I’ve noticed this species much less frequently than those of the Socotra Mabuya (Trachylepis socotrana) and Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus). At each encounter I found them on the shady side of tree trunks, where they observed my presence diligently. Endemic.
The trail to Hoq cave is a great place to see the Socotra mabuya, as they are easily seen from the trail. Endemic.
The endemic Socotra Mabuya and the Socotra Rock Gecko (Pristurus sokotranus) are species commonly seen in the same landscape throughout Socotra.
A common species revealing its location when darting to safety as you step near its location. If you see it from a distance you might get very close if you approach it slowly and carefully. Endemic.
Another hawksbill sea turtle female on the way back to sea after successfully delivering a clutch of eggs in a safe spot in the sand of Bird Island. this female has timed it well, as it’s just 08:39 in the morning. The previous day another female finished her ordeal past 14:00 hrs, and as such […]
A hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) struggling to push through the entangled vines of the laurel dodder. This is a parasitic species getting all it needs from other plants, just like all the other members of the genus cassytha of the laurel family. These thin vines will not be able to withstand the power of […]
Such a precious event – a female hawksbill sea turtle, a critically endangered species, covering her precious eggs laid in the sand. She is one of a dwindling number of individuals of this critically endangered species. She must be so hot as this is during the hottest part of the day, yet she endured. Most […]
This is a terribly lonely tortoise. It was removed from its homeland of Madagascar decades ago to this island (Bird Island) when the island was a coconut and papaya plantation, likely as a pet. Without a female companion it has not had the opportunity to reproduce and as such helped a critically endangered species hold […]
This giant tortoise species is named after one of the largest atolls in the world, Aldabra, which is also its last stronghold after centuries of human exploitation. The Aldabra atoll is part of the Seychelles archipelago, but is far very south (more 1100 km southwest of Mahe) and difficult to get to for those very […]
This is one of several species of small reptiles found on Socotra, and it was right in front of me for quite some time before I noticed it. Even though I was quite close, it went on with whatever was on its mind simply because I was already sitting still to experience the beauty of […]
As I was busy photographing the flowers of this Cucumis prophetarum, this skink entered the scene and started consuming one flower after another! Not easy being a juicy flower on Socotra! If a skink doesn’t eat it, a caterpillar might, or a goat! Endemic.
A very common resident on lower altitudes, as here on the slopes around the Detwah lagoon of west Socotra there are plenty food and places to hide. They are hard to see when not moving, and sometimes I’ve been very close to stepping on them I thought. But reptiles are quick, and always escape, fortunately. […]
The coast of Peru is a desert, and fresh water is only available from springs or rivers fed by the Andes. This lizard was far from any such resources, so I find it incredible it can live here by the ocean. Perhaps it can get sufficient water from the insects it catches on the beach […]
During our dinner we heard some noise from the next room – cans falling to the floor in the bar. It was caused by this snake that somehow had managed to get inside and now was struggling to find its way out. We let it out in this tree and hopefully it managed to find […]
On every fallen tree in the oxbow lake at the Amazon Research and Conservation Center (ARCC) there was one or more turtle sunbathing and it seems this rather uncommon species was the most abundant here. Even though I approached them very slowly, they perceived any human a threat and thus jumped into the water for […]
A downpour last night has made old and dry waterways yet again flowing with water and this caiman is old enough to remember. Thus it’s waiting here where the new stream meets the old and murky water of last year. During this time fish will migrate up the stream, just like the Atlantic and Pacific […]
This one was sitting in branches overhanging the river, and if you’re not really looking it’s almost impossible to locate it! They are extremely timid too, so they will escape long before you’re reasonable close to take a photo. This was in fact the only one of the many I encountered in Pantanal that I […]
With so many caimans I should have found many nests, but only found this one, so they hide their eggs very well – at leas for a human. It appeared it was opened by a monitor lizard, but it did not finish the job, so the damaged nest was susceptible to the rising water and […]
This was one of many caimans resting on a sandbank island that is slowly disappearing in the rising waters. I was here for five days, and this was the only time I saw them like this. Notice the butterfly sucking salts from the mouth – a precarious place – usually they sit around the eyes, […]
The second of many species of Gecko in the park. Altitude: 1021 metres. Please help me identify it – leave a comment 🙂
As with buildings in Pantanal and the Amazon rainforest, there are geckos here in the buildings of Hotel do Ype. This night was particularly rich in insects attracted to the lights coming through the large windows of the restaurant – a feast for a gecko! Altitude: 1021 metres. Please help me identify it – leave […]
Common around the buildings and open areas around the lodge. Please help me identify it – leave a comment 🙂
This is the second gecko species I found on the walls of Pousada Xaraés, and I’m certain there are several more species living in and around these buildings.
