The Papua-Melanesian Realm
The Papua-Melanesian Zoogeographic Realm consists of the island of New Guinea along with its numerous satellites and the vast Melanesian archipelagos to the east. Primary among the latter are the Bismarck Archipelago, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, and New Caledonia. It shares affinities with Wallacean, Micronesian, and Australian fauna regions.
Species and subspecies
Brown’s pademelon (Thylogale browni) is a small, wallabylike marsupial still widespread throughout north-central and north-eastern New Guinea, but heavily depleted by hunting. It was also introduced during prehistoric times to the islands of Bagabag, New Britain, New Ireland, and Umboi, and is known from the island of Yapen as well but has now possibly been extirpated there. The dusky pademelon (T. brunii) is found in south-central New Guinea, the Aru and Kai Islands in the Moluccas, and (at least historically) in the grasslands surrounding Port Moresby in the south-east, although the latter population has most likely been extirpated. It is threatened mainly by hunting.
McDonald’s long-tailed fruit bat (Notopteris macdonaldi) is confined to the Fiji Islands and Vanuatu, where its large cave-dependent colonies are threatened by hunting and disturbance. The species historically occurred in the Tonga Islands as well, but was extirpated following the arrival of Polynesians.
Felten’s free-tailed bat (Chaerephon bregullae) is confined to a few roosting caves in Vanuatu (Malo and Espíritu Santo) and on Taveuni, Vanua Levu, and possibly Viti Levu in the Fiji Islands. The species formerly occurred in the Tonga Islands as well, but was extirpated there during prehistoric times. It is threatened by hunting and human disturbance.
The collared petrel (Pterodroma brevipes) is a type of seabird widespread across the South Pacific during nonbreeding periods. The nominate subspecies (P. b. brevipes) is, however, currently known to breed only on Gau and Kadavu in the Fiji Islands. It formerly bred elsewhere in the Fiji Islands and on Raratonga in the Cook Islands, and may still breed on Makira in the Solomons, Tau in the Samoan Islands, and in other as-yet undiscovered localities in French Polynesia. It is threatened mainly by introduced rats, cats, and mongoose.
Beck’s petrel (Pseudobulweria becki) was long known only from two specimens collected from the region of the Bismarck Sea, one taken east of New Ireland and north of Buka in 1928, and another the following year north-east of Rendova in the Solomon Islands. It was long feared extinct until 2003, when three birds most likely representing this species were observed off New Ireland. Others were observed in the same area in 2007, confirming the rediscovery, as well as in Vanuatu in 2010. It is thought that the birds breed in the mountains of New Ireland, although suitable habitat exists as well in the Solomons. The total population is believed to number only a few hundred.
Heinroth’s shearwater (Puffinus heinrothi) is a type of seabird known from the Bismarck Archipelago and the seas around Bougainville and Kolombangara in the Solomon Islands. The few historical specimens are from Watom, near New Britain, suggesting breeding there. There have been no recent reports from this island, however, and only a few elsewhere.
The palm lorikeet (Charmosyna palmarum) is confined to the Santa Cruz Islands in the Solomon Archipelago and to Vanuatu, where it is threatened by loss of habitat.
The yellow-legged pigeon (Columba pallidiceps) is a rare species found patchily in the Bismarck and Solomon archipelagos, where it is threatened by loss of habitat.
Mayr’s ground dove (Pampusana sanctaecrucis) is known for certain only from Tinakula in the southern Solomon Islands and from Espiritu Santo in Vanuatu. Most of the Tinakula population was destroyed in 2017 by a volcanic eruption, and the species continues to be under heavy threat from the caged-bird trade and introduced species.
Mayr’s swiftlet (Aerodramus orientalis) is known for certain only from three specimens collected, respectively, from Guadalcanal in 1927, New Ireland in 1963, and Bougainville in 1979. Sightings of unidentified swiftlets have since occurred on New Britain, New Ireland and New Georgia, and may refer to this species.
The little paradise kingfisher (Tanysiptera hydrocharis) is a rare species known only from a small number of localities in southern coastal New Guinea, the Aru Islands in the Moluccas, and possibly from islands in the Torres Strait.
The sweetwater lyretail demoiselle (Neopomacentrus aquadulcis) is a type of fresh- and brackish-water fish known only from two localities in eastern Papua New Guinea and from Tetepare Island in the Solomons. It is threatened by habitat degradation.
Guilbert’s loach goby (Rhyacichthys guilberti) was historically known from one river each on Grande Terre (New Caledonia) and on Vanuatu, but may have been extirpated from the former.
The Pentecost sicyopus goby (Smilosicyopus pentecost) is known from Pentecost Island and Malakula Island in Vanuatu, and from Grande Terre, New Caledonia.
The slender pipefish (Microphis caudocarinatus) is known only from two specimens, the first collected from the Tawarin River of north-western New Guinea in 1903, and the other from Sumbawa in the Lesser Sunda Islands in 1995.
New Guinea
Located to the north of Australia just below the equator, New Guinea is the world’s second largest island (after Greenland). Its shape has often been compared to that of a bird of paradise (one of the many groups largely endemic to the island), with the so-called Bird’s Head Peninsula (Vogelkop in Dutch) in the north-west and the Bird’s Tail Peninsula (also known as the Papuan Peninsula) in the south-east. A spine of east–west mountains, the New Guinea Highlands, are bordered to the north and south by vast lowlands containing areas of rainforest, grasslands, wetlands, and mangroves. Politically it is divided more or less equally between Indonesia (Papua and Papua Barat provinces, formerly Irian Jaya) and the independent country of Papua New Guinea to the east.
New Guinea has been geographically isolated from Asia by water at least since the Tertiary Period, that is, about 60 million years. The break with Australia took place relatively recently, however, and the island accordingly functioned as a bridge for animal migration between the two. New Guinea is differentiated from its drier, flatter, and less-fertile neighbour by its much higher rainfall and active volcanism. Yet the two landmasses share a similar vertebrate fauna, among them marsupials such as wallabies and possums as well as the egg-laying monotremes, the echidnas; cassowaries (large ratite birds); reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Other than bats and some two-dozen endemic rodent genera there are no pre-human placental mammals. Despite having less than 0.5 per cent of the Earth’s total land surface New Guinea is thought to contain between 5 and 10 per cent of total species on the planet – an immense biodiversity comparable only to the Amazon or Madagascar. Moreover, it is one that, until just recently, remained relatively untouched, in spite of a human presence stretching back at least 40,000 years. The European colonists brought with them pigs, and new species of rat. The introduction of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) has resulted in the eradication of native lizards, while exotic carp and trout have exterminated many indigenous fishes.
Several species of tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus) are threatened by hunting and habitat destruction. Doria’s tree-kangaroo (D. dorianus) is confined to mid-elevation and montane forests in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. The ursine tree-kangaroo (D. ursinus) is known from the Vogelkop Peninsula and possibly the Fakfak Peninsula in western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia). The grizzled tree-kangaroo (D. inustus) is divided into two subspecies. The western grizzled tree-kangaroo (D. i. inustus) occurs in north-western coastal New Guinea on the Vogelkop Peninsula, the Fakfak Peninsula and the islands of Yapen, Waigeo, Misool Salawati, and possibly Batanta. Finsch’s grizzled tree-kangaroo (D. i. finschi) has a range centred on the northern coastal ranges of north-central coastal New Guinea. The ornate tree-kangaroo (D. goodfellowi) also has two subspecies (D. g. goodfellowi and D. g. buergersi) found widely but patchily in central Papua New Guinea.
The black-spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus rufoniger) is an arboreal marsupial known historically from much of northern New Guinea, but now found only sporadically. It is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.
The southern groove-tailed moss-mouse (Microhydromys argenteus) is known only from three localities across a wide area of central and south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The mantled mastiff bat (Otomops secundus) is known only from six specimens collected from three localities in Papua New Guinea.
The round-eared tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene cyclotis) is known only from the Arfak Mountains and Mansuar Island in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Papuan eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae) is found throughout New Guinea but in very low densities. It is threatened by loss of habitat and, in some areas, hunting.
The chestnut-shouldered goshawk (Erythrotriorchis buergersi) is a rare species known only from a handful of records originating mainly from eastern New Guinea, although only one since the 1980s.
Pesquet’s parrot (Psittrichas fulgidus) is still found across New Guinea, but is generally rare and has been extirpated from many parts of its former range due to hunting. The species is greatly in demand for its feathers in particular, which are used in ornamentation, but the meat is also consumed and in some areas the skins make up part of bride-price payments.
The western crowned pigeon (Goura cristata) is found patchily in western New Guinea including the islands of Misool, Waigeo, Salawati and Batanta in the Raja Ampat Islands. The species also occurs on Seram in the Moluccas, where it was almost certainly introduced. At one time common, it has been extirpated from many areas mainly due to hunting for its meat and plumes.
The Papuan swiftlet (Aerodramus papuensis) is known only from a handful of specimens collected over a wide area of northern and eastern New Guinea.
Salvadori’s owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles affinis) is divided into two little-known subspecies. The western Salvadori’s owlet-nightjar (A. a. affinis) is known only from the Vogelkop Mountains in western New Guinea (Papua Barat province). The eastern Salvadori’s owlet-nightjar (A. a. terborghi) was known only from a single specimen collected in 1964 from east-central Papua New Guinea, but was sighted in 2016 in the Karimui Basin. Owlet-nightjars are naturally rare and cryptic, and it is likely that both subspecies range more widely.
The blue-black kingfisher (Todiramphus nigrocyaneus) is a rare species found widely but patchily in northern, western and southern New Guinea and on the islands of Salawati, Batanta and Yapen. It is threatened by loss of habitat.
The Fly River grassbird (Poodytes albolimbatus) is a type of warbler known only from a few wetland localities in southcentral New Guinea.
Leopold’s dtella (Gehyra leopoldi) is a type of gecko known only from two localities on the Vogelkop Peninsula of western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia). Oudeman’s dtella (G. interstitialis) is known only from a single specimen collected during the late nineteenth century from an undefined locality in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Ahl’s emo skink (Emoia ahli) is known only from its original collection in 1932 from the upper Sepik River drainage in north-western Papua New Guinea. Cogger’s emo skink (E. coggeri) is known only from a small coastal strip in eastern Papua New Guinea.
Vogt’s skink (Papuascincus phaeodes) is known only from its original collection in 1932 from the upper Sepik River drainage in north-western Papua New Guinea.
The Setekwa River worm-eating snake (Toxicocalamus grandis) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1914 from an undefined locality in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Jeud’s frog (Litoria jeudii) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1901 from an undefined locality in northern Papua New Guinea. The Spartacus frog (L. spartacus) is known only from a small area of west-central Papua New Guinea.
Parker’s land frog (Austrochaperina parkeri) is known only from three localities in south-eastern coastal Papua New Guinea. The Morobe land frog (A. polysticta) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1901 from an imprecise locality on the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
Gunnar’s narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne gunnari) is known only from a small area of south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The New Guinea Highlands
The New Guinea Highlands stretch for more than 1600 km from the ‘head’ to the ‘tail’ of the island, and dominate its geography. Many mountains rise to elevations of over 4000 m, and the tallest reach 4884 m and feature permanent glaciers. Apart from the central ranges various other, smaller ones occur both north and south. The luxurious, closed-canopy montane rainforests gradually give way at higher elevations to a belt dominated by southern beeches (Nothofagus), which in turn is replaced by mossy cloud forests, a subalpine zone dominated by rhododendrons, and finally by alpine tussock grasslands.
The golden-mantled tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) was historically fairly widespread in the mountains of northern New Guinea, but is now known for certain only from to two disjunct areas (the Torricelli Mountains in Papua New Guinea, and the Foja Mountains in Papua Barat province, Indonesia). There have also been unconfirmed reports from the Prince Alexander Mountains in Papua New Guinea. Seri’s tree-kangaroo (D. stellarum) is confined to the mountains of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia and western Papua New Guinea). Scott’s tree-kangaroo (D. scottae) is confined to the Torricelli and Bewani mountains of north-western Papua New Guinea. The dingiso tree-kangaroo (D. mbaiso) is confined to the Tembagapura and Kwiyawagi mountains of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Huon tree-kangaroo (D. matschiei) is naturally confined to the mountains of the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea. A population on the island of Umboi in the Bismarck Archipelago was almost certainly introduced. The Ifola tree-kangaroo (D. notatus) is confined to the mountains of central Papua New Guinea.
Calaby’s pademelon (Thylogale calabyi) is thought to have been historically widespread within the mountains of Papua New Guinea, but is now known only from one or perhaps two widely separated relic populations (Mount Albert Edward and Mount Giluwe). It has not been collected from the latter since the 1960s, and appears to have been extirpated from Mount Wilhelm sometime during the twentieth century. The decline of both species is thought to be due to feral pigs and hunting with dogs. The Huon pademelon (T. lanatus) is confined to the mountains of the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
Menzies’ spiny bandicoot (Echymipera echinista) is a type of terrestrial marsupial known for certain only from two disjunct localities in central-western and south-western Papua New Guinea. There is a third, unconfirmed record from Mount Menawi.
The Telefomin cuscus (Phalanger matanim) is an arboreal marsupial known only from six specimens collected from a mountainous area of forest in central-western Papua New Guinea, which was largely destroyed by fire in 1998. It is now most likely extinct.
