Four Rare Animals from Papua, People Need to Know

VIVA – The Indonesian Institute of Sciences or LIPI noted that until 2019, there were 241 mammal species in Papua. This number does not include the diversity of other species, such as hundreds of bird species and various marine species. It turns out that there are some rare animals from Papua that few people know.

Research on the diversity of flora and fauna in Papua continues. One of the largest studies undertaken to uncover the island's biodiversity was the Langguru Expedition in 2014.

The expedition which lasted for six weeks by hundreds of researchers succeeded in finding fifty new types of flora and fauna from different taxa, such as birds, insects, amphibians, corals, and orchids.

Here are some rare animals from Papua that people need to know.

The Mambruk Ubiaat Bird belongs to the Pigeon group. This bird is large, and the color of the feathers is dominated by blue-gray, and red-eyed. This bird has a characteristic that is the presence of a crown on its head.

Mambruk is divided into three types, namely southern mambruk (Goura scheepmakeri), Victorian mambruk (Goura victoria), and sweet potato mambruk (Goura cristata). In general, the distribution of Mambruk is throughout Papua, for example in the forests of Biak and Mimika.

Unfortunately, Mambruk is also a bird that is often hunted because of the beauty of its crown and its meat which is considered delicious for consumption. Therefore, the population continues to decline and is even listed in the vulnerable category on the International Nature Conservation Agency (IUCN) hazard list.

Dingiso lives in tree areas weighing between 6.5 and 14.5 kilograms. This bird has a way walk similar to the tree kangaroo. According to the Moni tribe, Dingiso means sacred animal because local people believe Dingiso is their ancestor.

Since it was first discovered in a study by Dr. Tim Flannery in 1994, this one animal is indeed very rare. In the list made by the IUCN, the dingiso is also included in the category of very rare animals.

The Waigeo cuscus has another name, the Scham-scham cuscus. Not only the name is unique, but the appearance of this animal is also unique. Their fur is dominated by white with the addition of some black patterns, and red eyes.

The length of the Waigeo cuscus ranges from 497 to 560 mm, while the female is around 472 mm and weighs 2.65 kg. Waigeo cuscus is also an animal that is classified as rare and protected.

4. Labi-Labi

Labi-labi is a type of soft-backed turtle (shell). Labi-Labi also has a nose that resembles a pig snout. Labi-labi live in freshwater or brackish water. These animals include omnivorous animals that can eat various types of food, such as fruit, worms, to rats.

Labi-labi eggs are also often taken illegally. So, do not be surprised if this animal is included in the list of endangered animals in the list made by the IUCN and protected species following the Regulation of the Minister of the Environment and the Divinity (LHK) 20 of 2018.