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Spectacled Caiman


Spectacled Caiman
Photo Information
Copyright: Mark Oxley (MojoUK) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 65 W: 7 N: 328] (1479)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-03-18
Categories: Amphibians
Camera: Canon 20D, Canon EF 28-105mm f: 3.5 / 4.5 USM II
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/50 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Theme(s): Reptiles - Crocs, alligators, caimans, & garials 1 [view contributor(s)]
Date Submitted: 2006-03-21 14:32
Viewed: 4385
Points: 20
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This shot of a Spectacled Caiman was taken at Eagle Heights raptor centre. The animal was behind some rather dirty glass so I was pleasantly surprised that the image came out as clear as it did (before anyone asks the dirt was on the Caimans side so cleaning it wasn't an option...lol).

Range: Southern Mexico to subtropical South America
Habitat: Slow-moving rivers; backwaters of rivers, lakes, ponds, swamps
Conservation Status: Common
Scientific Name: Caiman crocodilus

This member of the crocodile family is known for its aggressive behavior. Even a small female will stand her ground when defending her nest. Caimans live in and around the streams, lakes and swamps throughout Central America and tropical South America. The young grow rapidly and mature in about five years -- half the time required for larger crocodilian species.

Though the spectacled caiman is common in many parts of its range, it has been totally wiped out in some localized areas. This is because the caiman, like most of its crocodilian cousins, has been heaviliy exploited for its hide. Millions have been killed for the exotic leather trade.

Did You Know?
The term "spectacled" in this animal's name comes from the bony ridges that surround its eyes and extend across the top of the muzzle.
thor68, Ninfa, Fisher, aido, AndyB, PDP has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • thor68 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 795 W: 138 N: 1319] (5674)
  • [2006-03-21 14:39]

hi mark, very clear shot,
i cannot see any dirt! :-)
the caiman looks hungry and directly at me...
nice calm water, it gives good reflections.
well seen & captured, thor.

  • Great 
  • Fisher Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1540 W: 309 N: 2234] (8915)
  • [2006-03-21 14:46]

Hi Mark,

Well done on this capture and composition. Not too many quality crocodilians on this site.
Excellent work.

Mike

  • Great 
  • aido Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 1044 W: 156 N: 1218] (4046)
  • [2006-03-21 14:49]

Hi Mark,
Nice shot, excellent detail in the eye (they have pretty strange eyes) and the reflection, great colours. A great shot, especially so considering the low shutter speed.
Cheers,
Adrian

  • Great 
  • Ninfa Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 112 W: 3 N: 204] (747)
  • [2006-03-21 14:59]

Hola Mark: Wow, this to be too much fence, their eyes could hypnotize me. I like the calm and seal that it accompanies them, captured in the clarity of the reflection, on the other hand not to stop to give me some fear, is an imposing creature, of the one that me not to want to be very close neither to appreciate its denture, it is better this way with the closed mouth. I don't know that so far or it fences your to really be of him, however, Congratulations this type of pictures is of audacity. Cordial greetings. *Ninfa Urania*

Terrific eyes!
Well done
Maurizio

Hi Mark,
never had much luck with this beast, always been in the wrong place when I have been there.
You did well considering how dirty that glass gets.
Nicely taken.

Regards
Terry.

  • Great 
  • AndyB Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1366 W: 32 N: 1351] (3982)
  • [2006-03-21 17:09]

Hello Mark,
A great capture of this caiman.
Good clarity,nice detail and vivid colours.
The eye detail is superb.
I'd never have guessed that this was through glass.
Great shot.

TFS

  • Great 
  • manyee Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3089 W: 230 N: 6774] (23770)
  • [2006-03-21 20:15]

Very clear shot of this caiman, Mark. These fellows are so hard to shoot, because they don't show much of themselves. Crisp details, great light and colors, a fantastic view of those bulgy eyes. TFS. : )

Great shot Mark. Excellent detail and the colours are amazing. Very good POV and composition.

Great job

  • Great 
  • PDP Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor [C: 2821 W: 344 N: 3779] (11769)
  • [2006-04-05 18:48]

Hi Mark, lovely shot. Super colours and details. Love the focus on the eyes. Well done.

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