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I was joined by a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) on my reptile survey around a grassy field today. Couldn't help wishing I had his eyesight...
an "ugly' lizard turns out actually quite pretty....and so it goes with humans..we just have to look a bit harder to find their beauty too !!!
Crocodylus palustris = "crocodile of the marsh"
The mugger crocodile also called the Indian, Indus, Persian, Sindhu, marsh crocodile or simply mugger, is found throughout the Indian subcontinent and surrounding countries. In Pakistan the Indus crocodile is the national reptile.
It is one of the three crocodilians found in India, the others being the gharial and the saltwater crocodile. It is a medium-sized crocodile that mostly inhabits freshwater lakes, ponds, sluggish rivers, swamps and marshes. Males of the species are said to grow up to 4–5 m (13–16 ft) in length. As with other crocodilians, females are smaller
The mugger crocodile has the broadest snout of any extant crocodile, giving it an alligator-like appearance. It is a more heavily armored species with enlarged scutes around the neck. Adults are dark grey or brown, while hatchlings are tan colored.
Although considered dangerous to humans, attacks on humans are rare and typically occur when a a human strays close to the crocodile nest.
Mugger crocodiles have been documented using lures to hunt prey such as birds making them among the first reptiles recorded to use tools. By balancing sticks and branches on their heads, Mugger crocodiles are able to lure wading birds looking for suitable nesting material. This strategy, which is shared by the American alligator, is particularly effective during the nesting season, in which birds are more likely to gather appropriate nesting materials.
Best viewed on black (press 'L').
Handheld shot.
I had the privilege of spending a couple of hours at a local reptile shop in York (Leaping Lizards) on Tuesday afternoon. I was granted full access to this world of wonder by the owners who kindly allowed me to take photographs without the restriction of shooting through glass. I could have spent all day looking at their fabulous stock of reptiles through my macro lens and I even built up enough courage to photograph a Brazilian Giant Salmon Pink Tarantula (not for the feint hearted, pics to follow soon)! As soon as the glass doors were slid open the stigma of the various snakes, lizards etc was removed. I half expected them to start leaping at me but this was not the case and instead I was left to stare in awe at their beauty and enjoy my photography.
I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I did - more to follow!
Thanks in advance for any comments or favourites you wish to make.
Keel-bellied whip snake (Dryophiops rubescens). More tropical herps: orionmystery.blogspot.com/2012/12/tropical-reptiles-amphi...
First time I've seen this - didn't make much progress swallowing in the 20 minutes I was watching but then a Bobtail is at least twice as wide - see other photos