Snow Leopard and Lynx in Ladakh

Rich Lindie and Hayley Wood are in India and just saw a Snow Leopard and a Lynx. Well Rich did…. A report is here

http://richandhayley.multiply.com/journal/item/129/SNOW_LEOPARD

Sticky Snack for Elephant-Shrews

ScienceDaily (Nov. 16, 2010) — Long-nosed Cape rock elephant-shrews are fond of sticky treats, according to Dr. Petra Wester from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. Her investigations show for the first time that the elephant-shrew, Elephantulus edwardii, licks the nectar of the flowers and pollinates the Pagoda lily.

The Tiger by John Vaillant

I read a lot of natural history books. There aren’t many as good as this one. John Vaillant’s The Tiger is the story of poachers and a “vengeful” tiger in the Russian Far East. It’s a page turner but also a great exploration of the complicated conservation issues there. And if you can read this without wanting to head off to the Russian Far East to look around, you are probably on the wrong blog.

If you’re looking for something to read over the holiday season, I can’t think of a better choice. Highly recommended for all mammal watchers, naturalists and nature travelers.

My longer review is here.

Thylacine video ?????

Would anyone like to say what they think this might be? I’d love to believe it was a Tassie Tiger but I can’t. Though I find it hard to turn the animal into a fox, dingo or dog.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/tasmanian-tiger.html

Thanks to Jean-Michel Bompar for sending me the link

Jon

Red Pandas in China

Definitely a top ten mammal to see for me, and here is a report on a successful trip for them

http://www.surfbirds.com/blog/sichuanbirds/17691

New Trip Report – the Isle of Man (UK)

Mark Hows sent me a new report at http://www.hows.org.uk/inter/birds/2010trip/ork/manx.htm

He saw 7 species of mammals in a long weekend including Red-necked Wallabies and a Polecat/Ferret.

Jon

New Myotis Sp. Found in Ecuador

Scientists have discovered a tiny new species of bat in the western slopes of the Andes in northwestern Ecuador.

jon

http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_9185000/9185699.stm

Snow Leopard Trip – Kyrgyzstan, Dec 2010

I was in Kyrgyzstan a year ago. A lot of fun and we came close to a Snow Leopard. But not close enough. Mic Andersen michaelwandersen@hotmail.com is running a trip again this so I thought I would post the details. Unfortunately I cannot go this time. Maybe next year. If you want more information then contact him direct.
Jon

MESSAGE FROM MIC ANDERSEN

Though it’s still fairly warm and sunny in Bishkek the winter already prevail in the mountains. The slopes are covered with fresh snow, and the temperature already reached minus degrees weeks ago. However it’s also the beginning of our Snow Leopard season. No matter how we turn and bend our search of Snow Leopard the winter and early spring is the top-season. This year is no exception… As always we are updated with information about presence of Snow Leopard, and we have good news. Last winter we were told about a shepherd who fed an adult Snow Leopard in Eastern Kyrgyzstan, but we couldn’t get it confirmed and in addition it sounded quite odd. And time & experience have taught us NOT to believe too much in such stories. On the other hand we were told about it from one of our old friends who have roamed the mountains most of his life – and we know that his stories are not fake. I have used his knowledge and contacts for many years. So we knew there was something about his story about the shepherd. During 2010 we have researched this story and of course the possibility and fairness to bring our guests to the place. Medio December we go! The story about the feeding of SL is not confirmed but its presence in the area is confirmed. We even have to do with a very stabile and stationary Snow Leopard. It’s observed by our contact three times per month. This give us an idea about it’s an SL male who posses territory in the valley, and regularly returns to the same spots. It stays on the places several days – and our contact has during 2010 seen it regularly. Our experience tells us, that such territorial male is one of the most reliable animals to find and watch hence we of course go…

Medio we make an investigation of this Snow leopard – we is Pasha our old geologist who knows the area and the people there, my long-time SL friend & guide Nicolai, Misha (my friend and business partner here) and myself. BUT we also have some extra seats available for those who would like to join us! So far one Danish guy Rasmus join us and we have 2 seats more available. In addition we make a good and fair price for those interested to join. As its new territory we can’t charge full price for such an expedition. It’s not because it’s less likely that we find the SL, but it’s understandable that there can be circumstances that maybe force us to re-route or accommodate alternatively.The price include all transport in Kyrgyzstan, all accommodation, all food, all permits and the company of the best team of Snow leopard freaks on this Earth J We accommodate indoors (at least that what we go for).

If you are interested DON’T hesitate to contact me. I’ll help with booking of flight tickets. Visa is made upon arrival in Bishkek airport – hence NO problem. It’s actually very easy to come here and go along… We meet and go around 12.th December and return latest 22.th December – so you are home at Christmas, and with right wind & luck with the best Christmas present you ever dreamed about.

In my honest opinion, this is a very good and favourable option for those who want to watch the mythical Snow Leopard.
PS/Please foreward to a friend…

PPS/ It’s possible to buy Christmas presents here in Bishkek J

Tour Price pr. person (in shared double-room) 2 pax: 1.560 EURO pr. Person, 3 pax: 1.380 EURO pr. Person. The amount should be paid in EURO or USD upon arrival in Bishkek

Price include: Guiding by Miksture/Michael Westerbjerg Andersen and his team ● Local (English-speaking) interpreter ● Transportation in Kyrgyzstan ● All accommodation in Kyrgyzstan – guesthouses, huts and tents ● All food in Kyrgyzstan ● Necessary permits for Restricted Area sites and other paperwork ● Services of tour leader, porters and driver ● Administration from Miksture ● Local entrees and fees according day-to-day program

Price does NOT include: International flights and other transportation not mentioned in the program ● Alcoholic beverage at meals in restaurants and cafes ● Arrangements not mentioned in the program ● Tips to drivers and interpreter ● Travel insurance – mandatory! ● Evt. other insurances ● Money for own expenses – actually very little needed ● Visa to Kyrgyzstan ● Anything strictly personal (e.g. laundry, phone calls, any excess luggage charges, snacks).

Single room & tent: We don’t charge for single-tent. Please note that, single room accommodation may not be available at some places, but this will be explained and agreed prior departure.

It’s possible to rent sleeping bags and karimats. Pls contact Miksture for further info.

If you require any further information please contact us – any question is welcome!

Miksture v. Michael Westerbjerg Andersen

Phone/SMS: 996555036635 (use country code for Kyrgyzstan)

Panama Canopy Tower mammal tour

Trip report of a new mammal focused tour based in the Canopy Tower (I wasn’t a participant and had nothing to do with it). 29 species, much better than I thought would have been possible.

http://www.canopytower.com/Our-innaugural-mammal-tour

Just me, or it seems like an increasing number of companies are offering mammal focused tours?

Fearless Ibex

I have had this email a couple of times but I just got a link to it on the web. Worth a quick look

http://www.ruralramblings.com/alpine-ibex-on-cingino-dam

Jon