Before we start, for those of you not au fait with the term “herping” here’s Wiki’s definition, which is pretty much spot on:
“Herping is the act of searching for amphibians or reptiles.The term, often used by professional and amateur herpetologists, comes from the word “herp”, which comes from the same Greek root as herpetology, herpet-, meaning “creeping”. The term herp is a shorthand used to refer to the two classes of ectothermic tetrapods (i.e., amphibians and reptiles).“
So, with that out the way… here goes. Ahem. Herping in the Soutpansberg….
We were privileged enough to spend the last few days of holiday at the Lajuma Research Centre in the Soutpansberg Mountain Range.
The “little” brother, Luke and I spent a couple of days (but not nearly enough) being shown the superb beauty and rich biodiversity of the area by Melissa and Ryan from the Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation. Both Melissa and Ryan have a huge interest in herpetology and vast knowledge of all things reptile and amphibian related (plus a whole lot more). We couldn’t have asked for better or more avid guides.
The Soutpansberg Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation is a research and conservation organisation, who work on various projects which helps to generate information on the biodiversity of species within the Soutpansberg area in Limpopo. The SCBC is based at, and works in partnership with the Lajuma Research Centre, an institution which offers the opportunity for students and volunteers (from South Africa and around the world) to conduct fieldwork in some of the most awesome habitat around.
We spent the days (and quite a lot of the night too) actively searching for reptiles, but sadly the conditions were not ideal and the herping was hard work. It’s been way too hot and dry of recent and the reptiles were not very active. Although we didn’t find the main species we were after (which gives us a very valid excuse for returning), we did manage to find a whole bunch of other cool stuff.
Melissa, Ryan, Luke and Gary searching the bushes for something elusive.
Playing the waiting game with Lizards.
There’s not much stops an avid herper… here’s a pic of Luke proving that (and being slightly over ambitious)
Although the snake sightings were very slim, we did get to add some other reptiles (geckos and lizards) to our list.
The list for the trip actually started just before we reached Lajuma, with us moving a couple of Flap-Necked Chameleons (Chamaeleo dilepis) off the tar road. During one of our night walks, we found a whole bunch of tiny babies sleeping on grass stalks. They are seriously cute little critters.
Luke, the umlungu and his new friend.
This little midget has to be my favorite finds from the whole trip, they have so much attitude…. meet a juvenile Van Son’s Gecko.
Juvenile Van Son’s Gecko (Pachydactylus vansoni)
This little guy was actually much smaller than he looks in the above pic – here’s a size reference shot.
Tiny little Van Son’s Gecko
Another really cool species for us to see what this Pienaars Rock Gecko (Afroedura pienaari) – a species neither Luke or I had seen before.
Pienaar’s rock gecko (Afroedura pienaari)
A few pics of the other cool finds:
Besides all the reptiles, we found some other interesting things, two of the favorites were; this Giant Katydid – a scary looking creature that was handled with care.
Giant Katydid
And this super cool, and calm rock scorpion.
Rock Scorpion (Hadogenes sp)
As much as I love seeing and photographing the critters, it was the vast beauty of the surrounding scenery that got to me. Rightly so…
Melissa on a mission, with Mount Lajuma in the background. (Melissa was climbing to the top of Mount Lajuma in the early morning dark, on a daily basis, to keep tabs the gecko activity for her Masters)
Blue Skies, rocks, aloes. Who could ask for more?
Spot the herpers…
Luke and Ryan still flipping rocks, “because, you never know what may be under the next one”
Breakfast view
To be out in the sun, under blue skies, with a bunch of enthusiastic and interesting people… it doesn’t get much better than that. Big thanks to Melissa and Ryan, for their hospitality, enthusiasm, guiding and friendship.
(And the reminders to just “drink more water man” when we got dispirited in our searches for elusive beasts)
Wilderness Camp, Lajuma