Doria’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus

Location: Papua New Guinea (Central and Southeastern Highlands)

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

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

Doria’s Tree #Kangaroos 🦘🩷 are tree-dwelling #marsupials unique and endemic to #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 endangered by #palmoil 🌴 and #coffee ☕️ #deforestation #hunting 🔫 Support them when you #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔☠️🙊⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/dorias-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-dorianus/

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Doria's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus
Doria's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus
Doria's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus
Doria's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus
Doria's Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus

Appearance and Behaviour

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo is one of the largest of all tree kangaroo species, weighing between 6.5 to 14.5 kg and reaching up to 78 cm in body length, with a non-prehensile tail extending an additional 66 cm. Their thick, dense fur is a deep chocolate brown, with darker ears and lighter cream-coloured fur on their underside and tail. Their large, curved claws help them grip tree branches, giving them a bear-like appearance.

Despite their size, they are incredibly agile, able to leap between trees with precision. They are mostly solitary, with minimal interaction outside of mating and rearing young. In the wild, these agile tree kangaroos are crepuscular and nocturnal, foraging in the early morning and evening for food.

Geographic Range

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo is endemic to New Guinea, inhabiting montane rainforests between 600 and 3,650 metres in elevation. They are mainly found in southeastern Papua New Guinea, particularly in the Central and Eastern Highlands, Sandaun, and Chimbu Provinces.

These tree-dwelling kangaroos are most often seen in mossy primary forests, where the dense canopy provides cover from predators. However, their range is shrinking due to land clearing, road construction, and hunting pressure.

Diet

As a folivore, Doria’s Tree Kangaroo feeds on a variety of rainforest plants, including epiphytic ferns, leaves, buds, flowers, and fruits. They are particularly fond of Asplenium ferns, as well as native tree leaves and mosses.

Unlike terrestrial kangaroos, Doria’s Tree Kangaroos and others in the Dendrolagus genus do not graze on grass but instead rely on the rainforest understory, climbing to reach fresh foliage and descending when necessary.

Reproduction & Mating

Little is known about their exact reproductive cycle in the wild, but akin to other #marsupial mammals in the Dendrolagus genus, they are believed to breed year-round, with females giving birth to one joey per year. After a 30-day gestation period, the tiny, underdeveloped joey crawls into the mother’s pouch, where they remain for up to 10 months before venturing out.

Joeys become fully independent at around two years old, though they may stay close to their mother for some time.

Threats

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo faces a barrage of threats, many of which are driven by human activity.

  • #Hunting for #bushmeat: is the greatest threat to Doria’s Tree Kangaroo. These marsupials are heavily hunted using dogs, and as their numbers dwindle, they become even more vulnerable. Hunting is particularly intense in areas where traditional hunting practices continue unchecked. Local communities, particularly in Papua New Guinea, hunt these kangaroos using dogs, often for subsistence.
  • Palm oil, coffee and timber deforestation: Habitat destruction for commercial agriculture, particularly coffee, palm oil, and subsistence farming, are fragmenting forests and forcing these tree kangaroos into smaller, isolated pockets.
  • Infrastructure expansion: Deforestation for roads and and the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects have decimated their range.
  • Climate Change – As temperatures rise and weather patterns shift, high-altitude specialists like Doria’s Tree Kangaroo have nowhere left to go. Climate change is expected to alter the distribution of their food sources, further threatening their survival.

Without urgent conservation efforts, including the protection of their remaining habitat and an end to industrial deforestation, Doria’s Tree Kangaroo will continue its slow march toward extinction.

There are now logging concessions over almost 75% of the species inferred range. There has presumably been significant habitat disturbance and reduction in habitat quality as a result of logging

IUCN Red List

Take Action

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo is running out of time. Their home is vanishing under the relentless march of palm oil plantations, logging, and hunting. You can make a difference by refusing to buy products containing palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation efforts, and raising awareness of their plight. Every time you shop, choose 100% palm oil-free products to avoid contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

FAQs

How many Doria’s Tree Kangaroos are left in the wild?

