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Yellow-spotted Monitor


Yellow-spotted Monitor
Photo Information
Copyright: Chris Chafer (sandpiper2) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1906 W: 107 N: 4875] (16757)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2004-11-04
Categories: Reptiles
Camera: Fujifilm Finepix S5000, Fujinon 10X zoom
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Australian Reptiles and Frogs [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2004-11-17 5:51
Viewed: 12808
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
The Yellow-spotted Monitor (Varanus panoptes) is a large robust monitor distributed through the grassy woodlands northern Australia. With a total length of 1.4 m this species is often confused with the similar-looking Gould’s Monitor. It is a terrestrial monitor with a long laterally compressed tail and powerful limbs. This species doesn’t often climb trees like the Lace Monitor that I have illustrated previously on TN. When threatened, this species stands up on it hind legs and hisses persistently, its sharp claws acting as a further deterrent for the attacker.
The strong forearms are used to rip fallen trees apart or dig through the earth in search of prey, mostly smaller lizards and large insects, though its general ecology is poorly known. The powerful limbs also allow it to dig deep burrows in which to rest and breed. We found this species at several locations within 100km of Darwin during our recently holiday there.

The top picture shows the upper body detail, the powerful limbs and the impressive claws. It was captured at East Point, about 15km east of Darwin on 2 November; speed 1/640 sec, f 6.3. Cropped slightly from original and 80% USM.

The bottom image gives a better perspective of the whole animal, especially the laterally compressed tail. It also provides an idea of how well camouflaged the animal can be in dense leaf litter. It was captured at Wongi Falls in Litchfield National Park, about 100km south of Darwin on 5 November; speed 1/500 sec, f6.3. Heavily cropped from original and 60% USM applied.

I have started putting landscape shots of our Northern Territory trip on TrekEarth. If your interested go here. Thanks in advance for the critiques and comments.
gerhardt, RAP, JeanMichel, marhowie, Esox, urban, PDP, AndyB, Robbrown has marked this note useful
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Discussions
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To biawak: Very similarsandpiper2 1 05-17 19:19
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Critiques [Translate]

Another interesting animal from you neck of the woods. Reptiles are way up on my list just below spiders. Great shots of this beast.

  • Great 
  • RAP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2524 W: 345 N: 2373] (7405)
  • [2004-11-17 7:17]
  • [+]

Una bonita presentación Chris.
Agradable coloracion con buena agudeza y POV... tal vez podrías presentar una versión LP de este maravilloso reptil en el futuro.

A pretty presentation Chris.
Pleasant coloration with good sharpness and POV... Perhaps you could present a version LP of this wonderful reptile in the future.

  • Great 
  • willie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1023 W: 61 N: 648] (2083)
  • [2004-11-17 10:02]

Good capture Chris. The cdompo is nice and your notes informative. Thanks for posting

As we don't have these in Europe, I'm impressed by the strengh brought out by these arms and claws. You've got that very well, as well as the inquisitive head feeling kind of presence. Good you've added the entire animal showing how well they can blend in the nature. I suppose they are afraid by humans and are only aggressive with smaller animals. Is that right?

Chris, I agree. Good sharpness & POV & the top frame pose with head erect is great! Great supporting notes. Great job on this one!!

  • Great 
  • Esox Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 239 W: 20 N: 344] (972)
  • [2004-11-17 13:29]

Very impressive shots. Great composition and very good details.
A really good one indeed.

Very good Chris.
Nice presentation with good details and composition.
Well done.

  • Great 
  • urban Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 71 W: 4 N: 79] (413)
  • [2004-11-17 15:37]

Great shots of an incredible animal. Especially interesting for one who lives in Sweden where such animals barely can bee seen on the zoo.

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2004-11-17 16:35]

Nice pair of pictures Chris. Good details and colours. The note is excellent. Great work.

  • Great 
  • AndyB Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1366 W: 32 N: 1351] (3982)
  • [2004-11-17 17:58]

Great shots.
Good composition,colours and detail.
Very intersting note too.
Well done.

2 good images chris they work well together, good notes and great link, although landscapes are OK here if they tell us some thing about the area as a natural habit/eco-system.

  • Great 
  • japie Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1814 W: 100 N: 1904] (5187)
  • [2004-11-18 11:29]

Very good shot and presentation! IThe DOF and detail is excellent.

Thanks for posting

  • Great 
  • livios Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2150 W: 319 N: 4263] (16942)
  • [2004-11-26 22:56]

Chris, your composition has been great. And the reptile seems to be a jurassic one. Sharpness and point of view are perfect.

Congratulations.

Lívio

Now that looks almost exactly like our V. gouldii horni from Papua. I wonder if we can see any real difference in the field?

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