1ST MOLLEM HERP EXCURSION 2011.

THE SETTING-

Nature’s Nest campsite is located in a working areca nut and organic fruit farm on boundaries of the Bhagvan Mahaveer Wildlife Sanctuary of Goa and is surrounded by typical Western Ghats including mixed moist deciduous, deciduous and semi evergreen forest types. Home to an array of biodiversity, the region has been acknowledged as a Mega Biodiversity hotspot as well as an Important bird Area by international conservation bodies.

THE SEASON-

Climate- Medium showers with windy weather.

Temperature- 18 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius.

Humidity- 80 percent and above.

TRAVEL-

Pick Up and drop for participants will be arranged from Panjim to Panjim for all participants.

THE ACCOMODATION-

Participants will stay in shared accommodation at Nature’s Nest in the picturesque village of Surla near Mollem National Park.

Food will include Vegetarian and Non-vegetarian options.

TEAM LEADER-

Nirmal Kulkarni- A qualified field ecologist and herpetologist, Nirmal Kulkarni has to credit the discovery of 2 new species of legless amphibians (caecilians), a host of research papers and an experience of over 15 years in the forests of the Western Ghats of India. He is also a wildlife photographer and specializes in photographing lesser-known fauna. He currently works on pit vipers and amphibians in the Northern Western Ghats of India.

THE ACTIVITY-

The 1^st Mollem Herp Excursion 2011 will include sessions of snakebite protocol, basic taxonomy, opportunistic searches and in situ photography of lesser-known Herpetofauna of the Western Ghats.

Field identification of Herpetofauna, photography tips and natural history will also be a part of the program.

Participants will also get to use field equipment, learn basic observation skills and work alongside qualified herpetologist Nirmal Kulkarni and his team in the field.

WHAT TO EXPECT-

The Monsoons offer opportunities for closely observing and photographing Herpetofauna that is uncommon and endemic to the Northern Western Ghats of India.

Our target species that we aim to document include the

1. Banded Ground Gecko (Geckoella albofasciata)

2. Hump Nosed Pit viper. (Hypnale hypnale)

3. Beddome’e keelback snake. (Amphiesma beddomei)

4. Malabar Pit viper. (Trimeresurus malabaricus)

5. Goan Day gecko. (Nemesphis goaensis)

6. Malabar Night frog. (Nyctibatrachus major)

And many other endemic and threatened wonders of the Northern Western Ghats of India.

DATES- 9^TH JUlY 2011 (AT 8.00AM) TO 10^TH JULY (3.00PM) INCLUDING A NIGHT STAY IN SHARED ACCOMODATION.

NUMBER OF SEATS- 10.

PARTICIPATION FEES- RS 1600/- ONLY INCLUDING TRANSPORT AND USE OF EQUIPMENT AND RESOURCE MATERIAL.

AGE GROUP- 15 years to 55 years. (Participants have to be physically fit and prepared for rains.)

For details email at ophidian_nirmal@yahoo.co.in OR call Glenda on 09822586918.

Essentials for Mollem Herp Excursion 2011.

1. Fast drying earth colored field clothes.

2. Gumboots or good walking shoes fit for rainy weather.

3. Powerful Torch or Headlight- with extra batteries.

4. Rainwear (Raincoats or Ponchos).

5. Field Note Pad and Pen/pencil.

6. Personal medical kit if any.

7. Back pack for field.

8. Water bottle or container for Field.

9. Sleeping bag or blanket and sheet.

10. Camera.

11. Personal toiletries.

ABOUT HERPACTIVE

Herpactive is an initiative by Nirmal Kulkarni, herpetologist and wildlife photographer to create awareness and instill appreciation for Herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) of Goa in particular and the country in general.

Herpactive aims to promote the science of field herpetology by conducting walks, surveys, training workshops and field technique sessions for budding herp- enthusiasts as well as serious students of mainstream science.

With education and in situ conservation as its objectives Herpactive seeks to conduct reptile and amphibian treks, photo documentation surveys and dedicated Herpetofauna study expeditions in Goa and as well as in the country.

A key component of the activities of Herpactive will be awareness generation amongst society about Herpetofauna and this will be achieved through programs, discussions and sessions from time to time.

With ethics, education, science and conservation as the combined foundation stones of this initiative, Herpactive aims to propagate the science of field herpetology amongst one and all.