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Handsome Cypriot


Handsome Cypriot
Photo Information
Copyright: Bayram Gocmen (boreocypriensis) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6774 W: 207 N: 2989] (9571)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-04-15
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Olympus C-5060WZ, @ ISO 80
Exposure: f/2.8, 1/80 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Herpetofauna of Cyprus, Fauna of Cyprus island [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2010-12-04 8:58
Viewed: 18111
Favorites: 2 [view]
Points: 100
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Eumeces schneiderii (Schneideri’s Skink) [in Turk. Sarı Kertenkele, in Cyp. Turk. Keçemen] (An adult male )

Since the weather was nice today, I found myself in Nature. Please do not think that I say something to the friends from cold climates out of spite:) . Today I am presenting a real beauty from my photographic chest and my homeland, Cyprus island. I would like to state that one of my PhD students, Deniz is studying on this species, including all populations distributed in the Middle East.

TFL and Have a nice Sunday!
Cheers,

*****************************

Schneideri’s Skink is one of the largest skink, with well-developed limbs and not reduced fingers. It is also the largest lizard, reaching a maximum length of around 35-40 cm, exceptionally even more. Original tail is around 1.5 times SVL; many individuals posses a shorter regenerated tail. Its range extends from N Africa, Anatolia, Cyprus Island to W and Middle Asia with a vertical distribution to 1800 m.

The robust head is triangular, not distinct from neck. Rostral plate does not contact external nares; Nasal plates are in contact with the two anterior supralabials. Eyes are relatively large, with well-developed movable eyelids and the lower eyelid with scales; Ear opening anteriorly partly covered by 3-4 enlarged lobular scales, called as Auriculum. The most distinctive characteristic of the species is a striking longitudinal orange or yellowish band usually present on the flanks.

General coloration and pattern change in different subspecies -(which I’ve showed all of them in the past)-; brownish, greyish or olive grey above, with a yellow to orange lateral stripe starting from posterior supralabials and running from the head to sides of the tail. Dorsal pattern consists of bright orange interspersed scales, which can fuse and form incomplete crossbars. On the dorsum of the tail, orange scales often fuse. Similarly, orange scales are scattered on limbs. Belly is whitish to yellowish.

Schneideri’s Skink is a diurnal terrestrial lizard. it can be found basking near its shelters. It is a rather shy lizard, difficult to approach as it runs for rather long distances and then retreats in dense bushes, under stones, or in burrows, when disturbed. Food consists of a wide spectrum of large invertebrates, mostly of orthopterans and beetles. Oviparous. We observed that the females are guarded the eggs during the incubation period in captivity. Inhabits bushy open places with rocky substrates, and gardens. Hides under stones, in holes and burrows dug by itself or other burrowing animals. Feeds on insects, other invertebrates and lizards.

In Cyprus, the nominate race (?), E. schneiderii schneiderii, an endemic subspecies (species?), lives. This species faces a serious threat of extinction in the island.

The recent increase in unplanned urbanization in Cyprus, gradually destroys the habitats of the amphibian and reptile species. A serious decrease in springs and creeks is evident within the region, which has rather arid summers. In addition to these factors, the frequent killing of this lizard species, which are thought to be dangerous by local people, make it susceptible to extinction, I urge the Environmental Protection Office of NC and SC to increase regulations and take legal steps towards the protection of flora and fauna of Cyprus (please refer to “European Union habitat and species directive (1992)”, Annexes II and IV). Furthermore, we need to inform and educate the people of Cyprus in their responsibility to protect the unique habitat of Cyprus for many generations to come.

Ps1: you could reach more detailed info on the species/species by clicking here.
Ps2: you could reach to all Cyprus herptiles from my web site for more reading!

*****************
References:

1. Göçmen, B. (Unpub. results). The results of herpetological trips.
2. Budak, A. & Göçmen, B. (2005). Herpetology. Ege Üniversitesi Fen Fakültesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 194, Ege Üniversitesi Basimevi, Bornova-Izmir, 226 pp. [2nd Edition, 2008].
3. Göçmen, B., Senol, A. & Mermer, A. (2002). A New Record of Schneider's Skink, Eumeces schneideri Daudin, 1802 (Sauria: Scincidae) from Cyprus. Zoology in the Midle East, 25:19-22.
4. Göçmen, B., Kasot, N., Yildiz, M.Z., Sas, I., Akman, B., Yalçinkaya, D. & Gücel, S. (2008). Results of the Herpetological Trips to Northern Cyprus. North-Western Journal of Zoology, 4 (1): 139-149.
5. Atatür, M. K & Göçmen, B. (2001). Amphibians and Reptiles of Northern Cyprus (1st Edition), Ege Üniversitesi, Fen Fakültesi Kitaplar Serisi, No. 170, Ege Üniversitesi Basimevi, Bornova-Izmir, 63 pp (ISBN 975-483-486-5) [In Turkish & English]. [A PDF-Printable Version is present in my web site].
6. Disi, A. M., Modry, D., Necas, P. & Rifai, L. (2001). Amphibians and Reptiles of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Edition Chimaira, 408 pp.
7. Baran, I. & Atatür, M. K. (1998). Turkish Herpetofauna (Amphibians & Reptiles). Ministry of Environment, Ankara. 214 pp.

