Draped over a stream-side rock just off the trail was an impressive Jararacussa Lancehead (Bothrops jararacussa). These highly venomous snakes are members of the pit viper subfamily, so called because of a highly tuned heat-sensing pit organ located between eye and nostril; effectively a sixth sense. Around 1.5 metres long it preys on frogs and small rodents. Human fatalities have been recorded and a ranger told us he lost a donkey due to this snake’s bite. Our snake appeared lethargic on this relatively cool and cloudy day and we felt safe observing from the bank.
Yesterday’s sighting was more colourful and less dangerous. At 2.5 metre long, the non-venomous Tiger Ratsnake (Spilotes pullates) is unsurprisingly black and yellow and preys on rats! The belly was a striking ‘piano key pattern’, clearly visible as it slithered off the trail and up a tree.
Snake sightings are apparently quite rare; a herpetologist (snake expert) saw just one during his three week visit. We’ve seen two in two days thanks to Fi’s keen eye.
On the trail of tanagers 