Search found 458 matches

by MaartenSFS
December 20th, 2016, 9:54 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SE-Asia: Thailand and Malaysia 2016
Replies: 5
Views: 5022

Re: SE-Asia: Thailand and Malaysia 2016

Accessibility is important! That's why we were originally considering Penang. But there being three different species of monitor there and monkeys, etc. and seeing your photos piqued my interest! In your write-up you were talking about paddy fields and villages. From what I've read the island sounds...
by MaartenSFS
December 18th, 2016, 4:36 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: SE-Asia: Thailand and Malaysia 2016
Replies: 5
Views: 5022

Re: SE-Asia: Thailand and Malaysia 2016

I enjoyed reading the write-ups on your site. My wife and I are considering to head out that way next year. In the end, was Langkawi or southern Thailand the better location for wildlife? We will only have around a week. Which was better for local culture? We are hoping to see a lot of both and not ...
by MaartenSFS
May 26th, 2013, 8:38 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: 2 Chinese snake IDs
Replies: 16
Views: 5792

Re: 2 Chinese snake IDs

Disregarding elevation, could the first be Xenochrophis?
by MaartenSFS
April 5th, 2013, 8:25 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #50, HongKong, herping with Noel
Replies: 18
Views: 7892

Re: China post #50, HongKong, herping with Noel

Wouw, what a long post. I'm afraid that the vast majority of the snakes that you find on the mainland next year will be old hat after herping in HK. The habitat shots were very interesting. Are most of the locations (besides the islands) in the New Territories? That leopard cat was really cool. I ha...
by MaartenSFS
January 19th, 2013, 4:01 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!)
Replies: 16
Views: 5010

Re: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!

It's more rewarding to find them that way. :)
by MaartenSFS
January 17th, 2013, 8:07 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!)
Replies: 16
Views: 5010

Re: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!

:lol:

I've got monkeys too where I train and I can snicker as foolish tourists are attacked after feeding them. I'd prefer to see them in the wild, though. :)
by MaartenSFS
January 17th, 2013, 2:07 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!)
Replies: 16
Views: 5010

Re: Borneo Dispatches #64: Roadcruising Study (HELP REQUEST!

I see that you are being offered excellent advice. And, while I may not be able to help, I wish you the best of luck in this endeavour. Several months ago I had the great fortune to run into a master of the martial art that I came to China to study all those years ago (2005) and happens to have the ...
by MaartenSFS
January 13th, 2013, 1:40 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Some frogs in Taiwan (part 2)
Replies: 9
Views: 3735

Re: Some frogs in Taiwan (part 2)

It's funny that you post these frog images. Kevin and I were just looking at some of my frogs from last summer yesterday (on the mainland) with the same problem. They ended up being Rana [Hylarana] latouchii and Rana zhenhaiensis (though it looks identical to sauteri). I suspect that most of these f...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 10:11 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #46, HONG KONG!!
Replies: 17
Views: 8708

Re: China post #46, HONG KONG!!

O, it looked bigger. The other one is the largest frog I've seen in China, tied with the gargarizans on the same day (although one several months later may have been bigger, it was at night and I didn't get a shot).
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 7:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #46, HONG KONG!!
Replies: 17
Views: 8708

Re: China post #46, HONG KONG!!

O, and I forgot to ask you how big that Xenophrys was in relation to the Brachytarsophrys platyparietus we found in 2011?
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 7:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

I love how in Hongkong and Taiwan you can get the cool field guides we are used to having in our own countries, but I must admit that it is exciting to always have to search to find IDs with a small chance of finding something new in China. :twisted:
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 5:21 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

I see you are in bat-mode again. Yes, I will send you my big climate map. Data is hard to come by.
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 4:55 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

The southern portion of Taiwan and Hainan are actually tropical monsoon climates and it has more to do with the ocean currents. Here is another map that I prefer: http://www.chinatouristmaps.com/assets/images/chinamaps/china-temperature.jpg You need to look for a better version of this map to see it...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 4:44 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #47, Shennongjia in August
Replies: 25
Views: 9486

Re: China post #47, Shennongjia in August

Your Pinyin is correct. Sometimes you feel guilty that you don't remember their names, but you are probably the one Laowai they've ever met and dealt with, so... :D I wonder if I can find any of those salamanders in the Paradise area. There are some beautiful clear, rocky streams in the mountains th...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 4:42 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #42, Hainan Island
Replies: 26
Views: 15222

Re: China post #42, Hainan Island

Well, he meant that they are not inclined to bite and that the effects would be minimal, if any. They just get REALLY big. Huntsmen, though scary, are harmless as well. Now the Haplopelma are supposed to have more dangerous venom. When I said that I could see flickr images, I meant last night! Now I...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 6:28 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

