Unveiling The Secrets of a Once in a Lifetime Herptile Expedition

An upcoming Herptile (Reptile and Amphibian) expedition is being organised to uncover new species in a remote location.

Herpetology is an ever revolving sphere and there still could be discoveries remaining to be brought out of the dense jungle. Another step into the unknown will be taken with this expedition.

It will join the annals of Herptile research history that started as early as 2500 BC in Ancient Egypt, where a certain queen sent for wild animals to be brought to her for exhibits and gladiatorial games.

Who set the wheels turning?

Digital Creator, Myke Clarkson, is the spearhead of this scientific journey. He wrote on his public Facebook page: "I’m putting together a small herping team for the most remote location I’ve been to yet... an island group off Central America that’s had little herpetological exploration.

Let me repeat, these islands have barely been surveyed, which means real potential for new species, new data, new history—and your name on the papers that come from it. A possible new species of aquatic snake and the potential for a new species of dwarf boa are among what we could possibly find.

Other likely finds include the critically endangered Anolis nelsoni, and the endemic Sphaerodactylus exsul... and if you know how to do your homework, you won't have to ask where we are heading... which should be an effective filter for THE RIGHT team.

We also have approval for genetic work on an Iconic species. Permits are already secured.

Only 5 spots TOTAL.

May 8-20, 2026

Cost: $5,000

The cost includes all in-country travel, lodging, meals, and research permits once on the ground. Flight to the departure point is not included.

This is not a tourist trip. This is a genuine field expedition with limited space for five participants. Accommodations may include field camping and rustic facilities. The high cost reflects permit fees and research operations that make this critical conservation work possible.

Each team member contributes directly to data collection, species documentation, and conservation outcomes with acknowledgment or co-authorship in resulting studies, depending on contribution."

Where are they heading?

The real question is "where is the location and what is the significance of this?". There are subtle hints to investigate. The species mentioned above are solely situated in a certain part of the world - Swan Islands. Brightannica website writes that they are "two islets (Greater and Lesser Swan) in the Caribbean Sea, 97 miles (156 km) north of Honduras."

Swan Island hosts other species, such as the Green Iguana and Western Caribbean Ameiva (type of whip-tailed lizard) , that will be worth noting by any herpetologist. Further research, into said species, is limited due to the remote location and lack of accessibility.

How do I Join?

There are 2 spaces available as of the 6th of November and these positions won't be empty for long. You can directly message Myke Clarkson on Facebook for enquiries.

The lucky group will no doubt have an unforgettable experience and there will be much intrigue into the findings of this trip. We will publish the discoveries once available to us at Journalistic Echo News.

References:

The (1998). Swan Islands | Honduran, Wildlife & Nature. [online] Encyclopedia Britannica. Available at: https://www.britannica.com/place/Swan-Islands [Accessed 6 Nov. 2025].