If you are a facebook user and also my friend on FB, you can also look at one of my TV program (BRTK) which gives a detailed report on this subject as well as Levant snake visiting this link.
Luis52, Gramineae, kapildk, CeltickRanger, siggi, nkasot, CatherineD, marius-secan, maaciejka, xTauruSx, omereser, yasemin, montivipera, cypturk, jusninasirun, zulfu, mehmetk, luciola, eng55, uleko, albert, Pitoncle, KOMSIS, bahadir, cirano, tuslaw, anemone, maurydv, Adanac, flashpoint, Miss_Piggy, Hormon_Manyer, Dis. Ac., Alex99, goldyrs, jpdenk has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To anel: :)boreocypriensis 1 12-07 11:50
To strahos: Giasouboreocypriensis 3 12-06 00:45
To cirano: spasboreocypriensis 1 12-05 12:05
To uleko: Hi Ullaboreocypriensis 1 12-05 11:33
To KOMSIS: Keçemenboreocypriensis 1 12-05 10:46
To xTauruSx: Yuhhh:)boreocypriensis 1 12-04 15:20
To Noisette: thanksboreocypriensis 1 12-04 15:17
To cypturk: yeğenboreocypriensis 1 12-04 15:16
To montivipera: Selamboreocypriensis 1 12-04 15:14
To mehmetarslan: iyi geceler.boreocypriensis 1 12-04 12:59
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 6595 W: 89 N: 15659] (65489)
  • [2010-12-04 9:02]

Hi Bayram,what a sharpness and details,i like a lot this beautiful orange border between the white and the brown,very nice specie taken in a interesting moment and perfect position.Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano.

  • Great 
  • Luis52 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1175 W: 8 N: 4240] (15809)
  • [2010-12-04 9:17]

Hola Bayram.
Lovely and fine photo. Beautiful colors on this Lizard.
Very clean and shrp image.
Excellent note too.
TFS and have a nice WE my friend.
Luis52.

Ciao Bayram, great capture of lovely skink with fantastic colors, splendid sharpness and fine details, very well done my friend, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Vauvvv süper bir kertenkeleymiş. Ama tehlike altında olması çok üzücü. Bu nadir güzelliği bizimle paylaştığınız için teşekkür ederim.
Saygılarımla
Volkan

  • Great 
  • zetu Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 967 W: 26 N: 3888] (16941)
  • [2010-12-04 9:46]

Hello Bayram
Very interesting lizard, i like colors and details
Thanks for sharing
Razvan

hi sir,

Excellent work. Really a hondsome skink with superb clariity.
Thanks a lot for sharing.

Hello Bayram
Beautiful photo of the most impressive lizard of Cyprus. I have seen this species on les than 10 occasions.
Regards Christodoulos

hello Bayram

WOW ! great shot of this this Lizard with
fine POV, DOF, superb focus sharpness
and details, and what a expression on his glance,

TFS

Asbed

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3097 W: 109 N: 12399] (52850)
  • [2010-12-04 11:11]

Hello MF Bayram,
Superb colours and tack sharp details in this fine portrait of a very colourful Skink.
It is hard to be so successful in capturing those very agile reptiles. Best regards Siggi

En ender, en büyük, en güzel, en hızlı, en korunmaya muhtaç bu türümüzü harika çektiniz hocam. 20 yıl boyunca bu türü sürekli aradığınızı çok iyi bilirim. Kıbrısın herpetofaunası bilgisine katkınız yadsınamaz. Emeklerinize sağlık hocam. Saygılar selamlar
Nazım

Merhaba dear friend,
What a beautiful species, perfectly captured! I like very well the composition and the colours. Very nice orange lateral stripe. Very cooperative skink.
Good evening,
Cathy
P.S. For sure, I'm jealous of your nice weather! :)

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5038 W: 260 N: 15594] (50626)
  • [2010-12-04 12:28]

Iyi aksamlar Bayram dostum,
A wonderful image from your archives showing this rare beauty from Cyprus, Schneider's Skink.
The POV is perfect and shows its features with excellent sharpness and colours. I wish Deniz well in his research on this impressive skink.
Thanks and all the best,
Ivan

Selamlar sayın hocam,
Kadraj harika,
renkler çok güzel.
detaylar enfes.
elinize sağlık.
iyigeceler.

