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

Fatucahi to Same, Manufahi District

Map showing route from Fatucahi to Same, Manufahi District

The drive to Same, a town we had visited during Phase I in 2009, was a relatively short journey of 59 kms, west along the coastal road, then north back up into the lower mountains. With several stops, for a group photo on the beach and to examine a captive Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) in an oil drum enroute, it took up just under three hours through some extremely attractive coastal and montane habitats, not least the coastal inlets that seemed classic crocodile locations. Had we been here at night a torch shone across the surface must surely have illuminated red eyes!

A classic crocodile location at Betano - crocodiles lurk in many Timorese river mouths.

Most of the road to Same was fairly good but there were a few spots where it was in serious need of repair, or a bridge, or something! The location below was on the main road along the coast. The road just stopped without warning, with a 2.0 m drop into a creek. Locals would know of the danger but a stranger at night, driving quickly on the relatively good surface, could be in for an unpleasant and very sudden surprise. Scott erected a warning out of palm fronds, other members of the team put fronds across the road further back to act as warnings, and Laca caught a Four-fingered skink (Carlia sp.)

Where did the road go ?	Public-service orientated Scott
Four-fingered skink Carlia sp.
Click on images to enlarge

As the twisting and turning road climbed into the mountains and approached Same there were stretches of where the road deteriorated to little more than a steep track through a quarry, all the more reason to drive 4x4 vehicles.

Down into the quarry	Up and over !
Click on images to enlarge

In Same we were able to get rooms in the Ailelehun Guest House, the same place where we had based ourselves in 2009.

Our two Troopies outside the Ailelehun Guest House