ANNUAL PIT VIPER EXPEDITION 2016 Northern Western Ghats of India.

This is the 7^th consecutive year of the now acclaimed PIT VIPER EXPEDITION of Herpactive. The last 6 years have seen teams gather vital data, compile popular articles and research notes and help collate baseline data on pit vipers as well as other Herpetofauna of the 3 states of Goa- Karnataka and Maharashtra.

This year the expedition broadens its scope and plans to set up long term monitoring data at a new field site and contribute to the existing knowledge of these highly evolved snakes. Study of their niche habitats through systematic photo, ecological documentation will be another objective and so will be conservation education to a selected target community target group.

We will target 3 species for data collection on color morphs and abundance besides collection of habitat preference data and photo documentation of other Herpetofauna. The 3 species of Pit vipers are the Hump Nosed Pit viper (Hypnale hypnale), Malabar Pit viper (Trimeresurus malabaricus) and Bamboo pit viper (Trimeresurus graminieus).

Besides this, the team will document any and all other forms of lesser forms of biodiversity that is intrinsic to the habitats of these charismatic species. We will also learn field data collection techniques, snakebite protocol and basic taxonomy amongst other aspects of ophiology and basic herpetology.

This year is special as I have dedicated it to the world of Asian Pit Vipers and my aim is to spread as much knowledge and awareness about these species as possible.

For those who wish to contribute to a one of its kind annual expedition through Northern Western Ghats canopy forests, cross the seasonal monsoon waters at picturesque locales and can brave high humidity and excessive rainfall, this trip is meant for you. 

Team strength will be restricted so join up soon.

Date- 29^th June to 3^rd July 2016. (29^th June, 30^th June, 1^st July, 2^nd July and 3^rd July)

Fees- Rs. 15,500/- only including transportation and basic camp meals. This does not include stay on day prior to the expedition and day after the expedition is over. Meeting point is at Panjim on 29^th June 2016 at 9.00 am at Heera petrol pump. We do not look at stay arrangement before or after the expedition.

To book a seat one has to pay entire amount as advance to the following account. This amount is non refundable so please be cent percent sure that you are attending the expedition.

HERPACTIVE- 611401010050078.

Account type- Current account.

The IFSC Code is UBIN0561142.

Union Bank of India, Dhuler Mapusa Branch, North Goa.