My partner and I embarked on a long-planned trip to visit relatives in Thailand this January. This being my first trip to Asia, I was understandably excited about what I might see. Unfortunately, despite January being "the high season" it's a pretty low season for herps, and I was warned to expect only frogs, turtles, and lizards...which is basically how things panned out. Still, I was excited about even common things, since they were all new to me, and of course there was a lot of history, culture, and food to absorb as well. So, here's a post on what I experienced in SE Asia this past month. Fair warning to those familiar with the region...there's nothing much unusual here. I spent a lot more time in Bangkok than I'd have ordinarily wanted to, and my trips into more rural/wild terrain were short and hampered by the season. Fun was had despite these shortcomings, though.
The hotel we stayed in was near a small park, and several others were in easy walking distance. (Except for the whole crossing the street in Bangkok part.) So, that's where I headed most mornings, and a few evenings, to see what was around. Released turtles were plentiful:
Yellow-headed Temple Turtle, Hieremys annandalii by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Malayan Snail-eating Turtle, Malayemys subtrijuga by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Southeast Asian Box Turtle, Cuora amboinensis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Chinese Soft-shelled Turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
...and, of course, there were Americans everywhere, basking in the warmth and sunlight:
Red-eared Slider, Trachemys scripta elegans by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Various lizards were also common:
These first two were easy to find, but next to impossible to photograph. Sticking them in a jar for the few seconds it took to get a photo was the best solution I could come up with:
Bowring's Supple Skink, Lygosoma bowringii by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Short-limbed Supple Skink, Lygosoma quadrupes by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Indo-chinese Forest Lizard, Calotes mystaceus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Oriental Garden Lizard, Calotes versicolor by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
One common species that I was very eager to see was the Water Monitor. They weren't hard to find, but they never got old, either. My first Monitor Lizards:
Common Water Monitor, Varanus salvator by J.J. Maughn, on Flickrr
Geckos were exceedingly common:
Flat-tailed House Gecko, Hemidactylus patyurus by J. Maughn, on Flickr
Common House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Frogs were found:
Chinese Edible Frog, Hoplobatrachus rugulosus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Ornate Narrowmouth Frog, Microhyla fissipes by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Common Indian Toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Asian Grass Frog, Fejervarya limnocharis by J. Maughn, on Flickr
I even managed the one snake that I'd been told was a good bet in Bangkok in January:
Brahminy Blind Snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
This one seemed thicker than others I saw, and I briefly fantasized that it was a different Blind Snake:
Brahminy Blind Snake, Ramphotyphlops braminus by J. Maughn, on Flickr
We did a few short trips out of the city. The first was to Ayutthaya. Not a lot of herps to be seen that day, but I did find a nice toad:
Common Indian Toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus by J. Maughn, on Flickr
The next trip was to the Angkor temple complex, in Siem Riep, Cambodia. The herp gods were a bit kinder to me there.
I found a Snail-eating Turtle basking along the Siem Riep River:
Malayan Snail-eating Turtle, Malayemys subtrijuga by J. Maughn, on Flickr
There were lots of Garden Lizards:
Oriental Garden Lizard, Calotes versicolor by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
...and Sun Skinks:
Many-lined Sun-skink, Eutropis multifasciata by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Some frogs found around a fountain at night:
Sapgreen Stream Frog, Hylarana nigrovittata by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Green Paddy Frog, Hylarana erythraea by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Another Grass Frog found during the day:
Asian Grass Frog, Fejervarya limnocharis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
I found my first Tokay Geckos around the place we were staying. I was ecstatic to see these, which I think the hotel staff found hilarious.
Tokay Geckos, Gekko gecko by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Tokay Geckos, Gekko gecko by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Tokay Gecko, Gekko gecko by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
One morning as I wandered around one of the temple pools, I spotted a flash in the grass. A tour group came by immediately after, and whatever it was was gone once they'd passed. I sat down on a nearby rock, and waited. After about twenty minutes, I saw this emerge out of the rock wall:
Golden Tree Snake, Chrysopelea ornata by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Then another tour group, and it was gone. Not an uncommon snake, perhaps, but not a Blind Snake, either.
The final side trip was a short couple of days in Khao Yai National Park. This turned out to be a little disappointing in terms of herps. It was quite chilly, esp. at night, and aside from a few Monitors, geckos, and Garden Lizards, herps were confined to these two turtles in the river:
Asian Giant Pond Turtle (Heosemys grandis) and Asian Leaf Turtle (Cyclemys dentata) by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Khao Yai didn't disappoint, though, as I'll get to later.
