Victor Valley College Tropical Research Initiative
Herpetofauna of Timor-Leste
Phase IV

Suai to Maubisse, Ainaro District

Map showing route from Suai to Maubisse, Ainaro District

Our original plan had been to take the same road back to Same and then continue north to Maubisse but we realised heavy rain might have swelled some of the rivers we had forded and make them more difficult to cross for heavily-laden Troopies. We tackled one river crossing with ease, although water came up over the bull-bar and washed across the hood. Knowing there were deeper crossings ahead we decided to try the Ainaro route to Maubisse. This road was reportedly in poor condition but we discovered it was actually excellent road and we had chosen well, only requiring High-4 occasionally and never Low-4.

Mountain habitat on the Ainaro road

Click on images to enlarge

We managed the entire 105 km drive in only 3.5 hours with stops for refreshments and photography, and the inevitable road-kills, all Macklot's water pythons (Liasis mackloti), all photographed, recorded on GPS, and if fresh enough collected, or at least sampled for DNA.

Yet another road-killed Macklot's water python Liasis mackloti	We stopped for snacks at a shop in Ainaro

Yet another heroic statue of a champion, this one in Ainaro, and this one also wearing camouflage

A gorge on the road out of Ainaro

Maubisse in the valley surrounded by hills and mountains

Admiring the view (l-r) Robert, Kyle, Paul, with Hinrich further down the slope