To celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake, Khamai Foundation is offering the opportunity for a select group of 2–6 supporters to join our team of researchers and snake experts in Ecuador for a specific mission: to conduct the first-ever Ecuador Rare Snake Census. The census will consist of a series of seven expeditions to record the 30 rarest serpents in the country, especially those that remained elusive during the Reptiles of Ecuador book project.

Amanda Quezada

Amanda Quezada
Reptile expert
Specialist on reptile surveys and author of various papers on snake ecology and systematics.

Jose Vieira

Jose Vieira
Scientific photography expert
Founder of ExSitu and author of the majority of images of the Reptiles of Ecuador book.

Biologist Alejandro Arteaga holding a specimen of Atractus

Alejandro Arteaga
Reptile expert
Author of three books (including Reptiles of Ecuador) and 27 scientific articles on herpetology.

Eric Osterman

Eric Osterman
Snake specialist
Owner of Ecuador Reptile Adventures and specialist on snake relocation, surveys, and tours.

Frank Pichardo

Frank Pichardo
Herping tour leader
Tour leader specialized on wildlife photography and herpetological tours.

Map of the first expedition of the Ecuador Rare Snake Census
Map of the second expedition of the Ecuador Rare Snake Census
Map of the third expedition of the Ecuador Rare Snake Census
Map of the fourth expedition of the Ecuador Rare Snake Census

Expedition 1

Locality: Cuyabeno Reserve, Sucumbíos province.

Description: This chapter of the Ecuador Snake Census will take place in the seasonally flooded rainforest ecosystem. The target species will be surveyed during rainforest hikes trails as well as on canoe along lagoons and rivers.

Donation amount needed: $3,980

Number of nights: 8

Starting date: June 27, 2025

Group size: 2–6 participants

Target species:

  • Pseudoeryx plicatilis
  • Rhinobothryum lentiginosum
  • Spilotes sulphureus
  • Xenodon severus
  • Micrurus langsdorffi

Expedition 2

Locality: Central coast, Manabí province.

Description: This chapter of the Ecuador Snake Census will take place in the seasonally dry forest and flooded savanna ecosystems. The target species will be surveyed using pitfall traps, visual encounter surveys, and interviews with locals.

Donation amount needed: $3,980

Number of nights: 8

Starting date: August 1, 2025

Group size: 2–6 participants

Target species:

  • Anomalepis flavapices
  • Trilepida guayaquilensis
  • Tantilla miyatai
  • Tropidophis gularis

Expedition 3

Locality: Llanganates National Park, Tungurahua province.

Description: This chapter of the Ecuador Snake Census will take place in the montane cloud forest ecosystem. The target species will be surveyed using pitfall traps, visual encounter surveys, and interviews with locals.

Donation amount needed: $3,980

Number of nights: 8

Starting date: October 11, 2025

Group size: 2–6 participants

Target species:

  • Atractus ecuadorensis
  • Chironius leucometapus
  • Trilepida anthracina
  • Tropidophis cacuangoae

Expedition 4

Locality: La Ceiba Reserve, Loja province.

Description: This chapter of the Ecuador Snake Census will take place in the seasonally dry forest ecosystem. The target species will be surveyed using pitfall traps, visual encounter surveys, and interviews with locals.

Donation amount needed: $3,980

Number of nights: 8

Starting date: December 6, 2025

Group size: 2–6 participants

Target species:

  • Dipsas oswaldobaezi
  • Oxyrhopus fitzingeri
  • Pseudalsophis elegans
  • Micrurus mertensi
  • Micrurus olssoni

Who is elegible to participate?

We are seeking supporters who will contribute to the field campaign rather than hinder it. The following is required:

  1. Proactivity and willingness to go out and search for snakes rather than passively waiting to be spoon-fed instructions.

  2. Independence or not needed to be babysitted every minute of the day.

  3. An understanding that this is not a tour, but a research expedition where the main goal is to record rare species.

  4. Excellent physical condition and no major allergies or health complications that may interrupt the field campaign.

  5. Awareness of the role that scientific collecting plays in field biology.

  6. A great attitude and respect for nature and local people.

How to reserve your spot?

  1. Read our cancellation policy below.

  2. Complete the contact form in the next step to let us know about your interests and experience and so we can check whether you are a good fit for the snake census team.

  3. Review and approve the itinerary, invoice, and release of liability form we will send you.

  4. Make donation to confirm your booking.

Cancellation policy If you are unable to attend one of the expeditions, you are welcome to send another suitable candidate in your place or join another expedition. However, because your participation in this event is only possible via a donation, we do not offer refunds.

