4 Amazing New Guinea Species

We sincerely hope that you enjoy this article about 4 Amazing New Guinea Species. We certainly enjoyed compiling it for you, our readers. Obviously, these represent only a very small percentage of the forms of life to be found in this fascinating part of the globe.

We nonetheless think that these 4 Amazing New Guinea Species serve as a good sample, to show you the extent of the variety of life to be found here. Nature, it seems, showered this particular region with more than its fair share of resourcefulness and creativity.

Tree Kangaroo

Tree Kangaroo Facts

• Leading off this article about 4 Amazing New Guinea Species is the startling one appropriately known as the Tree Kangaroo.
• The term perfectly serves as the collective common name for about 12 separate species in the genus Dendrolagus. The uncertainty about the number of member species arises from differences of opinion regarding classification among scientists.
• All members of this amazing genus have one outstanding trait in common. The various species in the genus actually evolved as arboreal creatures. This group of remarkable animals also presently remains the only known arboreal macropods.
• Individuals of the various species all typically remain very slow and clumsy on the ground. The surprising mammal moves haltingly, and hops awkwardly. In the trees, though, it actually appears to be extremely agile and a very effective climber.
• This fantastic creature also ranks as a highly powerful leaper, much like its terrestrial cousins. It has been seen to jump as much as 30 ft (9 m) from one limb to another. It can also jump to the ground from as high as 59 ft (18 m) without incurring injury. 
• Quite unfortunately, the IUCN currently lists the majority of known members in this incredible genus as Threatened. This regrettable listing appears in its Red List of Threatened Species. Only a few varieties do not hold this sad status.
• The reasons for this lamentable status, though, vary. These do, however, include factors such as habitat loss and human hunting. But, the Tree Kangaroo also now faces the ever-increasing danger of climate change, much like other creatures.

Tree Kangaroo Physical Description

The Tree Kangaroo continues to amaze us. That’s partly because the animal evolved several adaptations useful for an arboreal life. For one thing, its back legs grow significantly broader and shorter than those of its terrestrial cousins. This provides it with better balance.

The incredible creature also has quite long, and extensively curved, nails on those rear legs. These serve a far more important purpose than mere aesthetics. In fact, the magnificent mammal routinely, and quite effectively, uses these for gripping and climbing. 

But the differences between it and related species does not end there. The Tree Kangaroo also has a much broader and longer tail than a terrestrial kangaroo. This evolutionary divergence provides the animal with an enhanced balance while moving through the canopy.

Much like terrestrial kangaroos, it remains physically incapable of sweating, to cool its body. The mammal developed an alternate method of thermo-regulation. Instead of sweating, it licks its forearms and allows the moisture to evaporate, thereby cooling it.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Diprotodontia
• Family: Macropodidae
• Genus: Dendrolagus

Tree Kangaroo Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Unfortunately, the only known forms of the surprising Tree Kangaroo inhabit a highly restricted and vulnerable region of the world. This unfortunately limited region consists primarily of the rainforest regions of New Guinea, parts of Queensland, Australia. 

The majestic creature also appears on a few local islands, though.  For the moment, experts remain undecided as to how this occurred. Within this varied range, the various species within the genus understandably have somewhat different habitat preferences.

As a general principle, the majority of the different species in the genus prefer to live in various montane areas. There nevertheless remain several varieties that typically prefer to dwell in lowland areas. These more commonly encounter humans than the others.

This animal has even more specific habitat requirements. That’s due to the fact that it thrives in treetops, instead of the ground like its genetic cousins. The reason it managed to adapt better to regions of high altitude than its terrestrial cousins remains a mystery.

Breeding during the monsoon season, Tree Kangaroo matings produce only one young per litter. Its main predator seems to be the amethystine python, which inhabits the same canopies. Being herbivorous in nature, its own diet consists principally of fruits and leaves.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Victoria Crowned Pigeon Facts

• Appearing next in this compilation of 4 Amazing New Guinea Species is the eye-catching bird known as the Victoria Crowned Pigeon.
• Most impressively, the truly awesome bird currently ranks as the largest known type of pigeon in the world. This remarkable avian also represents one of only four unique, and comparatively quite large, species of pigeon in its genus.
• The truly distinctive creature also happens to share a relatively unusual trait with the other members of its genus. That’s because, like them, this fascinating and amazing variety of pigeon actually spends the great majority of its life on the ground.
• Individuals of this species will, however, take flight if sufficiently disturbed. But, that flight typically only extends to the nearest tree canopy. There, the fascinating animal usually just takes shelter for as long as necessary, often making raucous noises.
• The Victoria Crowned Pigeon now faces the threat of extinction. This occurs primarily due to a combination of habitat loss and hunting. Its population now numbers fewer than 20,000 individuals, thus the IUCN now lists it as Near Threatened.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon Physical Description

The dazzling Victoria Crowned Pigeon truly forms a giant of its kind. That’s true since this breathtaking bird averages a body length of about 30 in (75 cm). Exceptional individuals, though, sometimes reach 31 in (80 cm). Large individuals weigh as much as 7.7 lb (3.5 kg).

