The Kepala Burung region in West Papua is a haven for biodiversity. New species are continuously discovered on its land and in the waters, and yet many remain unidentified, especially in the Arfak highlands.
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Kompas/Ahmad Arif
Arfak highlands, West Papua.
MANOKWARI, KOMPAS – The Kepala Burung region in West Papua is a haven for biodiversity. New species are continuously discovered on its land and in the waters, and yet many remain unidentified, especially in the Arfak highlands.
In 2017, a new species of freshwater lobster was discovered in Warsamson River, West Papua, and was named Cherax warsamsonicus. The finding was reported in the ZooKeys journal.
In the same year, two new species of orchid were found: Trichotosia Gabriel-asemiana in Tambrauw and Dendrobium spiculatum on Arfak highlands. The former’s discovery was reported in the Indonesian Institute of Sciences’ (LIPI) Reinwardtia journal and the latter’s discovery in the Malesian Orchid Journal.
“Dendrobium spiculatum is an endemic species in the Arfak highlands. Thus far, the orchid can only be found. However, one day it may also be found elsewhere,” Papua University biology and forest protection lab head Jimmy Frans Wanma said in Manokwari on Thursday (8/3/2018).
Jimmy was part of the team who discovered the new orchid species.
Together with Jimmy, Kompas trekked through the Arfak highlands, around Anggi Giji and Anggi Gida lakes, and reached an altitude of 2,940 meters above sea level. Lush forests covered the land throughout the entire journey. Various orchids flourished on top of trees and shrubberies.
“The Arfak highlands is the main stronghold of biodiversity in the Kepala Burug region in West Papua. It has escaped exploitation thus far due to its steep geographical condition, making deforestation difficult. Besides, the Arfak highlands were declared a nature reserve,” Jimmy said.
The government declared the Arfak highlands a nature reserve through Forestry Minister’s Decree No. 783/1992. The regulation declared that 68,325 hectares of land in the Arfak highlands would be protected. The region encompasses a lowland rainforest ecosystem with an altitude of less than 300 m above sea level, foothill rainforest at altitudes of 300-1,000 meters above sea level and highland rainforest at altitudes of beyond 1,000 meters above sea level. These varied ecosystem zones result in Arfak having a rich biodiversity.
Kompas/Ahmad Arif
A bowerbird\'s nest found in Arfak highlands, West Papua.
Based on several researches, the region houses at least 110 species of mammals and 320 species of birds, five of which are endemic between Arfak and Tambrauw. These species include the Arfak astrapia (Astraphia nigra) and Vogelkop bowerbird (Amblyornis inornatus). The Vogelkop bowerbird’s unique characteristics include creating nests that look like honei (Papuan traditional homes) on the ground with fruits and insects arranged neatly in front of the nests.
“We have proper data on types of local birds. However, many flora and fauna remain unmapped and the region is open to research,” Jimmy said.
Source of life
Apart from serving as a home for diverse flora and fauna, the tropical rainforest in Arfak also supports the lives of around 12,000 people in four indigenous tribes, namely Hatam, Meyakh, Sough and Moley. Jimmy said that the tribes had lived in the area long before it was named a nature reserve and they were not environmental threats.
People living in the protected area have customary rules to protect the environment.
“People on Arfak mountain do not dare to hunt for birds or other protected animals. Violators will be punished with a hefty customary fine,” community leader Hans Mandcan said in Kampung Kwau, Warmare district.
Hans, a local tour guide, said that the awareness to protect the environment grew as tourism, especially bird watching, bloomed. A portion of tourism revenue is given to the village.
“Last year, I gave Rp 70 million [US$4,900] from guiding tourists and managing accommodation,” he said.
Jimmy said that environmental threats were present in the forming of Pegunungan Arfak regency, which split from Manokwari regency in 2012. This was followed by the construction of roads and government buildings. The new regency was built in the nature reserve.
