Kike Navarro – La Palma in pictures • 36

Sun worshippers

—  Thanks to Kike Navarro, we get to know more of La Palma's emblematic fauna.

This time it's a pair of Western Canary lizards (Gallotia galloti). This species of lizard is endemic to La Palma and Tenerife. 

These two have taken a particular liking to a stone. They sit there every late afternoon in the sun to warm up: Only: at the slightest movement they perceive in the surroundings, they hide and then look for another place. 

In these cases, the photographer has no choice: he has to lie down on the ground and hide very well. As close as possible to this very stone and with the camera ready to shoot. Then it's a case of lying very still and praying that the couple will come up and sit where he would like them to. Sometimes, but only sometimes, the animals do something similar to what you planned and it actually works out with the photo.

click to enlarge

Kike's plan worked. The male is in front and knows he is the biggest one around with his bright colours and iridescent scales. The female behind has already spotted the photographer and is a little more alert. Kike is only a few metres away and when she hears the click of the camera, she disappears in a flash. 

Bluebeard

"barbazul, lagarto"
La Palma lizard
Gallotia galloti palmae

The male "lagartos" have a blue "beard", the females are more inconspicuous - these endemics are sun worshippers and love snacks of all kinds.

Adult males are strong and up to 25 cm long. Their backs are grey-black, partly brightly spotted. Their nickname bluebeard "barba azul" comes from their striking blue throat pouches.

Click here for the article about the La Palma lizard...

La Palma in pictures • photo series

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