6th March 2013 by emmadurnford

6th March 2013

OK, so David Attenborough has nothing to worry about with this photograph and it is not even very good BUT... it is a Dusky Langur, one of a small group of wild monkeys that live on the island of Besar in the Perhentian Islands.

They were a challenge to find and we literally had to trek through jungle - the mosquitos were the size of small helicopters and the wood ants looked big enough to move fallen logs. It was well worth the effort, a few clues with fallen leaves and ‘droppings’ (to my mum who is a Doctor of Zoology - you’d be proud of my analysis!!) and we saw some movement in the trees.

They live high in the canopy eating only leaves making photographing them a challenge shooting into dark trees and bright sky a long way up. They are exceedingly cute though (not a scientific description) with white circles around their eyes and white lips.
great capture
March 6th, 2013  
Terrific shot! If you wanted him to be a little lighter there is no problem doing that in Photoshop.
March 6th, 2013  
@brav @steampowered Thanks guys, I have lightened him a bit but as I was on ISO500 he was getting a bit noisy if you know what I mean!!
March 7th, 2013  
JH
Ooh we spent some time in the perhentians a few years back. Those mosquitos are HUGE! And those massive lizards too.

Sounds & looks like you've had/are having a wonderful trip.
March 7th, 2013  
How incredible! Must of been well worth serving as landing pad for all the helicopters! ;)
March 9th, 2013  
Great perserverence. I know what you mean about trying to find monkeys in trees. And you handled the challeng of the contrasting light very well. I like the backlighting on the top fur on his head. The light worked for you well there
March 13th, 2013  
@jewelsandbinoculars totally agree about the mosquitos and other strange and painful flies! We missed the Monitor lizards but had some amazing snorkelling and saw a sea eagle fishing
March 18th, 2013  
@helixconcepts @emmadurnford thank you but the light was challenging - I know I am NOT cut out to be a wildlife photographer - not enough patience!!
March 18th, 2013  
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