Brazil
In 2023 I travelled to Brazil, specifically to the states of Pará and Amapá, where I had the privilege of venturing into some of the most pristine forests in the Amazon. Alongside a group of dedicated nature enthusiasts, we explored swamps, rivers and terra firme primary forests, day and night, with the goal of finding and documenting a wide range of animal species. Among the many highlights of our journey, seeing a wild Dendrobates tinctorius in Amapá, with the invaluable assistance of local experts, truly stood out.
Perú
In 2022 I visited the Peruvian Amazon, where I explored the regions of Loreto and San Martín. During my stay I was able to see and photograph many species of reptiles and amphibians, including the majestic and rarely encountered Southern American bushmaster (Lachesis muta) and a number of incredible poison frogs, most of which are under great pressure from rapid deforestation.
Guatemala
The Guatemalan Highlands — home to spectacular species like the regional endemic Wine-throated hummingbird (Atthis ellioti), the Resplendent quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno) and the rare and endangered Horned guan (Oreophasis derbianus)
The Guatemalan Lowlands — seasonally dry forests, wetlands and vast expanses of tropical rainforest
Uganda
In 2019 I travelled to the Pearl of Africa, Uganda, with a stopover in Kigali, Rwanda. I spent most of my days in the western part of the country, trekking with Mountain gorillas and otherwise exploring the rich forests of the Albertine Rift. I also went herping in a lowland rainforest where I was fortunate to see a rhinoceros viper, one of the most beautiful snakes in Africa.
Tanzania
Residents of the coastal forests in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Indonesia
Located in the region known as Wallacea, which delimits the ecozones of Asia and Australia, North Sulawesi is home to some of the most unique animals on earth. I spent a few days exploring the Tangkoko rainforest and spotting endemic wildlife during a trip to Indonesia in 2017.
In Bali and Java wildlife was more difficult to spot, especially in Java where there's a lot of collecting for the illegal pet trade. But what the area lacks in pristine environments, it makes up for in rich culture and hospitality.
Malaysia
Borneo is one of the most biodiverse islands on the planet. Also famous for unsustainable agriculture, illegal logging, and the rapid degradation of its habitats.
The remaining pockets of pristine rainforest are spectacular. With the hope of observing wild Orangutans, I visited the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Although I didn't get to see the great apes, I enjoyed every second exploring the dense dipterocarp forests.
Thailand
In 2018 I had the opportunity to visit the Kaeng Krachan National Park, and trek at various altitudes looking for birds, gibbons and pit vipers. I stayed at the Phoanoen Thung Campsite, where I had nothing but memorable moments, like a Malayan porcupine passing by just outside my tent, the sight of a leopard cat while herping at night, and waking up to the calls of White-handed gibbons in the early morning.
Australia
Encounters on a road trip along the coast of Queensland, home to some of Australia's most fascinating wildlife. Seeing a wild southern cassowary (Casuarius casuarius) was one of the highlights.
