Wataru HIMENO– Author –
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Wildlife Survey in the Tokara Islands – Takara-jima
We conducted a herping survey on Takara-jima, reached after approximately 13 hours by boat from Kagoshima Port. Our primary targets were the Tokara pit viper (Protobothrops tokarensis) and the Takara gecko (Gekko takaraensis), both endem... -
How to Find the World’s Largest Wild Snake – Reticulated Python
This time, I observed Reticulated pythons (Malayopython reticulatus) on Bali and Flores Islands in Indonesia. Members of the python family, including this species, can grow to very large sizes. Large individuals feed on big prey only onc... -
Comprehensive Guide to Japanese cave gecko Species: Habitats and Characteristics
Currently, there are seven species of Goniurosaurus (Japanese ground geckos or Japanese cave geckos ) living in Japan. Here, I would like to introduce my favorite creatures among them. ① Kuroiwa’s Ground Gecko (Goniurosaurus kuroiwa... -
West Papua Birdwatching Report ②: Arfak Mountains Edition
Continuing from the previous reports, we now share our observations from the Arfak Mountains, located about a 3-hour drive from Manokwari. The Arfak Mountains, with an elevation of over 2,000 meters, offer a cool climate unlike most part... -
West Papua Birdwatching Report ①: Jayapura
We went birdwatching in West Papua, Indonesia. Overall, this year West Papua also experienced unusual weather conditions that have been common in recent years. Even in July, when it usually rains less, there was frequent rainfall, and bi... -
Herping Across Iran: Reptiles and Amphibians from Desert to Forest
This report highlights the reptile and amphibian species observed during a two-week herping expedition across Iran. Covering nearly 7,000 kilometers and driving up to 10 hours a day through diverse landscapes—from arid deserts to humid f... -
Wild Mammals Observed During a Herpetological expedition in Iran
During a recent herpetological expedition in Iran, we had the opportunity to encounter a variety of wild mammal species in diverse habitats, particularly in mountainous and desert regions. Below is a record of the notable species observe... -
Searching for Wild Leopard Geckos
This time, I set out to find one of the most beloved reptiles among enthusiasts around the world: the "Leopard Gecko"—more specifically, the Eastern leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius). I went to one of its native habitats, Iran, to o... -
The Most Feared Creature in the Amazon: The Common Lancehead
Stretching across South America, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. It is a treasure trove of biodiversity, home to over 40,000 plant species, more than 3,000 fish species, 427 mammal species, 1,294 bi... -
How to Find the Japanese Giant Salamander — the World’s Largest Amphibian
Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus) While walking along a mountain stream at night, I encountered what looked like a living boulder—it was a Japanese giant salamander, one of the largest amphibians in the world. Reaching length...
