The Brazilian velvet worm (Peripatus acacicoi) climbs with its small stump feet over the palm of Marinha’s hand. It belongs to one of the most ancient species that is still inhabiting our planet. This species is supposed to have lived for more than 500 million years on this earth. Some scientist believe that Peripatus acacicoi is even the oldest living species on earth. In the mountains of Minais Gerais, near Ouro Preto, there is a valley with an almost constant mild climate. This climate has allowed this rare species to survive. In recent days, the local people’s protection has also contributed to its survival.
Making of: The area where the endangered Peripatus acacicoi survives is strictly protected. I was lucky. My driver Robeson and I were given passage to this terrain. We could meet the couple who runs the biological station. My intention was to take photos in a primary patch of Atlantic rainforest. I was positively surprised that we were offered to have a look at Peripatus, the most prominent inhabitant of this park. During daytime, it lives in humid 30cm crevices under the earth. Some Peripatus were kept temporarily in a terrarium. This allowed us to see them. I found it fascinating to see this most ancient creature of the earth on the hand of a human, who is supposedly among the youngest species of this planet. The Peripatus appears to be black but when watching it carefully it is velvet red. I avoided using a flash. It would have distorted the picture. Instead, I used a shadow highlight effect to lighten the picture. The colors appear more natural but I traded in some noise.
Michael Emmerich 