Indonesia

Comprising of just over 17,000 islands, the archipelago of Indonesia is one of the most biologically diverse landscapes on the planet. The fourth most populous country in the world contains many of the large species of wildlife that can be found in Africa and on the Indian subcontinent-from great apes to tigers, elephants, and rhinoceros. Indonesia also has massive Komodo Dragons, various species of Birds of Paradise, as well as unique marine life that makes the region popular with scuba divers and snorkelers.

The civilization of Indonesia can trace its origins to a rich indigenous heritage mixed with infusions from India, the Middle East and finally the Dutch.  Over 700 distinct languages can be found spoken on the archipelago. Humans in Indonesia have lived in harmony with wildlife for thousands of years, however a move of the national capital to the island of Borneo and the presence of multi-national corporations seeking their fortunes in palm oil and natural resource extraction are adversely impacting critically endangered species and habitats.

The photos on this site were taken primarily on the islands of Sumatra and Sulawesi-Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra and Tangkoko National Park in Sulawesi.  A health issue prevented me from going to the islands of Borneo and Komodo. The animals photographed and appearing on this site are:  Sumatran Orangutans, Tapanuli Orangutans, Southern Pig-Tailed Macaques, Thomas’ leaf langurs,  Black Crested Celebes Macaques, Spectral Tarsiers, the smallest primates on earth, flying fox bats, and cuscus bears. Not appearing on the website but encountered on my day and night hikes were massive violet tarantulas, species of scorpions, pythons, vipers and King Cobras as well as flying lizards and different species of colorful raptors.