Indonesia is popular for its exotic land and sea animals. Exotic animals in Indonesia are mostly found in the eastern part of the islands. West Papua, located in the most eastern part of Indonesia has many endemic faunas that you cannot find in any other place. Here are some of the Papuan endemic animals you should know.
These Gorgeous Endemic Fauna of Indonesia Only Reside in Papua.
1. Red Cenderawasih
Red cenderawasih bird or red bird-of-paradise is a native bird of Papua. The length of this bird is 33 centimeters and it has yellowish-gold, red, and brown colored feathers. What makes it different from other cenderawasih is the dominant color of bright red on the inner part of its body near its tail.
In mating season, male red cenderawasih birds captivate their females with their magnificent colors of the feather. After mating, male red cenderawasih birds leave their females and begin to look for other mates. The female birds hatch and take care of their baby alone. Red cenderawasih birds live in groups to find food.
Red cenderawasih birds usually live on the highest plain of the Papuan forest. You can find red cenderawasih birds on the western part of the Papuan mainland, which covers the Raja Ampat area, then spread also in the northern part of Papuan forest and the area of West Papua around the Cenderawasih Bay (Waropen island, Biak island, Nabire).
2. Cassowaries
Different from other birds in Papua, cassowaries cannot fly. It is large in size and lives in the rainforest of the Papuan mountains. Cassowaries have very strong feet and sharp nails. Cassowaries also have horns that help them walk through the dense rainforest. Female cassowaries are larger and have brighter colors than male cassowaries.
Cassowaries usually stay in one forest and live in solitary. Sometimes, they travel to grassland forests, mangroves, and orchards. Cassowaries survive by eating fruit that had fallen off the trees. Unfortunately, there are still many people doing illegal hunting of cassowaries. Therefore, the number of cassowaries keeps decreasing.
3. Golden-mantled Tree-kangaroo
Similar to the usual kangaroo, the Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo belongs to the marsupial group, which means it has a pouch on its belly. The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo has very short light brown hair and yellowish color on its cheeks, feet, and neck. It has a long tail with a circular pattern of darker brown.
Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo can be found in the Foja Mountain, Papua. Sadly, this endemic species of West Papua is on the list of the most endangered species of tree-kangaroo. Golden-mantled tree-kangaroo are extinct in some of their original habitats. The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo is one of the mammals of Indonesia.
4. Indonesian Speckled Carpet Shark
The Indonesian speckled carpet shark is one of the endemic sea animals of Indonesia. We can find speckled carpetshark under the waters of Raja Ampat Island. Speckled carpet shark’s skin has a pattern similar to a cheetah. It has a long body type and has a shorter mouth compares to other types of sharks.
Speckled carpetshark lives in shallow water with coral reefs and seagrass. Many coral reefs are damaged; making many speckled carpet sharks lose their homes. Illegal fishing of speckled carpetshark also makes the number of these species decline. The speckled carpet shark is an endangered animal therefore it is now protected by the governments.
5. Mambruk Victoria Bird
Reminding us of queen Victoria, the mambruk victoria or victoria crowned pigeon bird has distinctive features, which is crown-like feathers on its head. Mambruk victoria nests on the tree made from branches. The female mambruk victorias usually hatch a white egg.
Mambruk victoria of West Papua is a large bird with a length of up to 74 centimeters long, constitutes the biggest species of pigeon. Mambruk victoria has a magnificent blueish-grey feather and a topknot with white tips. The gradation of maroon-purple on its chest and a light grey tip of its tail catch everyone’s attention.
The populations of mambruk victoria are spread along the lowlands of Papua, sago fields, and swamps on the northern part of Papua, which also includes Yapen Island, Biak Island, and the surrounding small islands. Mambruk victoria feed on a variety of grains and fruit that fell to the ground.
6. Pig-nosed Turtle
Unlike other species of turtle, pig-nosed turtle uses their feet, as their fins for swimming, just like the tortoise. The color of its shell is grey and has a rough texture. The male pig-nosed turtle has a longer tail compared to the female. Although pig-nosed turtle is omnivores they prefer to eat fruit and wild plants.
The pig-nosed turtle lives in the freshwater of Lorentz National Park. Pig-nosed turtles reside in rivers, lagoons, swamps, and ponds surrounded by the forest of West Papua. Most pig-nosed turtles are found in water with sand and pebble floor covered in mud. Compared to other turtles, the pig-nosed turtle is considerably more territorial.
Papua has many exotic endemic animals. All of the endemic birds have magnificent colors. There are also unique mammals and aquatic animals. Nowadays, we can hardly find these animals. The populations of the animals are reducing putting all of those poor animals endangered.
