Made in Australia Photo

Photographer’s Note

A birthday present for Francesco, L’Assessore (francio64), I know he loves Koalas & he will be celebrating his birthday on the 5th, Happy Birthday Francesco.
The koala gets its name from an ancient Aboriginal word meaning "no drink" because it receives over 90% of its hydration from the Eucalyptus leaves (also known as gum leaves) it eats, and only drinks when ill or times when there is not enough moisture in the leaves. ie during droughts etc. Its fur is thick and usually ash grey with a tinge of brown in places.
In Australia there are over 600 types of eucalyptus, but koalas will only eat 40-50 varieties with only about 10 being preferred. Within a particular area, as few as one, and generally no more than two or three species of eucalyptus will be regularly browsed while a variety of other species, including some non-eucalyptus, appear to be browsed occasionally or used for just sitting or sleeping in.
Different species of eucalyptus grow in different parts of Australia, so a koala in Victoria would have a very different diet from one in Queensland. Koalas like a change, too, and sometimes they will eat from other trees such as wattle or tea tree.
Eucalyptus leaves are very fibrous and low in nutrition, and to most animals are extremely poisonous. To cope with such a diet, nature has equipped koalas with specialised adaptations. A very slow metabolic rate allows koalas to retain food within their digestive system for a relatively long period of time, maximising the amount of energy able to be extracted. At the same time, this slow metabolic rate minimises energy requirements and they will sleep for up to 18 hours per day in order to conserve energy.
Taken at Healville Sanctuary in the company of Bill (trekks) Alfred (alftrek) and Kludio (daddo)

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Italian.

Un regalo per il compleanno di Francesco, L'Assessore (francio64), so che lui ama le Koalas & e fa gli anni il 5 di questo mese. Auguri Francesco.
Il koala prende il nome da una antica parola aborigena che significa "non bere", perché riceve oltre il 90% della sua idratazione da foglie di eucalipto, mangia e beve solo quando sono malati o in momenti in cui non è sufficiente umidità nelle foglie. vale a dire durante la siccità, la sua pelliccia spessa e di solito un grigio cenere, con una sfumatura di colore marrone in luoghi.
In Australia ci sono oltre 600 specie di eucalipti, ma koala mangia solo 40-50 varietà con solo circa 10 preferiti. All'interno di una determinata zona, e facile che ci sia solo un albero preferito, e in genere non piú di due o tre, in rarità mangiano anche di varietà di altre specie, non eucalipti, questi alberi sembrano sfogliati o vengano utilizzati solo per sedersi o dormire.
Differenti specie di eucalipti crescono in diverse parti dell'Australia, il koala in Victoria ha una dieta molto diverso da quello in Queensland. Foglie di eucalipto sono molto fibrosi con poca nutrizione, e per maggior parte degli animali sono estremamente velenose, la natura ha dotato i koala con adattamenti specializzati, un metabolismo molto lento permette la koala di conservare gli alimenti nel loro sistema digerente per un periodo relativamente lungo, massimizzare la quantità di energia che può essere estratta. Allo stesso tempo, questa lentezza metabolica riduce al minimo il fabbisogno energetico e dormono un circa 18 ore al giorno, per risparmiare energia.
Prese a Santuario di Healesville in compagnia di Bill (trekks) Alfred (alftrek) e Kludio (daddo)

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trekks, pablominto, macondo, holmertz, francio64, siamesa, phwall, jusninasirun, Clementi, jhm, axiotea, mikebottomley trouve(nt) cette note utile

Critiques | Translate

pablominto (41122) 2009-11-03 23:15

Hello Santo,

The cutie factor is sky high for those fellows!
Probably in class with pandas, penguins and dolphins hehehe...
This fellow is captured in a typical pose, sitting in his tree meditating over life...
Well framed and good details, the mood is well conveyed!

Greetings,
Pablo -

macondo (13221) 2009-11-03 23:25

Hi Santo.
Are you quite sure this fellow doesn't have a 'Made in China' sticker near his backside?
In any case, it's a very nicely cropped/composed shot with good sharpness and well controlled exposure of the highlights. You've got an arrangement of branches there that serves well to frame the little beastie. He looks totally unperturbed by your presence. Good shot.
I wonder if Bill has a shot on his photosig site.
Regards,
Andrew

ribeiroantonio (21959) 2009-11-03 23:49

One of the rare koalas made in Australia! Good on you!
It is a very nice shot with natural colours and good sharpness. Well done.
Antonio

PixelTerror (86620) 2009-11-03 23:59

Hi Santo
I love koalas, they are so sweet and somebody sleeping 20 hours/day can only be nice, right ? Good focus here and position of the little guy ready to jump
have a nice day JY

Dashab (1141) 2009-11-04 0:53

Hello Santo,
A pretty picture of this cuttie, with perfect sharpness, nice tight framing and natural colours. TFS and have a nice day, Dasha

kschanna (6) 2009-11-04 1:27

I wont believe you unless you show me the tag. They all come from China these days. Very natural colors and surprisingly this one is awake for you.

Thanks for sharing
Kamran

ecureuiltimide (712) 2009-11-04 1:36

Bonjour Santo,
Superbe photo de ce petit koala que l'on a envie de serrer dans ses bras pour sa douce fourrure.
La photo est très belle et d'une netteté excellente.
Merci pour ce partage.
Cécile

holmertz (9881) 2009-11-04 1:46

Hello Santo,
This one looks like it's deliberately posing for your camera, it's so well captured in a perfect position. You can't do wrong with a creature as cute as this. But the claws look awesome. Are they really as nice and calm as they look, or do they occasionally turn dangerorus, like most wild animals, if they feel trapped or threatened?
Regards,
Gert

PaulVDV (5314) 2009-11-04 3:55

Hello Santo,
Very good capture of this koala sitting between the two branches and looking up (looking for more eucalyptus leaves ?).
The sharpness is perfect to show us the grey fur, the white hairs on its chest and the long claws. Now I remember that also pandas have long claws and will use them when they feel threatened.
Best regards, Paul

francio64 (11560) 2009-11-04 3:59

Dio! Non posso crederci!
Lo hai trovato davvero? Che caro che sei!
Ti ringrazio davvero di cuore! E' bellissimooo!
Sono commosso!
E' un regalo bellissimo!

