Expedition to the Elephant Mountain.

Introduction
First of all I would like to apologize to each one of you for taking such a long time to come up with the report. “The Tale of True Herpers”, if thats what we like to call the article as , then let me confirm you that it will take some more time, considering my busy schedule these days. The following checklist contains the names of species that we have encountered during the 18 field days in different districts across Tamil Nadu state. Fortunately we found a very rich diversity of wildlife throughout, giving us a proof of the great conservation effort that has been undertaken by the state government and conservationists alike. Although it’s a good news for all creatures that come under the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, but lesser creatures like tarantulas and scorpions are still threatened by habitat loss and rampant collection for pet trade. During our field work we found several colonies, which are still strongholds for those species, but for security reasons the locations will be kept confidential. I wish in future days all these creatures will be protected under WPA, as they play a very critical ecological role.

The Expedition

Names of expedition participants

From West Bengal:
Chirag J. Roy (Naturalist, Photographer)
Vishal Santra (Herpetologist)
Prosanta (Herpetologist)

From Tamil Nadu:
Melvin Selvan (Herpetologist)
Gnana Selvan (Naturalist)
Ashok Kumar (Herpetologist)

Locations around the state visited during the expedition.

Chennai
Tanjore
Tiruchirapalli
Palani Hills
Anaimalai Tiger Reserve
Kalakad Mudanthurai Tiger Reserve

Expidition Result: Findings during the field days

Amphibians
Duttaphrynus melanostictus
Duttaphrynus beddomii
Philautus sp. 1
Philautus sp. 2
Mycrohyla sp.
Icthyophis sp.


Crocodylidae
Crocodylus palustris

Gekkonidae
Cnemaspis sp.
Hemidactylus annamallensis
Hemidactylus brookii
Hemidactylus frenatus
Hemidactylus leschenaultii
Hemidactylus maculates
Hemidactylus triedrus

Lecertidae
Ophisops leschenaultii

Scincidae
Eutropis macularia
Eutropis carinata
Scincella palnica

Varanidae
Varanus bengalensis

Chamaeleonidae
Chamaeleo zeylanicus



Pythonidae
Python molurus molurus

Boidae
Eryx conicus
Eryx johnii

Uropeltidae
Uropeltis ellioti
Platyplectrurus madurensis

Colubridae
Ahaetulla nasuta
Amphiesma stolatum
Argyrogena fasciolatus
Atretium schistosum
Boiga trigonata
Chrysopelea ornate
Dendrelaphis tristis
Oligodon arnensis
Oligodon taeniolatus
Ptyas mucosa
Xenochrophis picicator
Lycodon aulicus
Lycodon osmanhilli

Elapidae
Ophiophagus sp.
Naja naja
Bungarus caeruleus

Viperidae
Daboia Russelii
Echis carinatus
Trimerusurus macrolepis
Trimerusurus malabaricus

Bataguridae
Melanochelys trijuga

Trionychidae
Lissemys punctata

Tarantulas: Family Theraphosidae
Poicelotheria regalis
Poicelotheria rufilata
Poicelotheria sp. 1
Unidentified sp. 2

Scorpionia (the scientific names are not taxonomically updated)
Mesobuthus sp1
Lychas sp
Mesobuthos tamulus tamilus
Lychas sp 2

Acknowlegement
First of all we would like to thank Melvin Selvan and his family , for being such a kind host, without their help and field knowledge the expedition could never materialize. Special thanks to Uncle (Gnana Selvan) for being with us to all the location in-spite of his busy schedule. Also I must thank the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu for permitting us explore some of the remotest locations in the state, providing us with accommodation where ever possible and letting us photograph animals that were being rescued across the state. Also many thanks to Ashok, Vishal and Prosanto for helping me compile this checklist.