In 2018, Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo returned to settle himself in the forests of West Papua. This is the first time after more than 90 years of being declared extinct. This type of kangaroo is kind of an endemic animal that can only be found in Papua.
The original Kangaroo is also found in Indonesia, not only in Australia. The type of kangaroo that only exists on the island of Papua is the Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo or also known as the Mayr Tree Kangaroo. And the specimen is included as a separate or single species.
It was first discovered by a German professor, Professor Ernst Mayr in the Wondiwoi mountain area, west of the island of Papua. However, until now, it is very rare to see this endemic kangaroo so not much information can be obtained about this.
The habitat of this animal is usually at an altitude of 1600 meters above sea level and just like other types of kangaroos, the Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo will carry out its activities in the trees by consuming all the food that is in the trees. So we have to protect their home.
West Papua Conservation Efforts for Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo
Currently, Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo is still difficult to find and the exact number is unknown. According to a claim from an environmental observer of the Wondiwoi mountains is around 50, so it is not surprising that it is on the list of critically endangered species.
Conservation measures for these animals exist starting with regulations and attachments to regulation number 7 of 1999 concerning protected plants and animals. In addition, the method of conservation is also carried out with the type of In Situ conservation.
In Situ is a method of preservation without moving the object of preservation to another area, remaining in the same place of residence. Because the Wondiwoi mountains in West Papua are a national park, animal observers will only leave these kangaroos there.
Not like most ways that emphasize centralization for the rehabilitation and breeding of endangered animals, but this method is considered the most appropriate for kangaroo species whose numbers are already unpredictable.
Apart from direct environmental activists, efforts to preserve and conserve these animals can be started by ourselves. Protecting the forest is an obligation if you want to see Wondiwoi Tree Kanggoro because that is where they live and try not to hunt wild animals.
Uncertain Future for Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo in West Papua
This kangaroo is very rare and has been disappeared for 90 years. Even many activists assumed Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo has heredity, but somehow it’s suddenly spotted and photographed for the first time in a while, for 90 years!
At first glance, this animal has a shape similar to a monkey but also has a body shape similar to a Kangaroo. But since it was first spotted, there have been no reports of sightings of the animal, which is estimated to weigh around 35 pounds.
This further gives a signal about the future that will not be good for this tree kangaroo. Not to mention environmental issues such as planting palm oil, mining which has started to enter forestry areas, as well as cases of logging and overhunting.
The future of this kangaroo must be guaranteed and should provide a good opportunity for experts to get better information about the unique and endemic animals in Papua. So, the priority now is to ensure its survival.
Other Facts You Might Want to Know About Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo in West Papua
Hearing about the statement above, we can guarantee that you will be even more curious about what are the interesting facts about this kangaroo. These are some interesting facts about this type of tree kangaroo so that it can increase your knowledge, including:
- Endemic Animals
Wondiwoi tree kangaroo is an endemic animal species. Endemic, which means that it is only found in one place of origin, is true. This type of kangaroo will never be found anywhere other than West Papua and other Papuan areas.
- Good Jumper
Tree kangaroos spend most of their time in trees. And this makes their mobilization is by jumping from one tree to another. But it’s the extraordinary leaps of this type of kangaroo.
It is claimed that this kangaroo can jump up to 9 meters and can even jump 18 meters down safely. If between trees, this animal is equipped with an agile body so it is quite easy to move from one tree to another.
- It’s hard to track his whereabouts
To find this type of kangaroo alone is very difficult. Because they spend more time at an altitude of 1500 meters to 1700 meters, they will be in the treetops more often and only occasionally as a mobilization.
- Estimated Only 50 Left
According to the IUCN, only 50 of these kangaroos are left. Not only in West Papua, but throughout the world. So that the category that is pinned to this animal is endangered with various conservation efforts that have not been effective.
Wondiwoi is a forest with a variety of animals. This is what attracts environmental activists and living things to do projects here. One of them is the discovery of the Wondiwoi tree kangaroo in the forests of West Papua.