Echidnas of the genus Zaglossus are spiny monotremes, egg-laying mammals whose closest living relative is the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). All are seriously threatened by hunting. The western long-beaked echidna (Z. bruijnii) is known only from the Vogelkop Peninsula of western New Guinea and the adjacent land bridge island of Salawati. It is possible that the species also occurs on the islands of Batanta and Waigeo. Interestingly, a specimen was also reportedly collected in north-western Australia in 1901, although there is no evidence for its continued survival there. The eastern long-beaked echidna (Z. bartoni) is divided into four subspecies found over much of central and eastern New Guinea. The nominate form (Z. b. bartoni) is found in the highlands of central-eastern Papua New Guinea. The Huon long-beaked echidna (Z. b. clunius) is confined to the Huon Peninsula of eastern Papua New Guinea. Diamond’s longbeaked echidna (Z. b. diamondii), the largest living monotreme, is found throughout the mountains of central New Guinea from the Paniai Lakes of Papua province, Indonesia to the Kratke Mountains of eastern Papua New Guinea. Tate’s three-striped dasyure (Myoictis wavicus) is a small, carnivorous marsupial known only from a handful of specimens collected from a small area of eastern Papua New Guinea.
The glacier rat (Rattus richardsoni) is known only from the higher elevations of Mount Wilhelmina, Mount Jaya and the area around Lake Habbema in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia), a range corresponding to the last remaining areas of glacial cover on the island. Arianus’ rat (R. omichlodes) is confined to a small area of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). Van Deusen’s rat (R. vandeuseni) is found patchily in the mountains of southeastern Papua New Guinea.
Gressitt’s mosaic-tailed rat (Paramelomys gressitti) is known only from two localities in eastern Papua New Guinea, where it is threatened by mining activities and wood collection.
The alpine woolly rat (Mallomys gunung) is known only from two high-elevation localities in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Husson’s water rat (Hydromys hussoni) is known only from the Wissel Lakes area of western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The mountain water rat (Baiyankamys habbema) is known only from a small area between Lake Habbema and Mount Wilhelmina in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The short-haired water rat (Paraleptomys wilhelmina) is known only from three widely separated localities in the Central Highlands of New Guinea. The northern water rat (P. rufilatus) is known only from the Cyclops, Princess Alexandra and Bewani mountains of central-northern coastal New Guinea.
Champion’s tree mouse (Pogonomys championi) is known only from the Telefomin and Tifalmin valleys of west-central Papua New Guinea.
The white-toothed mouse (Coccymys albidens) is known only from a few individuals collected in 1938 from Mount Wilhelmina and Lake Habbema in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The western moss-mouse (Pseudohydromys occidentalis) is known only from two disjunct areas in the Central Highlands. The first is found in the region of Lake Habemma and Mount Trikora in the Snow Mountains of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia), and the other in the Star and Victor Emmanual mountains of central-western Papua New Guinea.
The northern groove-toothed moss-mouse (Microhydromys richardsoni) is known only from a small number of specimens collected over a wide area of northern New Guinea. Bulmer’s fruit bat (Aproteles bulmerae) is a cave-roosting species known only from two widely separated localities in the mountains of Papua New Guinea. It is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The small-toothed long-eared bat (Nyctophilus microdon) is known only from a few localities in west-central and central Papua New Guinea.
The Snow Mountain quail (Anurophasis monorthonyx) is confined to alpine grasslands atop the highest peaks of the Snow and Star mountains in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Mayr’s forest rail (Rallicula mayri) is known only from a handful of specimens collected from the coastal mountain ranges of north-central coastal New Guinea.
The blue bird-of-paradise (Paradisornis rudolphi) occurs patchily in the central and south-eastern mountains of Papua New Guinea, from Mount Sisa to the Owen Stanley Mountains. It is everywhere uncommon.
MacGregor’s honeyeater (Macgregoria pulchra) is a large, crow-like bird that was historically widespread within the Central Highlands, but is now reduced to a few disjunct populations on the island’s highest mountains due to heavy hunting pressure.
The long-bearded honeyeater (Melidectes princeps) is found patchily in central Papua New Guinea.
The Papuan whipbird (Androphobus viridis) is a rare and cryptic passerine bird known from a handful of sites across the Central Highlands.
The Papua Barat forest dragon (Hypsilurus tenuicephalus) is known only from a single specimen exported for commerce, reportedly collected somewhere within the highlands of western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Bundi bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus arcanus) is known only from a small area of eastern Papua New Guinea. The mid-slope bent-toed gecko (C. medioclivus) is known only from a small area of central-western Papua New Guinea.
The Wissel Lakes emo skink (Emoia paniai) is confined to an area of the Central Highlands in western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Wanagong skink (Lobulia glacialis) is confined to the area of Lake Wanagong in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
A number of frogs of the genus Litoria are endemic to small, isolated montane areas. Pratt’s frog (L. pratti) is known only from two localities in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia). The Wapoga Alpha frog (L. scabra), Mack’s frog (L. macki), Wapoga River frog (L. wapogaensis) and the Derewo frog (L. fuscula) are each known only from a single locality in north-western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Baliem Valley frog (L. umbonata), Brongersma’s tree frog (L. brongersmai), and the Wissel Lakes frog (L. wisselensis) are each known only from a small area of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The West Sepik frog (L. leucova), the Telefomin frog (L. dorsivena), and Zweifel’s frog (L. zweifeli) are each known only from a small area of west-central Papua New Guinea. The Southern Highlands frog (L. kumae) and Beck’s frog (L. becki) are both known only from a small area of central Papua New Guinea. Sauron’s frog (L. sauroni) is known only from two localities in south-central Papua New Guinea. The Trauna frog (L. oenicolen) is known only from the Baiyer River Sanctuary in north-central Papua New Guinea. The Agaun frog (L. ollauro) is known only from a single locality in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. The Wapoga frog (L. megalops) is known only from a single locality in northwestern New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The Mondo big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes gularis) is known only from Mount Obree and Mount Mondo in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. Grant’s big-eyed tree frog (N. granti) is known only from a single locality in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). Tyler’s big-eyed tree frog (N. tyleri) is known only from a single locality in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. Kuduk’s big-eyed tree frog (N. kuduki) is known only from a small area of west-central Papua New Guinea.
The Wapoga Mawatta frog (Hylophorbus sextus) is known only from the headwaters of the Wapoga River in northwestern New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Huon Mawatta frog (H. rainerguentheri) is confined to the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
Several species of fanged frog (Xenorhina) are endemic to small montane localities. The Wapoga fanged frog (X. macrodisca) is known only from a single locality in north-western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The giant fanged frog (X. gigantea), Parker’s fanged frog (X. minima), the Okbap fanged frog (X. multisica), the ocellated fanged frog (X. ocellata) and Scheepstra’s fanged frog (X. scheepstrai) are all confined to small areas of west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Munggona fanged frog (X. schiefenhoeveli) and the Eipomek Valley fanged frog (X. eiponis) are both confined to the Eipomek Valley of central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Huon fanged frog (X. huon) is known only from a small area of the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The warty callulops frog (Callulops glandulosus) is known only from Mount Kerewa, in central Papua New Guinea.
The Idenburg cross frog (Oreophryne idenburgensis) is known only from a single locality in north-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Lake Habbema cross frog (O. habbemensis) and the dwarf cross frog (O. minuta) are each known only from a single locality in westcentral New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The Bima cross frog (O. alticola) is known only from a small area of central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The Mount Michael rainforest frog (Cophixalus nubicola) is known only from Mount Michael in east-central Papua New Guinea. The Kaindi rainforest frog (C. kaindiensis) is known only from Mount Kaindi in eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Arau Mawatta frog (Hylophorbus infulata) is known only from three disjunct montane localities in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Kosarek land frog (Austrochaperina kosarek) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1979 from west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). Mehely’s land frog (A. mehelyi) is known only from the mountains of north-eastern Papua New Guinea. The adamantine land frog (A. adamantina) is known only from the Bewani and Torricelli mountains of north-western coastal Papua New Guinea.
The red land frog (Sphenophryne rubra) is known only from a few specimens collected in east-central Papua New Guinea.
The yellow-throated Papua frog (Barygenys flavigularis) is known only from a small area of eastern Papua New Guinea. The spotted Papua frog (B. maculata) is known only from a small area of south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Namosado barred frog (Mixophyes hihihorlo) is known only from a single locality in western Papua New Guinea.
Burton’s narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne burtoni) is known only from a small area of west-central Papua New Guinea. Fafnir’s narrow-mouthed frog (C. fafniri) is known only from three localities in central Papua New Guinea. The Moiyokabip narrow-mouthed frog (C. rhenaurum) is known only from a single locality in central-western Papua New Guinea. The Elimbari narrow-mouthed frog (C. siegfriedi) is known only from Mount Elimbari in central Papua New Guinea. The long-nosed narrow-mouthed frog (C. longirostris) is known only from the Bewani and Torricelli mountains of north-western coastal Papua New Guinea.
The Arfak Mountains
The Arfak Mountains (Pegunungan Arfak in Indonesian) are located on the Vogelkop (‘Bird’s Head’) Peninsula in northwestern New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Arfak pygmy bandicoot (Microperoryctes aplini) is known only from four specimens collected in the Arfak Mountains.
Schlegel’s ringtail (Pseudochirulus schlegeli) is a type of possum known only from a handful of specimens collected in the Arfak Mountains.
The reclusive ringtail (Pseudochirops coronatus) is known only from a few localities within the Arfak Mountains.
The Vogelkop mountain rat (Rattus arfakiensis) is known only from specimens collected in the Arfak Nature Reserve in the 1930s.
The grey-banded manakin (Lonchura vana) is a type of finch known for certain only from grasslands around Lake Anggi Gigi, although it may occur more widely in the Arfak Mountains.
The Arfak forest dragon (Hypsilurus bruijnii) is confined to the Arfak Mountains.
The Arfak frog (Litoria chloronota) is known only from two localities in the Arfak Mountains.
The Arfak big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes montanus) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1878 from the Arfak Mountains.
The Hatam fanged frog (Xenorhina ophiodon) is known only from its original collection in 1878 from the Arfak Mountains. The Wakwam fanged frog (X. arfakiana) is known only from a single locality within the Arfak Mountains.
The Wondiwoi Mountains
The Wondiwoi Mountains (Pegunungan Wondiwoi in Indonesian) are located on the Wandammen Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus mayri) was until recently known only from a single specimen collected in 1928 and was feared extinct. In 2018, however, a tree-kangaroo fitting the description of the type specimenwas photographed in a previously unexplored area of theWondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi frog (Litoria mareku) and Vera’s frog (L. verae) are each known only from a single locality within the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The greater Mehely frog (Copiula major) and Obst’s Mehely frog (C. obsti) are each known only from a single locality within the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi Mawatta frog (Hylophorbus wondiwoi) is known only from a small area of the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The noisy cross frog (Oreophryne clamata), unicolor cross frog (O. unicolor) and the hissing cross frog (O. sibilans) are each known only from a single locality within the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi rainforest frog (Cophixalus tridactylus) is known only from the eastern slopes of the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi callulops frog (Asterophrys pullifer) is known only from the eastern slopes of the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer bimaculatus) is known only from a single locality within the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The pygmy land frog (Austrochaperina minutissima) is known only from two localities within the Wondiwoi Mountains.
The Wondiwoi narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne laurini) is known only from a single locality within the Wondiwoi Mountains. Specimens collected from the Maoke Mountains are thought to represent an as-yet undescribed species.
The Maoke Mountains
The Maoke or Snow Mountains (Pegunungan Maoke in Indonesian) are located in western and central New Guinea (Papua Barat and Papua provinces, Indonesia).
Woolley’s moss-mouse (Pseudohydromys patriciae) is known only from a single locality within the Maoke Mountains (Papua province, Indonesia).
Archbold’s robin (Petroica archboldi) is confined to the highest peaks of the Maoke Mountains.
The Weyland Range is located in western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The mouse bandicoot (Microperoryctes murina) is a type of terrestrial marsupial known only from three specimens collected in 1931 from the summit of Mount Sumuri, in the Weyland Range.
The lesser small-toothed rat (Macruromys elegans) is only known from four specimens collected on Mount Kunupi in 1931.
Stein’s mosaic-tailed rat (Paramelomys steini) is known only from six specimens collected from Mount Weyland.
The Sudirman Range is located in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). Notable peaks include Puncak Trikora (known as Wilhelminatop or Mount Wilhelmina until 1963, whose glacier disappeared completely sometime between 1939 and 1962), and Mount Carstensz.
The Tembagapura fanged frog (Xenorhina adisca) is known only from the Sudirman Range.
The Went Range is located in west-central New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The grey swamp frog (Papurana grisea) is known only from the Went Range.
The Cyclops Mountains
The Cyclops Mountains (Pegunungan Cyclops in Indonesian) are a small, coastal range located in north-western New Guinea, north of Lake Sentani (Papua province, Indonesia). They have been extensively deforested since World War II.
Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi) is known from a single specimen collected in the Cyclops Mountains in 1961. An expedition in 2007 found evidence of its existence (i.e. recent digging activity and burrows), although none were actually sighted.
The Cyclops Mountains emo skink (Emoia cyclops) is known from a number of specimens collected in the Cyclops Mountains in 1938, but not reported since.
Cheesman’s wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer cheesmanae) is known only from the foothills of the Cyclops Mountains, where it has not been reported in many years.
The Star Mountains
The Star Mountains (Pegunungan Bintang in Indonesian) are located in central New Guinea, where they straddle the border between Papua province, Indonesia, and western Papua New Guinea.
