Just got back during the early hours of this morning from a wonderful, herpetological field trip to Cayos Cochinos, Honduras, C. America.
My time was spent with a friend and colleague who is studying the Boa constrictors that are endemic to the island. He is looking at the genetics to compare them with other island species as well as those on the mainland. We also spent time radio tracking animals and carrying out transects in the forest to look for and catch them for the study. Once the biometric data was gathered they were released back tot he point of capture.
This image shows one of the many Boas we encountered along the way and shows the detail and beauty of a healthy, wild specimen. It was in threat posture just before I caught it. Mostly they would head up the tree, but this one held its ground...!
Will trawl through some of your recent postings over the next few days and hope to catch-up with your activities.
Thats a great shot Brett, but I am not sure it's the kind of pic that will get many new snake lovers !! Mr O'Shea would like this !
Wonderful picture. I presume it was held ?
Cheers
JohnR
No it was on the tree where we found it.. It was posturing to avoid us capturing it.. Have many shots of it on the tree as well for reference but they don't show the snake as detailed.
So, I can say that this is a truly wild snake and one of my first encounters of them in their environment. If it was hand held it would have turned and bit whoever was handling it...! I did get nailed by one when I was out there, like ripping your hand through brambles and the wounds bleed like hell for a minute or two... , Al in the name of science I guess and for the longevity of the species. It is hoped that the studies might go someway to help protecting against poaching for the pet trade..
Terrific picture. Sharp as a razor. Good details. Even the teeth are sharp. Wel done
I can only see them in the zoo. To me it looks like a great adventure to meet such an animal.
Discussion
13 repliesJust got back during the early hours of this morning from a wonderful, herpetological field trip to Cayos Cochinos, Honduras, C. America.
My time was spent with a friend and colleague who is studying the Boa constrictors that are endemic to the island. He is looking at the genetics to compare them with other island species as well as those on the mainland. We also spent time radio tracking animals and carrying out transects in the forest to look for and catch them for the study. Once the biometric data was gathered they were released back tot he point of capture.
This image shows one of the many Boas we encountered along the way and shows the detail and beauty of a healthy, wild specimen. It was in threat posture just before I caught it. Mostly they would head up the tree, but this one held its ground...!
Will trawl through some of your recent postings over the next few days and hope to catch-up with your activities.
Kind regards,
Brett.
Techs:
Canon 30D, Sigma 150mm (HH), F10 @ 1/60, on-board fill flash
Wonderful picture. I presume it was held ?
Cheers
JohnR
No it was on the tree where we found it.. It was posturing to avoid us capturing it.. Have many shots of it on the tree as well for reference but they don't show the snake as detailed.
So, I can say that this is a truly wild snake and one of my first encounters of them in their environment. If it was hand held it would have turned and bit whoever was handling it...! I did get nailed by one when I was out there, like ripping your hand through brambles and the wounds bleed like hell for a minute or two...
Brett.
Terrific picture. Sharp as a razor. Good details. Even the teeth are sharp. Wel done
I can only see them in the zoo. To me it looks like a great adventure to meet such an animal.
Speak soon.
Sounds like you had a cracking time, despite the injuries. There are times when only a black background will do. Great effort.
Ian
Simon
Dave
Lovely capture! Very detailed!
Major.
Excellent detail etc. etc.
Regards
Alan