KARL ANDRE TERBLANCHE

Bulletin 17

10 November 2006

Back in the Desert

The Namib! What can I say; I just love the desert. I decided to spend most of my time reacquainting myself with my “back garden”, and photographing some of its creatures. As soon as I got into Swakopmund, I contacted Tommy’s Desert Tours and arranged a trip out. As always I was not disappointed.

I have included a small selection of images mainly of chameleons and sidewinders. More images will follow as soon as I find the time to edit through all the pictures I have taken. At the moment I am quite happy spending most of my time out in the dunes, taking pictures and happily sizzling away in the sun. (And for those of you about to tell me off, I have invested in some sun block, and a ridiculously touristy looking hat!!!)

To your left you have the Namaqua Chameleon in its natural surroundings.

Below, is the same Chameleon after changing its colour striding out over the hot Namib sand.

According to Tommy this is one of the biggest Sidewinders he has ever seen. I will be including measurements later, once I have them. These snakes don't usually raise their heads to this level, so I guess I have a unique shot here.

A Sidewinder where it feels at home! Simply beautiful is all I can say! I love these little snakes.

Shovel-snouted lizard. I saw a lot of these lizards skimming over the dunes. They were quick to dive but reluctant to do their famous “thermal dance”.

Unfortunately this chameleon got run over by a quad-bike. Sightings of really big chameleons are becoming rare, due to increased pressure on the area as more and more off road vehicles rip up the surrounding habitat, all in the name of recreation!!!(this is just one of many I have seen)

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