Important! Read the rules and recommendations.

What to bring? Check out our suggested packing list.

What is included?

All meals and shared accommodation.

All road transfers.

Field equipment for snake census.

Entrance fees to the reserves.

What is not included?

Additional nights due to flight cancellations.

Alcoholic beverages, bottled water, and snacks.

Health insurance.

International and domestic airfares.

Laundry.

Photo equipment.

Application form

Ecuador Snake Census

The Ecuador Rare Snake Census is a field initiative led by the Khamai Foundation and Tropical Herping, bringing together scientists, park rangers, and volunteers during the Chinese Year of the Snake. The mission: to photograph Ecuador’s 30 rarest serpents for the next edition of the Reptiles of Ecuador book. The census consists of seven expeditions to the country’s most remote regions, spanning from the seasonally flooded Amazon in the northeast to the dry forests and deserts of the southwest. To locate these most elusive species, the team will employ a diverse range of field techniques, including setting and monitoring pitfall traps, conducting diurnal and nocturnal surveys along transects, and building a network of local allies. Key activities are illustrated below.

Image showing a biologist holding a snail-eating snake using a snake hook
Image showing two biologists holding snake hooks
Image showing a person standing besides a Two-lined Forest Pitviper
Image showing biologist Alejandro Arteaga holding a coral snake using a small snake hook
Image showing two biologists using headlamps to survey the vegetation at night
Image showing a naturalist setting up a series of pitfall traps
Image showing a biologist photographing a snake from below using a piece of glass
Image showing two biologists searching for snakes in a swamp
Image showing a group of biologists cooking besides a camp fire
Image showing a biologist holding a ground snake
Image showing two biologists surveying the leaf-litter in a rainforest
Image showing a field crew carrying an anaconda
Image showing a group of biologists and photographers standing in front of a waterfall
Image showing biologist Alejandro Arteaga and Valeria Sorgato during an expedition
Image showing biologist Alejandro Arteaga holding a centipede snake
Image showing a biologist holding a dwarf boa
Image showing two biologists setting up pitfall traps in the dry forest
Image showing a local parabiologist holding a snake

Frequently asked questions

Am I supposed to donate the full amount at once?

You can confirm your participation in the Ecuador Rare Snake Census by making a deposit corresponding to 50% of the total donation. Then, you can complete the second part at least 60 days before the start of the event.

Does the census take place during the nights?

The census includes both diurnal and nocturnal activities.

How do I book my spot?

The first thing you need to do to reserve your spot in the Ecuador Rare Snake Census is apply using our booking form. If you are a found to be a good fit for the team, you will need to review and approve the itinerary, invoice, and release of liability we will send you. Finally, you will have to make a donation to confirm your participation.

Can you get rubber boots for me?

We suggest you bring your own rubber boots as you should test whether they fit comfortably before arriving in Ecuador, where you will used them every day.

Is there any chance to rent a snake hook?

You are welcome to borrow one of our snake hooks during the Ecuador Rare Snake Census.

What gear do you recommend I bring?

We recommend that you bring a durable waterproof headlamp, a rain poncho, and a DSLR camera, ideally one with a macro lens and off-camera flash.

Will I have to share a room?

Yes. The lodging facilities at the two reserves are currently not large enough to allow for participants to have single rooms.

What is the meeting point on the starting day?

Our team will pick you up at Puembo Birding Garden, a beautiful hostel in the outskirts of Quito.

What kind of trouser is needed?

You can bring any durable but lightweight trousers that are easy to dry.

Which vaccination certificates do I need?

The three most important vaccines to get before visiting the tropics are against yellow fever, tetanus, and hepatitis. Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required to enter Ecuador for travelers having recently visited a country where yellow fever is present.

Is there malaria in the reserves?

Malaria is present in some areas of Ecuador, including some localities we will be visiting during the Ecuador Rare Snake Census. The decision to take anti-malaria prophylaxis is left to each participant. Please consult your physician regarding which tablets will be most suitable for you.

Will there be laundry service, electricity, and wifi at all sites?

At Arlequín Reserve, there is electricity and wifi unless trees fall on the power lines. At Pitalala Reserve, there is electricity and wifi unless the Ecuadorian government declares programmed power outages. You may do your own laundry at Arlequín Reserve. At Pitalala Reserve, laundry service is available, but not included.

Will you pick us up at the airport upon arrival?

Yes, a member of our team will pick you up at the airport.