Women Herp Tour
15th-16th June 2024 | KCRE, Agumbe
Introducing an exclusive event for young girls and women!
Calling all women reptile enthusiasts! It's time to break the stereotype and showcase the love that girls and women have for these fascinating creatures.
We invite you to join us for an extraordinary all-women herp event designed by and for women at Agumbe.
Event highlights:
Rainforest Exploration: The monsoons awaken life in these forests. Join our naturalists on nature trails to immerse yourself in the beauty of this stunning habitat.
Guided Herping Sessions: Experience the thrill of spotting elusive snakes, vibrant frogs, and a myriad of other captivating creatures that emerge from under the cover of darkness. Our expert herpetologists will lead you through these exhilarating night trails.
Educational Sessions: Delve into the world of reptiles through engaging sessions. Join our in-house woman herpetologist on a captivating night trail as she unveils the secret life of the Malaba Pit Viper. Discover unique ecological adaptations, intriguing behavioural patterns, and ongoing research initiatives that enhance our understanding of these magnificent creatures.
Photography and Documentation: Enhance your photography skills as you capture breathtaking images of endemic reptiles and amphibians against the mesmerizing backdrop of Agumbe’s rainforest.
Rainforest Conservation: Gain profound insights into the significance of rainforest conservation and the crucial role reptiles and amphibians play in maintaining the delicate balance of this ecosystem.
Give Back: Learn practical ways to contribute to the preservation of Agumbe’s rich biodiversity.
Herp tour team
Priyanka Swamy
PhD Student
University of Mysore
Program Manager, Kalinga Foundation
Priyanka has diverse experience across ecological field and laboratory work. As part of the Phylogeography of king cobras project, she has travelled to king cobra habitats across the world and has experience with phylogenetic and population genetics tools to understand evolutionary and biogeography patterns and assist conservation prioritisation. She has also addressed questions related to diversity pattern, population structure and drivers of diversification of the Ranids of the Western Ghats and other herpetofauna.
An excellent environment educator, she has co-conducted a wide range of outreach programs for diverse audiences from school and college students, to forest officials, researchers, and enthusiasts.
She is now pursuing her PhD project on Malabar pit vipers marking the beginning of a long-awaited study.
Chinmayi
Naturalist
Wayanad
As a homeschooler, I embrace the freedom to learn through firsthand experiences and stories. At present, I’m living the best life working as a naturalist in Wayanad.
Despite having grown up immersed in a world full of fascinating beings, my love for reptiles is ever-growing. I’ve learnt almost everything i know about herps, right here, in this very field station.
Furthermore, as a diver, encountering turtles and sea snakes, has only fueled my fascination for them further.
By honing my skills, I’m eager to share my learnings and experiences, inspiring others with the wonders of the natural world.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to herp enthusiasts above 15 years.
DETAILS
Dates: 15 – 16th June 2024
Time : 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Maximum participants: 15
VENUE
Kālinga Centre for Rainforest Ecology
Kālinga Mane
Guddekeri, Agumbe Hobli
Thirthahalli Taluk, Shivamogga-577411
FEE
Cottage: Rs. 8,750/-
Includes: Shared accommodation, all meals, workshop kit, and stationery.
Excludes Travel to Guddekeri, and personal expenses.