Lesser Antillean Iguana

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 4, 201290 views3 comments

I just returned from a honeymoon in Dominica - a small mostly rainforest island in the Lesser Antilles. They have a wonderful diversity of plants and animals there and fortunately few invasive species. Whereas the Green Iguana has been introduced to some nearby islands and hybridized with native lesser Antillean Iguana's, the population in Dominica remains pure. The hotel I stayed at was heavily forested and I saw at least three individuals scaling the trees. While this species is on the IUCN Red List (mostly due to habitat loss), their population in Dominica appears to be healthy/stable.

Nikon D300s 300mm f4 + 1.7X TC HH
f/6.7
1/320s
ISO 1000

No noise reduction, minor adjustments in RAW, full frame

- Luke

Comments

3 comments

Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 4, 2012 at 5:54 PM

A good exposure and light colors=little noise. Well done and conceived.

Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments

Comment posted by Vincent Grafhorst on October 8, 2012 at 12:57 AM

Congratulation Luke!

Dominica sounds like a piece of paradise, certainly for these Iguanas. Nice exposure and DOF control here Luke. On the one hand I am wishing the head to be in the sunlight, but on the other hand I feel that it being in the shade (yet with that clear eye still a good focal point) helps the character of the creature to hide by trying to blend in with its habitat.

Registered on February 24, 2006, 504 Posts, 7203 Comments

Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 8, 2012 at 1:13 AM

I like the way you have captured him blending into the colors and textures of the environment. Might be just a little bit tight in the frame on the bottom and in front - for my tastes. KInd of wish the rear foot was more in focus. Just some ideas on a very pleasing image. Great that your wife is cool about you doing photography on the "honeymoon"

Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments