Frill-necked lizard AKA frilled dragons are endangered in southern Papua New Guinea and Indonesian-occupied West Papua due to palm oil ecocide, take action!
Category Archives: Papua New Guinea: Species Endangered by Palm Oil Deforestation
Blue-streaked Lory Eos reticulata
Brilliantly coloured and full of energy, the Blue-streaked Lory (Eos reticulata) is a striking and unique #parrot living in the forests of the Banda Sea Islands, #Indonesia. Their scarlet plumage is decorated with iridescent blue streaks, creating a dazzling and electrifying colours both when they’re at rest and in flight. With a sharp, hooked beak adapted for nectar-feeding, these #birds flit from flower to flower, playing a vital role in rainforest #pollination.
Despite their adaptability, habitat destruction and the pet trade threaten their survival. These birds have been heavily trapped for the illegal bird trade, with over 3,000 individuals captured annually in the 1980s. Although they remain relatively common in their range, continued #deforestation and capture for the caged #pettrade and bird market may be pushing them towards decline. If these mesmerising lories are to have a future in the wild, their habitat must be protected, and the demand for keeping them as pets must end. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Pesquets Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus
The beguiling Pesquet’s #parrots are sometimes known as ‘Dracula parrots’ due to their unique appearance. This includes black facial features, black feathers and bright red patches that reminiscent of a Dracula-like cloak. This striking combination lends them a slightly eerie and dramatic look, making them truly a sight to behold.
They inhabit the lush #rainforests of #WestPapua and #PapuaNewGuinea and make gentle gliding flights. They have a specialised diet of figs and face significant threats from #deforestation and #hunting. These magnificent birds are classified as vulnerable, and their population is decreasing. You can make a difference by choosing products that protect their rainforest habitat. Make sure you #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket!
Tanimbar Eclectus Parrot Eclectus riedeli
The Tanimbar Eclectus Parrot Eclectus riedeli also known as the Eclectus Parrot or Tanimbar Eclectus is a rare and striking #parrot found only on the #Tanimbar Islands of Indonesian occupied #WestPapua. Males display a brilliant emerald green plumage, while females are adorned in deep crimson and cobalt blue feathers, making them one of the most visually stunning #parrots in the world. These parrots face growing threats from habitat destruction, the pet trade, and climate change.
Forests are disappearing due to timber logging and #palmoil monoculture, while #poaching for the illegal #pettrade continues to remove individuals from the wild, disrupting their populations. #Climatechange also poses an increasing risk, with rising temperatures, storms, and unpredictable weather patterns affecting their habitat and food sources. The best way to protect these parrots is to keep them in the wild, not in cages. Use your wallet as a weapon in the supermarket and choose #PalmOilFree #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Mountain Cuscus Phalanger carmelitae
The Mountain #Cuscus are fascinating and shy creatures who live in Papua New Guinea and #WestPapua. Thick, dark, woolly fur covers most of their bodies, while their bellies are white. The Mountain Cuscus has a black tail with a rough, white tip. Their skulls are medium-sized, with a short snout, large back teeth, and three small teeth on each side of their lower jaws. It’s important to note that the Mountain Cuscus can sometimes be confused with the Silky Cuscus, which has a smooth tail without rough patches, a shorter or absent white tail tip, and fewer teeth in their lower jaw. They are threatened by massive #palmoil and #timber deforestation across West Papua and Papua New Guinea, help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Attenborough’s Long-Beaked Echidna Zaglossus attenboroughi
Attenborough’s long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi), known locally as “Payangko,” is one of the most evolutionarily distinct mammals and is native to the Cyclops Mountains in Papua, Indonesia. This critically endangered monotreme is distinguished by its unique feeding technique and smaller size compared to other long-beaked echidnas. Despite not being recorded by scientists since 1961, a recent expedition led to its rediscovery in 2023, offering renewed hope for the species. Facing threats from hunting and habitat degradation, we must protect this elusive creature by supporting sustainable practices and community-led conservation. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Solomon Islands skink Corucia zebrata
Imagine a creature straight out of a fantastical computer game – this could be the Solomon Islands skink Corucia zebrata , also affectionately known as the monkey-tailed skink. Their silhouette dances between shadows of the jungle in the Solomon Islands archipelago, to the north east of Australia. They are the largest species of skink alive and boast a long, slender body poised elegantly on short, yet robust legs. Their head forms a perfect triangle, housing small, beady and curious looking eyes. This magnificent reptile is now classified as Near Threatened due to rainforest destruction of their home for palm oil, timber and mining. Help them to survive every time you shop – #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Encountering the World’s Most Endangered Kangaroo: The Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo
Encounter the Wondiwoi tree-kangaroo. Rediscovered in 2018, these rare marsupials from West Papua are a symbol of hope amidst threats from palm oil, hunting
Dusky Pademelon Thylogale brunii
Dusky Pademelons are small marsupials with large ears, strong hind legs and a short, thick tail. They navigate the dense and mountainous forests of New Guinea with natural agility. Solitary by nature, these fascinating creatures disperse seeds as they roam through the forests contributing to the maintenance of a vibrant ecosystem. They are now vulnerable due to the threat of hunting and deforestation for mining, palm oil and timber throughout their range. Help them to survive every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Magnificent Bird of Paradise Cicinnurus magnificus
Meet the Magnificent Bird-of-Paradise, a dazzling, theatrical bird from New Guinea’s forests. Their vibrant courtship dances must be protected from palm oil!