Yet its sheer size isn’t the only remarkable trait of this magnificent animal. Quite uniquely, it also boasts a gorgeous feather crest. This also typically presents a brilliant blue in color, with the ends of the feathers commonly being tipped in a bright white.

The body itself most often presents a deep gray-blue in color, and a small black mask-like feature also appears on the face. The wings display a lighter shade of blue, with conspicuous maroon colored tips. The bird displays no noticeable degree of sexual dimorphism.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Goura
• Species: G. victoria

Victoria Crowned Pigeon Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Like numerous other species, the magnificent Victoria Crowned Pigeon only inhabits a very limited area. In its case, that area mainly consists of the northern sections of New Guinea, near Australia. However, it also inhabits a few small neighboring islands.

Even within this already limited range, this fabulous bird usually only appears on specific habitat types within the region. These mainly include areas of lowlands and swamp forests, but the bird will also sometimes appear in regions of sago forests.

Interestingly, it also most commonly lives either near or at approximate sea level. Some individuals, though, will occasionally appear at altitudes of as much as 3,000 ft (914 m). These specimens, though, usually have only ventured to the area temporarily.

Much like its numerous related species, the beautiful Victoria Crowned Pigeon evolved as a highly gregarious animal. Because of this, it rarely moves alone. Most often, it travels in small groups, at a slow pace, along the floor of the forest.

Although it primarily eats fruit, it also feeds on small invertebrates and seeds on occasion. Its favorite fruit consists of figs, though it will consume other fruit if readily available. Seeds and invertebrates it consumes opportunistically, with no noticeable preference.

Flatback Sea Turtle

Flatback Sea Turtle Facts

• Our next choice for inclusion in this article about 4 Amazing New Guinea Species is the fascinating Flatback Sea Turtle.
• The gorgeous creature with the highly descriptive common name represents one of only seven known species of marine turtle. The American herpetologist Samuel Garman became the first scientist to officially describe it, in 1880.
• In contrast to its common name, the amazing reptile also bears the tongue-twisting scientific name of Natator tessellatus. Sadly, its situation is unfortunate. The country within whose borders the beautiful reptile lives presently lists the animal as Vulnerable.
• But, in some respects, it may actually be the least threatened of all known sea turtles. This surprising statement holds true for several reasons. Firstly, it never strays far from the shore. Therefore, it does not become caught in fishing nets.
• Secondly, and thankfully, very little demand for its meat exists among humans. For the moment, though, the IUCN lacks enough data to determine its conservation status. Therefore, the organization currently lists it as Data Deficient on its Red List.
• However, the Flatback Sea Turtle does currently represent the only marine turtle with a highly restricted range. As a result, if for no other reason, the magnificent reptile may be considered to be at some risk, due to the effects of climate change.

Flatback Sea Turtle Physical Description

Regardless of its beauty, the Flatback Sea Turtle ranks as moderate-sized among the seven known types of marine turtle. On average, this species constitutes the third smallest of the seven. Nevertheless, sizes frequently vary quite significantly among individuals.

The animal also displays a moderate degree of the characteristic of sexual dimorphism. In its case, this results in mature females being slightly larger than their male counterparts. In addition, the males also typically develop a slightly shorter tail than the female.

Otherwise, both genders of the truly fabulous Flatback Sea Turtle remain visually identical to the untrained observer. The average length of the carapace of the animal equals 30 – 38 in (76 – 96 cm). Adults also attain an average weight of between 155 – 200 lb (70 – 90 kg).

Its shell is what most notably distinguishes it from related species, however. The dome of the carapace has a distinctly flattened shape. This shell also has sharply upturned edges to it. This shell also presents a mottled pattern consisting of shades of gray and olive green.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Genus: Natator
• Species: N. depressus

Flatback Sea Turtle Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

The wondrous Flatback Sea Turtle inhabits only one specific portion of the world. Unfortunately, this also qualifies as a highly limited range of habitation. That’s because the fascinating creature only lives within the coastal waters of Australia and Papua New Guinea.

In addition to other problems created, this gives it the smallest habitat range of any marine turtle, by far. It also exhibits decided preferences for its specific habitat requirements. In this, it displays a trait common among its related species around the world.

It appears only in areas consisting of shallow tropical sub-tropical waters, with soft bottoms. It also lives only in shallow depths. In fact, it only dwells in waters with a depth of no more than 200 ft (60 m). This generally includes areas of lagoons, bays, and estuaries.

