Monitor lizard on pavement with tongue out
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Questions about the subject, usage, technology & more
Why do monitor lizards constantly flick their forked tongue?
Monitor lizards use their forked tongue to collect scent particles from the air and ground. These particles are transferred to the Jacobson's organ on the roof of the mouth, which analyzes chemical signals to detect prey, predators, or mates. The forked shape allows them to sense the direction of a scent with high precision, making the tongue a vital sensory tool.
How can this photo be used?
This image is cleared for commercial use under Kataloop licensing terms. With a resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels, it is suitable for large-format prints, exhibitions, and book publications. Example uses include nature magazines, travel editorial with a Thailand focus, zoological educational materials, environmental campaigns, or digital media covering urban biodiversity and Southeast Asia tourism.
What mood does this photo convey?
The image conveys matter-of-fact fascination: the monitor lizard appears calm and self-assured, its extended tongue signaling active sensory exploration. The close-up framing against a neutral asphalt background focuses attention entirely on the animal, creating a mix of respect, curiosity, and the awareness that wilderness and urban life are not necessarily opposites.
What equipment was used to capture this photo?
This stock photo (ID 9772918) was captured with the Sony ILCE-1, a professional mirrorless camera with a 50.1-megapixel sensor delivering a resolution of 8640 x 5760 pixels. The Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lens allowed photographing the Asian water monitor from a safe distance while rendering the tongue, scales, and claws with exceptional sharpness and fine detail.
What visual style or trend does this photo represent?
This image taps into the growing trend of urban biodiversity and nature-in-the-city communication. More and more media outlets, NGOs, and urban planning initiatives are addressing the coexistence of humans and wildlife in city environments. It also reflects the demand for authentic wildlife photography outside zoo settings, which is highly sought after in nature communication and ecotourism marketing.
Lumphini Park is Bangkok's green lung in the heart of the city, spanning around 57 hectares of lakes, tree-lined paths, and open lawns. The park is especially known for its free-roaming Asian water monitors, which can be spotted on footpaths and along the waterfront, just as seen in this photo. For wildlife photographers, Lumphini Park offers a rare opportunity to capture urban wildlife encounters up close in a metropolitan setting.
Monitor lizard with tongue extended on pavement
Bangkok is one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic metropolises, blending gleaming skyscrapers, centuries-old temples, and vibrant street markets. Beyond iconic landmarks like the Grand Palace or Wat Pho, the city surprises with unexpected wildlife: monitor lizards, tropical birds, and other urban fauna thrive amid the concrete. For photographers, Bangkok offers extraordinary visual diversity, from golden temple rooftops to exotic reptiles roaming city parks.

