Batanta Raja Ampat

 After three years of meticulous planning, I finally embarked on my first expedition to Raja Ampat in November 2022. My goal was to find and photograph the elusive blue tree monitor, also known as Varanus macraei, in its natural habitat.  Raja Ampat is a remote archipelago located in the West Papua province of Indonesia. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and unique marine life. But for reptile enthusiasts like myself, Raja Ampat is particularly special because it is home to several species of monitor lizards, including the rare and elusive blue tree monitor. 

 The blue tree monitor is a small species of monitor lizard that is endemic to the island of Batanta in Raja Ampat. It is known for its striking blue coloration, which makes it one of the most beautiful reptiles in the world. However, due to its small size and elusive nature, the blue tree monitor is rarely seen in the wild and has been the subject of much fascination and speculation among herpetologists and reptile enthusiasts.  

My journey to find the blue tree monitor began with a long flight from the UK to Jakarta, followed by a domestic flight to Sorong, the main gateway to Raja Ampat. From Sorong, I took a small boat to the island of Batanta, where I would spend the next week searching for the elusive lizard.  

The search for the blue tree monitor was not easy. The lizard is known to be arboreal, meaning it spends most of its time in the trees, making it difficult to spot from the ground. Moreover, the dense foliage and rugged terrain of Batanta made it even more challenging to find the lizard. Over 6 days, I was able to observe and photograph several blue tree monitors, each one as beautiful and fascinating as the last. 

I also had the opportunity to learn more about the lizard's behavior and ecology, which added to my appreciation for this remarkable species.  My expedition to Raja Ampat was a truly unforgettable experience. It was the culmination of years of planning and preparation, and the fulfillment of a lifelong dream to see and photograph the blue tree monitor in the wild. But it was also a reminder of the importance of conservation and the need to protect the natural habitats of these unique and beautiful creatures.