, 7:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amboli revisited (Mid May + Early June) *Updated
Replies: 8
Views: 6007

I am updated the pics from June visit as well. The group was pretty much the same but since first week of June is when normally monsoons arrive, the amphibian activity this time of the year was insane. I am just adding pics from the 2n visit of the year. Forest lizard(Calotes rouxii) https://farm1.s...
by Chaitanya
September 3rd, 2015, 8:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo (Part 2)
Replies: 11
Views: 6274

Re: Borneo (Part 2)

awesome finds and great pics. that xenodermus is awesome.
by Chaitanya
September 2nd, 2015, 9:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Bangladesh Python Project July 2015
Replies: 16
Views: 8703

Re: Bangladesh Python Project July 2015

excellent finds, really jealous about the Lycodon jara and Oligodon albocinctus. looks like I will have to make a trip to N-E India soon.
by Chaitanya
August 28th, 2015, 8:47 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Lizards Eating Insects and other Animals
Replies: 22
Views: 7907

Re: Lizards Eating Insects and other Animals

Here is one more a yellow bellied house gecko(Hemidactylus flaviviridis) hunting an Oleander hawk moth. There was a big fight between the two individuals afterwards on that prey item. I have more photos of various lizards hunting for different types of prey item, but currently this is the only one I...
by Chaitanya
August 25th, 2015, 9:15 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frog ID request
Replies: 8
Views: 3085

Re: Frog ID request

Can't tell the iD based on that, even if the country of origin were to be known it would help a lot in identifying atleast the genus of that frog.
by Chaitanya
August 25th, 2015, 12:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Frog ID request
Replies: 8
Views: 3085

Re: Frog ID request

Can you please mention the country of origin of said plant? Also a clearer picture would help a lot.
by Chaitanya
August 18th, 2015, 8:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2015 Reptile & Amphibian Public Opinion Survey--ENDS NOV 30
Replies: 8
Views: 5423

Re: 2015 Reptile & Amphibian Public Opinion Survey--Please S

Done also shared with my friends.
by Chaitanya
August 16th, 2015, 10:23 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: A few snakes from Selangor and Pahang.
Replies: 7
Views: 3806

Re: A few snakes from Selangor and Pahang.

Excellent pics. especially those pit viper pics.
by Chaitanya
August 2nd, 2015, 12:42 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amboli revisited (Mid May + Early June) *Updated
Replies: 8
Views: 6007

Re: Amboli revisited (Towards the end of dry season-pre mons

Nice one, Chaitanya. Love the Malabar Gliding frogs. They are the coolest frogs found here in Sahyadris. I need to visit you one of these days... I'm always excited to see what you're finding. You should make a plan for monsoons, I have couple of special spots for herping packed with a lot of inter...
by Chaitanya
July 16th, 2015, 9:30 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amboli revisited (Mid May + Early June) *Updated
Replies: 8
Views: 6007

Re: Amboli revisited (Towards the end of dry season-pre mons

Great finds, sounds like a fun trip! It indeed was a fun trip, trip to Amboli in June was even better. Will update this post once I get the photos from my friend. Thank you, that was great! We don't get to see too much stuff from your neck of the woods around here.... You are welcome, for last 3 we...
by Chaitanya
June 24th, 2015, 9:22 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Most Herps Found in a 24-hour Period?
Replies: 17
Views: 7331

Re: Most Herps Found in a 24-hour Period?

Anytime during monsoons in 24 hrs I can easily find atleast 30 species of herps here in western ghats. Even my last trip in Amboli barely 2 weeks back was a very successful one.
by Chaitanya
June 17th, 2015, 11:32 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Amboli revisited (Mid May + Early June) *Updated
Replies: 8
Views: 6007

Amboli revisited (Mid May + Early June) *Updated

I had gone for a short 3 day herping trip to Amboli during middle of May which usually is the end of dry season. It being dry season wasn't expecting much of frog activity but I was shocked with what I found on that trip. I was accompanied by Vishal and Indrajeet for herping. https://c1.staticflickr...
by Chaitanya
May 23rd, 2015, 4:45 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Probable rediscovery of Hutton's pit viper
Replies: 0
Views: 1613

Probable rediscovery of Hutton's pit viper

Today Varad Giri one of the senior herpetologist from India posted on facebook about Huttons pit viper. Worlds rarest pit viper finally seems to have been found after a long gap. Link to his status update: https://m.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=941665079189000&id=100000365512474&set=a.1758870...
by Chaitanya
May 21st, 2015, 9:38 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herping, travel, and gear
Replies: 40
Views: 15128

Re: Herping, travel, and gear

This forum is a great way to connect herpers across the globe but sometimes our topics are specific to a particular region and discussion is limited. I wanted to start getting more general conversations going on a semi-regular basis that anyone can join in on. For my first attempt I pose the follow...
by Chaitanya
May 16th, 2015, 10:26 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: .
Replies: 7
Views: 4729

Re: Catching Chameleons in South Florida (Part 2)

That is impressive number of Chameleons, I rarely get to see 1-2 of Indian Chameleons while herping.
by Chaitanya
May 10th, 2015, 10:00 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Found my first Common Cat snake
Replies: 0
Views: 1402

Found my first Common Cat snake

Yesterday while trekking around Sahyadris, I came across my first Common Cat snake. Like Coral snakes(Calliophis sp.) I have been very unlucky with this species, till yesterday I have only found roadkills of these (some were huge sized snakes). Apart from this cat snake(Boiga trigonata) I also found...
by Chaitanya
May 5th, 2015, 11:53 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 12 Oriental Whips in an hour
Replies: 8
Views: 3114

Re: 12 Oriental Whips in an hour

During onset of monsoons, I know few places in Sahyadris which can easily top this off. Apart from large number of A. nasutas, I get to see large numbers of bamboo pit vipers(T. gramineus) here. Nice finds by the way especially the mating one.