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Munch-time
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Munch-time

by Morkel Erasmus

Gallery: WildlifePosted October 22, 2012110 views4 comments
A critically endangered Black Rhino feeding on a bush. Black Rhinos are browsers primarily, as opposed to White Rhinos who are grazers.

Location undisclosed for understandable reasons... :mad:

Up to this past Thursday upwards of 460 rhinos had been illegally poached in Southern Africa due to increased demand for horn in the East. The horn is believed to contain medicinal value, but is actually just as good for your health as snorting human hair would be (it's made of the same stuff).
:eek:

Techs:
Canon 7D with 100-400mm L IS USM @ 285mm
f8.0 @ 1/640 SS @ ISO-400

Comments

4 comments
Comment posted by Gary Gulash on October 22, 2012 at 11:44 PM
Stunningly impressive animal, love the detail, subtle color palate. The upturned horn is amazing. He has his eye on you. A little more room at the bottom and in front of the rhino would get the rhino less centered. Don't know what to say about the poaching - beyond understanding that humans are so ....... self-centered. :frown:
Registered on January 28, 2005, 879 Posts, 12098 Comments
Comment posted by Cam Held on October 25, 2012 at 4:25 AM
Hi Morkel,
I agree with Gary, great shot of an amazing animal. As he said it is a bit centered, but not a big issue in my mind. No other nits from me.
Isn't it cool that the rhino species each fulfill different niches? I do anyway haha...
And I just get so frustrated with poaching. Why the hell would anyone have any desire to kill such an amazing wild animal? Two days ago we found a Cape Buffalo stuck in a snare in the Serengeti- its upsetting that these animals aren't even safe in national parks.
Anyway, enough rambling, I could go off all day on poaching. Thanks for sharing!
-Cam
Registered on November 12, 2009, 59 Posts, 398 Comments
Comment posted by Brad Hill on October 26, 2012 at 8:19 AM
Hey Morkel,

Thanks for posting this and for keeping the seriousness of poaching in the forefront of our minds. For me what sticks out about the image is that massive horn sticking straight up - impressive! I like the overall colour palette as well. To me it feels a bit tight on tip and on the left - but these are personal preference issues (and don't interfere at all with how well the image can be used to introduce a discussion on poaching! :wink: ).

Keep up the good work and fighting the good fight!

Cheers...

Brad
Registered on May 29, 2007, 431 Posts, 6061 Comments
Comment posted by Morkel Erasmus on October 28, 2012 at 5:26 PM
Thanks for viewing and the feedback, folks.
I cropped like this to avoid some more 'busy' foliage either side. :cool:
Registered on March 22, 2011, 385 Posts, 2068 Comments