Although technically Hainan and Taiwan aren't on the same latitude they do share a very similar climate and vegetation zones. Shanghai is quite a bit further north than both of them. I'm glad that HK and Taiwan are so great, but I wish the mainland had such herping paradises. I eagerly await your Th...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 6:17 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #42, Hainan Island
Replies: 26
Views: 15222

Re: China post #42, Hainan Island

Agreed.. I no longer corespond with said individual.. :x
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 4:20 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #42, Hainan Island
Replies: 26
Views: 15222

Re: China post #42, Hainan Island

I have seen at least these species in China (one of which I suspect is the Hainan specimen):
Nephila antipodiana
Nephila clavata
Nephila laurinae
Nephila pilipes
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 3:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

Well, if I could choose Borneo I perhaps would not be satisfied with the Republic of Taiwan either! *CCP ninja star crashes through window and slices through Maarten's neck*
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 3:54 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #42, Hainan Island
Replies: 26
Views: 15222

Re: China post #42, Hainan Island

There's not much worse than ducking around some undergrowth and getting a face full of Nephila! I knew someone that almost jumped off of a cliff to avoid one! :P
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 3:31 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #42, Hainan Island
Replies: 26
Views: 15222

Re: China post #42, Hainan Island

I had seen most of your Hainan shots, except for the landscapes. Looks a bit more wide open, but similar, save for the coconut palms. Would have loved to have been there, despite you not finding "much". The spider pictured here is in the genus Nephila. ;)
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 3:11 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #46, HONG KONG!!
Replies: 17
Views: 8708

Re: China post #46, HONG KONG!!

I'm stoked to finally be able to see your images. Me missing out on this hurts me in places I didn't know I had, but I have a daughter and future herping companion now and there is always next year! So much win here it's hard to contribute another comment. I will add, though, that that newt is quite...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 2:57 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #48, Taiwan!
Replies: 22
Views: 7560

Re: China post #48, Taiwan!

Taiwan is epic! Hans is such a bastard for not being satisfied with that! :P It looks similar to here, with similar scenery and herps, but those numbers... The Tiger Head area sounds like Yaoshan but without the scooter gangs and with many more herps! The proximity to these amazing places is crazy. ...
by MaartenSFS
January 11th, 2013, 2:41 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: China post #47, Shennongjia in August
Replies: 25
Views: 9486

Re: China post #47, Shennongjia in August

I can finally see the images and so will comment! Great post. I would love to find another Pseudoxenodon. Like a mini cobra that can't kill you. Those wild fruits were definitely not passion fruit. I eat those all the time and... have a great passion for them. I will drive out two hours JUST for fiv...
by MaartenSFS
December 24th, 2012, 8:46 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Herps of Singapore
Replies: 39
Views: 12994

Re: Herps of Singapore

Too much win here. Be careful or the forums may explode. I'm envious of you Singapore and HK people.. We need an Asian forum!
by MaartenSFS
December 21st, 2012, 8:13 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Cape York Peninsula: Iron Range part 1 (Australia)
Replies: 14
Views: 7895

Re: Cape York Peninsula: Iron Range part 1 (Australia)

Amazing photos and post. Thanks for sharing.
by MaartenSFS
December 1st, 2012, 7:56 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: so what do you do to help keep from herping withdrawl?
Replies: 34
Views: 8523

Re: so what do you do to help keep from herping withdrawl?

Martial arts.. ;)

Edit: I also work on other types of photography when weather permits.
by MaartenSFS
November 25th, 2012, 3:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Few Snakes of Yunnan, China
Replies: 13
Views: 8944

Re: Few Snakes of Yunnan, China

Nice to see a fellow China poster.. ;) Have you ever herped in Guangxi? If so, would you say that herps are more plentiful in Yunnan? Here in Guangxi I haven't had much luck, though they are supposed to be here. I must admit, though, that I haven't been able to do much night time herping. I've been ...
by MaartenSFS
November 14th, 2012, 4:19 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Yay: I rediscovered a snake thought lost for over a century
Replies: 32
Views: 8538

Re: Yay: I rediscovered a snake thought lost for over a cent

Congratulations, you lucky bastard! ;)
by MaartenSFS
November 11th, 2012, 6:21 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

I hope someone visits me next year so that I have an excuse to drive for hours and camp somewhere at night and test this theory!
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 10:50 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Tongs - Satan's Side Arm or God's Gift to Herpers?
Replies: 23
Views: 10992

Re: Snake Tongs - Satan's Side Arm or God's Gift to Herpers?