Research shows that the breathtaking Flatback Sea Turtle mates at sea. The females, however, come ashore to lay their eggs. These she does so in large numbers. Meanwhile, males of the species never leave the sea after reaching it, following their hatching.

Although technically omnivorous, it primarily feeds as a carnivore. The creature feeds mainly on such prey as shrimp, sea cucumbers, jellyfish, and a variety of small mollusks. Mature individuals face few predators, but those mainly consists of sharks.

Pesquet’s Parrot

Pesquet’s Parrot Facts

• The final entry into this compendium of 4 Amazing New Guinea Species is the visually surprising bird known as Pesquet’s Parrot.
• It’s immediately obvious to the astute observer that the amazing avian represents an extremely unique variety of parrot. That physical uniqueness, however, in point of fact extends to much further than just its sheer physical appearance.
• The incredible bird actually represents the sole occupant of both an entirely separate genus and subfamily, within the Family Psittrichasiidae. This different type of parrot also remains renowned among related species for its truly distinctive sounds.
• Its common call strikes most individuals who hear it as quite rasping in nature. But, it also has the tendency to frequently emit a long, drawn out scream while in flight. As a result, it also goes by the alternate common name of the vulturine parrot.
• This remarkable avian now finds itself in extreme danger, however, due to a combination of several factors. For the moment, its population appears to be decreasing in direct proportion to the rate of ongoing habitat loss, not surprisingly.
• Since the remarkable Pesquet’s Parrot had a limited range to begin with, it remains especially vulnerable. The ever-increasing effects of xlimate change also poses a severe threat to the bird. For these reasons, the IUCN currently lists it as Vulnerable.

Pesquet’s Parrot Physical Description

Perhaps most notably, its appearance and sounds do not constitute the only distinctive characteristics of the incredible Pesquet’s Parrot. That holds true due to the fact that, in addition to its other traits, it also forms a slightly larger than average type of parrot.

The remarkable bird also displays a mild degree of sexual dimorphism, much like many related species. In its particular case, however, the impressive animal does so with a very small, and quite easily overlooked difference in visual appearance.

A small red spot appears behind each eye on the male, but not the female. In every other way, the two genders present identical physical appearances, including having a comparatively small head. Firstly, it attains an average overall length of about 18 in (46 cm).

Secondly, adults typically reach a weight of between 24 – 28 oz (680 – 800 gms). Its wings generally present as black, with dark gray scaling. Also, it usually has a bright red chest and abdomen. It also has a large black beak, with the combination creating a striking appearance.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Psittaciformes
• Family: Psittrichasiidae
• Genus: Psitrichas
• Species: P. fulgidus

Pesquet’s Parrot Distribution, Habitat, and Ecology

Unfortunately, the astonishing Pesquet’s Parrot is native to only a tiny part of the world. This range consists of only certain portions of Papua New Guinea, near Australia. It’s unknown to researchers if it ever possessed a greater range of habitation.

Even within this already limited area, it displays clear preferences for its habitat. The avian only inhabits specific regions of the local rainforest. Here, this absolutely amazing variety of parrot appears at altitudes ranging from 328 – 5,905 ft (100 – 1,800 m).

The bird also distinguishes itself from related species in yet another manner. That holds true due to the nature of its diet. Most known varieties of parrot feed as omnivores. Surprisingly, however, this animal evolved as a highly specialized frugivore.

In point of fact, the avian feeds almost exclusively on a few types of figs native to its habitat. The precise reason for this adaptation currently eludes researchers. But, the confusing variety of parrot does occasionally consume small quantities of flowers and nectar.

The truly fascinating creature possesses even more intriguing aspects to its nature than these facts, however. The distinctive bird also evolved a strongly nomadic pattern of behavior. It does this in accordance with the availability fruits, as the seasons change.

Researchers think that the unusual lack of feathers on the head of the Pesquet’s Parrot developed as an adaptation for a surprising reason. Nature designed this attribute to prevent complications with feathers from the juice of the fruit it consumes.

Unfortunately, experts still know very little about its mating habits in the wild. It appears to generally live in small groups of up to 20 individuals. Following mating, the female places her eggs in a large nest in a hollow tree. A typical lifespan in the wild is about 9 years.

4 Amazing New Guinea Species

We truly hope that you have thoroughly enjoyed reading this article about 4 Amazing New Guinea Species. These creatures, like the countless others around the world, fully deserve our appreciation. Each of them evolved to serve a specific function within their local niche.

Unfortunately, many of their fellow creatures now find themselves in peril. It remains up to each of us to do all that we can to protect and preserve them. After all, our descendants deserve to have them to appreciate, just as we do currently. Let’s all do our part.

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