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Night Stalker
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
Common East African or Flap-necked Chameleon
The only species of chameleon found in Kruger Park. Common and widespread throughout the area, it is a true lizard, though most people subconsciously tend to place this creature in a separate category, thinking of ‘lizards’ and ‘chameleons’ rather than lumping them in one group as they should. This differentiation has three main reasons: a chameleon’s sluggish habits, its ability to change colour, and its facility of moving each eye independently.
Most lizards depend on speed and agility to capture their prey and escape their enemies and this is reflected in their long, streamlined bodies. Chameleons have adopted an alternate strategy, and their robust, squat body is one result of this.
Rather than expend energy on scurrying about to secure prey or slip from the clutches of the enemy, they slowed right down, creeping stealthily and ever so slowly to within striking distance of a tasty in sect, at the last moment flicking out a long, muscular tongue which sticks to the prey and instantly returns bearing the food to the mouth. To avoid detection from other predators, chameleons have developed the remarkable ability to change colour, so that they blend with and seem part of their background. They also have the ability, unique in the animal world, to move and focus each eye on a separate point. Of ten one eye looks forward to see where it is going, whilst the other eye is trained on some point behind.
When threatened, chameleons become very dark of body and inflate themselves to appear bigger, as well as extending the yellowy-orange pouch below the head. If further disturbed, they hiss to increase the defense display, their open mouths showing the red insides. The combined effect of colour changes and posturing is surprisingly effective and usually frightens off the intruder. |
Janice, sway, sAner, sandpiper2 has marked this note useful
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- Janice
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3316 W: 149 N: 6113]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(18648) - [2005-07-20 3:54]
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Ah, a chameleon - nice one Walt. I can see this one blending in to the tree. He is getting a pink tinge from the stems already. Quite an amazing creature. Good lighting and details. Very well done.
And good information too, thank you.
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- sway
(1224)
- [2005-07-20 4:32]
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Great photo and colours.
I too can see it trying to blend in.
His arms and legs look too skinny to hold on but he seems to cope.
Nice focus and use of lighting.
Nice photo, like the colors.
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- sAner
(4744)
- [2005-07-20 7:24]
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Hello Walt,
This is a great capture. The colors are superb and the light is really lovely. Nicely composed and sharp details. Well done & TFS!
Regards,
Pieter
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- manyee
(21034)
- [2005-07-21 20:16]
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I really like the lighting on this one, Walt. Conveys a mysterious mood. Sharp details and excellent composition. Well done and TFS. : )
Excellent image of this guy in the wild..at night.
Hope you were still in a vehicle.
Composition and exposure are very good.
![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 12 W: 0 N: 94]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif){kind=small}
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Note Writer [C: 82 W: 0 N: 11]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-n-s.gif)
(531)