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:True. And he seems to know a thing or to about herps (even if it doesn't show in his televised circus shows)
Yes, although I don't mind his shows - especially during the harsh winter months.
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 10:48 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Works for inverts, too....especially for inverts, actually, because they're mostly small and need much light. To me, though, nothing beats natural lighting. What I REALLY need for my macro shots is a macro converter lense. I plan to purchase one next year, if funds allow. THEN YOU WILL ALL SEE! Fla...
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 10:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Borneo
Replies: 20
Views: 6465

Re: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Born

Same goes for the Long-tailed Macaques here in Bako NP. Cheeky bastards. But from all I've heard, orangs are different. To start with, they're not monkeys, they're apes. Whole different ballgame. They can also afford to have a very gentle disposition, as they're not social animals that are forced t...
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 5:10 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Snake Tongs - Satan's Side Arm or God's Gift to Herpers?
Replies: 23
Views: 10992

Re: Snake Tongs - Satan's Sidearm or God's Gift to Herpers?

I agree with what is said, but wanted to comment because of the "Satan's Sidearm". :lol: I will add, though, that Austin Stevens seems to use them quite well.
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 5:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote: You should trust your flash more. Down here in the everlasting murk of the tropical jungle (cue "Jaws" theme), which equals your bad lighting, I use flash for pretty much everything (albeit never without a softbox these days)
I'll keep it in mind for when I finally find more herps. :)
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 3:08 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Borneo
Replies: 20
Views: 6465

Re: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Born

I can't stand Animals which are accustomed to humans, especially Monkeys and Macaques. Not sure what to think of Orang Utans though, although I would guess they would, by what I've heard in this post and previously, be as annoying as Macaques. But that's just me and I'm sure I could be proven wrong...
by MaartenSFS
November 9th, 2012, 3:05 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Thanks, Maarten! I do have flash, but without a tripod during the day it just isn't worth the effort. Huh? What I meant was that if the lighting wasn't good and I didn't have a tripod, flash wouldn't have been much help. I occasionally use fill flash during the day for portraits, but little else. I...
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 9:49 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012
Replies: 8
Views: 3736

Re: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012

The people I was supposed to work with decided that it wasn't worth the effort after I spent my entire summer preparing the business and was set to go. Shit, man, really sorry to hear that. I can only imagine how that feels....were they locals? Fatherhood is going much better, although is quite dem...
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 9:45 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Lighting wasn't always good, etc. You no heb flash, lah? OK, OK, so what DID you see then? The more diversity, less individuals seems to apply for all of this region. True. Same down here. I think any given area can only support so much biomass. There are over 100 species in Guangxi, but I have onl...
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 9:35 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Borneo
Replies: 20
Views: 6465

Re: Borneo Dispatches #58: The things you roadcruise in Born

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:Me, to calm down after all the excitement :-)
Haha. :lol:
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 8:17 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012
Replies: 8
Views: 3736

Re: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012

Great to "hear" from you again! Congrats on your new fatherhoodship.... :) Beautiful environment you have there, I hope your business is fruitful! PS> I agree with Hans about the overdone rivers of sour cream ! Fare well! Thanks, mate! Unfortunately, my business never took flight. The peo...
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 8:10 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

I like all the greenery and scenery! How is the herping for snakes in Chinese Cloud Forests as compared to Costa Rican cloud forests? I would imagine it is similar with more variety and less numbers. The more diversity, less individuals seems to apply for all of this region. There are over 100 spec...
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 8:08 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

great scenery shots Maarten! just think, come Feb you can go out an find snakes, I'll still be freezing my ass off in the great white north that is northern Alabama.... It will depend. We are seeing the absolutely worst autumn in Guilin right now. Rain rain rain. The spring was really nice, though....
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 8:05 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

reptilist wrote:Love the bamboo!
;)
It tastes good too! ;)
And makes a good spear. AND can be used to light a fire. AND AND can be used to make a raft!
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 8:04 pm
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:Same to you! Why didn't you post them?
Well, I didn't even take photos of a lot of it. Too much to see, too little time. Lighting wasn't always good, etc.
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 4:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: Borneo Dispatches #57: Paradise Flying Snake
Replies: 24
Views: 61244

Re: Borneo Dispatches #57: Paradise Flying Snake

Well, I thought naturally, but who am I to stop you from tossing animals into the air to test a theory?! :P :twisted:
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 4:29 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:Ach, screw the damn herpers. They don't know what's good if it bites them in the ass :-)
Haha. I agree, though. I saw a lot of other cool animals and places this year that totally justified the amount of time and energy I spent on these quests. Happy hunting, Hans!
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 1:30 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II
Replies: 23
Views: 10663

Re: My Non-Dilligent Summer in China 2012 Part II

Hans Breuer (twoton) wrote:Very. Very. Nice.
Thanks, but I'm not expecting much response due to the lack of herps. =P
by MaartenSFS
November 8th, 2012, 1:27 am
Forum: The Forum
Topic: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012
Replies: 8
Views: 3736

Re: My Non-Diligent Summer in China 2012

Very nice, Maarten - congratulations! Your photography has made much progress.; I'm very much looking forward to your future posts! But please don't fall into that trap of shooting every waterfall and fast-flowing stream as if it's made from sour cream (you know, that long-exposure softening effect...