Wild Wildlife of Borneo (updated)

dragonfly

dragonfly

Advertiser
Messages
1,739
Name
Des
Edit My Images
No
In between flights at the moment so here are a few herptiles taken in the last few days in the rainforest.

This is a typical view of the type of habitats where we find a lot of amphibians and reptiles. The cool water from the crystal clear stream is very much welcomed in the near 30C humid jungle.

des_kasai.jpg


The Malayan Horned Frog is a master of disguise. Without the help of the local tribe, finding it is nigh on impossible. It camouflages beautifully amongst the leaf litter and only makes a call very infrequently.

horned_frog.jpg


We came across this beautiful Keeled Pit Viper resting not far from we we're stationed. With great care (as it's venomous), you can attain some great close-ups. Aside from macros, I have also shot some with a wide-angled showing its environment.

keeled-viper.jpg


We were very privileged to find a Wallace Tree Frog (named after Alfred Wallace) a.k.a. Flying Tree Frog, as it's quite rare to see one. It uses its large webbed feet to glide in the air from tree to tree. A fantastic sight to witness.

des_wallace.jpg
 
Des,we are a bit nuts about amphibians having a room full of dart frogs. Although we are specialists there is a deep fascination with herps,so, this is a joy to view and read through,thanks so much for sharing, Fabulous picture quality and subjects we would dearly love more Des!!!!. I was unaware of the viper as I'll probably be with many species what a stunning animal the colours are amazing.

Thanks again for sharing this Des

Stu
 
Excellent set, love the tree frog :)
 
•

Great takes and very convincing renditions!
 
Excellent photography, want to see some more now!
 
Last edited:
These are fantastic shots of amazing creatures. It will be a privilege to follow it from now on to see what other gems you encounter on your travels. Terrific start though and superb images.
 
Hi everyone, thanks for the interest. Internet is sometimes non-existence so will do the best I can. Not sure how these looks as I'm editing on the fly using my little Macbook.

The next two are for Stu. We spent 3 evenings looking for amphibians and came across a some beautiful specimens, like this Cinnamon Tree Frog.

des_ cinnamon.jpg


We also photographed a few diminutive species belonging to the Microhylidae family. They are generally an inch or smaller. So trying to find one is quite fun as you can be standing right in front of the very loud calls but still see nothing! :D This one is just under half an inch and is still to be identified. Apart from locating it, the challenge with this particular one, is that overtime you shine a torch on it, after much searching, it stops calling! So to catch it mid-song, you really need to be quick. This was my 8th subject before I was successful.

The most fascinating species was one that lay their eggs inside the Pitcher Plant (carnivorous). We found the super small tadpoles swimming inside these plants and when we returned in the evening, we were so lucking to found a pair actually mating/in the process of laying eggs!

des_frog.jpg


I have been photographing wild Orangutan for a few years now but it's still an incredible feeling to see one, as sightings are getting more and more difficult, especially here in northwestern Borneo. I will be heading to the eastern part in a few days time so hopefully will get to see them again. This is a young adult, male.

des_orangutan.jpg


This is the dominant male and I really wanted to get a nice portrait of it. With a large intelligent ape like this, you really need to consider the risk involved, and understand the body language that both them and you present. Even though the previous male was larger, he lost his reign to this younger fellow due to his strength. According to the locals, the old chap lost one of its eyes in the battle. I am far nervous approaching apes than a venomous snake. This was taken about 30 feet away when he was resting on the ground. With 500mm focal length on a full-frame sensor, I was able to get a shoulder headshot, so this represent about 70% of the actual image. After I had back off, I could feel a slight tremble in my hands, presumably from the concentration and adrenaline pumping through my veins. It's moments like this that I really feel alive and humbled as a wildlife photographer.

des_orangportrait.jpg
 
All very impressive shots! I've wanted to visit borneo to see Orangutans for many years now but it's so expensive so I'm afraid they'll have to wait....assuming they aren't wiped out from palm oil production by then :/
 
That's a superb set and to think they are in the wild makes them even more special :)
 
Forgot to add all really good but that last one is really special for me
 
Love that last shot of the orangutang. All very good but that last shot definitely stands out.
 
