We have uncovered images from Facebook pages selling wildlife in Laos. Using some detective work (but mostly google translate) we have been able to find images of giant flying squirrels. Some of these squirrels appear to be the little known Laos giant flying squirrel ( Biswamoyopterus laoensis). The Laos giant flying squirrel is known only from its holotype, a skin discovered in a market by scientists in 2012. Some of the images we have uncovered, most of which don't really match anything but laoensis. The other options are: 1. White spotted giant flying squirrel 2 Indian giant flying squirrel Here an incredibly large individual is displayed by a woman. It matches 99% with the Laoensis holotype. More individuals, some whose ID are more inconclusive: The photos continue: We discovered these images and are currently talking to the traffickers for more details. We are waiting for official expert confirmation on the ID of the species.
We have come up with a fantastic way of searching for extinct species without even leaving the country. Hiring or convincing guides from tour websites in the native species' countries and having them go look for signs of the animal themselves. We have put this into effect with several species already and intend to do it with more. Here is our list of "most wanted" lost species. Often times will will have the guide look where no one has before, in an unexpected habitat or unexplored locality. 1. Cuban Ivory-Billed Woodpecker There are several areas of Cuba where this bird hasn't been search for. Most searches have focused on far East Cuba, we intend on searching other areas. 2. Cape Verde Giant Skink Most searches have focused on the islands of Branco and Raso. We will hire a guide to look on other islands, asking locals if they have ever seen such a large lizard. 3. Yunnan Lake newt All searches have been conducted in Kunming lake. We intend to hire someone to ask ...
I paid for a guide to survey the Kimboza forest in Tanzania, the biggest known habitat of the electric blue day gecko. Kimboza is just a few square miles in size and is bisected by a road. While the guide reported several male and three female geckos seen, it is still troubling that they have such a small range. The guide reported that people come into Kimboza at night and log trees, destroying habitat. Imagine what 20 more years of this might do. A female Lygodactylus Williamsi that crawled onto the guide by mistake! The road that splits part of the forest. It is for this reason I also had him survey a forest North of the town of Mikese to try to find another population. However, none were found there. Yellow headed day geckos, another Lygodactylus species were found there instead. I'm having the guide return to Kimboza to take more photographs this week. He will also survey a forest not far from Kimboza close to Kungwe. If a second large population can be found it wi...
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