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Malayan Water Monitor and the Purple Heron

on 16th September 2019

The above photograph was documented at about 8.35 PM around Pandan River by Jkai Chan.

A “great action shot” wrote Tay Yew Nguan. Lanceflare Photoblog was also impressed, noting that it was a “fantastic capture.” Siah Seok Hong agreed that it was indeed a “great shot.”

At a glance the photograph may have given the impression the Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) was zooming down towards the Malayan Water Monitor (Varanus salvator) on the ground below. But was that what actually happened?

As later related by Jkai, what actually happened was that the heron was on the ground. It was targeted by a lurking monitor lizard hidden among the grasses nearby. Fortunately for the heron, it became aware of the impending attack and immediately flew off sideways before landing nearby (above).

The final words came from Jeremiah Loei who wrote that “…usually a picture can have many interpretations, unless the owner tells the story, others can make use of it for their own benefit…”

Jkai Chan, Yew Nguan, Lanceflare Photoblog, Siah Seok Hong & Jeremiah Loei
Singapore
3rd September 2019

If you like this post please tap on the Like button at the left bottom of page. Any views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors/contributors, and are not endorsed by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM, NUS) or its affiliated institutions. Readers are encouraged to use their discretion before making any decisions or judgements based on the information presented.

YC Wee

Dr Wee played a significant role as a green advocate in Singapore through his extensive involvement in various organizations and committees: as Secretary and Chairman for the Malayan Nature Society (Singapore Branch), and with the Nature Society (Singapore) as founding President (1978-1995). He has also served in the Nature Reserve Board (1987-1989), Nature Reserves Committee (1990-1996), National Council on the Environment/Singapore Environment Council (1992-1996), Work-Group on Nature Conservation (1992) and Inter-Varsity Council on the Environment (1995-1997). He is Patron of the Singapore Gardening Society and was appointed Honorary Museum Associate of the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (LKCNHM) in 2012. In 2005, Dr Wee started the Bird Ecology Study Group. With more than 6,000 entries, the website has become a valuable resource consulted by students, birdwatchers and researchers locally and internationally. The views and opinions expressed in this article are his own, and do not represent those of LKCNHM, the National University of Singapore or its affiliated institutions.

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