There is no exact population estimate for Doria’s Tree Kangaroo, but researchers believe their numbers are declining rapidly due to hunting and habitat destruction. The species is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN, meaning they are at significant risk of extinction if current threats continue (Leary et al., 2016). Tree kangaroos are difficult to study in the wild due to their remote habitat and elusive nature, but conservationists report that populations have become highly fragmented, with hunting pressure causing local extinctions in some areas. With increasing palm oil deforestation and infrastructure projects, their available habitat is shrinking, making long-term survival uncertain (Eldridge et al., 2018).

Are Doria’s Tree Kangaroos social animals?

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo is primarily solitary, interacting only during mating or when a mother is raising her joey. Unlike some tree kangaroo species, which form loose social groups, Doria’s Tree Kangaroo prefers to remain alone, moving quietly through the forest canopy. Studies on captive individuals suggest that tree kangaroos engage in social play when young, but adult interactions are limited (Martin, 2005). In the wild, they rely on their cryptic coloration and cautious movements to avoid predators and human hunters, making social interaction less practical for survival. However, mothers and joeys do maintain a strong bond, with joeys staying close to their mothers for up to two years before becoming fully independent (Flannery et al., 1996).

How do Doria’s Tree Kangaroos communicate?

Doria’s Tree Kangaroos use a variety of vocalisations, body language, and scent-marking to communicate. Researchers have documented at least six distinct vocal sounds, including soft chattering between mothers and joeys and deeper grunts or growls used to express alarm or territorial warnings (Eldridge et al., 2018). They also rely on scent-marking, rubbing their scent glands on tree trunks or branches to establish territories and signal their presence to others. These methods of communication are subtle compared to more social animals, but they play an essential role in navigating their environment and avoiding threats.

How high can Doria’s Tree Kangaroos jump?

Despite their large, stocky build, Doria’s Tree Kangaroos are remarkably agile, capable of leaping several metres between trees. Their powerful hind legs and sharp claws allow them to grip branches securely, while their strong, muscular forearms provide additional support when climbing (Martin, 2005). Unlike ground-dwelling kangaroos, which use their tail for balance when hopping, tree kangaroos rely more on their claws and limb strength to move through the canopy. They are also able to descend trees headfirst, a unique adaptation among macropods.

What are the main predators of Doria’s Tree Kangaroo?

Their primary predators include large pythons, raptors, and human hunters. While natural predators are a concern, humans pose the greatest threat, hunting tree kangaroos for bushmeat and using dogs to track them. As palm oil deforestation increases, tree kangaroos are forced into smaller patches of forest, making them easier targets for hunters. In some areas, habitat fragmentation has also made them more vulnerable to introduced predators such as feral dogs (Flannery, 1995).

What crops or types of agriculture are a threat to them?

Deforestation caused by palm oil, coffee plantations, and subsistence farming is a major threat to Doria’s Tree Kangaroo. These activities destroy their habitat, forcing them into isolated forest patches where food sources are scarce. Coffee and palm oil plantations, in particular, have expanded rapidly in Papua New Guinea, replacing large tracts of montane rainforest that these tree kangaroos rely on (Leary et al., 2016). The expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects and infrastructure development further compounds the issue, making it difficult for tree kangaroos to find suitable habitat.

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Further Information

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Leary, T., Seri, L., Flannery, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A. & James, R. 2016. Dendrolagus dorianus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6427A21957392. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6427A21957392.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

Tenkile Conservation Alliance. (2020). Tree Kangaroo Conservation in Papua New Guinea. Retrieved from https://tenkile.com/dorias-tree-kangaroo/

Valentine, P., Dabek, L., & Schwartz, K. R. (2021). What is a Tree Kangaroo? Evolutionary History, Adaptation to Life in the Trees, Taxonomy, Genetics, Biogeography, and Conservation Status. In Tree Kangaroos: Science and Conservation, Biodiversity of the World: Conservation from Genes to Landscapes (pp. 3-16). Elsevier. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-814675-0.00010-5

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Doria’s tree-kangaroo. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved February 13, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doria%27s_tree-kangaroo

Doria’s Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus dorianus

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New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus

New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus


Red List: Vulnerable

Locations: Endemic to the islands of New Britain and New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

High in the mist-draped montane forests of New Britain and New Ireland, the New Britain Sparrowhawk drifts through the canopy. These rare raptors are guardians of the ancient forests, their presence a fleeting shadow among the mossy branches and filtered sunlight of Papua New Guinea’s wildest heights.

