Melanesia Collection (page 4)

Tassled scorpionfish (Scorpaenopsis oxycephala) swimming just above sea bed, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) in Beqa (Benga) Lagoon, a reserve where sharks are fed as part of a commercial diving operation. Viti Levu, Fiji, South Pacific

Rainforest interior views, looking up

Eyes of Margined sole fish (Brachirus heterolapis) on its camouflaged body. Saonek Island, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Tropical West Pacific Ocean. Dampier Strait

Pink anemonefish (Amphiprion perideraion) in a purple Magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica). Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. Tropical West Pacific Ocean

Gorgonian / Fan coral (Solenocaulon akalyx), close up, West Papua, Indonesia

School of Blackfin barracuda (Sphyraena qenie), Kimbe Bay, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea

Yellow and blueback fusilier (Caesio teres) schooling over coral reef, West Papua, Indonesia

Blue sea star (Linckia laevigata) on coral reef, Fiji, South Pacific

Aerial view of Hidden Bay in North West peninsula of Gam Island. Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia

Variegated lizardfish (Synodus variegatus), Bismarck Sea, Vitu Islands, West New Britain, Papua New Guinea

View of Northern Yasawa Island from Matacawalevu Island, Yasawa Chain, Fiji

View of the Northern Yasawa Islands from Nacula Island, Yasawa Chain, Fiji

Elevated view of Nacula Island, Yasawa Chain, Fiji

Spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris) swimming close to surface with islands in background, Raja Ampat, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Cushion star (Culcita novaeguineae), detail, Triton Bay, West Papua, Indonesia, Pacific Ocean

Large whip goby (Bryaninops amplus) with a parasitic copepod (with two trailing egg ribbons) perched on Red whip coral. Whale Rock. Fiabacet Islands, Misool, Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia

Sea turtle (Cheloniidae) resting at the ocean surface near a shallow coral reef, Wakaya Island, Fiji, Pacific Ocean

Lionfish (Pterois volitans) patrolling the edge of Suzie's Bommie, a healthy reef and popular dive site accessible from Lololata Island Resort near Port Moresby, Coral Sea, Papua New Guinea

Healthy coral reef landscape, Carl's Ultimate dive site in the Eastern Fields of Papua New Guinea

Magnificent bird of paradise (Cicinnurus magnificus) male, leaning back and presenting his breast shield and raised cape to two females, courtship display, Arfak Mountains, West Papua, Indonesia

Wilson's bird of paradise (Cicinnurus respublica) male, courtship display, Batanta Island, West Papua, Indonesia

Blue bird of paradise (Paradisaea rudolphi) male, perched on branch, Tari Valley vicinity, Southern Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Pair of Wilson's birds of paradise (Cicinnurus respublica), male performing courtship display to female from a small sapling in the middle of his display court, Batanta Island, West Papua

Vogelkop bowerbird (Amblyornis inornatus) male, at his bower surrounded by orange leaves and petals and other objects he has collected, Arfak Mountains, Vogelkop Peninsula, West Papua

Orbiculate Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularis) school sheltering amongst roots of mangroves (Rhizophora sp)
Orbiculate Cardinalfish (Sphaeramia orbicularis) school sheltering amongst roots of mangroves (Rhizophora sp.) Gam Island, Raja Ampat Islands, West Papua, Indonesia

Scrimmage in New Caledonia; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Scrimmage in New Caledonia; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

Fishing -Village, in grove of Coconut Trees; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Fishing -Village, in grove of Coconut Trees; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

Natives of the South-West Coast; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Natives of the South-West Coast; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

New Caledonians constructing a house; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
New Caledonians constructing a house; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

Bay of St. Vincent, New Caledonia; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
Bay of St. Vincent, New Caledonia; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

The Chief, Mango, and portion of his Tribe; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. Creator: Unknown
The Chief, Mango, and portion of his Tribe; Some Account of New Caledonia, 1875. From, Illustrated Travels by H.W. Bates. [Cassell, Petter, and Galpin, c1880, London]

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Poum. View of the Baie de Nehoue, morning. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Poum. Country road by the Baie de Nehoue, morning. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Poum. View of the Baie de Nehoue, morning. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Poum. View of the Baie de Nehoue, morning. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Kone. Town view with mountains. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, North-West Grande Terre Island, Kala-Gomen. View of the Iouanga River. Date: 14/10/2005

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La Poule Couveuse (brooding hen) and Le Sphinx rocks in late afternoon, Hienghene, Northern Province, New Caledonia Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, Northern Grande Terre Island, Hienghene. La Poule Conveuse (brooding hen) rock / Sunset. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, Northern Grande Terre Island, Hienghene. La Poule Conveuse (brooding hen) rock / dusk. Date: 14/10/2005

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St. Louis Church on late afternoon, St. Louis, New Caledonia Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, Northern Grande Terre Island, Hienghene. La Poule Conveuse (brooding hen) and Le Sphinx rocks / Late afternoon. Date: 14/10/2005

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New Caledonia, Grande Terre Island, Southern Grade Terre, Port Boise. Beach and boat. Date: 14/10/2005

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Melanesia, a captivating region in the South Pacific, is home to an array of breathtaking wonders. Among them is the magnificent Ornithoptera alexandrae, also known as Queen Alexandra's birdwing butterfly. Its vibrant colors and graceful flight make it a true gem of Melanesian biodiversity. Venturing into the rainforests of New Caledonia, one may encounter the striking Kagu with its crest erect. This unique bird species showcases its beauty amidst lush greenery, reminding us of the rich diversity found within these pristine habitats. Exploring beneath Melanesia's azure waters reveals another fascinating creature—the Bull Shark in Fiji. Known for their formidable presence and adaptability to both saltwater and freshwater environments, they command respect as one of nature's most impressive predators. In West Papua, Indonesia lies an underwater spectacle that seems straight out of a discotheque—the Electric fileclam or Disco clam (Ctenoides ales). Its mesmerizing light display captivates all who witness it, adding yet another layer to Melanesia's natural marvels. The Western clownfish (Amphiprion ocellaris) finds solace among the tentacles of the Magnificent sea anemone (Heteractis magnifica), forming a symbiotic relationship that exemplifies harmony in this aquatic paradise. Delving deeper into Melanesian waters unveils an enigmatic creature—the Bigfin squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana). Hovering effortlessly above open water, its portrait evokes wonder and curiosity about what other mysteries lie hidden below. Beyond its awe-inspiring wildlife, Melanesia boasts historical significance too. With cartography at heart—represented by compass roses on maps—it has been intricately linked to navigation across vast oceans like the Indian Ocean. The Mercator projection aids our understanding of this vast region's geography while highlighting Melanesia's place on Earth’s tapestry. Melanesia's cultural tapestry is equally captivating.