Photo Feature
Bengal monitor lizard Varanus bengalensis
Sanjay Shukla’s family had an unexpected visitor in their fifth-floor apartment kitchen – a juvenile Bengal monitor lizard Varanus bengalensis! Though non-venomous, monitor lizards may retaliate or bite if provoked. Deforestation sometimes encourages these reptiles closer to human habitations, where they are often killed for their meat and body parts, that many falsely believe have healing powers.
Photographer: Sanjay S. Shukla
Location: Badlapur, Maharashtra
Details: Camera: Nikon D750, Lens: Nikon 200-500 mm., Shutter speed: 1/30 sec., Aperture: f/5.6, ISO 100, Focal length: 200 mm.
Image taken: May 14, 2020, 12:00 p.m.