Wataru HiIMENO– Author –

Wataru HIMENO, born on August 8, 1995.
From a young age, I was passionate about insect collecting, with a particular fascination for the impressive Japanese glass lizard, which sparked my love for reptiles and amphibians. After graduating from university, he volunteered in Ecuador, where he encountered the term "herping." Upon returning to Japan, I worked at a travel agency, promoting herping and started a blog called WildHerping. After leaving the travel agency, he founded WildHerping & Co. to promote environmental conservation and has since been dedicated to the protection of nature and wildlife.
-
Searching for the World’s Largest Gila Monster | Guatemala Herping
The world is home to two species of rare, venomous lizards known as Gila Monsters. On this adventure, I traveled to Guatemala to search for the largest of them all: the Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum). This rare reptile is not... -
Searching for Wild Axolotls | Mexico Herping
The very first thing I bought with the money I received as a middle school entrance gift was an axolotl (Common name: Mexican salamander, scientific name: Ambystoma mexicanum). Ever since then, I’ve been captivated by the idea of en... -
Mexican Herping: An amazing Encounter with the Mexican Plateau Horned Lizard
During my herping adventure in Mexico, I encountered the Mexican Plateau Horned Lizard (scientific name: Phrynosoma orbiculare). This fascinating lizard combines the charm of a Chihuahua with the rugged toughness of its spiky horns.... -
Searching for Wild Abronia|Herping Mexico
This time, I traveled to Mexico in search of the wild Abronia braminea. Personally, I believe it’s the most beautiful lizard in the world with its stunning scales. During my trip, I discovered some unexpected aspects of their behavior an... -
Observation and Photography Tips for the Andean Cock-of-the-rock
The Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) is an iconic bird of the South American Andes, renowned for its vibrant red plumage and unique courtship displays. During the breeding season, males gather in groups for a behavior known ... -
What is Ecotourism? Protecting Wildlife
What exactly does ecotourism refer to? And how does it protect nature and support local livelihoods? Herping also part of Ecotourism What is Ecotourism? Ecotourism refers to the activity of traveling to a destination in a way that preser... -
2025 Tailer-made Okinawa herping expeditions
Japanese mossy frog-Odorrana ishikawae (Blue morph) Okinawa Herping Expedition: Discover the Untamed Wild Okinawa is not just a tropical paradise of blue waters and sandy beaches—it’s a biodiversity hotspot, home to ecosystems and specie... -
Black-Shanked Douc Langur: Discovering Vietnam’s Wildlife Treasure
Black-Shanked Douc Langur (scientific name: Pygathrix nigripes) Exploring the dense jungles of Vietnam, we set out on a mission to encounter the mesmerizing Black-Shanked Douc Langur (scientific name: Pygathrix nigripes). With its s... -
Herping in Vietnam: Discovering the Red-necked Keelback and More
Red-necked keelback (scientific name: Rhabdophis subminiatus). When herping in Vietnam, there’s an exciting array of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Among these is the stunning and unique Red-necked keelback (scientific name: Rha... -
How to Find the Blue Ishikawa Frog: A Rare Herping Experience in Okinawa
The blue Okinawa Ishikawa frog (Odorrana ishikawae) The Okinawa Ishikawa frog (Odorrana ishikawae), also known as Ishikawa’s frog, is widely considered Japan’s most beautiful frog species. It’s a highly sought-after speci...