In the rainy season it’s not easy to be a gecko in Pantanal, so the buildings of Pousada Xaraés are a perfect all year home! Despite this I didn’t see that many geckos – in fact bats were much more numerous.
These lizards were common alongside the path following the Iguaçu Falls. If you’re alone and don’t move around too much, they will usually come out for a close-up. This is usually only possible when the park is closed, or if you stay behind the large groups of visitors.
Where there’s water there’s a caiman, and where there’s a caiman there’s a multitude of insects. Here a benign glittering sapphire (Lasaia agesilas) sits on it like a decoration while it’s sucking fluids from its eye. There are two species here in Iguacu National Park, the other is jacare. The broad-snouted is distinguished by the […]
This large lizard is very common alongside the path following the Iguaçu Falls. With gentle movements you can get quite close to them as I did with this one basking in the heat of the setting sun. Also called Argentine black and white tegu.
The female of the species, and as the male, it’s effortlessly roaming the sheer cliffs of Refugio Los Volcanes. Amazing how they seemed totally impervious to the strong wind – they effortlessly ran up, down or sideways while catching insects and checking out their competition. The walls were full of lizards, so apparently there is […]
From afar the sheer cliffs seem to only house plants, but a closer look reveals an abundance of lizards! Amazing how they seemed totally impervious to the strong wind – they effortlessly ran up, down or sideways while catching insects and checking out their competition. The walls were full of lizards, so apparently there is […]
This species is a specialized climber, preferring the sheer cliffs of the Huanchaca Plateau and the strong winds there. The wind brings with it lots of insects, and that’s perhaps the reason it mostly prefers a vertical life? The only species I found here during my very short stay.
This lake is quite far from the Tuichi River and has no stream in or out, but the Caiman has found its way to this small and tranquil lake. The sun has set and darkness is falling fast, but still you can see the shiny eyes watching you. At night a flashlight is the only […]
The only tree snake I encountered in Madidi. This is on the neighboring Santa Rosa property.
What’s nice about canopy towers, and lookout platforms like this one Chalalan set up recently, is that you get to see so incredibly much more than when you are on the ground. This lizard is almost level with me, but unfortunately I was absorbed with the Macaws flying around, and only got shots after it […]
The lizards are usually heard but not seen, and if seen it’s usually in high speed away from you. This is one residing near my cabin and are one of the larger species.
Many reptiles are incredibly well camouflaged, and only when they move will you see them.
Please help me identify it – leave a comment.
At this altitude, a cloudy day means low activity for a cold-blooded lizard. Here it’s widening its left side to increase the surface area against the few incoming rays of sun. It resembles a Liolaemus ornatus. Altitude: 4536 metres. it is endangered.
One of many species of lizard found at the very high altitudes of the Bolivian Altiplano. Altitude: 3989 metres.
An unfortunate turtle being drowned and asphyxiated – no chance of survival here! I assume the snake knows how the different prey manages air, and that a turtle can stay alive for longer without a breath of fresh air than rodents, as it was coiled around the turtle and kept it submerged for a very […]
I was on my way down from the platform of the canopy tower, when I noticed this gorgeous and rather large tree lizard. A glimpse of the platform. A great vantage point for birds and insects!
I wonder when these lizards go hunting, as I only saw lazy and super relaxed individuals on branches overhanging the water. I can understand they are slow in the morning but this is late in the afternoon. Perhaps it has just caught food and is simply digesting?
A big lizard like this should be easy to spot due to its size (up to 120 cm/4 feet long), but not so. The only thing that gave it away was the long tail hanging down from the branch it was resting on. It might be easier later in the day though, as this is […]
On the way to the Napo Wildlife center – right before the Anangucocha lake, the Aanangu creek opens up wide. It’s like a small lake that seems to be the end of the journey – a cul-de-sac of sorts. It was here the oldest and largest Black Caiman in the area was watching us – […]
Yet another life form unique to the Galapagos. They look so prehistoric and alien, but when you observe them a bit closer you’ll see a rather peaceful being. Only the males are territorial and become aggressive when challenged by other males.
Also known as Tropidurus spp.
A beautiful and large reptile that is very difficult to see – despite its size! Alongside the Rio Palenque in Rio Palenque Biological Centre I found quite a dense population of them. Even among the dead leaves and the grey pebbles the Green Iguana can very difficult to see. Only when it darts off you […]
