Among the many exotic and breathtaking natural wonders that West Papua can offer is the well-known Raja Ampat. Located at the northwest corner of West Papua, this area has won the heart of countless tourists mesmerised by its gorgeous inland and underwater beauty.
Raja Ampat is a legendary place for many experienced scuba divers and has become one of the prime diving destinations.
It had its first far-reaching scientific survey in 2001. To everyone’s surprise, the area hosted about 1,000 different fish species and nearly about 75% of the coral species in the world. You will also learn that this area is home to 13 marine mammals and five different sea turtle species.
Let’s meet five endangered and rare marine species that live in Raja Ampat, the ones that you might encounter when you visit this fantastic area as follows:
- Dugong
https://pixabay.com/photos/manatee-dugong-snorkeling-dive-1305774/
Dugong is among the Sirenia species whose characteristic is gentle and shyness. There are no specific reports on the population numbers of this rare animal in Raja Ampat. For thousands of years, traditional hunters have hunted this big animal for its oil and meat.
Thus, their population numbers are declining, not to mention the fishing-related accident, loss of its habitat, and slow reproduction cycle.
Although it is known that dugong can live until about 70 years yet, its population has declined steadily over the years due to the reasons mentioned above. Should you visit Raja Ampat, you may have the chance to witness this marine mammal within the house reef area.
- Hawksbill Sea turtle
https://pixabay.com/photos/sea-turtle-dive-sea-water-1296565/
Raja Ampat in West Papua offers you many once-in-a-lifetime experiences to explore, including the opportunity to see the hawksbill sea turtle. Not only the hawksbill species, here, you may also be able to witness other species alike.
This endangered animal population has been declining, given that they are hunted for their shells. With the constant effort in preserving the animal, we also have to do our part in maintaining the ecosystem and nature of its habitat.
- Reef Manta Ray
https://pixabay.com/photos/manta-ray-diving-scuba-yap-1145955/
Reef manta Ray (Mobula ray) is a magnificent creature that can reach up to 5 meters. It is hunted for its gills as one of the required ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines. Such action contributes to its declining population; thus, this marine species is now considered an endangered animal.
Fortunately, the species has been preserved since 2014 due to a nationwide fishing ban. Although there is still much work to do in protecting the species, numerous agencies are responsible for doing the task. Let’s hope that their effort can positively affect the Manta Rays population and ecosystem in Raja Ampat.
- Tasselled Wobbegong
The tasselled wobbegong is among the carpet shark species that live in Raja Ampat underwater. Do not be surprised if you meet this incredible marine animal because it can reach 1.8 meters long.
Usually, wobbegong is not a dangerous animal. Should there be any attack from this animal, there must be something that provokes them to do so.
Many efforts have been made to preserve this animal, including the banning shark hunting listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) since 2013.
- Electric Clam
Coming with many different names, this vibrant coloured saltwater clam has an exceptional ability to flash like a disco ball. Some people named it the disco scallop, the disco clam, the electric clam or the electric flame scallop.
They are not producing fire at all. It is merely the rapid back-and-forth movements of their white reflective tissues to the red ones that make it as it flashes.
Closing
The vast natural wonders offered by Raja Ampat in the West Papua region is genuinely something worth exploring. Save your date to visit this exotic destination and be amazed by its stunning nature and diverse culture. You will get your jaw dropped in every inch of the Raja Ampat area. Are you ready for the adventure?