The New Britain Sparrowhawk is an elusive bird-of-prey, found only in the forests of New Britain and New Ireland in remote #PapuaNewGuinea. Their survival is threatened by #palmoil-driven #deforestation and extensive #timber logging, which have stripped away much of their habitat. With populations rapidly dwindling and no known conservation measures in place, this little-known raptor faces an uncertain future. Use your wallet as a weapon #BoycottPalmOil, #Boycott4Wildlife.

The New Britain Sparrowhawk is a soaring bird of prey 🦅🪽🪺 in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 who are vulnerable due to #palmoil #deforestation #mining and hunting. Stop them from disappearing for good when you #BoycottPalmOil 🌴⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/new-britain-sparrowhawk-accipiter-brachyurus/

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Appearance and Behaviour

New Britain Sparrowhawks are small, slender raptors measuring 27–34 cm, with striking grey plumage, a white underbelly, and orange accents at the neck. Their large, pale yellow feet are distinctive, especially the elongated middle toe, which sets them apart from other hawks in the region. These birds move swiftly and silently through the forest, using their agility to hunt small birds and animals. New Britain Sparrowhawks are rarely seen, making their behaviour and social lives a mystery, but their presence is a sign of a healthy, undisturbed forest.

New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus boycott palm oil
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus
New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus threats

Threats

Lowland forest clearance for conversion to oil palm plantations has been intense in recent decades in both New Britain and New Ireland (Swartzendruber 1993, Stattersfield et al. 1998, Buchanan et al. 2008). On New Britain about 17.5% of habitat within this species’ altitudinal range was cleared in three generations or 15 years (Buchanan et al. 2008).

IUCN Red List

Palm oil and timber deforestation


The New Britain Sparrowhawk is highly vulnerable to habitat loss, as palm oil plantations and logging operations clear vast tracts of lowland and hill forests. New Britain alone has accounted for half of Papua New Guinea’s timber exports, leaving forests fragmented and silent. Even as the rate of forest loss has slowed in recent years, the damage is profound—over 2 percent of forest was lost and more than 5 percent degraded between 2002 and 2014. Bulldozers and chainsaws carve roads and scars through the landscape, leaving the sparrowhawk with fewer places to hunt and nest. The relentless conversion of forest to agriculture and palm oil plantations drives these birds higher into the mountains, squeezing them into ever smaller refuges. With every tree felled, the forest’s intricate web of life is torn apart, and the sparrowhawk’s future grows more precarious. The loss of old-growth trees also means fewer nesting sites and less prey, further endangering the species. Logging roads open up remote areas to further exploitation, compounding the threat. The haunting calls of the sparrowhawk are fading from the forests, a warning of the ecosystem’s unraveling.

Diet

New Britain Sparrowhawks are predators, feeding on small birds and possibly mammals or reptiles found in the dense forest canopy. Their powerful feet and sharp talons allow them to catch agile prey among the branches. The sparrowhawk’s hunting style is likely fast and precise, taking advantage of cover and surprise in the tangled forest.

Reproduction and Mating

Very little is known about the breeding of the New Britain Sparrowhawk. Like other raptors, they are believed to build nests high in the trees, raising their young in the safety of the canopy. The scarcity of sightings and the remoteness of their habitat mean that many details of their family life remain a mystery.

Geographic Range

The New Britain Sparrowhawk is found only on New Britain and New Ireland in Papua New Guinea. Most records are from montane forests between 1,200 and 1,800 metres, though some have been seen in lowland areas. Their range is shrinking as forests are cleared, and the species is now rare even in remote mountain regions.

New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus

FAQs

What is the current population of the New Britain Sparrowhawk?

The population is estimated at 1,000–2,499 individuals. Numbers are declining due to ongoing habitat loss.