Victoria crowned pigeon Victoria goura
Meet the Victoria crowned pigeon, the world’s largest pigeon species with royal roots and some unique quirks. Not only are they named after Queen Victoria, but they’re also close relatives to the extinct dodo. These lovebirds mate for life and share parenting duties in the most adorable ways—from dancing displays to feeding their chicks a special ‘crop milk.’ Despite their fascinating traits and tight-knit families, these majestic birds face dire threats. Their forest homes are disappearing due to palm oil and timber deforestation, and they’re being hunted. Help keep their love story alive: #BoycottPalmOil and support #Boycott4Wildlife to protect these incredible creatures.
Bougainville Monkey-faced Bat Pteralopex anceps
In the verdant, high-altitude forests of Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea, and Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands, lives an intriguing creature—the Bougainville Monkey-faced bat or, as some call them, the Bougainville Flying Monkey. These bats are the titans of their family, boasting arm spans stretching impressively between 14.1 to 16 cm. They are endangered, mostly from palm oil and mining deforestation and hunting. Help them to survive every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Nicobar pigeon Caloenas nicobarica
The Nicobar pigeon is the largest pigeon in the world and the closest living relative to the extinct dodo bird. They are famous for their gorgeous iridescent feathers. When threatened they make a pig-like grunt and are known for the strange way that they drink – by dunking their heads into water and sucking it up instead of sipping as other birds do. They are Near Threatened from palm oil deforestation on the Nicobar and Andaman Islands in #India along with hunting and the pet trade. Help their survival and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.
Philippine Sailfin Lizard Hydrosaurus pustulatus
Stunning bright coloured Philippine sailfin lizards are becoming more and more rare from palm oil deforestation across their range in #WestPapua #Philippines and eastern #Indonesia. They are also threatened by hunting and the pet trade. Males turn a dark violet colour during mating season and flare their extravagant sail-like fins to announce their mating prowess. They have a third eye on the top of their head which enables them to sense sunlight. Help them survive and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Vogelkop Superb Bird of Paradise Lophorina superba
Male superb-bird’s-of-paradise are the dramatic actors of #NewGuinea’s rainforest. They use their lush, multicoloured plumage to change shape in an elaborate dancing courtship display that typically goes on for many hours for the sole benefit of a female #bird. At the end of the dancing ritual, the female will get to choose her mate between 15-20 male #birds. These magnificent birds are struggling to survive, hemmed in on all sides by #hunting, #palmoil, gold mining and timber #deforestation throughout their range. Help their survival every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket!
Waigeo Cuscus Spilocuscus papuensis
Cryptic and solitary marsupials, Waigeo Cuscuses cling to tree canopies on a Waigeo Island, West Papua. They are classified as vulnerable on IUCN Red List due to palm oil deforestation and mining on the tiny island where they live. Help them each time you shop and be #vegan, #Boycottpalmoil and #Boycott4Wildlife
New Guinea Singing Dog Canis hallstromi
Thought for decades to be extinct in the wild, the New Guinea singing #dog populations hang on to survival in the remote mountains and forests of New Guinea. These #wilddogs were last spotted in 2017 near the Grasberg gold and copper mine in #WestPapua. Little known and still not well understood by researchers, they announce themselves with a haunting overlapping howling between individual dogs that is unlike other forms of canid howling.
Elusive and likely now critically endangered, #NewGuinea Singing Dogs are rapidly disappearing and have no formal protection or conservation in place. Help them survive and fight against #palmoil #deforestation in #WestPapua, #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Papuan Eagle Harpyopsis novaeguineae
Elusive, forest-dwelling apex predators in New Guinea, Papuan eagles are classified as vulnerable and rapidly declining due to enormous deforestation for mining and palm oil in Papua New Guinea and West Papua along with hunting threats. They are poorly studied birds and therefore estimates of their populations may be severely overestimated, meaning that they are in much more serious strife than we know.
While there have probably never been high densities of the Papuan eagle, evidence indicates that they are declining rapidly. It is possible that the entire population is considerably under 10,000 individuals. There is no evidence that the Papuan eagle is adaptable to the opening of forests and the eagles appear to abandon areas especially where logging roads have been cut into the forests.
Help them every time you shop and be #vegan, #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife
Forgotten Animals of Secretly Destroyed Forests
Don’t let the forests go silent! 1000’s of forgotten animals are nearing extinction due to palm oil deforestation. Take action and boycott palm oil today!
