Endemic Animals of Papua New Guinea

Matschie's tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei ), also known as the Huon tree-kangaroo is a tree-kangaroo native to the Huon Peninsula of northeastern New Guinea island, within the nation of Papua New Guinea. Under the IUCN classification, Matschie's tree-kangaroo is an endangered species. The scientific name honours German biologist Paul Matschie. The indigenous population refers to it as a Boongarry. Less

Paedophryne amauensis is a species of microhylid frog endemic to eastern Papua New Guinea. At 7.7 mm (0.30 in) in snout-to-vent length, it is considered the world's smallest known vertebrate.The species was listed in the Top 10 New Species 2013 by the International Institute for Species Exploration for discoveries made during 2012. Less

The superb pitta (Pitta superba ) is a large pitta that is endemic to Manus Island which lies to the north of Papua New Guinea. Less

The blue-eyed cockatoo (Cacatua ophthalmica ) is a large, mainly white cockatoo about 50 cm (20 in) long with a mobile crest, a black beak, and a light blue rim of featherless skin around each eye that gives this species its name.Like all cockatoos and many parrots, the blue-eyed cockatoo can use one of its zygodactyl feet to hold objects and to bring food to its beak whilst standing on the other foot. Among bird species as a whole, this is r ...
elatively unusual. Less

The Bismarck ringed python (Bothrochilus boa ) is a species of snake in the genus Bothrochilus found on the islands of the Bismarck Archipelago. No subspecies are currently recognized. Less

The blue bird-of-paradise (Paradisornis rudolphi ) is a beautiful, relatively large species of bird-of-paradise. It is the only species in the genus Paradisornis, but was previously included in the genus Paradisaea.It is often regarded as one of the most fabulous and extravagant of all birds of the world, with its glorified and fancy flank feathers present only in males and also their two long wires also only found in the males. Less

The ribbon-tailed astrapia, also known as Shaw Mayer's astrapia (Astrapia mayeri ), is a species of bird-of-paradise.The ribbon-tailed astrapia is distributed and endemic to subalpine forests in western part of the central highlands of Papua New Guinea. Like many other ornamental birds-of-paradise, the male is polygamous. The ribbon-tailed astrapia is the most recently discovered bird-of-paradise.Due to habitat loss and being hunted for its ...
plumes, the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES. The long tails of male birds add to the threat, being as though the tail makes it difficult for the species to escape from natural predators.The scientific name commemorates the great naturalist and New Guinea explorer Fred Shaw Mayer, who was believed to have discovered the bird in 1938. However, it is now believed that explorer Jack Hides discovered the bird, while Mayer became interested in it later. Less

The golden masked owl (Tyto aurantia ) is a barn owl endemic to the island of New Britain, Papua New Guinea. It is also known as New Britain barn owl, New Britain masked owl, Bismarck owl and Bismarck masked owl.As with other tropical barn owls, it is difficult to spot in the wild and therefore poorly studied. It is likely to be a lowland forest or coniferous species.Given the paucity of reliable information, it was for some time classified as a ...
data deficient species by the IUCN. When its status could finally be evaluated properly, earlier assessments were found to be correct, and it is once again listed as a Vulnerable species in the 2008 red list. Less

Bulmer's fruit bat (Aproteles bulmerae ) is a megabat endemic to New Guinea. It is listed as a critically endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting. It is the only member of the genus Aproteles. Due to its imperiled status, it is identified by the Alliance for Zero Extinction as a species in danger of imminent extinction. Less

The tenkile (Dendrolagus scottae ), also known as Scott's tree-kangaroo, is a species of tree-kangaroo in the family Macropodidae. It is endemic to a very small area of the Torricelli Mountains of Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry forests. It is threatened by habitat loss and by hunting. The tenkile is listed as endangered due to hunting and logging activities in Papua New Guinea. The tenkile is hunted for its ...
meat, and is the main protein source for the residents of Papua New Guinea. The population of Papua New Guinea has increased in recent years due to improvements in healthcare; therefore increasing need in tenkile meat which means that more tenkiles are being hunted. Additionally, tenkiles are poached for their fur and are captured and sold as a part of the illegal pet trade. Domesticated dogs also hunt tenkiles. Deforestation in Papua New Guinea affects all tree-Kangaroos, however industrial logging that occurs in the Torricelli Mountain Range decreases the species' already restricted habitat. The Torricelli Mountain Range faces additional deforestation due to the timber industry, and the production of coffee, rice and wheat. Less

