Dragons Den by rockstrider
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
Komodo dragon [Varanus komodensis]
This is another shot taken at Chester Zoo. Due to the very thick glass of the Komodo enclosure it was difficult to get a shot without flash-flare, even though I was using an external flash. I have done a lot of postwork to try to remove the highlights and flare that this caused, although it is not ideal.
The Komodo dragon is the world's largest lizard species. It is found mainly on the Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rintja, Padar, and Flores. There are only an estimated 5,000 of these endangered lizards living today. Reaching lengths of up to 3 m or more, and weighing up to 126 kg, these reptiles are swift runners and climbers with great appetites for deer and wild boar. Komodo dragons are formidable predators, since even one bite can be lethal. The bacteria that live in the dragon's saliva are so virulent that wounds often will not heal. Even if the victim gets away, it usually dies from infection in a few days. The dragon's reputation as a human eater is well deserved as it does not seem to fear humans and many attacks and deaths have been reported. In order to protect the dragon, the Indonesian government has made the islands of Padar and Rintja into nature reserves for both the lizard and its prey (but not the human kind of prey! Lol!).
Thanks for looking and any comments and critique are more than welcome and valued!
Comments (40)
Meisiekind
What a stunning specimen and great shot! Well done! I saw one at the Chicago aquarium last year. They are really quite mean looking!!! xx
babuci
One of my fav lizard. You did a great job capture its smile. Wonderful green scale too.
DavidEMartin
Incredible. Thank you.
mickuk50
considering the difficulties you
ve had carl youve done a great job on it from what i can see .excellent mate :o) mickfredster66
Awesome image Carl!
viper
Excellent Dragon portrait. They are also one of my favorite lizards.
BibbyBear
Well I think he is eyeing you up Carl - in fact, he was probably about the same length as you so could maybe eat you whole LOL!! This is a great capture and you have done remarkably well in postwork to eliminate the problems incurred. The focus on his eye is brilliant and somehow draws me into his stare - quite scary really!! A great capture hun. Hugs Chrissy xox
G_Mansco
LOL.... what a wonderful smile ;O) Lovely tones!
wingnut55
very impressive work. in prehistoric times, Komodo dragons were large enough to kill even the pygmy elephants found on those islands, and it may have been the dragons rather than human settlers who caused the elephants to become extinct.
Janiss
Wonderfull colors and funny expression.. a great capture!
durleybeachbum
A great result! super portrait!
dorothylee
Super portrait! He sure does have some great color and texture
MrsLubner
Of all the lizards (except for gators) this is my most favorite one. What an exceptional capture even through glass.
danob
Great job mate from the camera settings was hard to grab so well
ledwolorz
Beautiful Dragon portrait.Fantastic colors and texture,
auntietk
Excellent capture! He's looking at you like you might be lunch!
SapUS59
excellent image !!
lanemtripp
what detail...great capture
blacq_nyght_vampyre
What a beautiful creature and great capture.
kimariehere
great shot thry thick glass i shot one just the other day in the same situation but he was brown and not as pretty .... beautiful capture and great work!!
saretta
Oh look at his face!!!!!He's wonderful,adorable shot!!!!!!:-)
Isha-NightWalker
Wonderful creature to look at, great shot!
JeffG7BRJ
A ferocious beast indeed Carl, I remember watching a wildlife docu some time ago and the camera man had to climb up a tree to get out of the way, I'm not sure if it was a Steve Irwin or somebody else. Whoever it was they pointed out the danger of even the tiniest scratch from its mouth or a drop of saliva on an open wound. They might look slow but they can put a spurt on when needed. Excellent portrait of this one, especially through the thick aquaruium glass. Bravo!!!!!
aljaysart
Great capture carl it came out really well mate, this reminds me of my mother in law she's an ald dragon LOL. Excellent well done.
Hendesse
Excellent shot, superb details although the thick glass. A beautiful animal!
moochagoo
Ô that's a banker, after the crisis ! :)))
delaorden_ojeda
Impressive close up, wonderful colors and superb expression, bravo !
amlondono
SUPERB CAPTURE ! Ana
PR0XIM0
Super "portrait", wonderful details and composition Great capture
CavalierLady
Great job getting this shot, he's so colorful and an amazing creature. I never got a shot through thick, dirty glass, so well done!