Very typically you wouldn’t consider Singapore and crocodiles being collectively, provided that Singapore is a cosmopolitan metropolis of just about 6 million folks, crammed with skyscrapers, purchasing malls, and excessive rise residences. But sure, crocodiles are native to Singapore and you may often spot them lurking within the northern nature reserve of Sungei Buloh.
The crocodiles present in Singapore are the estuarine or saltwater crocodile which might develop as much as 5 meters and weigh greater than 1,000 kg. That mentioned, they’re the most important predator on the island and may simply chomp down on any unlucky animal, or human that will get in it’s manner. Well, I’ve by no means heard of anybody getting bitten, killed or eaten by a crocodile in Singapore earlier than.
I’ve tried to identify these crocodiles earlier than at Sungei Buloh however with out luck. But this journey would show to be my fortunate day, as I managed to identify at the very least 4 crocodiles in a single morning.
One of the numerous tracks that crisscross the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve with tidal mangrove swamps on both facet. A crocodile or another animal might be hiding simply touching distance from you.Not the standard ‘fine’ indicators that you will note in Singapore. But in case you don’t heed the warning, you may find yourself being a crocodile’s lunch.
Wild crocodiles aren’t going to be simply mendacity there ready so that you can take their photographs. So you must attempt to spot them of their standard hangout which is often within the water’s edge close to the shore, the place they lie in wait to ambush their prey.
The first croc that I noticed seemed like a chunk of driftwood floating within the water. But then it began coming up and down, because the crocodile would submerge itself periodically to cover from being noticed by potential prey. This was a small one, possibly 1 meter or barely bigger.Another crocodile with a a lot clearer shot because it was not backlit from the morning solar.Another croc which was getting loads of consideration from guests because it was staying nonetheless just below the bridge the place everybody might get a take a look at it. This one seemed prefer it had some straps wrapped round it’s mouth, and I used to be undecided if it somebody had tried to lure it, or it had obtained entangled with trash within the water. Finally, the most important croc noticed that day was this 3 meter lengthy monster that was lurking within the swampy water simply meters from the strolling observe.
While I had happy my search to identify crocodiles that morning, I managed to run into different reptilian family of the crocs.
The water monitor lizard might be the subsequent largest predator in Singapore after the crocodile. They are comparatively extra widespread and will be seen even in housing estates. It can develop as much as 2 meters lengthy. This one was a juvenile at simply 2 ft lengthy. I by no means knew their tongues have been blue in color.On the way in which out of the park, I encountered this grownup monitor lizard which was simply 2 meters lengthy. I managed to get this shot of it’s blue tongue because it flicked out. Adult monitor lizards have few predators besides the saltwater crocodile.Finally, a mangrove pit viper which was perched on a department simply beside the strolling path. I wouldn’t have noticed it however for different photographers who pointed it out. This is a particularly venomous snake whose poison can kill a grownup human.
All these photographs have been taken with my 100-400mm telephoto lens which allowed me to be additional away from the animals. Being wild animals, it’s finest to maintain your distance from them, particularly in the event that they really feel threatened by your presence and may assault out of the blue.