How long do New Britain Sparrowhawks live?

The lifespan of the New Britain Sparrowhawk is unknown, but similar raptors can live over 10 years in the wild.

What are the threats to the New Britain Sparrowhawk’s survival?

The main threats are deforestation for palm oil and logging, which destroy and fragment their forest habitat.

Are there any conservation actions for the New Britain Sparrowhawk?

No formal conservation measures are in place. Surveys and community-based protection have been proposed but not yet implemented.

What can you do to help the New Britain Sparrowhawk?

You can boycott palm oil and products driving deforestation. Support campaigns for indigenous-led forest protection and share information about this rare raptor.

Take Action!

Fight for the survival of the New Britain Sparrowhawk every time you shop. Boycott palm oil. Support indigenous-led conservation. Use your wallet as a weapon and BoycottPalmOil Boycott4Wildlife.

Further Information

BirdLife International. (2018). Accipiter brachyurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22695605A131936960. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22695605A131936960.en

Wikipedia. (2025, March 19). New Britain sparrowhawk. In Wikipedia. Retrieved June 13, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Britain_sparrowhawk

BirdLife International. 2018. Accipiter brachyurus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22695605A131936960. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T22695605A131936960.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus threats
IUCN Rating vulnerable

Support the conservation of this species

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New Britain Sparrowhawk Accipiter brachyurus

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Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Location: The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is native to Papua New Guinea, found in the limestone karst forests of the Gulf and Western provinces. These dense, humid jungles are difficult to traverse, providing a natural refuge for this elusive species. However, increased human access due to roads and logging threatens their survival.

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.

The Lowlands #TreeKangaroo 🦘🤎 is a #vulnerable #marsupial of #PapuaNewGuinea’s rainforests 🌳🇵🇬 threatened by #PalmOil, #mining #deforestation and #hunting. Help them to survive when you shop #BoycottPalmOil 🌴☠️🔥🧐🙊⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/lowlands-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-spadix/

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Despite their chunky size, Lowlands Tree #Kangaroos 🦘 are able to leap many metres. They’re #vulnerable due to #palmoil and #hunting in #PapuaNewGuinea. Fight for them when you shop, go #PalmOilFree and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🚫#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/lowlands-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-spadix/

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Appearance & Behaviour

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is a striking, muscular marsupial with a dense coat of rich auburn, fading to golden hues on their belly and limbs. Unlike their ground-dwelling kangaroo relatives, they are built for life in the treetops, with stocky limbs, powerful claws, and an impressively long tail used for balance.

Watching a Lowlands Tree Kangaroo move is a surreal experience. On the ground, they amble in an almost bear-like gait, placing one foot in front of the other in a slow, deliberate waddle. Yet, when they climb, they transform into graceful acrobats, using their strong forelimbs to hoist themselves into the canopy with surprising ease. Despite their bulky build, they can leap remarkable distances between branches, navigating the dense jungle with grace.

Appearance & Behaviour

Largely solitary, these secretive tree-dwellers emerge at dusk to forage, preferring the cool, shadowy undergrowth or the safety of high branches. Their excellent camouflage and quiet nature make them incredibly difficult to spot in the wild.

Diet

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is a dedicated folivore, primarily feasting on a variety of leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally fungi. Their slow metabolism allows them to extract maximum nutrition from their fibrous diet. However, their reliance on specific plants means that large-scale deforestation can have devastating consequences, cutting off vital food sources.

Logging and land clearing for palm oil plantations pose a severe threat by destroying primary forests and forcing these marsupials into fragmented, less suitable habitats.

Reproduction & Mating

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo has a slow reproductive rate, with females typically giving birth to a single tiny, jellybean-sized joey. This vulnerable newborn crawls into their mother’s pouch, where they remain hidden for several months. Even after emerging, the joey clings to their mother’s back for up to a year, learning essential survival skills before venturing out on their own.

This slow, careful nurturing process makes the species highly vulnerable to population declines. When individuals are lost due to hunting or habitat destruction, it takes a long time for their numbers to recover.