That was it for herps. If you only care to see herps, tune out now. I did see lots of other things, though, so here's some of that.
Bangkok:
Giant Vinegarroon, Mastigoproctus giganteus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Common Rose, Pachliopta aristolochiae by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Common Parasol, Neurothemis fluctuans by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Indian Roller, Coracias benghalensis ( Indochinese Roller, Coracias affinis) by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Olive-backed Sunbird, Cinnyris jugularis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Coppersmith Barbet, Megalaima haemacephala by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Northern Tree Shrew, Tupaia belangeri by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
This photo's kind of stupid, but I like it anyway:
Bat in Motion by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Ayutthaya:
Asian Openbill Stork, Anastomus oscitans by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Cambodia:
Grey Pansy, Junonia atlites by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Peacock Pansy, Junonia almana by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Diard's Heavy Jumping Spider, Hyllus diardi by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Alexandrine Parakeets, Psittacula eupatria by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Theobald's Tomb Bat, Taphozous theobaldi by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Lyle's Flying Fox, Pteropus lylei by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Long-tailed Macaques, Macaca fascicularis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Rhesus Macaque, Macaca mulatta by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Khao Yai:
Chinese Swimming Scorpion, Lychas mucronatus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Cave Centipede, Scutigera sp. by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Thai Bark Mantis, Gonypeta sp. (Male) by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Handmaiden Tiger Moth, Syntomine sp. by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Black-headed Bulbul, Pycnonotus atriceps by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
White-rumped Shama, Copsychus malabaricus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Dicrurus paradiseus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Vernal Hanging Parrot, Loriculus vernalis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Great Hornbill, Buceros bicornis by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Black Giant Squirrel, Ratufa bicolor by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Vesper Bat, Family Vespertilionidae by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Least Horseshoe Bat, Rhinolophus pusillus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Wrinkle-lipped Bats, Chaerephon plicata by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Northern Pig-tailed Macaque, Macaca leonina by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Finally, a small group of us were walking a riverside trail in the park, looking for the crocodile that lives along there. We didn't get to see the crocodile, but instead had this emerge from the undergrowth about fifty yards from us, across the river:
Asian Elephant, Elephas maximus by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
That was the absolute highlight of the trip. Khao Yai is famous for its population of wild Asian Elephants, and I'd hoped we'd see one. I figured if it happened, though, it would be from a vehicle. To see an animal like this on foot in the jungle is an experience I will find difficult to top.
To close this already long post, here are a few landscape and habitat shots:
Bangkok Canal by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Benjasiri Park at Night by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Ayutthaya Temple Complex by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
One is not allowed to visit Ayutthaya without taking this photo:
Ayutthaya Temple Complex by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Angkor Wat Complex by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
The Angkor Thom Complex by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Khao Yai National Park by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Khao Yai National Park by J.J. Maughn, on Flickr
Before I conclude, I have to thank Jonathan, for his advice and help, and for his fantastic website, The Reptiles and Amphibians of Bangkok.
Thanks for looking!
JimM
Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Moderator: Scott Waters
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Nice work, what a pleasure to see some Asian mammals (not caged in the Bangkok markets). I loved the photo of the flying bats, and others as well. Seeing a wild Asian elephant is indeed a privilege, thanks for sharing it. That hornbill is spectacular.
Vic
Vic
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Looks like it was a fun trip Jim. Did you try searching any trees at night? That crazy pic (blurred) of the bird (bat?,) is really cool.
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Thanks! And yes, not a tree went unchecked. Sigh.
JimM
JimM
-
- Posts: 24
- Joined: December 27th, 2012, 8:24 am
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Woah, snail-eating turtles! That's quite the treat, would you say they were common? Cool post, nice to see some birds and other non-reptile/amphibian fauna in there as well.
- Calfirecap
- Posts: 638
- Joined: June 16th, 2010, 8:09 am
- Location: Santa Cruz Co. California
- Contact:
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Great post Jim, that Cave Centipede was Bad-Ass!
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
You have no idea...that thing was longer than my hand...it will haunt my dreams.
