Crocodilians: Natural History & Conservation: Crocodiles, Caimans, Alligators, Gharials

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PIC OF THE MONTH

Crocodilian images which reveal fascinating stories told from a visual perspective.

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And the winner is...

For the 2004 Pic of the Month competition, there were 13 judges who were able to submit a vote: Brady Barr, Peter Brazaitis, Erin O'Brien, Adam Britton, Ruth Elsey, John & Penny Pomeroy, Jamie Robertston, Steve Salisbury, Bruce Shwedick, Ralf Sommerlad, Colin Stevenson, Allan Woodward and Kent Vliet.

Each judge voted for their top 3 images, which received 3 (1st), 2 (2nd) or 1 (3rd) points. This time there were only 6 entries to vote for. When the final total was calculated, the top three were ranked as follows:

1st - Sue Steffy - Saltwater Crocodile (21 points)

1st place - Sue Steffy

2nd - Jeff Bowers
Spectacled Caiman (14 points)

2nd place - Jeff Bowers

3rd - Paul Bodnar
Dwarf crocodiles (13 points)

3rd place - Paul Bodnar

The winner of the best Pic of the Month submitted in 2004 was Sue Steffy with her detailed close-up of the head of submerged Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Most judges chose this picture as their first or second favourite shot, in each case because of the detail and clarity the photograph displayed. You can almost feel the vibrations in the water that the crocodile is capable of detecting. So congratulations to Sue for her excellent picture, which wins the prize of an A4 Ilfochrome print of a Tomistoma. Ilfochrome prints are unparalled in both colour and detail reproduction, and the species in question is one deserving of greater recognition. In 2nd place we have Jeff Bower's picture of a particularly impressive adult caiman, two factors that several judges commented upon. And close behind in 3rd place is a very nicely composed picture of hatchling dwarf crocodiles by Paul Bodnar. Both Jeff and Paul win Northern Territory crocodile postcards for their efforts.

Here are a couple of comments the judges made:

Dwarven Dwarfs (March) by Paul Bodnar - "Beautiful animals, nice light and good composition. Hatchlings of a species we do not see enough of. " Kent Vliet

The Specs on the Spectacled Caiman (November) by Jeff Bowers - "Nice to see an image of a caiman for a change. What a striking animal! Also good that it is a wild animal." Colin Stevenson

Thanks again to everyone who sent photographs during 2004, whether they made the Pic of the Month or not. This section of the website has always been popular, but merely a reflection of how popular crocodilians are. In our 10th Anniversary Year I hope we see more spectacular examples of why these animals fascinate us so much. Again, the picture voted the best by the end of 2005 will win a prize... and something a little special I hope this time.

Our first Pic of the Month for 2004 will appear here in early February, although I hope to squeeze in another caption contest if I can find a suitable photograph!

Would you like to enter your best photograph as a potential Pic of the Month? Send it to me and I'll include the best here each month. Each year I run a competition where the best photograph each year is awarded an Ilfochrome print, though in 2005 it's our 10th Anniversary so expect something a little different. The only criteria for submitting a photograph is this: it must capture the attention.