I'm heading east tomorrow so here are a few more for the time being...

We came across this group of Silver-leaf Monkey/Langgur halfway trekking in the forest. They were heading generally to the direction of where we were staying. I thought no more of it other than stopping and watching them for a few minutes before moving on. But we were pleasantly surprised when we saw them feeding right next to our lodge at ground level upon our return. So we're able to take real good close-ups as well as just spending time watching them feed. Unlike the Macaques, I found the SLM to be very peaceful.

des_silverleaf.jpg


Many of the tropical birds are very colourful, like this Tickell's Blue Flycatcher. It is a small busy little bird - similar size to an English Robin. It normally stays quite high up in the canopies, but luckily our jungle lodge is built on stilts so I was able to get an almost eye level view of this handsome fellow.

des_flycatcher.jpg


I haven't spend much time documenting the flora here but like the animals, the number of flowering plants are mind boggling. I came across a number of Orchidaceae, like this beautiful Bamboo Orchid.

des_orchid.jpg


Recyclers like fungi plays a very important role in the rainforest. Apart from returning nutrients into the substrate, some species actually helps control fast spreading plants. This particular one is named Cup Fungus, for obvious reason. It measures about 1cm in diameter and it's one of the more colourful species I came across.

des_fungi.jpg


I will try and add more images as I venture further, if I am able to get connected. A few of the locations that I will be visiting will not even have phone signals so do bare with me. That is, assuming that you want to see more.
 
Superb set. What a wonderful experience.I was recently reading an article about primates and that the minimum distance for photographers and eco-tourists,who obviously take shots too, is being extended from 7m to 15 metres. I think it's to do with their vulnerability to our disease,even coughs and colds. There are some great people out there doing fantastic work saving the orangutans. I think I'm, right in saying that they can only be found in Borneo and SSPAM now.
 
JohnC6 said:
Superb set. What a wonderful experience.I was recently reading an article about primates and that the minimum distance for photographers and eco-tourists,who obviously take shots too, is being extended from 7m to 15 metres. I think it's to do with their vulnerability to our disease,even coughs and colds. There are some great people out there doing fantastic work saving the orangutans. I think I'm, right in saying that they can only be found in Borneo and SSPAM now.
Click to expand...

While I agree with a universal 'minimum distance', it depends greatly on species, individual animal and the way in which you approach them. These unenforceable rules are largely made for general wildlife watchers and big groups. It helps prevent accidents and cross-infections, especially with apes as they are so closely related to us.

The information about Orangutan is incorrect - they are found on Borneo island and Sumatra. The Bornean species are further split into differing sub-species. In the past there were fossil evidence to suggest that they may have existed in other parts of tropical Asia but the jury is still out on this as they could well be just relatives as opposed to the current existing species.
 
Last edited:
A couple more from yesterday as the connection at this particular reserve is really slow.

We were really lucky this trip that we not only encountered the endemic Bornean Pygmy Elephants on two occasions, we also witnessed them crossing and bathing in the river. This was a female just about to get into the water. Earlier on we spotted some fresh tracks and from previous recce we knew the size of the herd. So our very experienced guide made the decision to stake out at one of the small tributaries. We parked our small boat on the opposite side of the bank, tucked under the shades of the trees and waited. The strategy paid off, spectacularly.

des_elephant.jpg


This Brown-throated Sunbird and two other species, as well as a Spiderhunter, feed very close to the flowering plants next to our eating platform. So it was great to sit and waited for them in relative comfort, for a change, with a cup of tea if preferred, and shoot when they perch up. This was taken about 6 feet away at 500mm.

des_sunbird.jpg
 
ndwgolf said:
Fantastic set..........makes me want to jump on a plane and go back to East Malaysia :)
Click to expand...