The Majikthise frog (Litoria majikthise) is known only from a small area around the headwaters of the Ok Tedi River in the Star Mountains. The Ok Tedi frog (L. oktediensis) is confined to the southern slopes of the Star Mountains.
The Star Mountains fanged frog (Xenorhina anorbis) is known only from two localities within the Star Mountains.
The Star Mountains callulops frog (Callulops sagittatus) is known only from two localities within the Star Mountains.
The twin cross frog (Oreophryne geminus) and the terrestrial cross frog (O. terrestris) are both known only from Dokfuma Meadow, south of Mount Capella in the Star Mountains.
The Bewani Mountains
The Bewani Mountains are located in north-western Papua New Guinea.
Hill’s leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros edwardshilli) is known only from a small area of the Bewani Mountains.
The Menawa rainforest frog (Cophixalus bewaniensis) is known only from two specimens collected from Mount Menawa in the Bewani Mountains.
The Torricelli Mountains
The Torricelli Mountains are located in north-western coastal Papua New Guinea, between the Bewani Mountains to the west and the Prince Alexander Mountains to the east.
The northern glider (Petaurus abidi) is a type of marsupial confined to Mount Somoro and adjacent areas in the Torricelli Mountains.
Musser’s shrew mouse (Pseudohydromys musseri) is known only from a single specimen collected on Mount Somoro in 1972.
The Torricelli land frog (Austrochaperina aquilonia) is known only from two specimens collected in the Torricelli ountains.
The Prince Alexander Mountains
The Prince Alexander Mountains are located in northern coastal Papua New Guinea.
Ziegler’s water rat (Hydromys ziegleri) is a semi-aquatic species known only from the southern slopes of the Prince Alexander Mountains.
The Hunstein Mountains
The Hunstein Mountains are located in north-western Papua New Guinea.
The pretty rainforest frog (Cophixalus pulchellus) is known only from Mount Hunstein.
The Great Papuan Plateau
The Great Papuan Plateau is a karst plateau located in westcentral Papua New Guinea. It is bordered by the upper stretches of the Kikori River on the east, the Strickland River on the west, the Karius Range to the north, and Mount Basavi to the south.
Mount Bosavi is the collapsed cone of an extinct volcano on the Great Papuan Plateau.
The Bosavi forest dragon (Hypsilurus ornatus) is a type of lizard known only from Mount Bosavi.
The Karius Mountains
The Karius Mountains are located in west-central Papua New Guinea.
Mount Sisa is a heavily eroded, double-peaked stratovolcano.
The white-bellied moss-mouse (Pseudohydromys sandrae) is known only from a single specimen collected on Mount Sisa. Allison’s narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne allisoni) is known only from a few specimens collected on Mount Sisa.
The Crater Mountains
The Crater Mountains are located in south-central Papua New Guinea.
The Crater Mountains callulops frog (Callulops marmoratus) is known only from specimens collected in the vicinity of the Crater Mountain Biological Station.
The Adelbert Mountains
The Adelbert Mountains are an isolated coastal range located in north-eastern coastal Papua New Guinea.
Gudrun’s narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne gudrunae) is known only from a single locality in the Adelbert Mountains.
The small Papua frog (Barygenys parvula) is known only from two localities in the Adelbert Mountains.
The Kratke Mountains
The Kratke Mountains are located in eastern Papua New Guinea. They run south of the Finisterre Mountains on the other side of the Markham River and join the Bismarck Mountains to the east.
The spotted worm-eating snake (Toxicocalamus spilolepidotus) is known only from two specimens collected in the Kratke Mountains in the 1960s.
Archbold’s land frog (Austrochaperina archboldi) is known only from a type series collected in the Kratke Mountains.
The Finisterre Mountains
The Finisterre Mountains are located on the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Finisterre bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus minor) is known only from three specimens collected in the foothills at the northern edge of the Finisterre Mountains.
The Finisterre frog (Litoria singadanae) is known from three specimens collected in 2005 in the eastern Finisterre Mountains.
The Bartholomew Mountains
The Bartholomew Mountains are located in south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Bartholomew skink (Sphenomorphus annectans) is known only from the Bartholomew Mountains.
The Owen Stanley Mountains
The Owen Stanley Mountains are located in south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
German’s one-toothed moss-mouse (Pseudohydromys germani) is known only from the Owen Stanley Mountains.
The Milne big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes persimilis) is known only from Mount Dayman and Mount Simpson in the Owen Stanley Mountains. The Dayman big-eyed tree frog (N. daymani) is known only from Mount Dayman.
The Simpson rainforest frog (Cophixalus timidus) is confined to the northern slope of Mount Simpson where it is seriously threatened by frequent, deliberately set fires. The Myola rainforest frog (C. verecundus) is known only from a small area in the Owen Stanley Mountains. Dayman’s rainforest frog (C. daymani) and Zweifel’s rainforest frog (C. cryptotympanum) are both known only from Mount Dayman.
The Victoria land frog (Austrochaperina brevipes) is known only from Mount Victoria and Myola Guest House in the Owen Stanley Mountains. It was last recorded in 1987.
The Milne land frog (Sphenophryne crassa) is known only from Mount Dayman and Mount Simpson in the Owen Stanley Mountains. The Myola land frog (S. similis) is known only from a single locality in the Owen Stanley Mountains. The rosy-fingered land frog (S. rhododactyla) is found patchily throughout the Owen Stanley Mountains.
The Tafa Papua frog (Barygenys cheesmanae) is known only from Mount Tafa.
Sabin’s cross frog (Aphantophryne sabini) is known only from the region of the Myola Guest House on Mount Kenevi.
The red-dotted narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne sanguinopicta) is confined to the northern slope of Mount Simpson, where it is threatened by frequent, deliberately set fires.
The Nanneau Mountains
The Nanneau Mountains are located in south-eastern coastal Papua New Guinea.
The Nanneau long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni smeenki) is confined to the Nanneau Mountains.
The Cloudy Mountains
The Cloudy Mountains are located near Milne Bay in far south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Cloudy Mountains worm-eating snake (Toxicocalamus pachysomus) is known only from a single locality within the Cloudy Mountains.
The Cloudy Mountains frog (Litoria rubrops) is known only from a few specimens collected in the Cloudy Mountains.
Lowland Rainforests and Swamp Forests
The lowland rainforests of New Guinea occur in three main subregions, located north and south of the Central Highlands and on the Vogelkop Peninsula, respectively.
The dragon tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene draconilla) is known from a handful of specimens collected from few disjunct localities on either side of the Central Highlands.
Vogelkop Peninsula Lowland Rainforests and Swamp Forests
The Vogelkop Peninsula lowland rainforests and swamp forests are located in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat and Papua provinces, Indonesia).
The Cenderawasih forest dragon (Hypsilurus nigrigularis) is an agamid lizard known only from a single locality on the southern coast of Cenderawasih Bay in Papua province, Indonesia. It is threatened by hunting and harvesting of its eggs.
Aaron’s bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus aaroni) is known only from three localities within the Vogelkop Peninsula (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
Brongersma’s skink (Lipinia venemai) is known only from two localities within the central Vogelkop Peninsula (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Manukwari blind snake (Ramphotyphlops similis) is known only from its original collection in 1934 from a small area on the northern coast of the Vogelkop Peninsula (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Umar frog (Litoria umarensis), Elke’s frog (L. elkeae) and the Nabire-Mapia frog (L. rara) are all known only from small areas of coastal Papua province, Indonesia.
The black-throated cross frog (Oreophryne atrigularis) is known only from two disjunct localities in the region of the Vogelkop Peninsula (Papua Barat and Papua provinces, Indonesia).
The golden swamp frog (Papurana aurata) is known only from a single locality in Papua province, Indonesia.
The Bomberai rainforest frog (Cophixalus tetzlaffi) is known only from a single locality in the south-western Vogelkop Peninsula.
Northern New Guinea Lowland Rainforests and Swamp Forests
Rainforests as well as freshwater swamp forests are found across the northern lowlands of New Guinea between the Central Range to the south and the northern coast. They extend from the eastern shore of Cenderawasih Bay in Papua province, Indonesia east to northern Papua New Guinea. Several east–west mountain ranges rise from these lowlands, creating isolated pockets of montane rainforest.
The Weikor skink (Lipinia albodorsalis) is known only from its original collection in 1932 from north-western Papua New Guinea.
The Moaif frog (Litoria mystax) is known only from its original collection in 1906 from north-eastern coastal Papua province, Indonesia. The white-lipped frog (L. albolabris) is known only from its original collection in 1911 from northwestern coastal Papua New Guinea. Chris Dahl’s frog (L. chrisdahli) is known only from a single locality in northern coastal Papua New Guinea.
The Simbang big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes obsoletus) and the Yuwong tree frog (N. dux) are both known only from a few localities on the Huon Peninsula in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Lae fanged frog (Xenorhina subcrocea) is known only from its original collection in 1977 from eastern coastal Papua New Guinea. All of the forest at this locality has since been destroyed, but suitable habitat remains nearby.
Wolterstorff’s cross frog (Oreophryne wolterstorffi) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1901 from an imprecise locality in north-eastern Papua New Guinea. Southern New Guinea Lowland Rainforests and Swamp Forests In southern New Guinea, areas of rainforest and freshwater swamp forest lie between the Central Highlands and the southern coast. They extend from Papua province, Indonesia all the way to the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea, being interrupted only by coastal mangroves and a large pocket of savanna.
The lowland tree-kangaroo (Dendrolagus spadix) is confined to the lowland rainforests of southern Papua NewGuinea, where it is threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.
The grey forest wallaby (Dorcopsis luctuosa) remains widespread within the lowland rainforests of southern New Guinea, but is everywhere threatened by hunting and habitat destruction.
The giant bandicoot (Peroryctes broadbenti) is a rare type of terrestrial marsupial confined to coastal lowland areas of south-eastern Papua New Guinea. It is threatened by loss of habitat and hunting.
The Papuan mastiff bat (Otomops papuensis) is known only from a handful of specimens collected from two disjunct localities in south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
Thomas’ big-eared bat (Pharotis imogene) is known only from a small area near Port Morseby in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. It was thought to have been extinct since 1890 until a single specimen was discovered in 2012.
The spangled owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles tatei) is known from a handful of records from the lowland rainforests of central-western and south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
Scheepmaker’s crowned pigeon (Goura scheepmakeri) is confined to the lowland rainforests of southern Papua New Guinea, where it is threatened by loss of habitat and has been extirpated from many parts of its former range.
The Mimika River skink (Sphenomorphus mimikanus) and Wollaston’s skink (S. wollastoni) are both known only from their original collection in 1914 from western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Fred Parker’s worm snake (Gerrhopilus fredparkeri) and McDowell’s worm snake (G. mcdowelli) are both known only from a small area near Port Morseby in south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The four-lined frog (Litoria quadrilineata) is known only from a small area of southern coastal New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The Moroka cross frog (Oreophryne kampeni) and the Port Moresby cross frog (O. loriae) are both known only from historical specimens collected from a small area near Port Morseby in south-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Iarowari school frog (Mantophryne menziesi) is known only from a small area near Port Morseby in southeastern Papua New Guinea.
The variegated narrow-mouthed frog (Choerophryne variegata) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1923 from an imprecise locality in south-western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Trans-Fly Savanna and Grasslands
The Trans-Fly savanna and grasslands are a lowland ecoregion located on the south-central coast of New Guinea, on both the Indonesian and Papua New Guinea sides. With their monsoon and dry season climate these grasslands and woodlands are quite different from the tropical rainforest that covers much of the island, and resemble the landscape of northern Australia. They are renewed by regular fires at the end of each dry season.
The bronze quoll (Dasyurus spartacus) is a type of nocturnal marsupial confined to savanna woodlands in south-central New Guinea, where it is threatened by hunting and, possibly, feral cats.
Rand’s brush-tailed rabbit-rat (Conilurus penicillatus randi) is known only from two localities in south-western Papua New Guinea.
The Fly River snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus xenikos) is known only from a few specimens collected from two savanna localities in south-western Papua New Guinea.
Lakes, Rivers and Marshes
New Guinea has several large river systems along with large areas of swamp forest and numerous isolated mountain lakes, all of which are notable for their extraordinary high species diversity. General threats include overfishing, sedimentation due to deforestation and pollution from mining activities.
Salvadori’s teal (Salvadorina waigiuensis) occurs in fast-flowing streams as well as lakes throughout the Central Highlands of New Guinea, but is everywhere threatened by hunting and loss of habitat.
The pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta) is a unique relict species inhabiting southern New Guinea as well as northern Australia (Northern Territory). It is exported in large numbers from southern Papua province, Indonesia for the international live animal trade and locally consumed in Papua New Guinea, while in Australia it is threatened mainly by habitat destruction.
Two species of giant softshell turtle (Pelochelys) are threatened by hunting and egg-harvesting. The northern New Guinea giant softshell turtle (P. signifera) remains relatively widespread in the northern lowlands of NewGuinea. The striped New Guinea giant softshell turtle (P. bibroni) is confined to lowland rivers and estuaries across southern New Guinea.
Pritchard’s snake-necked turtle (Chelodina pritchardi) is confined to a few localities within the Kemp Welch and Laloki river drainages of coastal south-eastern Papua New Guinea. Parker’s snake-necked turtle (C. parkeri) is confined to the swamps and rivers of south-central New Guinea. Both are threatened by hunting and collection for the international pet trade.