JimM
JimM
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Nice post with plenty of variety. Seems like you had plenty of luck finding things there. I think you did pretty darn well considering you were doing things other than herping most of the time. Also, very nice assortment of birds and mammals. Seeing the elephants in the wild is always an amazing experience. Nice going on the hornbill too.
- yoloherper
- Posts: 151
- Joined: June 7th, 2010, 8:57 pm
- Location: Davis/Santa Cruz
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Great stuff Jim,
Love the tree snake shot/story and the elephant is incredible! Must have been a wild experience in the jungle to have that pop out in front of you.
-Elliot
Love the tree snake shot/story and the elephant is incredible! Must have been a wild experience in the jungle to have that pop out in front of you.
-Elliot
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Great stuffs! Love those turtles!
- Hans Breuer (twoton)
- Posts: 3230
- Joined: June 8th, 2010, 3:19 am
- Location: Kuching, Sarawak (Borneo)
- Contact:
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Nice post Jim. The scorpion is actually a Chinese Swimming Scorpion (Lychas mucronatus).
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
I don't care if they're common, Tokay Geckos are awesome. Lots of great stuff here! I particularly liked the swarm of bats.
John
John
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Thanks, everyone. Hans, I will now imagine they're singing about birds every time I hear that song. Rafiquos, Thank you! I really struggled to ID that scorpion, and suspected I was totally off. Do they actually swim? That would be something to see.
John, I couldn't agree more. The Tokays were absolutely jaw-dropping. Once I got her to come out and see them with me, even Jessica wanted to visit them every evening.
JimM
John, I couldn't agree more. The Tokays were absolutely jaw-dropping. Once I got her to come out and see them with me, even Jessica wanted to visit them every evening.
JimM
- walk-about
- Posts: 567
- Joined: June 14th, 2010, 12:04 pm
- Location: 'God's Country' aka western KY
- Contact:
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Jim - Fantastic adventure and post! Love the Ornate Narrowmouth Frog. And I must say that is one pretty 'American' RES. Crazy huh, no matter where you go...there you are...and they are too. LoL. I am curious about that big Softshell. I am guessing that is a 'chicken on the softshell' over there. From what I hear anyways, turtles are pretty popular on the menu in Thailand. Great post!
Dave
Dave
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Great post Jim! You did a great job knocking off pretty much everything you can see in Bangkok in January in a very short amount of time.
The Ornate Narrowmouth is an especially pretty example of that species. Like I told you before, it's cool that you got a Chinese Softshell when I didn't see one the whole year I was there (just one Asian Softshell). And your Tree Shrew photo is great - I'm really happy you found one. I'll probably be asking you for a few photos for my website - the Chinese Softshell and the Indo-Chinese Forest Lizard for sure, perhaps the Ornate Narrowmouth, the Snail-eating Turtle, the Golden Tree Snake, the Brahminy Blind Snake, the Bowring's Supple Skink, the Red-eared Slider, the Tokays, and the Giant Asian Pond Turtle as well. Your pics are simply better than mine!
Your birds are wonderful. Lots of species that I've never seen myself.
Of course, the Elephant is a fantastic highlight. I'm still yet to see a wild elephant anywhere in Asia.
How do you manage all those bird, bat, and invert IDs? I don't have a clue when I'm dealing with them.
The Ornate Narrowmouth is an especially pretty example of that species. Like I told you before, it's cool that you got a Chinese Softshell when I didn't see one the whole year I was there (just one Asian Softshell). And your Tree Shrew photo is great - I'm really happy you found one. I'll probably be asking you for a few photos for my website - the Chinese Softshell and the Indo-Chinese Forest Lizard for sure, perhaps the Ornate Narrowmouth, the Snail-eating Turtle, the Golden Tree Snake, the Brahminy Blind Snake, the Bowring's Supple Skink, the Red-eared Slider, the Tokays, and the Giant Asian Pond Turtle as well. Your pics are simply better than mine!
Your birds are wonderful. Lots of species that I've never seen myself.
Of course, the Elephant is a fantastic highlight. I'm still yet to see a wild elephant anywhere in Asia.
How do you manage all those bird, bat, and invert IDs? I don't have a clue when I'm dealing with them.
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Nice post, good read
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Awesome trip report!
Did you hear the Tokays making any noise?
Did you hear the Tokays making any noise?
Re: Thailand/Cambodia January 2015
Very cool post. All those turtles are awesome! I would call that a pretty successful trip!