You definitely should, Neil. A great place. I visit Borneo annually and every year I get more and more excited - the diversity is astonishing. In temperate regions it's usual to visit a location to photograph a species of two but in the rainforest, the number of subject encountered are so numerous that it can be overwhelming. Seeing the animals is one thing, learning how to photograph them took me a few years.

Here are a couple more while waiting for the next flight...

This is an Oriental Darter in flight. They can be seen sunbathing along the river or diving for the white catfish. Last year I managed to photograph the latter with it in mid-toss (see slideshow on my website or Facebook if interested) so this year we tried to do a BIF. For this we position the boat to get a good background and watch the bird's pose in anticipation for the flight shot with an appropriate setting.

des_darter.jpg


We're so very fortunate that we're able to see the Western Tarsier last year and this time also. They have not been spotted in this reserve for weeks but we saw it on the first day we arrived. These are very small primates, measuring about 5 to 6 inches (excluding the very long tail) and are insectivores. They are entirely nocturnal and to photograph them we have a strict policy where no flash is allowed, only static hand torch, and for a short period of time only. One of my favourite subjects if I was to be honest, and dare I say, 'adorable'. :)

des_tarsier.jpg


Thanks for looking!
 
Last edited:
JohnC6 said:
Superb set. What a wonderful experience.I was recently reading an article about primates and that the minimum distance for photographers and eco-tourists,who obviously take shots too, is being extended from 7m to 15 metres. I think it's to do with their vulnerability to our disease,even coughs and colds. There are some great people out there doing fantastic work saving the orangutans. I think I'm, right in saying that they can only be found in Borneo and SSPAM now.
Click to expand...

As they say in the US..My bad. I meant,as you say..Sumatra.

Wonderful elephant shot and oriental darter. Well, they're all superb.
 
Last few as I'm sure you've had enough!

Proboscis Monkey is endemic to the island of Borneo. They are avid jumpers, even with an infant. It is not unusual to see them leap 30 feet+. I like the tender moment between mum & baby.

des_proboscis.jpg


I have seen the Leopard Cat on night walks & drives on several occasions in the past but this was the first time that I was able to get a clear shot of it. So very happy. Lit with a large spotlight powered by a vehicle.

des_leopard.jpg


The Giant Squirrel is quite large, and is mainly found high on a tree. In this instance, we're on a high platform looking for canopy birds. He stayed for about a minute, occasionally coming up close to take a look at us.

des_gsquirrel.jpg
 
Had enough? Are you kidding?? I could keep looking at your pics as long as you keep them coming that was a great set, really impressed and now I definitely want to go (I planned to go to Borneo in 2003 when I was 18 but didn't have the guts to just do it alone...wish I had now!)
 
Brilliant set of images from a great experience, keep them coming :)
 
Thanks for the interest. Here are a few more. Happy Easter!

The Black & Red Broadbill is a striking bird that can be found by the riverbanks. I sometimes see them nesting precariously just above water level. This one was just resting on a piece of vine looking handsome.

des_broadbill.jpg


For whatever reason, this year we came across more crocodiles than all my previous visits. And they looked hungry too. Very active. This was taken late in the afternoon from a boat in dappled light. We paddled with the motor off slowly and was able to get within a few feet. Amazing animal regardless of how many times you see them.

des_croc.jpg


This is an interesting insect called the Lantern Bug. They feed on sap of a particular tree. So you need to find the tree to see the bug. We photographed two different species on this trip.

des_lantern.jpg


Btw, for those interested, all the images you see above were made using the following 3 lenses: Nikon 200-500mm f5.6, Sigma 150mm f2.8 macro (old version without OS), and the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (really old version without built-in motor).
 
Last edited:
Only just spotted this thread - really interesting and some fascinating animals, superbly photographed - thank you so much for sharing, really amazing and you've got balls of steel going anywhere near those adult monkey's (y)
 
Last few.. some feathered friends. Thanks for following. If interested, you can see more on my Facebook page.

Crimson Sunbird

des_sunbird02.jpg


Pacific Swallows

des_swallows.jpg


Olive-backed Sunbird

des_sunbird03.jpg


Pied Fantail

des_fantail.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top