For hardcore biologists this species will need little introduction, but I'm sure many will probably think I have just taken some pictures of sentient candle wax. The olm is, in fact, an aquatic, blind, neotenic cave salamander. It is endemic to the karstic limestone cave systems of the Dinaric Alps which run from the tip … Continue reading Olm (Proteus anguinus)
During my short trip to Canada in the summer of 2017, I went off canoe camping for a few days in Algonquin provincial park. Canoe camping is supposedly one of the most Canadian activities you can do, I imagine slotting in somewhere between drinking maple syrup and playing ice hockey... I'd been paddling a lot … Continue reading American Bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus)
Mindo is a brilliant little town nestled in the cloud forest of northwest Ecuador. It’s a popular tourist location due to the incredible diversity of wildlife, impressive waterfalls and other activities on offer, all within a short bus ride of Quito. The ride feels that bit longer, though, when you’re poisoned by a dodgy almuerzo … Continue reading Emerald glass frog (Espadarana prosoblepon)
With the possible exception of the ubiquitous rocket frog (Allobates insperatus) by far the most common thing I find on the trails in Ecuador is this species. Despite their abundance, they are a species I rarely get tired of seeing because each individual you come across is unique. Some can be really well camouflaged, looking … Continue reading Crested forest toad (Rhinella margaritifera)
I’ve come across some pretty wacky stuff before, but nothing even comes close to one of these alien amphibians. Give a child some clay and tell them to make the weirdest frog they can imagine, then take their creation and drive over it with your car. Just like that, you’ll have an anatomically correct Suriname … Continue reading Suriname Toad (Pipa pipa)
I knew that North America is the salamander capital of the world, but nothing could prepare me for quite how true that is. Over a week in Ontario, Canada, I spent a few days in a suburb of Hamilton and canoe camping in Algonquin provincial park and must have encountered more than 30 salamanders. You … Continue reading Red-backed salamander (Plethodon cinereus)
Despite this being the Tales of Scales, I’m going to allow the amphibians to join the party and feature alongside the reptiles. I’m hoping that through this act of kindness I will be blessed by the amphibious gods with easy identification of novel species when I’m back in Ecuador. This will be welcomed as thumbing … Continue reading White-lined monkey frog (Phyllomedusa vaillantii)
Tales of Scales 