THE discovery of 24 new species of plants and frogs in the highlands of Papua New Guinea has forced scientists to call for the protection of the biodiversity of the remote Kaijende Highlands in Enga province.
Of the 24 species, 16 were new plants and the rest were new types of frogs.
They were discovered by a group of scientists from Conservation International in 2005.
“A management plan needs to be developed to reduce threats posed by climatic changes, increasing fire frequency and hunting,” Conservation International said.
The findings were revealed in a report tabled at the 8th Pacific Islands Conference on Nature Conservation and Protected Areas, underway in Alotau, Milne Bay province.
In 2005, an expedition consisting of scientists and representatives from Papua New Guinea’s Department of Environment went to the highlands to assess conservation needs when they stumbled to these new species.
The vast near uninhabited Kaijende Highlands boasts some of Papua New Guinea’s most pristine and scenic habitat, but little was known about it despite mining in the area, Dr Steve Richards of the South Australian Museum, who led the expedition, said.
“Our findings will be used in future conservation activities in the area,” he said.
In total, the group documented 643 species, including the new plants and frog species.
“One of the frogs probably represents a new genus,” a statement from Conservation International said.
Also, a spectacular bird of paradise known as the Ribbon-tailed Astrapia, which has the longest tail feathers in relation to body-size of any bird, was found to be in abundance than other areas of Papua New Guinea.
Conservation International is working with local authorities and communities to have the region formally declared as a protected area.