The white-bellied snapping turtle (Elseya branderhorsti) is a little-known species from the rivers of southern New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea). Adults are heavily hunted for their meat and the young are collected for use in ‘traditional medicine’.
The New Guinea sailfin lizard (Hydrosaurus amboinensis), the world’s largest agamid lizard, is a little-known and ill-defined form that, as currently recognized, is found in New Guinea and on Ambon in the Moluccas. It is threatened by habitat destruction and overcollection for the international pet trade.
The striped grunter (Hephaestus obtusifrons) is a perchlike fish confined to two disjunct, high-altitude areas of northcentral New Guinea, the first being the upper Sermowai River and its tributaries in Papua province, Indonesia, and the other the Bewani Mountains of north-western Papua New Guinea. It is threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species.
The Popondetta blue-eye (Pseudomugil connieae) is confined to rainforest streams and creeks within a small area of south-eastern Papua New Guinea. The transparent blue-eye (P. pellucidus) is confined to the Aikwa (Iwaka) and Kopi rivers of western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). Both are threatened by loss of habitat and pollution.
The Kokoda glass perchlet (Tetracentrum caudovittatus) is known only from a small area of south-eastern Papua New Guinea, where it lives in pools in forest creeks. It is seriously threatened by habitat destruction and degradation.
The Arfak rainbowfish (Melanotaenia arfakensis) is found patchily in rivers of the northern coastal area of the Vogelkop Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia). The mountain rainbowfish (M. monticola) is confined to small, highland tributaries of the Purari and Kikori river drainages in central Papua New Guinea. Ogilby’s rainbowfish (M. ogilbyi) was long known only from a few specimens collected in 1907 from the Lorentz River in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). It was rediscovered in 1995 from disjunct areas too, but the species remains vulnerable to habitat destruction.
The Bulolo rainbowfish (Chilatherina bulolo) is confined to fast-flowing hillstreams within the Markham and Ramu river drainages of north-eastern Papua New Guinea. First collected in 1934, it was not recorded again until 1978.
The spinach pipefish (Microphis spinachioides) is known only from the Sepik, May and Ramu rivers of Papua New Guinea, where it may be threatened by habitat degradation.
The Ayamaru Lakes
The Ayamaru Lakes (sometimes spelled Ajamaru) are a group of lakes found in a mountainous region of the west-central Vogelkop Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia). They are notable for the deep holes in their bottoms that lead to underwater caverns.
Two species of rainbowfish (Melanotaenia) endemic to the Ayamaru Lakes are threatened by predation by, and competition with, invasive fish species as well as by overcollection for the international aquarium trade. The Ayamaru Lakes rainbowfish (M. ajamaruensis) is known only from specimens collected in 1955, either from the lakes themselves or their tributary streams. It may now survive only within the Kaliwensi River. Boeseman’s rainbowfish (M. boesemani) is confined to Lake Ayamaru and its tributary streams, as well as to Lake Aitinjo.
Hoese’s goby (Glossogobius hoesei) is confined to the Ayamaru Lakes and a few small tributary streams. Lake Ayamaru is the largest of the Ayamaru lakes.
The Vogelkop blue-eye (Pseudomugil reticulatus) is known only from a handful of specimens collected from tributary streams flowing into Lake Ayamaru, where it is seriously threatened by invasive species.
The Paniai Lakes
The Paniai Lakes are located in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
The Paniai gudgeon (Oxyeleotris wisselensis) is a type of goby confined to the Paniai Lakes, where it is absent from Lake Paniai itself but present in lakes Tigi and Tage and their tributaries.
Lake Sentani
Lake Sentani (Danau Sentani in Indonesian) is a small, shallow, low-altitude lake located in northern coastal New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). It forms part of the Cyclops Strict Nature Reserve, although the growing human population along the shore threatens a number of endemic species.
The Sentani rainbowfish (Chilatherina sentaniensis) was historically found throughout Lake Sentani and its tributaries, but now seems to be largely confined to a single creek.
The red rainbowfish (Glossolepis incisus) is confined to Lake Sentani and its tributaries.
The Sentani gudgeon (Oxyeleotris heterodon) is confined to Lake Sentani.
Lake Kutubu
Lake Kutubu is located in the highlands of central Papua New Guinea, east of the Kikori River into which it eventually drains. It is the second largest lake in New Guinea and home to a remarkable number of endemic species.
Adamson’s grunter (Hephaestus adamsoni) is confined to Lake Kutubu.
The Kutubu hardyhead (Craterocephalus lacustris) is confined to Lake Kutubu and its outlet, the Soro River.
The Kutubu rainbowfish (Melanotaenia lacustris) is confined to Lake Kutubu.
Five species of goby, the black mogurnda (Mogurnda furva), the variegated mogurnda (M. variegata), the Kutubu mogurnda (M. kutubuensis), the striped mogurnda (M. vitta) and the blotched mogurnda (M. spilota) are all confined to Lake Kutubu and its tributaries, where they are seriously threatened by activities related to oil and gas drilling, overfishing, and invasive species.
The Kutubu tandan (Oloplotosus torobo) is a type of eeltail catfish confined to Lake Kutubu.
The Mamberamo River
The Mamberamo River (Sungai Mamberamo in Indonesian, formerly known as the Idenburg River) is located in northwestern New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia). The largest in Indonesia by volume of discharge, and also the widest, it is formed by the confluence of two of its tributaries, the Tariku and Taritatu rivers.
The Mamberamo water snake (Heurnia ventromaculata) is known only from a single specimen collected from the Mamberamo River in the 1920s.
Allen’s river garfish (Zenarchopterus alleni) is known only from a single specimen collected from the Mamberamo River in 1982.
The high-finned glassy perchlet (Parambassis altipinnis) is known only from a small number of specimens collected from a single locality within the Mamberamo River in 1920. Habitat in this area has been heavily impacted by logging, and the species may be extinct.
The dwarf rainbowfish (Melanotaenia praecox) and Van Heurn’s rainbowfish (M. vanheurni) are both widespread within the Mamberamo River drainage, where they are nevertheless potentially threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species. Both are common in the international aquarium trade.
Bleher’s rainbowfish (Chilatherina bleheri) is known from Lake Biru (Lake Holmes) and one other locality within the Mamberamo River drainage.
The tiger goby (Pseudogobiopsis tigrellus) is known only from the Mamberamo River.
The Fly River
The Fly River is located in central-western and south-western Papua New Guinea. It rises in the Victor Emanuel Range (an arm of the Star Mountains) and crosses the south-western lowlands before flowing into the Gulf of Papua in a large delta. It is the largest river in the world without a single dam in its catchment.
Paska’s blue-eye (Pseudomugil paskai) is known for certain only from the upper Fly River drainage.
The Fly River rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sexlineata) is confined to the upper Fly River drainage.
Taylor’s catfish (Neoarius taylori) is known only from a few localities within the upper Fly River drainage.
The Ok Tedi River (formerly known as the Alice River) is located within the upper Fly River drainage of central-western Papua New Guinea. The open-pit Ok-Tedi Mine at its headwaters has caused considerable habitat degradation and pollution.
The glass blue eye (Kiunga ballochi) is known only from a few small creeks along a 15–20 km stretch of the Ok Tedi Mine supply road between Kiunga and Tabubil. Most specimens have been collected from tributaries of the Ok Smak River, itself a tributary of the Ok Tedi River. The species is established in the aquarium trade but has not been seen in the wild for many years.
The Ok Tedi rainbowfish (Melanotaenia oktediensis) is confined to the Ok Teki River and its tributaries.
The Purari River
The Purari River is located in the Central Highlands of central Papua New Guinea.
The Pima hardyhead (Craterocephalus pimatuae) is known only from the junction of the Pima and Tua rivers, tributaries of the Purari River.
The Pima River is a tributary of the Purari River.
The Pima rainbowfish (Melanotaenia pimanensis) is confined to the Pima River.
Miscellaneous Lakes, Rivers, and Marshes
Lake Kurumoi (Danau Kurumoi in Indonesian) is located on the narrow isthmus at the base of the Vogelkop Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Kurumoi rainbowfish (Melanotaenia parva) is confined to this one small lake, where it is threatened by competition from introduced tilapia cichlids.
Lake Yamur (Danau Yamur in Indonesian) is located on the narrow isthmus at the base of the Vogelkop Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Yamur grunter (Variichthys jamoerensis) is confined to this single small lake.
Lake Wanam is a small lake located in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Wanam rainbowfish (Glossolepis wanamensis) has virtually disappeared from this lake due to competition from introduced fishes, although captive populations exist. Lake Tebera is located in south-central Papua New Guinea.
The Tebera rainbowfish (Melanotaenia herbertaxelrodi) is confined to the Lake Tebera basin.
The Yakati River is located on the narrow isthmus at the base of the Vogelkop Peninsula in north-western New Guinea (Papua Barat province, Indonesia).
The Yakati rainbowfish (Melanotaenia angfa) is known only from two tributary streams within the Yakati River drainage.
The Siriwo River is located in western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Allen’s rainbowfish (Chilatherina alleni) is known only from the Aiborei River, part of the Siriwo drainage.
The Sermowai River is located in northern New Guinea (north-western Papua province, Indonesia).
The Corona rainbowfish (Melanotaenia corona) is known only from two specimens collected in 1911.
The Tami River (Sungai Tami in Indonesian) is located in northern coastal New Guinea (north-eastern Papua province, Indonesia).
The Tami rainbowfish (Glossolepis pseudoincisus) is confined to the Tami River.
The Ramu River is located in north-eastern Papua New Guinea.
The Ramu rainbowfish (Glossolepis ramuensis) is confined to the Ramu River.
The Laloki River is located in south-eastern Papua New Guinea, near Port Moresby.
The threespot grunter (Hephaestus trimaculatus) is confined to rocky pools within streams in the lower Laloki River drainage.
Coasts and Satellite Islands
New Guinea is home to some of the largest areas of brackish water coastal mangroves in the world, which provide important habitat for both terrestrial and marine species. In addition, the island is surrounded by numerous smaller islands and island groups, many of them still relatively pristine.
The Bramble Cay mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys rubicola) is known only from Bramble Cay, a tiny vegetated islet located some 50 km south of New Guinea in the Torres Strait. Last seen in 2007 and now considered to be extinct, it is possibly the first known mammalian extinction linked to human-induced climate change.
Thomas’ woolly bat (Kerivoula agnella) is known only from Fergusson Island in the D’Entrecasteaux Islands, Tagula and Misima in the Louisiade Archipelago, and Woodlark Island.
The mysterious tree monitor (Varanus telenesetes) was originally described based on a single specimen supposedly collected on Rossel Island, in the Louisiade Archipelago. Subsequent searches have failed to find any additional specimens, and native islanders have no knowledge of it. For these reasons it is now believed that the original collection data were in error, and that the species occurs (or occurred) on some other, as yet unknown, island east of New Guinea.
The banded water snake (Djokoiskandarus annulata) is known only from a few localities along the south-central coast of New Guinea and its satellite islands.
Watson’s coastal stream goby (Stenogobius watsoni) is known only from three islands in Milne Bay, south-eastern New Guinea, where it lives in freshwater creeks.
Larson’s stiphodon (Stiphodon larson) is a type of freshwater goby known only from a small area of north-eastern Papua New Guinea and adjacent islands.
Robert’s combtooth blenny (Omobranchus robertsi) is known only from brackish mangrove creeks in south-central coastal Papua New Guinea, but may occur as well on the north-eastern portion of the Cape York Peninsula in Australia.
The Schouten Islands
The Schouten Islands (also known as the Biak Islands or Geelvink Islands) are located in Cenderawasih Bay, roughly 50 km off the north-western coast of New Guinea. They consist of the main islands of Biak, Supiori, and Numfor along with numerous smaller islands, most of which are still covered by rainforest.
The Geelvink Bay flying fox (Pteropus pohlei) is confined to Numfor, Rani, and Yapen.
The Schouten naked-backed fruit bat (Dobsonia emersa) is confined to Numfor, Biak, Supiori, and Owi. It is potentially threatened by hunting and disturbance of its roost sites.
The Schouten scrubfowl (Megapodius geelvinkianus) is a chicken-like bird confined to Biak, Supiori, Numfor, Manim, Mios Korwar, and Mios Numin. The total population is small and declining due to a variety of threats.
The black-winged lory (Eos cyanogenia) is confined to Biak, Supiori, Numfor, Manim, and Mios Num. It is threatened by loss of habitat and overcollection for the cagebird trade.
Biak and Supiori are the largest of the Schouten Islands and are near enough to each other to be spanned by a bridge. Both have been heavily deforested, although most of Supiori is now protected by the Pulau Supiori Nature Reserve.
Wilson’s spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus wilsoni) is known only from three specimens collected on Biak and Supiori.
Boead’s giant naked-tailed rat (Uromys boeadii) is known only from a single specimen collected on Biak in 1963.
Beccari’s scops owl (Otus beccarii) is confined to Biak and Supiori.
Rosenberg’s lorikeet (Trichoglossus rosenbergii) is confined to Biak and Supiori, where it is uncommon.
Brehm’s monarch (Symposiachrus brehmii) is confined to Biak and Supiori.
Rosenberg’s hooded pitta (Pitta rosenbergii) is confined to Biak and Supiori.
The Biak gerygone (Gerygone hypoxantha) is confined to Biak and Supiori.
The Biak leaf warbler (Phylloscopus misoriensis) is confined to Biak.
The Biak emerald monitor (Varanus kordensis) is confined to Biak.
