WildView™

May 30, 2014

Rare Gems

- as seen by -

Julie Larsen

---

They are jewels that glow with brilliant, iridescent colors as they catch the light. The collection ranges in size from less than a 1/2 inch to the size of my fist.

They are all precious.

These are not rare gemstones, but rather “herps” (short for herpetology, a branch of zoology dealing with reptiles and amphibians.) Small frogs (like this lemur leaf frog,) turtles, and lizards have intricate characteristics that are not only exquisite, but aid in their survival throughout the world. Most are highly endangered—on the brink—due to destruction of their habitat and demand by the pet trade to own their beauty.

The Wildlife Conservation Society’s Bronx Zoo participates in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums citizen science program called FrogWatch USA. People can help by monitoring herps in their own backyard.

Nikon D3 with R1C1 Strobe Kit

---