Victor Valley College Tropical Research Initiative
Herpetofauna of Timor-Leste
Phase IV
Dili to Fatucahi, Manufahi District
Map showing route from Dili to Fatucahi, Manufahi District
Since we were unable to take a vehicle over to Ataúro Island we decided to concentrate on the south coast instead, visiting Nancuro, an area which may soon become a biological reserve, Same, a town we visited in 2009 but were unable to reach in 2010 due to heavy rain making one river unfordable, and Suai in Covalima District, the only district of Timor-Leste that the project had not yet visited.
We started by driving east along the north coast as far as Manatuto through arid coastal habitats, on a fairly good road with occasional potholes.
Arid north coast panorama, near Manatuto, Manatuto District.
Click on image to enlarge.
Reaching Manatuto, we turned south to cross the central montane backbone of Timor in the direction of the south coast, turning west at Umaboco, passing through Natarbora and crossing into Manufahi District shortly before we hit the south coast.
Water buffalo on the arid north coast.
Water buffalo in a north coast wallow.
But crossing the mountains its not the water buffalo that get to play in the mud,
Mark left, Hinrich right.
Montane panorama, in the centre of island, Manatuto District
From Natarbora it was only a short drive east through the villages of Clacuc and Welaluhu to Fatucahi.
Although the entire journey was only 157 kms it took 7.5 hours due to the poor condition of the roads, especially those on the south side of the mountains in Manatuto District. Our journey was also slowed by occasional stops for panoramic photography and slowed by encounters with funeral corteges.
Eventually we reached the Franciscan Convent of St Antonio d'Lisboa which was to be our base for three nights. Father Cornelius and his students and staff made us very welcome.
Location of Fatucahi and Nancuro proposed reserve
The Convent of St Antonio d'Lisboa.
Joanna Flores with a small Reticulated python Python reticulatus
The team with the students from the Convent
of St Antonio d'Lisboa