The Biak frog (Litoria biakensis) is known only from two localities on Biak.
Yapen has still-extensive rainforests and a number of endemic species. Two protected areas cover fully one-third of the island. However, the human population is growing and much forest has been cleared.
The Jobi frog (Litoria obtusirostris) is known only from its original collection on Yapen in 1875.
Wünsches’ wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer wuenscheorum) is known only from Amoman Mountain on Yapen.
The variable fanged frog (Xenorhina varia) and the Ambaiduru fanged frog (X. lanthanites) are both confined to Yapen.
Three species of cross frog (Oreophryne) are endemic to Yapen. The Kontiunae cross frog (O. asplenicola) is known only from Mount Waira, while the Amoman cross frog (O. pseudasplenicola) is known only from Mount Amoman. The Waira cross frog (O. waira) is known only from Mount Waira and one other nearby locality.
The Yapen Mehely frog (Copiula exspectata) is known only from a single locality on Yapen.
Numfor is an oval-shaped island that served as a major airbase for both sides during World War II. It was formerly covered by pristine rainforest, which has since been heavily logged and degraded.
The Numfor leaf warbler (Phylloscopus maforensis) is confined to the island, where it is considered uncommon.
The Raja Ampat Islands
Located off the north-western tip of the Vogelkop Peninsula, the Raja Ampat Islands (Kepulauan Raja Ampat in Indonesian, literally ‘Four Kings’) consist of over 1500 small islands, cays and shoals surrounding its four main islands.
The Raja Ampat wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer batantae) is known only from Batana and Waigeo islands, but may occur on Yapen and Gag islands as well.
Waigeo is the largest island in the Raja Ampat group and is dominated by moist lowland and mangrove forest. The naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace spent some time here during the 1850s while on his scientific exploration journey.
The Waigeo spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus papuensis) is possibly endemic toWaigeo, although it may be found on Batanta as well. While still fairly common, it is subject to hunting by locals.
The Waigeo brush-turkey (Aepypodius bruijnii) was long known only from a small number of specimens collected no later than 1938. In spite of many dedicated expeditions it was not found again until 2002, when a single individual was sighted on Mount Nok near Majalibit Bay. Subsequent searches revealed a number of incubation mounds in a relatively small area. In 2007 another individual was observed on Mount Danai, representing the first time the species had been photographed in the wild. It is thought than less than 1000 individuals still survive in remote hilly areas.
The golden-speckled tree monitor (Varanus boehmei) is known only from two museum specimens, both collected from the wildlife trade. Salawati is a large island separated from mainland New Guinea by a narrow strait.
The Salawati bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus irianjayaensis) is known only from lowland forests on Salawati.
The Salawati blind snake (Ramphotyphlops supranasalis) is known only from two specimens collected during the 1930s.
Batanta is located north of Salawati.
The blue-speckled tree monitor (Varanus macraei) is known only from Batanta and two small offshore islets. It is threatened by loss of habitat and collection for the international pet trade.
Kofiau is a relatively small island consisting of raised coral limestone with some volcanic hills, covered in low forest. It has been selectively logged, and as yet has no protected areas.
The Kofiau paradise kingfisher (Tanysiptera ellioti) is confined to Kofiau.
The Kofiau black-backed monarch (Symposiachrus julianae) is confined to Kofiau.
Misool is the southernmost of the Raja Ampat Islands. The yellow tree monitor (Varanus reisingeri) is confined to this one small island, where it is vulnerable to exploitation by the international pet trade.
Gag Island is one of the smaller and isolated of the Raja Ampat Islands.
Niken’s rat (Rattus nikenii) is seemingly confined to this one small island, where it might potentially be threatened by proposed nickel mining operations.
The Trobriand Islands
The Trobriand Islands are an archipelago off the eastern coast of New Guinea. They consist of four main islands and a number of smaller coral atolls. The group is an important tropical rainforest region in need of protection.
The Trobriand bronzeback tree snake (Dendrelaphis papuensis) is known only from historical specimens with an unclear distribution within the Trobriand Islands.
Kiriwina is a small, low-lying, heavily populated island.
David’s spiny bandicoot (Echymipera davidi) is known only from Kiriwina.
The Woodlark Islands
Located east of New Guinea, the Woodlark Islands consist of the eponymous main island and its smaller satellites, among them Mudua, Nusam, Nubara, and the Marshall Bennett group to the south-east. Owing to their relative isolation they are home to several endemic species. A plan in the 1990s to log most of the forest on Woodlark Island and replace it with palm oil plantations was fortunately scrapped thanks to opposition by local residents.
The Woodlark cuscus (Phalanger lullulae) is known from Woodlark and Alcester islands (having possibly been introduced on the latter) and may still be present on Madua.
The Woodlark bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus murua) is confined to Woodlark Island.
The Woodlark worm-eating snake (Toxicocalamus longissimus) is known only from a few specimens collected on Woodlark Island.
The D’Entrecasteaux Islands
The volcanic D’Entrecasteaux Islands consist of the three main islands of Goodenough, Fergusson and Normanby, along with numerous smaller islets and reefs, situated near the eastern tip of New Guinea.
The D’Entrecasteaux tree mouse (Pogonomys fergussoniensis) is confined to Fergusson, Goodenough and Normanby islands, where it is threatened by deforestation.
Goldie’s bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea decora) is confined to Ferguson and Normanby islands.
The D’Entrecasteaux keelback (Tropidonophis dolasii) is a type of snake confined to Goodenough and Fergusson islands.
The D’Entrecasteaux cross frog (Oreophryne insulana) is confined to Goodenough and Fergusson islands. Goodenough Island is known locally as Nidula.
The black forest wallaby (Dorcopsis atrata) is confined to montane forest on Goodenough Island, where it is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The loud big-eyed tree frog (Nyctimystes avocalis) is known only from a few localities on Goodenough Island.
The Goodenough Mehely frog (Copiula minor) is known only from Goodenough Island.
Fergusson Island is known locally as Maratau.
Tate’s striped possum (Dactylopsila tatei) is confined to the mountains of western Fergusson Island.
The black-naped pheasant pigeon (Otidiphaps insularis) is a rare species confined to Fergusson Island.
The Louisiade Archipelago
The Louisiade Archipelago is located 200 km south-east of New Guinea. It consists of a string of 10 larger volcanic islands, most fringed by coral reefs, along with 90 smaller coral islands.
The Louisiade butcherbird (Cracticus louisiadensis) is confined to Tagula and the smaller islands of Junet (Panatinani), Panawina, and Sabara.
The white-chinned myzomela (Myzomela albigula) is a type of honeyeater known only from the smaller islands of the Louisiade Archipelago.
The Louisiade land frog (Austrochaperina yelaensis) is known only from Rossel and Tagula.
Tagula (also known as Vanatinai or Sudest) is the largest island in the archipelago, with a forested mountain range running through the centre. Over half of its forests have already been logged.
The Tagula white-eye (Zosterops meeki) is a type of passerine bird confined to higher-elevation forest on the island.
The Tagula honeyeater (Meliphaga vicina) is confined to Tagula.
Hill’s frog (Litoria hilli) is confined to Tagula.
The Tagula rainforest frog (Cophixalus tagulensis) is known only from three specimens and has not been reported since 1956.
Rossel Island (also known as Yela) is the easternmost island in the Louisiade Archipelago. It is relatively large and mountainous with extensive forests, mangroves, and a fringing coral reef.
The Rossel mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys arcium) is known only from a small number of specimens collected in 1956 and 1960.
The Rossel cicadabird (Edolisoma rostratum) is known only from specimens collected in 1898, along with a reported sighting of one individual in 2014.
Meek’s pitta (Erythropitta meeki) is a type of passerine bird scientifically known only from a single specimen collected in 1898. It is familiar to local people, however, who report that it is restricted to higher elevations.
The Rossel worm snake (Gerrhopilus hades) is known only from Rossel Island.
The Rossel school frog (Mantophryne louisiadensis) is confined to Rossel Island.
Misima (also known as St Aignan) is mountainous and densely forested. There has been extensive mining activity on the island.
Richards’ snake-eyed skink (Cryptoblepharus richardsi) is known only from Misima.
The Misima worm-eating snake (Toxicocalamus misimae) is known only from three specimens collected in the 1960s.
The Misima rainforest frog (Cophixalus misimae) is confined to Misima.
The Paidaido Islands
The Paidaido Islands are located off the coast of north-western New Guinea (Papua province, Indonesia).
Emma’s giant naked-tailed rat (Uromys emmae) is known only from a single specimen collection from Owi Island in 1946. It is most likely extinct.
The Bismarck Archipelago
The Bismarck Archipelago is a group of mainly volcanic islands off the north-eastern coast of New Guinea. It includes the large islands of New Britain and New Ireland along with a number of smaller islands and island groups. Many of these rainforest-covered atolls are still uninhabited.
The New Britain water rat (Hydromys neobritannicus) is known only from three specimens collected from New Britain during the 1930s; there are also unconfirmed reports from Umboi.
Gilliard’s flying fox (Pteropus gilliardorum) is known only from two specimens collected on New Britain and a third from New Ireland.
The Bismarck woolly bat (Kerivoula myrella) occurs on New Britain, Duke of York, Umboi and Manus islands, where it is believed to be uncommon.
The slaty-backed goshawk (Accipiter luteoschistaceus) is known only from a handful of specimens collected from New Britain and Umboi. The Bismarck sparrowhawk (A. brachyurus) is found in the montane forests of New Ireland and (at least historically) New Britain.
The Bismarck bronzewing (Henicophaps foersteri) is a rare type of dove confined to New Britain and Umboi.
The Bismarck kingfisher (Ceyx websteri) is confined to the banks of small, slow-moving rivers on New Britain, New Ireland, Umboi, New Hanover, and Lihir.
The Bismarck spiny skink (Tribolonotus annectens) is confined to montane forests on New Britain and Umboi.
New Britain
New Britain is the largest island in the Bismarck Archipelago. Largely formed by volcanic processes, there are several active volcanoes on the island and steep cliffs form some sections of the coastline; in others the mountains are further inland, while the coastal areas are flat and bordered by coral reefs. Most of the terrain was historically covered with tropical rainforest, although the latter have been largely destroyed in recent years, largely to clear land for oil palm plantations. Several large as well as many small rivers are fed by New Britain’s high rainfall.
The black honey buzzard (Henicopernis infuscatus) is a large raptor confined to New Britain and the offshore island of Lolobau.
The golden masked owl (Tyto aurantia) was long known only from a few specimens and field sightings, although in recent years the species has been recorded fairly regularly, even in and around oil palm plantations, suggesting that it has some tolerance of degraded habitats.
The New Britain hawk-owl (Ninox odiosa) is confined to New Britain, where it remains relatively common and widespread.
The New Britain goshawk (Accipiter princeps) is known only from four historical specimens and a few recent records.
The blue-eyed cockatoo (Cacatua ophthalmica) is confined to New Britain, where it remains relatively common and shows some tolerance to degraded habitat.
The New Britain thicketbird (Megalurulus grosvenori) is a type of warbler known only from two specimens collected in the Whiteman Range of central New Britain in 1959.
Gilliard’s wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer gilliardi) and Zweifel’s wrinkled ground frog (C. nexipus) are both confined to a few localities on New Britain, where they are threatened by loss of habitat.
The New Britain land frog (Austrochaperina novaebritanniae) is known only from a few localities in north-eastern New Britain.
The New Britain coastal stream goby (Stenogobius alleni) is known only from 10 specimens collected from a small freshwater stream in north-eastern New Britain.
New Ireland
New Ireland lies north-east of New Britain. Originally covered by dense lowland and montane rainforest, today much has been lost or degraded, and what remains has been little studied.
The demonic tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene masalai) appears to be confined to New Ireland.
The New Ireland mangrove monitor (Varanus douarrha) was long known only from a single specimen collected in 1823. It was reportedly rediscovered in 2017.
The Tabar Islands
The Tabar Islands are located north-east of New Ireland.
The Tabar pitta (Erythropitta splendida) is a type of passerine bird confined to the Tabar Islands, where it is threatened by forest loss.
Dyaul Island
Dyaul Island is located off the southern coast of north-western New Ireland.
The Dyaul monarch (Symposiachrus ateralbus) is a type of passerine bird confined to Dyaul.
The Dyaul flycatcher (Myiagra cervinicolor) is confined to Dyaul.
The Admiralty Islands
The Admiralty Islands are a group of 18 islands within the Bismarck Archipelago.
The Admiralty monarch (Symposiachrus infelix) is a type of passerine bird divided into two subspecies endemic to the Admiralty Islands. Coultas’ monarch (S. i. coultasi) is confined to the islands of Rambutyo and Tong.
The Admiralty scaly-toed gecko (Lepidodactylus pulcher) is known only from a few islands and has rarely been collected. Surveys since 1990 have failed to locate it.
Manus
Manus is the largest of the Admiralty Islands and, unlike the other islands in its group, still retains much of its original rainforest cover.
The Manus mosaic-tailed rat (Melomys matambuai) is a type of arboreal rodent known only from two specimens.
The Manus masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae manusi) is known from two specimens. Recent surveys have failed to locate it.
The superb pitta (Pitta superba) is a type of passerine bird endemic to Manus, where it is known to be rare and declining.
The Manus fantail (Rhipidura semirubra) was historically common on the island that bears its name, but there have been no records there since 1934. It is now known only from a few small neighbouring islands.
The Manus monarch (Symposiachrus infelix infelix) is confined to Manus.
