The Pantanal in Brazil is full of yacaré caiman. In fact, at roughly 10 million individuals, they make up the largest crocodilian population on earth. This is a fairly young caiman, but when fully grown they can get to be about 10 feet in length. It was late in the afternoon when I took this shot and the dark shadows in the water were caused by the surrounding trees.
This is a fabulous shot. Sharp focus, clearly defined subject, and the feeling it conveys is one of power and a bit of ‘concern’ on my part. I am hoping this was shot with a long lens 🙂
Are their eyes disproportionately large? And, if so, why? Their prey is also large, is’ nit, and therefore easy to see. Or are they scent-driven? I feel like I am taking a Natural History course, Sean, but this is much more fun than sitting in a classroom.
Their eyes are large and usually that’s all you see sticking up above the water. They don’t really eat big things though — mainly snails, mollusks, crustaceans and fish. Sometimes, however, they will go after snakes and larger mammals like capybara (the world’s largest rodent). They are patient hunters, floating along, looking like a log before striking. They are prey themselves to jaguars.
We use cookies to enhance your experience while using our website. If you are using our Services via a browser you can restrict, block or remove cookies through your web browser settings. We also use content and scripts from third parties that may use tracking technologies. You can selectively provide your consent below to allow such third party embeds. For complete information about the cookies we use, data we collect and how we process them, please check our Privacy Policy
The Pantanal in Brazil is full of yacaré caiman. In fact, at roughly 10 million individuals, they make up the largest crocodilian population on earth. This is a fairly young caiman, but when fully grown they can get to be about 10 feet in length. It was late in the afternoon when I took this shot and the dark shadows in the water were caused by the surrounding trees.
This is a fabulous shot. Sharp focus, clearly defined subject, and the feeling it conveys is one of power and a bit of ‘concern’ on my part. I am hoping this was shot with a long lens 🙂
Thanks Jim, I was very close, but this was a relatively small caiman — and I was in a boat.
Just superb. A world of liquids.
Thanks Michael,
I love the colors you can get off the surface of the water at certain times of the day.
Are their eyes disproportionately large? And, if so, why? Their prey is also large, is’ nit, and therefore easy to see. Or are they scent-driven? I feel like I am taking a Natural History course, Sean, but this is much more fun than sitting in a classroom.
Their eyes are large and usually that’s all you see sticking up above the water. They don’t really eat big things though — mainly snails, mollusks, crustaceans and fish. Sometimes, however, they will go after snakes and larger mammals like capybara (the world’s largest rodent). They are patient hunters, floating along, looking like a log before striking. They are prey themselves to jaguars.
WOW! What a STUNNING shot!!! He is just beautiful and you captured his essence so magically. FANTASTIC! Thank you!!!!!
That is a “wow” shot. Loved it.
Beautifully done. Kudos Sean.
BEAUTIFUL colors!!
Looks so unbelievably good, it looks fake.
fantastic ! I don’t dare to see the rest.
Again, Bo says, “I love caimans!”