This is a black water lake, meaning that the water is a very dark brown and has a low pH. The reason for this is that the rain water filters through all the rotting fallen leaves in the jungle and the water carries all the nutrients down to the lake and streams. So basically it's a giant lot of compost tea.
The multitude of bugs are at the bottom of the food chain. The birds eat the bugs. The bats eat the bugs. The fish eat the bugs. The fish eat the fish. The bats eat the fish. The birds eat the fish. Bigger fish eat the big fish. Some fish in this lake and the surrounding streams can get to be over 6-1/2 feet long and weigh over 450 lbs. Big fish.
*insert Jaws music here*
The river otters here are very playful and surprisingly vicious looking when they smile. But they are great fishermen and watching the hunt is great. They're also very loud and talkative.
At the top of the food chain here, of course, are the caiman. Spooky creatures, them. They lurk under the surface, occasionally peering out to take a breath and see what's around to eat. And when they attack, they make quite a splash.
There's no swimming here in the lake. The decision to ban it was made a while back by the NWC board of directors, a vote amongst the staff, as well as some input from the national park staff, one lucky caiman, one very unlucky woman's next of kin, and the Ecuador tourism board.
The caiman, of course, would like the decision to be repealed.
Beautiful photos, I would say the cayman in particular, but the others are very tasty. Speaking of which, I never said you were getting fat, only that it seemed you spending a good deal of time enjoying the cuisine. If fat remains a topic in the forefront, I suggest you direct some of it to your butt.
ReplyDeleteVery funny, sir.
DeleteJust where were you when you took the caiman photo??
ReplyDeleteDuh...next to the caiman, of course. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to see it. :P
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