The Manus bumblebee gecko (Nactus kunan) is known only from two specimens collected in 2012, but may occur more widely on the island.
The Admiralty five-striped emo skink (Emoia mivarti) is confined to Manus and perhaps a few nearby islands.
The Admiralty spiny skink (Tribolonotus brongersmai) is known only from its type locality in the mountains of Manus.
The St Matthias Islands
The St Matthias Islands are a small group of around 10 islands located at the northern end of the Bismarck Archipelago.
Mussau
Mussau is the largest of the St Matthias Islands.
The Mussau fantail (Rhipidura matthiae) is a type of passerine bird confined to Mussau, where the population is believed to be small.
The Mussau triller (Lalage conjuncta) is a type of passerine bird known only from a single specimen and a few field observations from the hill forests of Mussau.
The Mussau flycatcher (Myiagra hebetior) is largely confined to old-growth forests on Mussau, where it is threatened by logging.
The Solomon Islands
The Solomons consist of six major islands and over 900 smaller ones lying to the east of Papua New Guinea and north-west of Vanuatu. They have distinct affinities with nearby New Guinea in their fauna and in the dense tropical forests covering their mountain slopes. Several of the islands have been seriously impacted by human activities and introduced species.
Poncelet’s naked-tailed rat (Solomys ponceleti) and the rugged naked-tailed rat (S. salebrosus) are known from Bougainville and Choiseul, with additional fossil remains recorded from Buka. Both are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
Andersen’s monkey-faced fruit bat (Pteralopex anceps) is known only from Bougainville and Choiseul. Thomas’ monkey-faced fruit bat (P. atrata) is now most likely confined to Guadalcanal, although a single skull has also been recorded from New Georgia (where it is now almost certainly extirpated). Flannery’s monkey-faced fruit bat (P. flanneryi) is known from Bougainville (including the satellite islet of Puruata), Choiseul, Buka and Santa Isabel (including the satellite islet of Barora Fa). All are seriously threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The flower-faced bat (Anthops ornatus) is a rare species known only from a handful of specimens collected from Bougainville, Choiseul, Ngella, Santa Isabel, and Guadalcanal.
The fierce leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros dinops) is found on Bougainville, Guadalcanal, Malaita, New Georgia, San Jorge and Santa Isabel, but is everywhere uncommon.
Sanford’s sea eagle (Haliaeetus sanfordi) is found throughout the Solomon Islands but is everywhere uncommon, particularly on the larger islands, and appears to be declining.
The fearful owl (Nesasio solomonensis) is a rare species confined to old-growth forests on Bougainville, Choiseul, Santa Isabel and possibly Buka.
The imitator goshawk (Accipiter imitator) is known only from a handful of specimens and infrequent sightings on Bougainville, Choiseul and Santa Isabel.
The chestnut-bellied imperial pigeon (Ducula brenchleyi) is known from Guadalcanal, Malaita and Makira in the southern Solomons (including, at least historically, the satellite islands of Ulawa, Ugi, and Three Sisters, although it may now be extirpated from there). An expedition in 1953 failed to record the species on Guadalcanal and there are few recent records, while on Malaita it is known only from a single specimen along with a further two sightings in 1990. On Makira it is reported to be somewhat more common, at least in some areas. Hunting and habitat destruction are the major threats.
The Solomons nightjar (Eurostopodus nigripennis) is a rare species that has historically been reported in coastal areas throughout the northern and central Solomon Islands, but now appears to be largely confined to Tetepare, nearby Hele Bar, and Nabonibao.
The white-eyed starling (Aplonis brunneicapillus) is a rare species found patchily on Bougainville, Choiseul, Rendova, and Guadalcanal. It may possibly occur on other islands as well.
The black-faced pitta (Pitta anerythra) is a type of passerine bird confined to Bougainville, Choiseul and Santa Isabel, where it was at one time fairly common. The species is now notably rare due to logging of its lowland forest habitat.
The giant spiny skink (Tribolonotus ponceleti) is confined to lowland areas of Shortland, Santa Isabel, and Gatokae islands, where it is said to be very rare. There is some doubt as to whether the species also occurs on Bougainville.
The Solomons black-banded krait (Loveridgelaps elapoides) is a rare type of snake from the western and central Solomon Islands.
The small-headed blind snake (Ramphotyphlops mansuetus) is known only from two specimens collected from Bougainville and Makira. The arboreal blind snake (R. angusticeps) is known only from a few specimens collected from Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Malaita, Makira, and Malaupaina in the Olu Malau Islands.
The Solomons palm frog (Palmatorappia solomonis) is known from several large islands in the Solomons, including Bougainville and Buka, but is everywhere threatened by habitat destruction.
Bougainville
Bougainville is the largest island in the Solomon Islands archipelago. Along with the nearby island of Buka, it is a single landmass separated by a deep 300-m wide strait. There are several active, dormant or inactive volcanoes that rise to 2400 m. Introduced cats and black rats are common throughout the island.
The Bougainville moustached kingfisher (Actenoides bougainvillei) is known only from a few specimens taken prior to 1938. There were no more reports until the 1980s, when calls of this species were heard on the edge of a lowland swamp forest and a pair was observed at a nest-hole. More recently, a freshly killed bird was shown to birdwatchers by local people.
The Bougainville thicketbird (Megalurulus llaneae) is only definitely known from the Crown Prince Range, although it may occur more widely within the island’s montane forests.
The Bougainville bush-warbler (Cettia haddeni) is a poorly known species confined to montane areas.
The Kunua skink (Sphenomorphus transversus) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1971. Taylor’s skink (S. taylori) and the fragmented skink (S. fragosus) are both confined to Bougainville.
The Bougainville coral snake (Parapistocalamus hedigeri) is a very rare species from eastern and southern Bougainville. The Kunua blind snake (Acutotyphlops kunuaensis) is a little-known fossorial species confined to lowland forests.
The Lake Loloru wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer gigas) is known only from its original collection in 1970 from a single locality in southern Bougainville. The Aresi wrinkled ground frog (C. macrops) is known only from a small area of northern Bougainville. Parker’s wrinkled ground frog (C. parkeri) is divided into two subspecies. The nominate form (C. p. parkeri) is confined to northernmost Bougainville, while the Buka wrinkled ground frog (C. p. bukanensis) is confined to the satellite island of Buka.
Guadalcanal
Guadalcanal (known locally as Isatabu) is mountainous and still largely covered in dense tropical rainforest.
The porcine giant naked-tailed rat (Uromys porculus) and the emperor giant naked-tailed rat (U. imperator) are both known only from specimens collected in the 1880s. The king rat (U. rex) is similarly known only from a few specimens.
The Makarakomburu monkey-faced fruit bat (Pteralopex pulchra) is known from a single specimen collected on the southern slopes of Mount Makarakomburu.
The Guadalcanal thrush (Zoothera turipavae) is known only from a few specimens.
The Guadalcanal moustached kingfisher (Actenoides excelsus) is confined to the mountains of Guadalcanal.
The Lunga River scaly-toed gecko (Lepidodactylus shebae) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1944. The yellow-eyed scaly-toed gecko (L. flaviocularis) is known only from two specimens collected in 1978 and 1990 near the summit of Mount Austen.
Beck’s blind snake (Ramphotyphlops becki) is confined to Guadalcanal.
The Malukuna wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer malukuna) is known only from its original description in 1968.
Malaita
Malaita is a thin, mountainous island that has seen much of its once-pristine forests converted into subsistence gardens.
The Malaita hawk-owl (Ninox malaitae) is known only from a few specimens.
The Malaita fantail (Rhipidura malaitae) is a type of passerine bird endemic to mountainous areas, where it is rarely seen.
Santa Isabel
Santa Isabel is the longest of the Solomon Islands and the third largest in terms of surface area.
The Isabel naked-tailed rat (Solomys sapientis) is now confined to Santa Isabel Island, although it may have once occurred on Malaita and possibly Makira as well.
Makira
Makira (also known as San Cristóbal Island) is located east of Guadalcanal and south of Malaita. Introduced rats, pigs, cats, and dogs are widespread, and most of the lowland forest has been logged. Surrounding islets have fared somewhat better.
The Ugi naked-tailed rat (Solomys salamonis) is known only from a single specimen collected on the islet of Ugi. It may still exist on Makira itself.
The Makira flying fox (Pteropus cognatus) is known only from a few specimens collected from Makira and the islet of Uki Ni Masi. A report during the early 1990s from Olu Malau (Three Sisters) Island likely represents vagrants. It is known to be hunted by locals for food.
The Makira leaf-nosed bat (Hipposideros demissus) is confined to Makira, where it still appears to be fairly common.
The Makira hawk-owl (Ninox roseoaxillaris) is known from a few records on Makira and possibly the islets of Ugi and Santa Catalina as well.
The Makira moorhen (Pareudiastes silvestris) is a flightless and almost tailless species that was long known only from a single specimen collected within the central mountains in 1929. It was not observed again until 1953, and was last seen by hunters in 1974. A survey during the 1990s failed to find any trace of it, although more recently there have been reports of birds having been caught by dogs.
The thick-billed ground dove (Pampusana salamonis) is known only from two specimens, the first taken from Makira in 1882 and the second from the islet of Ramos in 1927. Searches since then have failed to find any others and the species is now believed to be extinct, a victim of introduced predators.
Choiseul
Choiseul is a large island located south-east of Bougainville.
The Choiseul crested pigeon (Microgoura meeki) was a unique representative of its genus believed to have been endemic to the island. Introduced dogs and cats were likely responsible for the extermination of this species, which was last recorded in 1904.
The New Georgia Islands
The New Georgia Islands are located north-west of Guadalcanal. They are comprised of the main island of New Georgia along with numerous satellite islands.
The New Georgia monkey-faced fruit bat (Pteralopex taki) is confined to New Georgia and the islet of Vangunu. It is thought to have been extirpated from the island of Kolombangara during the mid-1970s.
Kolombangara
The island of Kolombangara is an almost perfectly round, dormant stratovolcano that reaches a height of 1770 m.
The Kolombangara leaf warbler (Phylloscopus amoenus) is confined to open slopes on the inner caldera of Kolombangara, where the total population is thought to be between 1000 and 2000.
Ghizo
Ghizo is a tiny islet whose remaining forest is very fragmented and covers less than 1 km2 in total. The Ghizo white-eye (Zosterops luteirostris) is a type of passerine bird confined to Ghizo.
Ranongga
Ranongga is a small island located west of Ghizo.
The Ranongga white-eye (Zosterops splendidus) is confined to Ranongga, where it is threatened by habitat destruction.
The Santa Cruz Islands
The Santa Cruz Islands are a particularly isolated group lying approximately 400 km to the south-east of the main Solomon Islands chain, and north of Vanuatu.
The Tomotu Neo flying fox (Pteropus nitendiensis) is confined to the islands of Nendö and Tömotu Neo in the Santa Cruz Islands.
Nendö (Santa Cruz Island)
Nendö is the largest of the Santa Cruz Islands.
The Nendö tube-nosed fruit bat (Nyctimene sanctacrucis) is known only from a single specimen collected in the late nineteenth century. It was last reported on the island in 1907, and extensive surveys in the 1980s and 1990s failed to find any trace.
The Nendö shrikebill (Clytorhynchus sanctaecrucis) is a type of songbird known from two specimens collected in 1927, two pairs seen in 2004, and two more pairs reported in 2014. Other surveys have failed to find the species.
Vanikoro
Although usually referred to as a single island, Vanikoro is technically a cluster of small islands surrounded by a coral reef. Much of the original forest cover was logged in the midtwentieth century.
The Vanikoro flying fox (Pteropus tuberculatus) is confined to Vanikoro, where it is known only from a few specimens all of which were collected before 1930. Subsequent surveys have failed to find it.
The Vanikoro monarch (Mayrornis schistaceus) is a type of passerine bird confined to Vanikoro and its small satellite, Buma.
Rennell Island
Isolated some 180 km south of the Solomons, Rennell Island (known locally as Mugaba) is the second largest upraised coral atoll in the world. It appears to have been left more or less undamaged by European explorers and traders, and remains largely unmodified. Apparently, the Spaniards did not bring in any domestic animals, and even rats are said to be lacking. Therefore, this island still possesses a rich bird life, with more than half of the species found nowhere else.
The Rennell flying fox (Pteropus rennelli) is only known from a few specimens. It is presumably vulnerable to stochastic events such as cyclones.
Lake Te-Nggano
Lake Te-Nggano is the largest lake in the South Pacific.
The Rennell sea krait (Laticauda crockeri) is a type of venomous snake confined to Lake Te-Nggano.
Ontong Java Atoll
Ontong Java Atoll is remote and consists of some 50 tiny vegetated islands that have largely been converted into coconut plantations, and seems likely to be submerged by rising sea levels in the future.
The Ontong Java flying fox (Pteropus howensis) is confined to Ontong Java, where it has not been collected since 1945.
Vanuatu (New Hebrides)
The Vanuatu Islands (formerly known as the New Hebrides) are located about 1750 km east of northern Australia. They comprise some 40 volcanic islands, many of which are still covered by dense forests.
The Vanuatu flying fox (Pteropus anetianus) is still widespread in the lowland forests of Vanuatu, but has been extirpated from many areas due to hunting.
The white-necked petrel (Pterodroma cervicalis) is divided into two subspecies. The Vanuatu white-necked petrel (P. c. magnificens) is only known to breed on Vanua Lava and Tanna in Vanuatu.
