Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I've only been in Iraq 2 months now, but so far I've seen 4 different kinds of lizards. I've only been able to get a picture of one so far. It is really hard chasing a skink through concertina wire.

So far I've seen: Gymnodactylus scaber (pictured), Acanthodactylus boskianus, Mabuya vittata and the rare and elusive Hemidactylus turcicus.

I have also caught a scorpion (Androctonus crassicauda) here. Other people have told me there are snakes around here but not very common. Also a big non-herp surprise are Striped Hyenas! I've seen 2 already. Golden Jackyls are also really common. Bird wise, I've ID 15 species, and seen a few more I can't get an ID on. Here's the pic of the gecko.

Very cool pic, be careful out there! I see so many turcicus here in south Texas that they are fast becoming a "native"!
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Todd Hughes

Nice picture. Be careful and thanks for being there!
Joe

That's awesome. Thanks for sharing. Do you have any pics of the Hyenas?

Come home safe!
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Diego

They hyenas are really shy. I haven't got a pic of them yet, but I'm trying.

Depending on where you are you should be able to see Fenic foxes too. I was between Falujah and Ramadi (a rock and a hard place) and we had them everywhere. If your out west, look for the normal sized hedge hogs - they are HUGE!! It should be snake season over there too right??
-Blue

I've seen Fennec Foxes in Kuwait. People have told me that they are here too (Fallujah), but haven't seen any. The larger Desert Foxes are really common. No snakes yet, but its getting hot already. Hit 106 today, should be over 110 by Saturday.

Right on. Well, if you ever do. Please post 'em!
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Diego

Other people have told me there are snakes around here but not very common.

How many times have you heard that? Assuming you're in somewhat natural habitat, you might want to ask some of the security personnel who drive around a lot at night; they may have a better idea than those who walk around when it's 106*! Also, if there is a dug-in pool, ask the staff who do pool maintenance.

I imagine that you have a species of Eryx in the Fallujah area, perhaps jayakari......undoubtedly some other cool fossorial snakes as well. My recommendation (without getting yourself killed or violating orders would be to herp at night, when the temps drop down into the 80s. I found a DOR E. jayakari in Kuwait in June. The daytime highs were scorching at that time (130s). It was within a heavily trampled barracks compound.

Stay safe, and thanks for posting.

Shane
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Lifelist

Iraq...huh?LOOK FOR SOME LEOS!!lol

I never did see a ground dwelling gecko while there.
In Falluja, check the tin areas around the RCT parking lot at dusk... You should see all kinds of great things there, mostly from the food sources - the convoy drivers and passengers chuck MRT trash over there. It's to the south of the parking lot.
If you get to go to TQ, ask to go over to Hab. In the Iraqi training area there is a large pool near an old British church. The ladder for the pool is in the ladies changeing room. Be real careful down in there! Some snakes get out useing the pipes and cracks in the concrete, some stay for the buffet!
take care,
-Blue

Sounds like somebody who has been here before? Which RCT parking lot...there are a bunch. Is it the one by DFAC2? I've seen skinks around a lot (Mabuya vittata) but haven't been able to get pictures. The ground geckos are actually more common than H. turcicus. I see about a dozen or so a night were I work. Oh, update...I finally caught a snake. It was a Coluber ventromaculatus. I'll post pictures as soon as I can.