The black imperial pigeon (Ducula melanochroa ), also known as the Bismarck imperial pigeon, is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago where it lives in forests. Less

Lawes's parotia (Parotia lawesii ), is a medium-sized (up to 27 cm long) passerine of the bird-of-paradise family, Paradisaeidae. It is distributed and endemic to mountain forests of southeast and eastern Papua New Guinea. Occasionally, the eastern parotia is considered a subspecies of P. lawesii. The species is similar to the western parotia (Parotia sefilata ).Like most birds of paradise, male Lawes's parotia are polygamous. The few eggs that ...
have been studied were about 33 x 24 mm in size, but these were possibly small specimens. It eats mainly fruit, seeds and arthropods.The bird's home was discovered by Carl Hunstein on a mountain near Port Moresby in 1884. Its name honors the New Guinea pioneer missionary Reverend William George Lawes. Widespread and common throughout its range, Lawes's parotia is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Less

The emperor bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea guilielmi ), also known as emperor of Germany's bird-of-paradise, is a species of bird-of-paradise.The emperor bird-of-paradise is endemic to Papua New Guinea. It is distributed in hill forests of the Huon Peninsula. The diet consists mainly of fruits, figs and arthropods.The name commemorates the last German Emperor and King of Prussia, Wilhelm II of Germany. In January 1888, the emperor bird-of-paradise ...
was the last bird-of-paradise discovered by Carl Hunstein, who also found the blue bird-of-paradise on his journeys. These two species, along with the red bird-of-paradise, are the only Paradisaea that perform inverted display.Due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range and overhunting in some areas, the emperor bird-of-paradise is evaluated as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Less

The Bismarck crow (Corvus insularis ) is a species of crow found in the Bismarck Archipelago. It was considered by many authorities to be a subspecies of the Torresian crow (C. orru ), but is now treated as a distinct species. Less

The lesser lophorina or lesser superb bird-of-paradise (Lophorina minor ) is a species of passerine bird in the bird-of-paradise family Paradisaeidae.It is endemic to the Bird's Tail Peninsula (Papua New Guinea). It was formerly considered as a subspecies of the superb bird-of-paradise. Less

The Manus friarbird (Philemon albitorques ) or white-naped friarbird, also known as the chauka ('souka' in Lele, the local language) is a species of bird in the Honeyeater family, or Meliphagidae. It is endemic to the Manus Province of Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. It is also commonly found around human habitation, and possibly favoured by human settlement and the more open habitats ...
created by people in many coastal areas.The chauka is well known to locals on Manus Island, who speak of its ability to tell the time. It could be the most iconic honeyeater within its range in the world, as well as the loudest. Numerous stories and myths about the many abilities and duties of the chauka include alerting people to snakes in trees and informing people about a recent birth in the community.Its significance to Manus is also reflected in its representation on the Manus provincial flag. Designer of the Manus Province flag, Luke Bulei, explained his reasons for its design in 1977: the chauka is only found in the Manus province; it heralds dawn and signals sunset; it often warns us of dangers; and lastly, it informs us of the success or otherwise of a forthcoming hunting trip. He added that NBC Radio Station had changed its name to Maus Bilong Chauka (Voice of the Chauka) several years before.The bird was used symbolically in the film Chauka, Please Tell Us the Time, made from within the Manus Island detention centre by refugee Behrouz Boochani and filmmaker Arash Kamali Sarvestani in 2016. Less

The pink-legged rail (Hypotaenidia insignis ), also known as the New Britain rail, is a species of bird in the family Rallidae. Less

Meek's pygmy parrot (Micropsitta meeki ), also known as the yellow-breasted pigmy parrot, is a species of small parrot in the family Psittacidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea. Less