Threats

Deforestation & Habitat Loss

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo’s biggest threat is habitat destruction caused by industrial logging and land clearing. A staggering 75% of their range is now covered by logging concessions, leading to habitat fragmentation and food shortages (IUCN, 2016).

Palm Oil & Infrastructure Development

The expansion of palm oil plantations is devastating for the species, as vast stretches of forest are cleared for monoculture crops. New roads built for logging and petroleum extraction have also opened up previously inaccessible regions, leading to increased human encroachment.

Hunting & Increased Human Access

Traditionally, hunting of the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo was limited due to the rugged and remote nature of their habitat. However, as roads now cut into once-inaccessible forests, hunting pressure has escalated. While local communities have long relied on the species as a food source, increased access has made hunting more widespread and unsustainable.

FAQs

Where do Lowlands Tree Kangaroos live?

The Lowlands Tree Kangaroo is native to Papua New Guinea, specifically found in the limestone karst forests of the Gulf and Western provinces. These forests are rugged and remote, providing some protection from human encroachment, though logging and road expansion are rapidly changing their habitat.

Why are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos endangered?

They are classified as Vulnerable due to habitat destruction, hunting, and increased human access to their previously isolated range. Over 75% of their habitat is now covered by logging and palm oil concessions, and road construction has led to an increase in hunting pressure. Palm oil plantations also contribute to large-scale deforestation, further reducing their numbers (IUCN, 2016).

What do Lowlands Tree Kangaroos eat?

Their diet consists mainly of leaves, fruits, flowers, and occasionally fungi. They rely on a slow metabolism to extract nutrients from fibrous plants, meaning they are particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction that removes key food sources.

Are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos social animals?

No, they are primarily solitary. Unlike ground-dwelling kangaroos, they do not form large groups. They prefer to navigate the dense rainforest canopy alone, only coming together briefly for mating.

Do they move like regular kangaroos?

In some ways they do, but in other ways they don’t. While ground-dwelling kangaroos hop over long distances on the ground, Lowlands Tree Kangaroos move in a slow, deliberate manner, placing one foot in front of the other, much like a bear. In trees, however, they are surprisingly agile, using their strong limbs to grip to tree branches and their long tails and strong legs to leap between branches. They are able to leap several metres at a time between tree canopies and can descend from trees up to 20 metres without injury.

Are Lowlands Tree Kangaroos hunted?

Yes, they are traditionally hunted by local communities for food. However, this was historically sustainable due to the remote nature of their habitat. Now, with new roads making hunting easier, populations are at risk of decline.

How does palm oil deforestation affect them?

Palm oil plantations are a major driver of deforestation in Papua New Guinea, destroying vast areas of rainforest. As the trees are cleared, Lowlands Tree Kangaroos lose their food sources and shelter, forcing them into smaller, fragmented habitats where they are more vulnerable to hunting and other threats.

How long do baby Lowlands Tree Kangaroos stay with their mothers?

Joeys stay in their mother’s pouch for several months before emerging. Even after leaving the pouch, they cling to their mother’s back and remain dependent on her for nearly a year. This slow reproductive cycle makes population recovery difficult if too many individuals are lost.

What can be done to protect them?

  • Boycott products containing palm oil, which is a major threat to their continued existence.
  • Support indigenous land rights, as traditional landowners help protect these forests.
  • • Donate to conservation groups working to protect Papua New Guinea’s forests such as Tenkile.
  • • Raise awareness by sharing information about the threats they face.

Are tree kangaroos protected by law?

While tree kangaroos are recognised as vulnerable species, weak enforcement of conservation laws in Papua New Guinea and the expansion of industrial projects continue to put them at risk. Conservation efforts must focus on habitat protection and stronger regulations against deforestation and hunting.

How can I help tree kangaroos from home?

  • Always choose products that are 100% palm oil-free to avoid contributing to deforestation and biodiversity loss.
  • Spread awareness on social media using hashtags like #BoycottPalmOil and #Boycott4Wildlife.
  • Support conservation projects that work to protect Papua New Guinea’s forests and wildlife.

Take Action!