Hello Bayram,
What a interesting capture with nice vivid colours.
Very interesting orange border between the back and the abdomen.
Marius.

Hi Bayram,
very interesting subject of Your photo. To be honest I afraid of such a species. But this is a nature and this is interesting.
Nice colours and sharpness,
thanks for sharing,
Maciek

Hocam belkide benim için fotoğraflarınızdan en anlamlısı diyebilirim, malum Eumeces schneiderii doktora konum :) detaylar çok mükemmel görünüyor elinize ve emeğinize sağlık keşke bu güzel kareyi bana atfetseydiniz :p
Deniz

Merhaba hocam,
Bu Kıbrıslı skink türünü güzel bir bakış açısıyla görüntülemişsiniz. Birecik-Mağaralı köyünde Bu tür vardı. Tabi o princeps alttürü. Lojmanımın çevresinde iki tane görmüştüm.
SElamlar,
Ömer.

Kibrisli olup da yakisikli olmayan varmi dayi.Hakikaten cok cekici,renkleriyle durusuyla enfes bir kare...Kutlarim dayi..Nefis bir fotograf karesi...Top ten listeme bunu da ekliyorum...
Take care..
Mel

Super bir kare super bir kompozisyon...Detaylar ve renkler keskin ayrica sana guzel bir poz vermis...Kertenkele nin de yakisiklisi olurmus...Sunum mukemmel ayrica profesyenelligini bu fotografla pekistirdin....Supriz oldu bu resim, bakalim yarin ne var, merakla bekliyoruz..
Iyi geceler iyi pazarlar kardesim..
Leyla

Merhaba Bayram
you present us a superb creature ! and of so a nice way, lovely pose with his head on his tail, wonderful details, colors and light
the video is also great
Have a very nice sunday
Jacqueline

Merhaba Hocam,
Uzun bir aradan sonra bu güzelliği görmek iyi oldu. Her açıdan çok güzel bir kare, paylaşım için teşekkürler.

Not: Projelerle ilgili daha hala ayın 15'inde panele gidecek Hocalar varmış, yani ay sonunu bulacak gibi görünüyor açıklanması.

Saygılarımla, Naşit

Nice to hear that you have warm and sunny weather to enjoy my friend Bayram. It has been gloomy over here in Malaysia for the past week. This lizard has bright orange colors along the body. Something we don't have here, I think. Nice curl making it fits beautifully in the frame.
Another beautiful image and nice to know that your PhD student is studying this specimen.
Kind regards and greetings from Malaysia. Jusni

  • Great 
  • zulfu Gold Star Critiquer [C: 685 W: 0 N: 2] (43)
  • [2010-12-04 22:13]

Günaydın hocam, KPDS sınavları var diye sizin gibi erkenciyim bugün:)
Bu Kıbrıslı yakışıklı için günlerce uğraştık çok iyi hatırlıyorum. Nefis bir kare olmuş. ellerinize sağlık.
Urfa şubenizden selamlar.
Mehmet

indeed handsome, greetings Ori

Brrr!!! Wonderful nailer, super colors.
Regards
Lucja

Hi Bayram

Good capture of the attractive skink. Good pose and interesting splash of colour along his side.

Chris

  • Great 
  • eng55 Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1256 W: 42 N: 1976] (5892)
  • [2010-12-05 0:21]

Selam Dostum,
Bu fotografa bakınca benim Marmara Adasında çekip, bu hangi yılan türü diye sorduğumu hatırladım nedense:)Gerçi o yaklaşık birbuçuk metre boyunda ve ayaksızdı.Bu gerçekten de çok yakışıklı kertenkeleymiş.Turuncu çizgi de çok yakışmış kendisine.Gözleri desenleri de çok hoş.Bu bizim kertenkelelerin moda ikonu galiba:)Fotograf da her yönü ile 4/4 lük olmuş.Güzel bir pazar günü geçirmeni diliyorum.
Selamlar,sevgiler..

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2010-12-05 1:16]

Hello Bayram,
What a great photo! This Skink is a real beauty! Beautiful colours and very good sharpness and details. Excellent POV and composition.
Regards,
Peter

  • Great 
  • foozi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2791 W: 0 N: 6696] (25839)
  • [2010-12-05 1:18]

Merhaba MF Prof. Bayram,
such a lovely curl and such a nice shiny colours. the scales on its skin is so lovely and exciting.
I like its semi opened mouth that shows the pink lips.
A well presented shot.

Regards,
Foozi

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2010-12-05 3:53]
  • [+]

Hello Bayram,
A brilliant capture of this Skink showing great details and colours.
Great focus on the eye and I really like your framing.
Many thanks and have a nice Sunday! Ulla

Ciao BBB. Fantastic colours and great details for this "graphic" specie. Excellent DOF.