The streaked bowerbird (Amblyornis subalaris ) is a species of bowerbird, native to the Bird's Tail Peninsula (southeastern New Guinea). They are approximately 22 cm long and have an olive-brown colouring. The male has a short orange crest which is not visible unless displayed.The streaked bowerbird is a polygamous species. The nest is built by the male out of sticks. It has a characteristic hut shape with two entrances. Less

The knob-billed fruit dove (Ptilinopus insolitus ) is a species of bird in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago. Less

The black-capped paradise kingfisher (Tanysiptera nigriceps ) or black-headed paradise kingfisher, is a bird in the tree kingfisher subfamily, Halcyoninae. It is native to several islands in the Bismarck Archipelago to the east of New Guinea. Like all paradise kingfishers, this bird has colourful plumage with a red bill and long distinctive tail streamers. Less

The New Britain boobook (Ninox odiosa ), also known as the spangled boobook, New Britain hawk-owl or Russet hawk-owl, is a small owl that is endemic to New Britain, the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago in Papua New Guinea. Less

The Manus boobook (Ninox meeki ) is a small owl. It has an unmarked brown facial disk, rufous crown and back, barred white flight feathers and tail, and whitish underparts with rufous streaking.This species is endemic to Manus Island, in the Admiralty Islands. It lives mainly in forests, but will appear in trees humans, and will sometimes occupy riparian habitats. It is fairly common throughout its limited range. Less

The eastern alpine mannikin (Lonchura monticola ) or alpine munia, is a species of estrildid finch native to the Papuan Peninsula. It has an estimated global extent of occurrence of 20,000 to 50,000 km2.It is found in subtropical/ tropical high altitude grassland habitat. The status of the species is evaluated as Least Concern. Less

The long-bearded honeyeater (Melionyx princeps ), is a bird in the honeyeater family Meliphagidae.This species was formerly placed in the genus Melidectes. It was moved to the resurrected genus Melionyx based on the results of a molecular phylogenetic study published in 2019. At the same time the common name was changed from "long-bearded melidectes" to "long-bearded honeyeater". Less

Finsch's imperial pigeon (Ducula finschii ) is a bird species in the family Columbidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests.Formerly classified as a Species of least concern by the IUCN, it was suspected to be rarer than generally assumed. Following the evaluation of its population size, this was found to be correct, and it is ...
consequently uplisted to near threatened status in 2008. Less

The Louisiade flowerpecker (Dicaeum nitidum ) is a species of bird in the family Dicaeidae.It is found on Tagula, Misima and Rossel islands.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forest. Less

The Louisiade white-eye or islet white-eye (Zosterops griseotinctus ) is a species of bird in the family Zosteropidae. It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Less

The white-backed woodswallow (Artamus insignis ) or Bismarck woodswallow, is a species of bird in the family Artamidae.It is endemic as its name suggests, to the Bismarck Archipelago (Papua New Guinea).Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests. Less

The spangled honeyeater (Melipotes ater ) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae.It is endemic to the Huon Peninsula (Papua New Guinea).Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Less

The New Ireland myzomela, crimson-fronted myzomela or olive-yellow myzomela (Myzomela pulchella ) is a species of bird in the family Meliphagidae.It is endemic to Papua New Guinea.Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montane forests. Less

The Mussau monarch (Symposiachrus menckei ), also known as the white-breasted monarch, is a species of bird in the family Monarchidae. It is endemic to the Bismarck Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and rural gardens. It is threatened by habitat loss. Less

Scheepmaker's crowned pigeon (Goura scheepmakeri ) is a large, terrestrial pigeon confined to the lowland forests of south eastern New Guinea. It has a bluish-grey plumage with elaborate blue lacy crests, red iris and very deep maroon breast. Both sexes have a similar appearance. It is on average 70 cm (28 in) long and weighs 2,250 grams (5 lbs), making this the second largest living pigeon species behind the Victoria crowned pigeon. Less

Goldie's bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea decora ) is a species of bird-of-paradise.Endemic to Papua New Guinea, the Goldie's bird-of-paradise is distributed in the hill forests of Fergusson and Normanby Island of the D'Entrecasteaux Archipelago, eastern Papuan Islands. The diet consists mainly of fruits.The name commemorates the Scottish collector Andrew Goldie, who discovered the bird in 1882.Due to ongoing habitat loss, limited range and ...
overhunting in some areas, the Goldie's bird-of-paradise is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Less