Grazie mio caro amico!
La metto subito nel tema delle foto a me dedicate.

Un caro saluto!
Francesco L'Assessore :))

alftrek (2889) 2009-11-04 5:15

Hi Santo,
Very clever of you to crop out the cut ends of the trunks. It looks as if you climbed up the tree to her level to shoot this photo. Good lighting(flash light?) despite low natural light on that evening. The tiny bit of light reflection in her eye is excellent and enhance her eye contact with the viewer.

In the WS, I would pick your favourite shot too as her posture impresses me.

However, there is one thing I disagree strongly with you: I think this Koala is "Made in China" :)))

Regards
Alfred

siamesa (13183) 2009-11-04 11:35

Hi Santo

He is nice, simply very nice. Excellent picture. Congratulations.
Abraços
maria

phwall (5695) 2009-11-04 13:50

My dear Santo,
I think I have to agree with Andrew, I'm sure there will be a made in China sticker somewhere near the tail.
Nice touch having the gum leaf in its mouth.
I once worked on a TV series that was about a bush vet, while filming one day one of these cute cuddly little creatures escaped and climbed up a tree, the handler went to get him down, I think the count was 116 stitches to close up the wounds inflicted by those razor sharp claws from the little beastie, cute and cuddly, yes, bloody dangerous, YES.
Lovely shot, excellent definition.
Cheers
Peter

jusninasirun (10211) 2009-11-04 17:37

Hi Santo: The title is aptly chosen and the shot is perfect in tall frame. A pleasure to watch and the puffy fur is so cuddly to many. Francesco must be happy with this present and thanks so much for sharing. Best regards. Jusni

delpeoples (6539) 2009-11-05 1:01

Ciao Caro Santo, he is a little cutie indeed, but those claws are enough to make me look but don't touch. And same goes for the koala! :)) This is a beautiful portrait of one of our national icons and a lovely birthday present for our dear Sicilian Assessore who I know loves these little stoners. Have a wonderful week and thanks for sharing, Lisa

ifege (1931) 2009-11-05 1:23

Hi Santo,
I hadn't spotted any of your photos (for some unknown reason) but hunted you done in preparation for our Sydney TE gathering. A great portrait this one and hopefully he is made in Oz. Perfect composition and light and plenty of other great photos in your folder.
Hope that you can make our gathering.
cheers
Ian

Clementi (44873) 2009-11-05 2:35

Ciao Santo,
nel mio giardino al mare ho diverse piante di eucalipti, chissa' potrei ospitare anche io un koala?
bellissima immagine molto nitida e ben ripresa.
Giorgio

burraburra (875) 2009-11-05 3:56

Hi Santo,
Clever title. Nicely framed.
Clean, clear, sharp shot.
Cheers,
Graham.

jhm (83131) 2009-11-05 4:40

Hello Santo,

A very nice tribute to our friend Francisco.
These Koala with his very beautiful soft fur.
This fellow is captured in a typical pose, sitting in his tree meditating over life, or about Francisco!.
I find your picture very nice; pleasant for look at.
Splendid detailed image, amazing colours too.
Very well composition and presentation. TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Longroute (9689) 2009-11-05 7:45

Bravo Santo!

Una foto splendida di questo interessantissimo animale visto da vicino! L'immagine è di una chiarezza e nitidezza eccezionale con una bella luce laterale non troppo forte che fa apprezzare le textures e ogni minimo dettaglio. Oltre l'animale che è un soggetto molto curioso hai reso bene anche il tronco e le foglie. Ottima inquadratura.
Un bel lavoro.
Complimenti,
Donato

mozzy27 (357) 2009-11-05 16:14

G'Day Santo
This is a beautifully composed and very natural shot of this cuddly Koala
cheers
Peter

bracasha75 (22267) 2009-11-05 23:33

Hello Santo
Yes this is trade mark of Australia and is made "downunder" not made in China!!!!
Great example
TFS
Cheers,Braca

axiotea (16227) 2009-11-06 20:45

Hello Santo
How not to like a such beautiful and so sweet animal? Excellent expo & capture of the koala with the texture of the fur nicely rendered. 1/13s, there is a good dof...how many Iso?
I've met Alfred&Bill in Cambodia this year, so I know you were in good company ;)
Cheers
Marilyn

mikebottomley (43) 2009-11-06 21:20

Santo,What is it with Koala's this week, breeding season ! Nice shot,good to see the subject eating,natural colours, and yes....cropped nicely.
Regards Mike

cherryripe (19097) 2009-11-08 4:59

Hi Santo
This is so cute, especially with the leaf hanging out of his mouth. Would want to cuddle him if it weren't for his sharp claws. I just love Healesville Sanctuary.
Regards
Nikki

giorgimer (21420) 2009-11-08 13:54

Hi Santo,

a unique symbol for your young country. Beautiful close view, excellent details

TFS

G

npecanhuk (14456) 2009-11-20 3:45

Hello Santo!
Koalas are such cute animals and you did such an excellent photo job here! Taking pictures of any animals is very difficult (in my humble opinion) and this one is a very good one!
Sharpness, exposure, vertical format, moment of capture and colors are all excellent!
TFS - congratulations!
My warmest regards,
Neyvan