Nature of Papua New Guinea

• Papua New Guinea

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Beneath the mountain chain, fertile coastal plains, flooded delta regions and mangrove swamps exist alongside broad sandy beaches and sheltered bays.

The mainland is divided by the Owen Stanley Range, a massive central spike with peaks towering over 4000m. A territory that is so densely forested and topographically forbidding that the island's local peoples remained isolated from each other for millennia. Great rivers begin their journey to the sea from these mountains, among them the mighty Sepik River, one of the world's longest waterways. The rugged mountain terrain and deep cave systems offer wonderful adventure opportunities for walkers, cavers and climbers, and there is canoeing, kayaking and fishing on the river and delta system. The coastline is liberally endowed with spectacular coral reefs, giving the country an international reputation for scuba diving. The smaller island groups of Papua New Guinea include the Bismarck Archipelago, New Britain, New Ireland and the North Solomons. Some of these islands are volcanic, with dramatic mountain ranges, and all are relatively undeveloped.
In the Western Highlands, a picturesque region of coffee and tea plantations is the Baiyer River wildlife sanctuary. Home to the largest population of birds of paradise in the world, the Baiyer River sanctuary is a rich rainforest habitat, with an abundance of wildlife of all sorts. At certain times of the day, birds of paradise, wallabies and deer can be seen along the walking trails. The real treat however is the 700 species of birds. There are more parrot, pigeon and kingfisher species - from huge crowned pigeons to delicate pygmy parrots - than anywhere else in the world. Not all the colors of the rainbow have been reserved for the birds as there is an unlimited range of hues and shades to be seen in our 2000 orchid species and countless magnificent butterflies including the world's largest, the Queen Alexandra's Birdwing.
The Adelbert Mountains are home to more than 700 species of birds, including 38 of the world’s 43 species of bird of paradise, the lesser and magnificent birds of paradise among them. The rare fire-maned bowerbird also makes its home in the area, and can be found nowhere else on Earth. Tree kangaroos, giant bandicoots, and alpine wallabies all roam the region’s strikingly rich habitat.
Papua New Guinea offers distinct views of active volcanoes that captivate a land of tranquility. There exist a number of volcanoes in certain provinces, which include the latest 'basaltic statovolcano', on Manam Island. Other recent volcanic location includes, Rabaul's two volcanic cones - Vulcan and Tavurvur and West New Britain's Mt Pago.
Papua New Guinea has only four national parks, including Varirata National Park and McAdam National Park.