Northern Glider Petaurus abidi
The Northern Glider is a Critically Endangered species of gliding #marsupial found only in the Torricelli Mountains of #PapuaNewGuinea. First described in 1981, they remain one of the rarest and least studied members of the Petauridae family. Their population is in steep decline due to deforestation, habitat destruction for #palmoil, and #hunting for #bushmeat. With an estimated range of less than 100 square kilometres, the Northern Glider is at extreme risk of #extinction unless urgent conservation efforts are made to protect their habitat. Take action and resist for this species every time you shop and go #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.
Seri’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus stellarum
Seri’s #TreeKangaroo is one of the world’s most elusive #marsupials of the genus #Dendrolagus surviving only in the remote mountains of #PapuaNewGuinea and the contested territory of #WestPapua. In these highlands, Indigenous Papuans have resisted Indonesian rule for over half a century, while the forests themselves are threatened by commercial logging, palm oil, and hunting. The Seri’s Tree Kangaroo’s silvery coat and secretive habits help them blend into the forest, but not even the tallest trees can shield them from bulldozers. When you shop ensure that you BoycottPalmOil, Boycott4Wildlife to fight for their protection.
Doria’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus
High in the misty mountain rainforests of Papua New Guinea, Doria’s Tree Kangaroo moves with deliberate agility through the dense canopy. With their thick brown fur, powerful limbs, and expressive dark eyes, these marsupials are a striking reminder of the ancient and unique wildlife of New Guinea. Unlike their terrestrial kangaroo cousins, Doria’s Tree Kangaroos have adapted to an arboreal life, leaping through tree canopies with ease and foraging among the leaves.
But their world is rapidly shrinking. Doria’s along with other tree kangaroos in the Dendrolagus genus are hunted mercilessly for bushmeat and threatened by palm oil deforestation, Gas mining and road infrastructure expansion, and land conversion, their numbers are in decline. Despite their elusiveness, they cannot escape the dangers encroaching on their rainforest home. Help them every time you shop and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
Protect the elusive New Britain Sparrowhawk. These rare birds-of-prey face extinction as palm oil deforestation and logging destroys New Guinea habitat
Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix
The Lowlands Tree #Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix is a #Vulnerable species endemic to the forests of #PapuaNewGuinea. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, they are agile climbers, leaping through lush rainforest canopies with ease despite their bulky size. However, their survival is in peril due to widespread #deforestation driven by #palmoil plantations, #timber logging, and expansion of #roads, which has led to habitat destruction and increased #hunting pressures. If urgent action is not taken, this unique species faces further decline. Take action and resist for this species every time you shop and go #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.
Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni
The Eastern long-beaked echidna Zaglossus bartoni is one of the planet’s most extraordinary mammals—a living relic from the dawn of mammalian evolution. Found only in the rugged, remote mountains of New Guinea, this remarkable creature is genetically and physically unlike any other animal alive today. Their existence bridges ancient evolutionary traits with the survival needs of modern species, representing a fascinating link to the distant past.
Tragically, these rare monotremes face the threat of extinction due to hunting and habitat loss for palm oil, timber and gold mining. Support indigenous-led conservation and fight for their survival. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.
Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi
Discover the jewel-toned Blue Bird-of-Paradise, a species found only in Papua New Guinea’s mountains. These mesmerising birds are vulnerable due to palm oil
Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea decora
The Goldie’s Bird of Paradise is a rustling rainbow 🦜🌈 They are #vulnerable in #rainforests of #WestPapua from #mining and #palmoil #deforestation. Fight for them and #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴🔥👎⛔ @palmoildetect.bsky.social https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/goldies-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-decora/
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator
Protect the magnificent Imitator Goshawk an elusive bird of prey from Papua New Guinea is vulnerable. Just 250-999 individuals remain. Boycott palm oil!
Grizzled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus inustus
Where the forest rises steeply from the rivers and the mist hangs low over the green spires of the Foja Mountains and the Torricelli Range, the Grizzled Tree Kangaroo moves like a living memory. The Grizzled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus inustus and their ash-grey coats and quiet agile movements, are the ghostly figures of New Guinea’s dwindling rainforests. Listed as Vulnerable on the Red List, these rare tree kangaroos now stand at the edge of survival. Hunting dogs track their scent; chainsaws fell their towering homes. Palm oil is rapidly obliterating their forest home. Without urgent action, these shy, elusive creatures will vanish into the mist forever. Boycott palm oil and go #vegan for them. Protect their ancient world. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica
The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is a striking and charismatic bird, known for their vivid blue eye rings and expressive crests. These cockatoos depend on mature forests for nesting and food but face significant threats, including habitat destruction caused by out-of-control palm oil plantations, illegal hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Conservation efforts are critical to ensure the survival of this remarkable species. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife
