Discover the diverse species of reptiles and amphibians aka herps of Alibaug at a weekend trail organised by an experienced doctor-naturalist
Indian Chameleon
We’re certain some of our readers will have their own ‘wild’ stories from Alibaug, but surely none of them come close to Dr Prasad Dabholkar’s. In 2024, his team spotted a pair of shining eyes atop a tree in the Kankeshwar Hill in Alibaug. Upon closer examination, they learnt it was the Rusty Spotted Cat aka one of India’s smallest felines. It was the first documented sighting in the region, and reinforced Dabholkar’s view that the town is more than a tourist’s paradise.
Giri’s Gecko, Sahyadri Vine Snake and Bamboo Pit Viper. PICS COURTESY/DR PRASAD DABHOLKAR; wild wentures
Since 2019, the physician has been leading rescue and wildlife education initiatives in the hills of the coastal getaway through two initiatives, Wild Wentures and Wildlife Warriors of Alibaug. This weekend, the focus is on amphibians and reptiles that call the forests of Kankeshwar home.
Green Vine Snake
“Our data from the past two years of documenting herps suggest that they are thriving. I wonder why the average tourist heads back home from Alibaug’s shores; never witnessing the magic that lies in its forests,” he rues.
Field notes
As of January 2026, the group has documented
40+ species of snakes
7 Species of geckos
3 Species of lizards
4 Species of turtles
Did you know?
Discovered in 2016, Giri’s Gecko was named after senior herpetologist and former Bombay Natural History Society scientist and curator, Dr Varad Giri
ON January 25; 7.30 pm
MEETING POINT Mapgaon Base Village, Kankeshwar Hill, Alibaug, Raigad.
CALL 9870525626
ENTRY Revealed on request
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