LUXURY EXPEDITIONS 2018-2019

Wildlife in
Asia, Oceania
and Indian Ocean
The saltwater Crocodile
Mainly present from India to the Salomon Islands, the
saltwater crocodile, also called “salty”, is known as the largest
living reptile in the world. These astonishing predators can
reach up to 6.5 metres (21 feet) in length. They are easily
recognisable by their large body, their scales in shades of grey
and brown and, above all, the four rows of bony scales that
run along their body and tail. During the wet season, they
spend most of their time in freshwater rivers, and in the dry
season they head for the coast.
The short-eared Rock Wallaby
Short-eared rock wallabies are small, playful and adorable
marsupials belonging to the macropod family. They have
short grey fur, yellow-orange feet and a striped tail. They are
particularly fond of arid environments, where they take shelter
in caves and crevices to keep cool. They are easy to spot and
observe as they hop between rocks and cliffs in the North
of Australia, using their long tail for balancing. This is a very
sociable species that likes to live in small groups composed
of one male and 5 or 6 females, sometimes gathering in large
colonies of more than a hundred individuals.
The Komodo Dragons
On the remote island of Komodo, a protected natural reserve
home to the largest lizards still walking the Earth, distant
cousins of the dinosaurs: the monitor lizards of Komodo -
the Komodo dragons. Do not miss the visit to the Komodo
National Park, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1991. These volcanic islands are inhabited by around
5,700 giant lizards, who earned their name of “Komodo
Dragon”. These reptiles can grow to 4 metres in length and
weigh around 70 kg, and are found nowhere else on earth,
so they present a huge scientific interest for the study of
evolution.
The Tropicbird
An aerial symbol of purity and freedom, the tropicbird is one
of the emblematic animals of the Scattered Islands. Boasting
immaculate white plumage when seen from the ground,
the upper side of its wings is made up of black feathers with
perfectly symmetrical line. Another distinctive sign, the tail
of this seductive bird is very long and consists of two very
fine feathers resembling two white straws, floating elegantly
behind the bird in flight. Tropicbirds commonly capture their
prey − such as flying fish − by plunge diving. They are generally
silent, but can sometimes be heard making a series of clicking
sounds during courtship.
The Lemur
A species endemic to Madagascar, it is believed that the first
lemurs arrived on the island riding on floating tree trunks.
Considered to be a distant cousin or ancestor of the monkeys,
this tiny animal with its pointed nose is recognisable for its
brown silky fur. A sociable animal, it likes to live in a group
and hide in the tops of trees, jumping from branch to branch,
feeding on fruit, leaves and bark. Don’t miss your chance to
come face to face with these adorable mammals that don’t
hesitate to hop on the shoulders of people walking by.
The giant Tortoise
Also known as the elephant turtle for its feet that resemble
those of a pachyderm, the Seychelles giant tortoise is the largest
species of tortoise on Earth, with males weighing up to 300 kg.
Its shell is brown or beige in colour and domed in shape, whilst
the head and feet are covered in tiny scales. Its favourite hiding
places are the islands and islets of the archipelago, deep in the
coral reef, the mangroves and the coastal dunes. This tortoise
is active early in the morning and takes refuge in mud puddles
or in the shade provided by small shrubs as soon as it starts to
get hot.
56 | Summer 2018 / Winter 2018 - 2019 Cruises