After several months of very little field work I am very excited about my trip to Lesvos this week! Unfortunately it seems that the Autumn rains have not yet arrived which means my task of finding the elusive Eastern Spadefoot toad (Pelobates syriacus) will be made even more difficult. Furthermore the lack of rain will make finding all other reptiles and amphibians generally harder, however I am hopeful that at some point this week rain will appear.

The area in which I am based is surrounded with rivers and marshes, which are the best searching grounds if the hot, dry summer has not yet completely come to an end. I am also hopeful I will still be able to catch up with Dwarf snakes (Eirenis modestus) and maybe even the Sand boa (Eryx jaculus)

You can read and see photographs from previous trips to Lesvos by my colleagues at the following links:

http://www.klooiplek.com/default.aspx?pid=41&sitelang=dutch

http://www.freanonherping.be/lesbosreis.htm

Wish me luck,

Matt