Night walk in a Tropical Forest

The Bushmaster, Lacheis muta is the largest New World Pitviper.

Walking in tropical forests after dark is an exhilarating experience. The habitat is peaceful, but surprising discoveries are everywhere. Depending on location and time of year, you may get wet or at least wet feet. But I have found that a late afternoon rainstorm that ceases before dark will result in more frogs moving after dark. It’s best to go in a small group with friends so that in an emergency, you will have some help on the trip back. I have been on some trips where large groups, including people having loud conversations. This resulted in annoying distractions.  In those situations, it’s better to walk behind the talkers and find what they missed. The most significant dangers are falling, getting lost, and snake bites. The photos below were taken over five evening hikes in Amazonian Ecuador. While I am focused on amphibians and reptiles, the number of interesting invertebrates is always there in case the vertebrates decide to stay home.