24 Species Believed New to Science in found in Papua New Guinea Highlands

23/04/2007 00:00:00 October 2007. Scientists exploring the remote Mount Kaijende Highlands of Enga Province in Papua New Guinea (PNG) have discovered 24 species believed to be new to science - 16 species of plants and eight species of frogs, including a probable new genus. The findings of a 2005 expedition led by Conservation International’s Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) and Papua New Guinea’s Department of Environment and Conservation demonstrate the value of exploring unknown regions such as PNG’s remote highlands to assess conservation needs and to inform development decisions.

Kaijende Highlands
‘The vast near–uninhabited Kaijende Highlands boasts some of PNG’s most pristine and scenic montane habitat, but very little is known about it, despite mining in the area and recognition of its exceptional conservation values nearly 20 years ago,’ says Dr Steve Richards of the South Australia Museum, lead researcher and editor of the expedition report. ‘Our findings will be used to inform future conservation activities, the PJV mining operation and development decisions by the local and national government.’

The RAP survey, from 19 August to 9 September 2005, included eight scientists from CI, the South Australian Museum, the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation, and other PNG national and local government bodies. They surveyed several sites in the Kaijende Highlands, covering lower montane rainforest (Lake Tawa), upper montane rainforest (Paiela Road), and sub-alpine grassland and stunted upper montane rainforest mosaics (Omyaka and Waile Creek) in PNG’s central cordillera. 643 species documented
In total the RAP survey documented 643 species, including at least 16 species of plants and eight species of frogs that are believed new to science. One of the frogs probably represents a new genus. Significant range extensions were recorded for several threatened and little-known taxa including the Giluwe Rat (Rattus giluwensis), the Long-bearded Melidectes honeyeater (Melidectes princeps), and the frog species Litoria becki and Callulops glandulosus. A spectacular bird of paradise known as the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia (Astrapia mayeri) - which has the longest tail feathers in relation to body size of any bird - was found to be abundant relative to other areas of PNG.

In their final report, the scientists called for the outstanding scenic and conservation values of the Kaijende Highlands to be protected. They recommend a management plan be developed to reduce the threats posed by climate change, increasing fire frequency, development and hunting. Conservation International, in partnership with PJV and the PNG Department of Environment and Conservation are working with local communities to have the region formally declared as a protected area.

The study - sponsored by Porgera Joint Venture (PJV), 95% owned by Barrick Gold Corporation – provides information for policymakers and other decision-makers trying to balance development with protecting important biodiversity that benefits local communities and the global ecosystem.