The Vanuatu scrubfowl (Megapodius layardi) is a chickenlike bird endemic to Vanuatu, where it is generally uncommon and threatened by hunting, egg collection and feral dogs.
The Vanuatu imperial pigeon (Ducula bakeri) is confined to a few of the larger northern islands in Vanuatu, where it is threatened by habitat destruction and hunting.
The Erronan emo skink (Emoia erronan) is confined to the islands of Futuna and Aniwa.
The Vanuatu stiphodon (Stiphodon astilbos) is a type of freshwater goby known only from coastal streams on Santo, Pentecost and Efate islands.
Espiritu Santo
Espiritu Santo is the largest of the Vanuatu Islands.
The Espiritu Santo mountain starling (Aplonis santovestris) is confined to the cloud forests of Espiritu Santo’s highest mountains.
Bulel’s scaly-toed gecko (Lepidodactylus buleli) is known only from the western coast of Espiritu Santo, but may range more widely.
Kalfatak’s stiphodon (Stiphodon kalfatak) is a type of freshwater goby known only from eight specimens collected from the Namatia River.
The Espiritu Santo goby (Schismatogobius vanuatuensis) is confined to streams on Espiritu Santo.
Tanna
Tanna is located in southern Vanuatu.
The Tanna ground dove (Pampusana ferrugineus) was recorded on Tanna Island in 1774, but has never been seen again and was probably exterminated by the natives.
Aneityum
Aneityum (also known as Anatom) is the southernmost island in Vanuatu.
The Aneityum emo skink (Emoia aneityumensis) is confined to this one small island, where it appears to be relatively common.
Erromango
Erromango is located in southern Vanuatu. The Erromango saw-tailed gecko (Perochirus guentheri) is known only from four specimens collected from Erromango.
The Banks Islands
The Banks Islands are located in northern Vanuatu. They are comprised of Gaua, Vanua Lava, Ureparapara, and a number of smaller islands.
The Banks flying fox (Pteropus fundatus) is confined to lowland areas of Vanua Lava and Mota, where it is threatened by hunting.
The Fiji Islands
The Fiji Islands are located in southern Melanesia, and consist of two major islands surrounded by an archipelago of hundreds of smaller ones as well as islets, volcanic rocks, and atolls. Many of the larger islands are mountainous and covered by forests. The Fijis, as elsewhere, suffered from the early European practice of introducing animals indiscriminately. Both the mongoose – released to control the black rats brought to the Fijis by the Polynesians – and the sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) have been most harmful, the former killing groundnesting birds, the latter destroying vegetation. At least 15 species of birds have also been introduced, which compete with local species.
The bar-winged rail (Hypotaenidia poeciloptera) was an almost flightless species that was long known only from a dozen specimens collected on Viti Levu and Ovalau during the nineteenth century. It was reported from Taveuni in 1971 and from Viti Levu in 1973, but there have been no more reports since then and the species is now thought to be extinct, a victim of introduced cats and mongooses.
The red-throated lorikeet (Charmosyna amabilis) historically occurred on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu, Taveuni and Ovalau. Always regarded as rare, the species was decimated by introduced black rats and loss of habitat. There were unconfirmed reports from the 1980s and 1990s from Vanua Levu, Ovalau, and Taveuni, but no actual specimens, photos or observations exist from the latter two islands since 1965. The species now appears to be confined to the mountains of Viti Levu, and perhaps Vanua Levu.
The long-legged thicketbird (Megalurulus rufus) is a large, thinly built warbler with a long tail and legs. Four specimens were collected on Viti Levu between 1890 and 1894, after which the species was not reported again (apart from a few unconfirmed sightings) until 1974, when a fifth specimen was found on Vanua Levu. In 2003 a small population was discovered in the Wabu Forest Reserve on Viti Levu, and subsequently others in a few areas of montane forest. The total population is thought be between 70 and 400.
The Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) was historically widespread on Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, but was extirpated there due to mongoose predation and the conversion of most of their dry forest habitat into sugarcane plantations and other development. By the latter part of the twentieth century it was confined to a few smaller satellite islands in the north-western Fiji archipelago (Yadua Taba, Yadua, Macuata, Yaquaga, Devuilau, Waya, Malolo Levu, Qalito, Monu, and Monuriki). Since then, with the exception of those on Yadua Taba and possibly Macuata, all other populations have become barely detectable and perhaps functionally extinct due to habitat degradation by goats, predation by feral cats, and fires. The Fijian banded iguana (B. bulabula) is historically known from the wetter islands of Vita Levu (where it is now present only in a few remote parts of the highlands), Vanua Levu (now extirpated), Ovalau, Kadavu, Mali, and Cikobia, and may have once inhabited several others. It too is seriously threatened by mongoose, black rat and feral cat predation, goat herding, and loss of habitat.
The Fijian scaly-toed gecko (Lepidodactylus manni) is confined to highland areas of Viti Levu, Ovalau, and the Kadavu Islands.
The Viti copper-headed emo skink (Emoia parkeri) is known only from six islands within the Fiji Islands, where it is threatened by loss of habitat and mongoose predation.
The Fijian wrinkled ground frog (Cornufer vitianus) historically occurred widely on Fiji but is now restricted to the mongoose-free islands of Ovalau, Gau, Taveuni, and Viwa.
Lever’s goby (Redigobius leveri) is known only from a few shallow freshwater creeks and rivers on Viti Levu, Vanua Levu and Taveuni.
Viti Levu
Viti Levu is the largest and most populous of the Fijian Islands. Its rather rugged terrain is divided into roughly equal halves by a north–south mountain range. The centre of the island is forested and features Mount Tomanivi, Fiji’s highest peak.
The pink-billed parrotfinch (Erythrura kleinschmidti) is confined to Viti Levu, where it is rare and patchily distributed.
The Viti Levu mountain emo skink (Emoia campbelli) is known only from a single locality in the mountains of Viti Levu. It has not been recorded since the 1980s.
The Viti Levu snake (Ogmodon vitianus) is confined to the south-eastern part of the island.
The Viti Levu dartfish (Parioglossus triquetrus) is known from a small area of mangrove swamps and creeks in southern Viti Levu.
Vanua Levu
Vanua Levu (formerly known as Sandalwood Island) is the second largest island in Fiji, and is located some 65 km to the north of Viti Levu.
The Natewa silktail (Lamprolia klinesmithi) is a type of passerine bird confined to the Natewa Peninsula in eastern Vanua Levu, which continues to be extensively logged.
The Vanua Levu mountain emo skink (Emoia mokosariniveikau) is known only from a few localities.
The Lekutu goby (Redigobius lekutu) is a freshwater fish confined to two river systems in the north of the island.
The Kadavu Islands
The Kadavu Islands are an archipelago located south of Viti Levu. Dominated by Kadavu, the fourth largest island in Fiji, it also includes Ono, Drauni, Galoa, and a number of islets in the Great Astrolabe Reef.
The crimson shining-parrot (Prosopeia splendens) is confined to the islands of Kadavu and Ono. Reports of breeding on other islands are unconfirmed, but are likely to originate from escaped cage birds.
Taveuni
Taveuni is a massive, cigar-shaped shield volcano located east of Vanua Levu.
The Fijian monkey-faced fruit bat (Mirimiri acrodonta) is only positively known from the summit of Des Voeux Peak on this island, although it may also be present at high elevations on Vanua Levu.
The Taveuni blind snake (Ramphotyphlops aluensis) is known only from a single locality on Taveuni.
Rotuma
Rotuma is a shield volcano and considered an Important Bird Area as defined by BirdLife International.
The Rotuma myzomela (Myzomela chermesina) is a type of honeyeater confined to Rotuma and a few offshore islets.
The Rotuma scaly-toed gecko (Lepidodactylus gardineri) is highly specialized within its already restricted distribution.
Gau Island
Gau is a large island whose forested interior is considered an Important Bird Area as defined by BirdLife International.
The Fijian petrel (Pseudobulweria macgillivrayi) was long known only from a single fledgling male collected on Gau Island in 1855. In recent years, however, there have been a number of reports of grounded birds on the island, while at sea the only unequivocal sighting was in 2009. The total population is unknown, but may number less than 100.
The Gau banded iguana (Brachylophus gau) is entirely confined to Gau, where it mainly inhabits upland forests as well as coastal forest patches. It is threatened by rat and feral cat predation, degradation of habitat by goats, and fires.
The Lau Islands
The Lau Islands are a chain of about 60 islands and islets located in eastern Fiji.
The Lau banded iguana (Brachylophus fasciatus) is native to the Lau Islands, where it is was at one time widespread but is now confined to around 11 islands. An additional population in the Tonga Islands was introduced by humans during historic times, most likely for use as a food source. It is threatened by loss of habitat and introduced species, in particular rats and feral cats.
Oni-i-Lau
Ono-i-Lau is actually a group of six islands within a common barrier reef system in the Lau Islands. It consists of four central volcanic islands and three clusters of limestone islets.
The Ono-i-Lau ground skink (Leiolopisma alazon) was probably widespread on Ono-i-Lau prior to the introduction of cats and pigs, but is now restricted to three small islets. It has only been recorded once since its original description in the 1980s.
New Caledonia
New Caledonia (Nouvelle-Calédonie in French) is an archipelago located in the south-western Pacific, 1210 km east of Australia. It includes the main island of Grande Terre as well as the smaller Loyalty Islands, Chesterfield Islands, the Bélep Archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and a few remote islets. All are fragments of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, separated from other landmasses for tens of millions of years, and feature a variety of habitats from coastal scrub to mountain ranges. Eucalypt forests grow in the drier parts, while more humid areas have produced dense tropical rainforests. Introduced cats, dogs, pigs, rats and other species have had a devastating effect, particularly upon birds.
The ornate flying fox (Pteropus ornatus) is found on the main island of Grande Terre as well as on Lifou and Maré in the Loyalty Islands, where it is threatened by habitat destruction and local hunting.
Gould’s petrel (Pterodroma leucoptera) is a type of small seabird divided into two subspecies, both of which are confined to a few breeding colonies but which range widely across the Indo-Pacific at other times. The New Caledonian Gould’s petrel (P. l. caledonica) breeds on steep forested valleys of the central mountain chain, with an additional small colony on Raivavae in French Polynesia. It is threatened mainly by introduced pigs, which dig up nesting burrows, and black rats which prey upon the eggs and nestlings. Adults are sometimes killed at night when they fly into lights in Nouméa.
The rough-snouted giant gecko (Rhacodactylus trachyrhynchus) is confined to few widely scattered populations on Grande Terre and to the Isle of Pines and surrounding islets.
The New Caledonian mossy gecko (Mniarogekko chahoua) is known from a few widely scattered populations on Grande Terre, the Isle of Pines, and Ile Art in the Bélep Islands.
The eyelash crested gecko (Correlophus ciliatus) is confined to two disjunct forest fragments on Grande Terre (Provence Sud) and on the Isle of Pines and surrounding islets. Long thought extinct until its rediscovery in 1994, it is threatened mainly by introduced fire ants.
Aubrey’s whiptailed skink (Tropidoscincus aubrianus) is found patchily on Grande Terre and on the Isle of Pines.
The Néhoué River forest skink (Kanakysaurus viviparus) is known only from a few localities in northern Grande Terre (Provence Nord) and from Ile Art and Ile Pott in the Bélep Islands, where it is threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species.
Grande Terre
Grande Terre is the largest and principal island of New Caledonia and one of the largest islands in the Pacific Ocean. Nearly 400 km in length and 50–70 km wide in most places, it features a range of habitats from tropical moist and dry forests to maquis shrubland and dry grassland.
The New Caledonian flying fox (Pteropus vetulus) is confined to Grande Terre, where it is threatened by hunting and disruption of its roost sites.
The New Caledonian long-tailed fruit bat (Notopteris neocaledonica) is known for certain only from two cave-roosting colonies in northern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The New Caledonian wattled bat (Chalinolobus neocaledonicus) is presently known only from three roof-nesting colonies on Grande Terre.
The fairy tern (Sternula nereis) is divided into three colony-nesting subspecies. The New Caledonian fairy tern (S. n. exsul) breeds only on Grande Terre and a few offshore islands where it was historically abundant, but by the twentyfirst century had been reduced to around 100–200 pairs due to human disturbance and other factors.
The kagu (Rhynochetos jubatus) is a beautiful, heron-like bird formerly widespread on Grande Terre. Predation by humans and hunting dogs as well as habitat destruction have long confined it to a few areas of dense montane forest, where the total population is thought to be under 2000. Most are found within the Parc des Grandes Fougères and Parc Provincial Rivière Bleue (Provence Sud).
The New Caledonian wood rail (Gallirallus lafresnayanus) is a large, cryptic species known only from 17 specimens collected between 1860 and 1890, and likely exterminated by introduced cats, rats, and pigs. However, unconfirmed reports from the 1960s and 1984 suggest that it may still survive in higher montane forests.
The New Caledonian owlet-nightjar (Aegotheles savesi) was long known only from a single specimen collected in 1880 near Nouméa. A second specimen dated from 1915 has also been discovered in an Italian museum, and there have been a handful of other isolated records since then. It seems likely that the species occurs in low numbers on remote forest massifs.
The horned parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus) was historically found throughout Grande Terre during the nineteenth century, but is today confined to the Panié Massif in northeastern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The New Caledonian lorikeet (Charmosyna diadema) is known for certain only from two specimens collected on Grande Terre in 1859 and another in 1913. There are unconfirmed reports from the 1880s to the 1920s, in the 1950s, and finally in 1976.
