TIMOR-LESTE REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN SURVEY
PILGRIMAGE TO PEARL

The house and property were completely surrounded by a ring of tall trees and beyond this perimeter the grassy slopes rose steadily to the volcanic slopes of Mauna Kea .

Tall trees formed a perimeter around the property, Mauna Kea in the distance	A close up view of the volcano Mauna Kea

The house itself was surprisingly comfortable, despite the frequent loss of power when the generator was not running. A constant supply of logs provided by Daniel, who visited every day, kept the fire blazing for much of the time.

The fireplace	The lounge where we worked

The lack of distractions and the isolation probably helped us focus on the job in hand, discussing each and every one of the 304 recognised New Guinea snakes and lizards.

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