Waiwo
(a few of the critters that live there)

To my delight, when the CI Field Station was built, the critters in the jungle didn't head for higher ground... instead, they just adopted Waiwo as part of their home.

This little skink landed in the laundry (yes, Waiwo even has a washing machine!!!)... he must've been going for a swim in the water tank!? I'd seen him around previously in his dull brown shade, but I guess his trip through the water hose gave him a bit of a fright... he turned electric blue! I have since learned his name is Ronald.



Spiders are not an uncommon sight... how many do you spot in this pic?



This guy is probably the king of all grasshoppers...



...but this one takes the cake for kookiest (and best camouflaged - he is identical to a leaf from the side!)...



Then there are a variety of bugs of all shapes, sizes, colours and descriptions...



There are also two Soa-soa (monitor lizards) that play in the compost heap in the early mornings... however, they have remained largely elusive whenever I have my camera handy!



Getting a picture of the birds is equally challenging!