The crow honeyeater (Gymnomyza aubryana) is a relatively large and spectacular bird historically found throughout Grande Terre, but now largely confined to a few small populations in the south-east. It is threatened mainly by habitat destruction due to logging and fires.
The marbled gecko (Oedodera marmorata) is confined to the region of the Dôme de Tiébaghi Massif in far northwestern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The large-scaled chameleon gecko (Eurydactylodes symmetricus) is confined to areas of forest and maquis shrubland in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
Sarasins’ crested gecko (Correlophus sarasinorum) is confined to a few forest remnants in southern Grande Terre (Province Sud).
The Goro Plateau gecko (Bavayia goroensis) is confined to a few localities in southernmost Grande Terre (Provence Sud), where it is threatened by habitat destruction and introduced species. The sclerophyll gecko (B. exsuccida) is found patchily in north-western and central coastal Grande Terre (ProvenceNord).
The zebra forest skink (Kanakysaurus zebratus) is known only from two disjunct localities along the central-western coast of Grande Terre (Provence Nord), where it is threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species.
The white-lipped skink (Lioscincus steindachneri) is known only from seven localities within three disjunct areas of central and north-eastern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The New Caledonian leopard skink (Lacertoides pardalis) is known only from four localities in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud), where it inhabits rocky outcrops within maquis shrubland and forest margins. It is threatened by invasive species and wildfires.
The northern pale-hipped skink (Celatiscincus similis) is known only from four localities representing two widely separated subpopulations in northern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
Chazeau’s litter skink (Caledoniscincus chazeaui) is confined to a few isolated localities in north-eastern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The earless dwarf skink (Nannoscincus mariei) is confined to southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud). Slevin’s dwarf skink (N. slevini) is known only from a few localities within a small area of Grand Terre. The gracile dwarf skink (N. gracilis) occurs in a few widely scattered populations throughout Grande Terre. All are threatened by loss of habitat and introduced species (particularly fire ants).
The gracile burrowing skink (Graciliscincus shonae) is confined to a few localities in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The orange-bellied burrowing skink (Simiscincus aurantiacus) is known only from a few localities in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The Chaîne Centrale
The Chaîne Centrale mountain range runs the length of the island and features five peaks over 1500 m. The highest point is Mount Panié, although Mount Humboldt is nearly as high.
The ornate gecko (Bavayia ornata) is known only from the Panié and Tchingou massifs in northern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Coula earth skink (Geoscincus haraldmeieri) is known only from two specimens collected in the 1970s from central Grande Terre. The locality has since been intensively cultivated and no forest remains, suggesting that the species may be extinct.
The Maruia skink (Phasmasaurus maruia) is confined to five massifs on the central-west coast of Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The red-tailed shiny skink (Sigaloseps ruficauda) is known only from the summits of Mount Mou, Mount Ouin and Mount Humboldt in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
Salier’s litter skink (Caledoniscincus orestes) occurs in three disjunct subpopulations in north-eastern, north-western and south-central Grande Terre, where it is threatened by habitat destruction and introduced species.
The garrulous dwarf skink (Nannoscincus garrulus) is confined to forest fragments on Pic Ningua and Mount Çidoa in south-central Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The Poum Massif is located in far north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Poum striped gecko (Dierogekko poumensis) is confined to the Poum Massif, where it is seriously threatened by mining operations that are intended to remove the entire top of the mountain.
The Panié Massif is located is located in north-eastern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The bold-striped gecko (Dierogekko validiclavis) is known only from Mount Mandjélia and Mount Panié.
The Mandjélia litter skink (Caledoniscincus terma) is confined to Mount Mandjélia.
The Tnâno Massif is located is located in north-eastern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Tnâno dwarf skink (Nannoscincus exos) is confined to two disjunct localities on the Tnâno Massif, where it is seriously threatened by wildfires and introduced species.
The Ouazangou-Taom Massif is located in north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Taom striped gecko (Dierogekko thomaswhitei) is known only from Mount Taom.
The Taom marble-throated skink (Marmorosphax taom) is confined to the summit of Mount Taom.
The Kaala Massif is located in north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Kaala striped gecko (Dierogekko kaalaensis) is known only from the Kaala Massif.
The Kaala marble-throated skink (Marmorosphax kaala) is known only from the summit of the Kaala Massif.
The Koniambo Massif is located in north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Koniambo striped gecko (Dierogekko koniambo) is confined to the region of the Koniambo Massif.
The Dôme de Tiébaghi is located is located in northwestern Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Dôme de Tiébaghi striped gecko (Dierogekko nehoueensis) is confined to the Dôme de Tiébaghi and adjacent lowlands, where it is threatened by mining activities.
The Kopéto-Paéoua Massif is located in central-west coastal Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Kopéto-Paéoua skink (Lioscincus vivae) is confined to the Kopéto-Paéoua Massif.
The Kopéto-Paéoua dwarf skink (Nannoscincus manautei) is confined to the summit of the Kopéto-Paéoua Massif.
The Boulinda Massif is located in central-west coastal Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The Boulinda marble-throated skink (Marmorosphax boulinda) is known only from a single locality near the summit of the Boulinda Massif.
Mount Aoupinié is located in central Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
Rankin’s dwarf skink (Nannoscincus rankini) is confined to the summit of Mount Aoupinié.
Mount Ouin is located in south-central Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The Ouin marble-throated skink (Marmorosphax montana) is confined to two localities near the summit of Mount Ouin. Mount Koghis is located in south-western Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The New Caledonian long-eared bat (Nyctophilus nebulosus) is known only from Mount Koghis.
Lowland Tropical Moist Forests
Most of Grande Terre’s lowland moist forests have been lost and only sporadic fragments now remain, primarily in protected areas.
The key striped gecko (Dierogekko inexpectatus) is confined to low-elevation forest fragments within a small area of the Poum Massif in far north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord), where it is seriously threatened by loss of habitat and invasive fire ants.
Greer’s tree skink (Epibator greeri) is known only from a single specimen collected in 1979 from an unknown locality in north-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
The cryptic litter skink (Caledoniscincus cryptos) is known only from a single specimen collected from south-central Grande Terre (Provence Sud). Renevier’s litter skink (C. renevieri) is known only from a small area of east-central Grande Terre (Provence Nord). The Koumac litter skink (C. auratus) is found patchily along the north-western coast of Grande Terre (Provence Nord). All are threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species.
Greer’s dwarf skink (Nannoscincus greeri) is known only from three localities on the north-eastern coast of Grand Terre (Provence Nord). The moist dwarf skink (N. humectus) is confined to two localities in north-central Grande Terre (Provence Nord). Both are threatened by loss of habitat and invasive species.
Lowland Tropical Dry Forests
Fragments of lowland dry sclerophyll and mesophyll forest are found along the western coast of Grande Terre.
The western chameleon gecko (Eurydactylodes occidentalis) is confined to two forest remnants in central-western coastal Grande Terre (Provence Sud), where it is threatened by loss of habitat, invasive species and collection for the international pet trade.
The Pindai dwarf skink (Nannoscincus hanchisteus) is confined to small, remnant pockets of closed sclerophyll forest on the Pindai Peninsula of central-western Grande Terre (Provence Nord).
Tropical Dry Grassland
Areas of tropical dry grassland occur on the western and northern coasts of Grande Terre.
The New Caledonian buttonquail (Turnix novaecaledoniae) is known only from two specimens collected prior to 1912 and some fossil material found in caves. It is now thought to be extinct.
The New Caledonian nightjar (Eurostopodus exul) is known from a single specimen collected in 1939. It is most likely extinct.
Lakes, Rivers, and Marshes
Grande Terre is covered with rivers and streams originating from the island’s mountains, which are home to a number of unusual endemic fishes.
The New Caledonian gallinule (Porphyrio kukwiedei) was a turkey-sized marshland species known only from subfossil remains, although it is believed to have survived well into the nineteenth century.
The New Caledonian galaxias (Galaxias neocaledonicus) is a type of freshwater fish confined to two small artificial lakes in south-eastern Grande Terre (Lac en Huit and Grand Lac), where it is threatened by introduced species.
The New Caledonian silverside (Bleheratherina pierucciae) is known only from a dozen specimens collected from two rivers in southern Grande Terre, and from a third locality in the north.
Sarasin’s goby (Sicyopterus sarasini) was historically widespread in southern Grande Terre, but is currently known only from four rivers in Provence Sud. It is threatened by habitat degradation due to nickel-mining activities.
The sooty goby (Schismatogobius fuligimentus) is known only from a few streams in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud), where it is threatened by nickel-mining activities.
The Grande Terre loach goby (Protogobius attiti) is confined to a handful of rivers in southern Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The Dumbéa River is located in south-western Grande Terre (Provence Sud).
The Dumbéa River pipefish (Microphis cruentus) is known only from a few specimens collected from the Dumbéa River.
The Isle of Pines
Located to the south of Grande Terre, the Isle of Pines (L’Îledes- Pins in French) is a former penal colony that today is a major tourist hot-spot.
Bocourt’s terrific skink (Phoboscincus bocourti), the largest skink in the world, was long thought to be extinct as it had not been recorded since the collection of a single specimen in 1876. It was rediscovered in 1993 on a small uninhabited offshore islet, and may persist on others as well.
The southern pale-hipped skink (Celatiscincus euryotis) is known only from two localities on the Isle of Pines.
The Loyalty Islands
The Loyalty Islands (Îles Loyauté in French) lie about 100 km north-east of New Caledonia. The archipelago consists of six inhabited coral islands as well as several smaller uninhabited islands and islets.
The Loyalty Islands bent-winged bat (Miniopterus robustior) is known only from the islands of Lifou and Maré.
The strand gecko (Bavayia crassicollis) is known only from the islands of Lifou and Maré.
The Loyalty Islands emo skink (Emoia loyaltiensis) is known only from the islands of Lifou and Maré.
Willey’s blind snake (Ramphotyphlops willeyi) is known only from three specimens collected from the islands of Lifou and Maré. It was last recorded in 1939.
Lifou
Lifou (Île de Lifou in French) is the largest and most heavily populated of the Loyalty Islands.
Two subspecies of ground-nesting island thrush (Turdus poliocephalus) have become extinct from the Loyalty Islands.
The Lifou thrush (T. p. pritzbueri) could not be found during an expedition to the island in 1939.
Maré
Maré (Île de Maré in French) is the second largest of the Loyalty Islands.
The Maré thrush (Turdus poliocephalus mareensis) could not be found during an expedition to the island in 1939, and is presumed extinct.
Ouvéa
Ouvéa (Île de Ouvéa in French) is comprised of Ouvéa Island, the smaller Mouli Island and Faiava Island, and several islets surrounding the three.
The Ouvéa parakeet (Eunymphicus uvaeensis) is confined to Ouvéa, where it is threatened by invasive species, loss of habitat and illegal collection for the international pet trade.
Anthropogenic effects on the flora and fauna
The first people to arrive in Melanesia likely came from southern Asia tens of thousands of years ago. For some of these migrants the endpoint in their journey was the ancient subcontinent of Sahul, a single land mass comprising both what is now Australia and New Guinea which, at the time, were united by a land bridge due to lowered sea levels. When sea levels begin to rise once more the Australian and island aboriginal populations become isolated from one another. The aboriginal people of New Guinea developed one of the earliestknown examples of irrigated agriculture. Prior to the midtwentieth century European maps still showed the highlands of New Guinea as ‘terra incognito’, but when first flown over by aircraft numerous Stone Age settlements were discovered. The first European contact with New Guinea was by the Portuguese explorer Jorge de Menezes in 1526–27, who landed first on the island of Biak before proceeding on along the northern coast of the Bird’s Head Peninsula. In 1568 the Spanish sailor Álvaro de Mendaña reached the Solomon Islands. In 1606 the Portuguese explorer Pedro Fernandes de Queirós discovered Espiritu Santo, the largest island in what is now Vanuatu. In 1616 the Dutch explorers Jacob Le Maire and Willem Schouten discovered several islands in the Bismarck Archipelago (including New Hanover and New Ireland), and in 1644 Dutch explorer Abel Tasman discovered Fiji and New Britain. In 1774 the British explorer James Cook first sighted the island of Grande Terre and named it ‘New Caledonia’. Eventually, this name was applied to it as well as the surrounding islands. European colonization efforts began during the nineteenth century. In 1828 the Netherlands formally claimed the western half of the island of New Guinea, and in 1883, following a short-lived French annexation of New Ireland, the British colony of Queensland seized south-eastern New Guinea. Germany claimed north-eastern New Guinea the following year. In 1905 the British government transferred some administrative responsibility over south-eastern New Guinea to Australia (who renamed the territory ‘Papua’). During the First World War Australian forces seized German New Guinea. After a brief Japanese occupation during World War II, New Guinea reverted to colonial status before ultimately achieving independence. Throughout this long period human impact on the environment had been minimal on New Guinea itself, although many of the smaller islands were devastated.
In recent historical time (i.e. since ad 1500), the Papua- Melanesian Realm has lost at least 11 species/2 subspecies of vertebrates. Among the extinct forms 5 species are mammals and 6 species/2 subspecies are birds. Five other species are possibly extinct.
In addition, there are 564 species/11 subspecies currently threatened with extinction (that is to say, either Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List, as well as certain forms either listed as Data Deficient or Not Assessed but which are clearly at some risk of extinction). Of these, 104 species/6 subspecies are mammals, 103 species/5 subspecies are birds, 139 species are reptiles, 160 species are amphibians, and 58 species are freshwater fishes.