The Geckos’ cloak of invisibility

December 24, 2011 by Michael

Leaf-tailed geckos (Uroplatus sp) are found only in Madagascar and are nature’s masters of camouflage. They are nocturnal hunters of the tropical rainforests. When resting during the day, they need to hide from predators. They achieve this in spectacular fashion by adopting various strategies to give themselves a cloak of invisibility. This certainly gives a challenge to the wildlife photographer.

Uroplatus gecko

The Leaf-tailed Gecko (above) has a ragged frill of skin over its eye which breaks up its outline. A ragged flap also extends around the sides of the Gecko, this merges with the tree trunk and prevents a shadow appearing.

Can you see the Gecko

The Giant Gecko (above) changes its skin colour, such that it is almost indistinguishable from that of the tree. Can you see it halfway up on the right hand tree trunk?

Ebenau's Leaf-tailed Gecko

Ebenau’s Leaf-tailed Gecko mimics dead leaves. Even the dark veins of leaves are copied, so that this animal becomes invisible amidst the vegetation.

Science notes

December 23, 2011 by Richard

Hello

Expedition Photographer- Row to the Pole

December 22, 2011 by Richard

The Row to the Pole expedition was a world first attempt to journey by row boat to the 96′ Magnetic North Pole. It was so novel because of the changing conditions of summer Arctic sea ice. Due to a 30 year trend in sea ice degredation to was thought this this unique maritime voyage 700km north of Resolute Bay might be possible.

I was lucky enough to be selected as a reserve for the expedition due to my rowing experience in Ottawa and my science communication background.

Ottawa Rowing Club scullers

Last row on the Ottawa river before heading on Arctic expedition

Resolute to Magnetic North Pole rowing journey

Being based in Resolute Bay, Conwallis was an exciting photographic opportunity. First there was the unique Row to the Pole expedition and second a setting that is just so isolated with its unique flora and fauna.

Row to the Pole guys on the sea ice

: Row to the Pole guys on the sea ice

Ice boat for Arctic ocean rowing

Rowing through the degraded summer sea ice

Is there anywhere really wild in England ?

December 22, 2011 by Richard

Tearing a slice out of the countryside from London to the north of the country is the M1, England’s busiest motorway. Two miles as the crow flies from this part of the M1 in the midlands, is my home. Hardly the wilderness, one might think but this is where the National Forest is located and in this recently created forest, there are some fantastic wildlife areas.

The National Forest comprises a huge landscape where a juxtaposition of desecrated land from mineral workings, mining and disappeared industries borders ancient forests such as Charnwood and Needwood.

The cities of Derby, Leicester, Stoke and Nottingham all lie close to the National Forest. These cities also have great football clubs, but if its wildlife you want on a Saturday afternoon the new National Forest will provide that too.

Woodlands are places where you can most easily get lost, not just physically but emotionally as well. Trees and leaves absorb sound, that s why many species of birds join together to sing their ‘dawn chorus’. So, busy and crowded as England may appear to be, wild places are to be found and the National Forest is one of them.

Madagascar – priceless wildlife amidst economic poverty

December 21, 2011 by Richard

Madagascar is among the poorest nations on earth, being far off trade routes, having few natural resources, with a rapidly expanding population and governed by a long line of corrupt politicians.

Kids hard at work

However due to its evolutionary history, the island of Madagascar is one of the Worlds biological hotspots. Its unique landscapes contain a cauldron of biological diversity, unlike anywhere else on the planet.

Chameleon on a missionParsons chmeleon

The perfect vehicle for a wildlife photographer

December 21, 2011 by Richard

We have tried to undertake wildlife photographs from planes, trains and buses, all with mixed success. The mud from most continents has got stuck to my wheels at some time or another and more times than I would have liked the mud has got higher than my wheels!

What we want from a vehicle is reliability to get to and back from remote places where wildlife is to found. We need a vehicle with storage capacity for plenty of photographic kit and a comfortable place in which to while away the hours of waiting. Finally a vehicle that will not break our bank balance.

Let me introduce to you a perfect vehicle for the wildlife photographer, the Toyota Hilux

Our vehicle, pictured here has been fitted with a 4-Wheel camper, imported from California.

The camper is a pop-top type. The advantages with it are that it very lightweight and has very little wind resistance, with sufficient living space for two people, including a great double bed.

Our vehicle, pictured here has been fitted with a 4-Wheel camper, imported from California.

The camper is a pop-top type. The advantages with it are that it very lightweight and has very little wind resistance, with sufficient living space for two people, including a great double bed.

Don’t mess with an Emu

December 21, 2011 by Richard

On our recent photographic journey through Western Australia, we came across a few of these amazing birds and the first thing for a wildlife photographer to learn is ‘do not mess with an Emu’ they are fast, taller than most basketball players and can down a fence with one kick from their massive feet.

Emu in Western Australia

Mum Emu lays her emerald green eggs and disappears, leaving dad to do everything else.

When the chicks are born they are striped and it’s this colouration that helps camouflage them against the forest floor.

Even as they grow up the young stay close to dad. There are plenty of predators such as Dingoes and Wedge-tailed Eagles for whom a young Emu is a tasty snack. When attempting to photograph these birds you need to be up-wind from them, very quiet and not trying to venture too close.

Thirsty work for the Emu