Thailand (December 2022)
The iconic blunt-headed burrowing frog (Glyphoglossus molossus) in Kaeng Krachan
Yellow-headed temple turtle (Heosemys annandalii) in Bangkok
Our trip began in Bangkok where we spent a couple of days. Although Bangkok is a busy city, the wildlife has found a way to thrive in its green areas. We encountered water monitors, turtles, snakes (including a reticulated python swimming in a stream close to a residential area), birds and many invertebrates.
Water monitor (Varanus salvator macromaculatus) in Bangkok
Reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) in Bangkok
Malayan snail-eating turtle (Malayemys macrocephala) in Bangkok
Trimeresurus macrops in Bangkok
Fighting northern treeshrews (Tupaia belangeri) in Bangkok
Vinegaroon (Thelyphonidae) in Bangkok
We also visited Siam Serpentarium where Artur had a chance to photograph a few of their snakes.
After exploring Bangkok, we got on a taxi to Kaeng Krachan National Park where we met with Tontan Travel, our companions for the following three days. Since December in this part of Thailand tends to be dry and the nights might become rather cool, we had to work extra hard while herping. The first day started with road cruising and an exciting find halfway through the day - a king cobra!
We were later accompanied by sun bears and a yellow-throated marten during lunch and dinner; it was really impressive to see a tiny marten sneak behind the bear and run around in search of food… or mischief. Since we were camping on high grounds on our first night, we could also set up a moth trap and do a little investigation of the moth biodiversity in the area.
Asian vine snake (Ahaetulla prasina) in Kaeng Krachan National Park
King cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) in Kaeng Krachan National Park
Over the next two days we kept exploring different trails in the forest, including one where rafflesia’s tiny cousin, Sapria ram, was scattered everywhere in the forest litter. We saw a few reptile species, including slug snakes (Pareas margaritophorus and Pareas berdmorei), vipers (Trimeresurus albolabris and Trimeresurus popeiorum), painted bronzeback (Dendrelaphis pictus) and Malayan softshell turtle (Dogania subplana); invertebrates also made their appearance (different butterflies, spiders including Macracantha spp., jumping spiders and stunning katydids). We also had a good laugh at tourists who left some food outside their tent overnight, not believing sun bears were around. They later found a sun bear enjoying their Nutella…
To our delight, a slow loris waved us goodbye on our way out from the park.
Our next stop was Khao Lak, where we mostly focused on scuba diving near Similan and Surin Islands with Pirate Divers. Two days turned into three days of diving in AOW Pakard, Richelieu Rock, Ko Bon and Ko Tachai. The underwater biodiversity was absolutely mind-blowing and we’ll definitely come back!
We didn’t rest at night though! Our hotel was close to the forest, where we spent our evenings after diving. We mostly saw invertebrates and changeable lizards, although a peculiar water snake (Homalopsis mereljcoxi) also came over to say hi.
Our final stop was a short stay in Phuket, where we saw, among others, Trimeresurus phuketensis, a beautiful Psammodynastes pulverulentus and, again, many invertebrates. Seeing a female bark spider (Caerostris sumatrana) piggybacked by a miniscule male was the biggest highlight of that part of our trip!
Overall, the trip was a success and we’ll definitely come back to Thailand as soon as possible for more.
Bark spider (Caerostris sumatrana)
A stunning Heteropoda boiei, arguably one of the most beautiful Heteropoda spp.