Stephanie's astrapia (Astrapia stephaniae ), also known as Princess Stephanie's astrapia, is a species of bird-of-paradise of the family Paradisaeidae, native to the Bird's Tail Peninsula (Papua New Guinea). This species was first described by Carl Hunstein in 1884.A common species throughout its range, Princess Stephanie's astrapia is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of ...
CITES.Hybrids between this species and the ribbon-tailed astrapia, in the small area where their ranges overlap, have been named Barnes's astrapia. Less

The curl-crested manucode (Manucodia comrii ) is a species of bird-of-paradise. Less

The growling riflebird (Ptiloris intercedens ), also known as the eastern riflebird, is a medium-sized passerine bird of the family Paradisaeidae.The growling riflebird is endemic to the lowlands of easternmost Papua New Guinea. The male is polygamous and performs its courtship display solitarily. The diet consists mainly of fruits and arthropods.A common species throughout its range, the growling riflebird is evaluated as being of least concern ...
on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES.The common name "riflebird" comes from the likeness of their black velvety plumage to the uniform of the British Army Rifle Brigade. Less

Wahnes's parotia (Parotia wahnesi ) is a medium-sized passerine of the bird-of-paradise family (Paradisaeidae). This species is distributed and endemic to the mountain forests of Huon Peninsula and Adelbert Mountains, northeast Papua New Guinea. The diet consists mainly of fruits and arthropods.The name honors the German naturalist Carl Wahnes, who collected in New Guinea.Wahnes's parotia is evaluated as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of ...
Threatened Species. It is listed on Appendix II of CITES; its threat classification is C2a(1). This indicates that less than 10,000 adult birds exist, fragmented into subpopulations of less than 1000, and that they are probably declining. Less

The Huon astrapia (Astrapia rothschildi ), also known as Rothschild's Astrapia, Huon Bird-of-paradise, or Lord Rothschild's Bird-of-paradise, is a species of bird-of-paradise belonging to the genus Astrapia. Like most of its congeners, A. rothschildi is a rather elusive member of its genus and family. Less

The moustached kingfisher (Actenoides bougainvillei ), also called Bougainville moustached kingfisher, is a species of bird in the family Alcedinidae. It is endemic to Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea. An estimated 250–1,000 mature individuals are left.Their natural habitats are subtropical or tropical, moist, lowland forests and subtropical or tropical, moist, montane forests; they nest in tree holes. They are threatened by habitat loss a ...
nd introduced predators.The Guadalcanal moustached kingfisher was previously lumped together with A. bougainvillei, but is now regarded as a separate species. It was first described in 1904, and in the late 1930s, a dozen specimens were collected in southern Bougainville. In 1941, A. b. excelsus was described on the basis of a single specimen from Guadalcanal, and later in 1953, two more specimens were obtained. In 2015, a male specimen was killed and collected by a team from the American Museum of Natural History headed by Christopher Filardi. Less

The eastern parotia (Parotia helenae ), also known as Helena's parotia, is a medium-sized passerine of the bird-of-paradise family, Paradisaeidae, endemic to mountain forests of the Bird's Tail Peninsula (Papua New Guinea). It is approximately 27 cm long.The scientific name honors Princess Helena Augusta Victoria, the third daughter of Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom.As with other species of Parotia, the male is polygamous and performs s ...
pectacular courtship display in the forest ground. The clutch contains 1, maybe occasionally 2 eggs; one that was studied was 38.4 x 27.8 mm in size (Mackay 1990). It eats mainly fruit, seeds and arthropods.A common species throughout its limited range, it is listed on Appendix II of CITES. Less

The New Britain sparrowhawk (Accipiter brachyurus ) is a threatened species of bird of prey. It is endemic to two Papua New Guinea islands, New Britain and New Ireland. Even in 1934 Ernst Mayr, in his survey of mountain bird life during the Whitney South Sea Expedition, found the New Britain sparrowhawk to be very rare. Less