Perentie monitor lizard

A Perentie lizard (Varanus giganteus) that I was lucky to see in the Kings Canyon National Park in Australia.
It probably wasn't fully grown to adulthood yet, it's length was a little over 1 meter (3.3ft) head to tail-tip.

I was hiking through the canyon on a small guided tour when we encountered this beautiful fellow. It didn't mind us very much but then two other tourists came along the trail in the opposite direction, being loud and obnoxious and pushed past us without even looking why we are all being quiet and cautious and of course managed to scare the lizard away. Just moments after I took this picture, the lizard made itself scarce.
Note to all who see this: Just because an area in nature is open for tourists doesn't mean that you can go tromp around like you own the place! Thank you.

We saw quite a few lizards of various shapes and sizes during our trip to Australia but this one surely was the most beautiful and impressive one.
If you like lizards, then Australia is the place to go to. If you walk nature with an open eye and a light foot, then you will have many opportunities to marvel these beautiful creatures.

Edit 12/2012: New post-processing from original RAW file.

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Photo taken with a Sony Alpha 700 and a Sony AF 16-105mm lens. Please note: This is no stock image! Do not copy, alter or redistribute without prior permission, thank you!