Roberto

Hello Bayram,
What a nice specimen !
Why did you keep this beauty in your archives ?
A great photo nothing else to say that "Excellent"
Best regards
Albert

Bonjour Bayram,
Très belle publication valorisant bien le sujet dans une belle lumière qui fait resplendir ses couleurs ; un tout petit regret pour la profondeur de champ qui,sur le premier plan, me parait insuffisante.
A bientôt sur TN pour de nouvelles aventures.
Gérard

Hello Bayram,
An impressive photo of this very rare lizard, indeed it is a handsome one, well done!
Best wishes
Pambos

Bayram bey selamlar,
"Keçemen" ..!
Kompozisyon, detay ve renkleri mükemmel güzellikte.
Emeklerinize sağlık,
Seyfi

Hocam bu tür için dağları devirdik:) unutulmaz anılar oldu. Muhteşem olmuş. Birkaç gündür yoktum. Üç tane ardarda sıralamışsınız. Ellerinize sağlık.
Bahadır

hello Bayram
this is a BEAUTIFUL skink
with great sharpness good details and beautiful colours
very nice pose
great shot
greeting lou

  • Great 
  • cirano Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 997 W: 0 N: 944] (13609)
  • [2010-12-05 12:00]
  • [+]

Dostum ne demek beğenmemek,herşeyiyle muhteşem bir kare olmuş.Yükleme zamanların ve mekânların:) değiştiği için farketmede zorluk çekiyorum bu aralar.Bunu da öyle, farkedememişim.Netlik kadar renkleri de harika.Baktım makina farklı,bir aa çektim.Biraz yukarı bakınca "hımm" dedim, tarih 2008:) Ama gerçekten renkleri çok etkileyici.
Eline emeğine sağlık dostum.
Bi slavên germ,
Dûrzan

this is an amazing skink Bayram! Very rarely we see photos from Cyprus's herpetofauna!
Thanks for sharing this!
Ilias

  • Great 
  • tuslaw Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2754 W: 282 N: 4931] (19883)
  • [2010-12-05 18:11]

Hello Bayram,
What an unusual looking and colorful lizard you have posted. The body looks like a lizard, but the head reminds me more of a snake. Superb detail and composition. Great work!!
Ron

Vauvvv..ne kadar güzel bir kertenkele hocam. muhteşem.. çok klaın kuyruğu varmış. nesli teklikede olması üzücü. elinize sağlık hocam, saygılarımla
Özgür

El buen enfoque y esos presiosos colores dan a tu toma un efecto muy especial y atractivo.
Como siempre, has sabido jugar perfectamente con las formas.
Un abrazo: Josep Ignasi.

  • Great 
  • anel Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 3053 W: 3 N: 8715] (40574)
  • [2010-12-07 4:39]
  • [+]

Hello Bayram,
Love the title, handsome Cypriot..there might be other ones too :-)
An amazing creature which you present with this magnificent and natural shot. Excellent pose and attitude of the skink too. A most interesting picture.
Kind regards
Anne

Hallo MF Bayram,
what a fantastic capture, perfect focusing on the head in a very beautiful composition, brilliant colours, very well done
TFS
Best regards
Maurizio

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1273 W: 1 N: 6188] (21378)
  • [2010-12-16 12:04]

Hello Bayram,
Stunning image of a beautiful species of lizard, the colours are truly amazing. Outstanding camera work and notes as always Bayram, thank you.
Rick

Hallo Bayram
I would love to leave my penny of thoughts at this great macro. What a beauty! You have captured Schneideri’s Skink well with its prominent markings and colours and the details is well seen and displayed. I love the light in the image as it just add extra wow to the finer details in the scene. Thanks for sharing. Best regards.
Anna
I think it is time for you to return, because I do not only miss your images, but also the teachings that goes with them. Please reconsider.

Hi Bro again,
I'm also waiting for nice weather to find myself in nature. :) Fantastic portrait of a handsome cypriot, beautiful colors. Maybe with using smaller aperture you should have got wider DoF - but the composition is second to none without doubt, pleasant to the eyes. Tfs.
Friendly regards, László

Hi little bro,

ths one are very nice.
Maybe a little more space left.
What an good pov and sharpness.
Fine colors.
This are an beautiful lizard.

Gert

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 4072 W: 133 N: 7096] (23735)
  • [2011-01-20 9:58]

Hi Bayram.
Fantastic shot in all respects. Pictured animal is very cute. Naturally that I have seen it before. Great presentation of the species with ultimate exactness of colouration and shapes. Pose of the skink is amazing as well as your POV. Bravo. Great job.
Alexei.

A stunning shot, Big Bro!
Love the nice colours and the lovely details!
Bravo!
Goldy

excellent photo, very nice colors for the lizard,very good details too,
congratulations !

ciao, tino

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