This eastern part of the Sinharaja supposed to have a huge concentration of reptiles and amphibians. It is a bit higher (1100 m) then the western side and also less disturbed. In this part there are still wild elephants, but all we saw was some fresh dung.
Unidentified frog species.
Morningside
One of the targets here were again the various species of agamid lizards. Unfortunately during our three day stay we had pouring rain, not the ideal weather for reptiles. Frogs and toads however were less of a problem.
One of the targets here were again the various species of agamid lizards. Unfortunately during our three day stay we had pouring rain, not the ideal weather for reptiles. Frogs and toads however were less of a problem.
Observing a tiny frog, probably a new species.
We believe we even found a total new species of frog, a very tiny species of under 8 mm! It lives in gravel beds in small forest streams. Exceptionally well camouflaged as the frogs are the same size as some of the gravel pieces and have the same colour. We could only locate them when they jumped and spotted them landing.
Tiny new frog species, probably the smallest species yet!
Below an overview of some other species found in this part of Sinharaja. We did not yet determine them, but it give you an idea of the variety.
A unidentified microhylid, possibly undescribed.
A fairly common frog along the small streams in the forest.
Otocryptis wiegmanni was only agamid we found
On our way back out of the Sinharaja forest
From here we leave for Hortons Plains to the north. More tomorrow!
Sent from Sri Lanka (Images from Benny Trap and Emmanuel Van Heygen)
