Sikkim Spruce (Picea spinulosa)

Sikkim Spruce (Picea spinulosa)

Sikkim Spruce is found in Sikkim's temperate biome to 3600 meters elevation. Elevation: 2965 meters. Native range is South Tibet to Sikkim and Bhutan.


Sikkim Larch (Larix griffithii)

Sikkim Larch (Larix griffithii)

Sikkim Larch is found in Sikkim's temperate to alpine biomes to 4100 meters elevation. Elevation: 2965 meters. Native range is East Nepal to China.


Potamon socotrensis

Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense)

I found a surprising number of freshwater crabs at this permanent pool of water. Some were under water others were preparing for a day hidden from the sun…


Potamon socotrensis

Socotra freshwater crab (Socotrapotamon socotrense)

I found a surprising number of freshwater crabs at this permanent pool of water. Some were under water, some were wandering out in the open, others were…


Cleistocactus samaipatanus

Cleistocactus samaipatanus

Finding cacti on the sheer cliffs of Refugio Los Volcanes was a surprise to me! I saw their red flowers  from afar, but assumed totally different species.


Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

When not in bloom it looks just like the white-flowering Echinopsis atacamensis, but this one is much rarer, and I found only one with flower here on the…


Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

Cardon cactus (Echinopsis tarijensis)

When not in bloom it looks like the white-flowering Echinopsis atacamensis, but this one is much rarer, and I found only one with flower here on the slopes of…


Cactus nest on Isla del Pescado (Fish Island)

Cactus nest on Isla del Pescado (Fish Island)

For birds that have a need to build nests above ground, a desert has few options, so they learn to deal with the spines and use them to their advantage. It…


Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

The white-spined variety is my favourite of the cacti here, and with the backdrop of the white salt flats they create a surreal feeling of ice and snow!


Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

Cardon cactus (Trichocereus atacamensis ssp. pasacana)

The flowers of this species are simply gorgeous! Huge, juicy and dripping with resin! Without these cacti, the local insect and bird populations would have a…