The survival of the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo depends on urgent conservation action. You can help by:

  • Boycotting palm oil products and choosing brands that do not contribute to deforestation.
  • Advocating for indigenous land rights, as traditional landowners play a key role in protecting these forests.
  • Supporting conservation organisations that fight against logging and land conversion in Papua New Guinea.
  • Raising awareness about the threats facing the Lowlands Tree Kangaroo by sharing information on social media using the hashtags #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

There are now logging concessions over almost 75% of the species inferred range. There has presumably been significant habitat disturbance and reduction in habitat quality as a result of logging

IUCN Red List

Further Information

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Leary, T., Seri, L., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Dickman, C., Aplin, K., Salas, L., Flannery, T. & Bonaccorso, F. 2016. Dendrolagus spadix. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6436A21956250. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6436A21956250.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

McGreevy, T. J., Dabek, L., & Husband, T. P. (2011). Tree kangaroo molecular systematics based on partial cytochrome b sequences: are Matschie’s tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus matschiei) and Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo (D. goodfellowi buergersi) sister taxa? Australian Mammalogy, 34(1), 18-28. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM10017

You can support the conservation of this animal:

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Lowlands Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus spadix

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How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Join 3,179 other subscribers

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni

Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni

Status: Vulnerable

Location: Endemic to the highlands of Papua New Guinea.

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.

Eastern Long-beaked #Echidnas are the oldest mammals on earth. They’re #vulnerable in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 due to #mining and #palmoil #deforestation. Say NO to their #extinction 🌴🔥💀🙊⛔️ #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/eastern-long-beaked-echidna-zaglossus-bartoni/

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Eastern Long-beaked #Echidnas are rare egg-laying #mammals 🥚🦔 They are a prehistoric fever dream with a tube-like beak and hedgehog like spines. Help them survive in #NewGuinea 🇵🇬 when you #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🤮🙊🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/eastern-long-beaked-echidna-zaglossus-bartoni/

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Appearance and Behaviour

The Eastern long-beaked echidna looks like something out of a prehistoric dream. They weigh between 5 and 9 kilograms (10–20 pounds) and are covered in coarse fur interspersed with hedgehog-like spines that offer protection from predators. Their most distinctive feature is their elongated, tube-like beak, which is a marvel of evolutionary adaptation. Unlike most mammals, they lack teeth and a conventional jaw; instead, their beak is lined with electro-receptors, allowing them to detect the faintest electrical signals from underground prey. This unique “beak” functions as a tool for slurping up earthworms and insects, much like a child sucking up spaghetti.

These shy creatures are primarily nocturnal, spending their days hidden in burrows or dense undergrowth. A remarkable trait observed is their limb preference during digging activities, with some individuals demonstrating clear “handedness” (Limb Preferences in Monotremes, 2015).

Their gait and behaviour further highlight their primitive charm. With a shuffling, deliberate walk, they use powerful claws to dig through soil and leaf litter. Despite their armour-like exterior and prehistoric lineage, these echidnas are docile and shy, avoiding confrontation whenever possible. Each movement and adaptation offers a glimpse into a time when mammals first emerged, making them not just a species, but a living connection to the evolutionary history of life on Earth.

Threats

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni - threats

Palm oil, timber and gold mining deforestation:

The destruction of montane forests due to timber deforestation, palm oil monoculture, and gold mining has significantly reduced the Eastern long-beaked echidna’s habitat (IUCN Red List, 2021).

Hunting Pressures:

These echidnas are heavily hunted for bushmeat, even in areas where hunting them is prohibited, posing a critical threat to their survival (IUCN Red List, 2021).

Across New Guinea, more than 800 tribal cultures rely on hunting for protein, with echidnas often targeted as a prized food source (Mongabay, 2015).

Habitat Fragmentation:

Habitat fragmentation from human activities isolates populations, reducing genetic diversity and limiting their ability to adapt to environmental changes (IUCN Red List, 2021).

Limited research into their population trends complicates conservation efforts, highlighting the need for greater scientific focus on this species (Mongabay, 2015).

Diet

The Eastern long-beaked echidna is insectivorous, with a particular fondness for earthworms. They use their specialised snout and long, sticky tongue to extract prey from soil and rotting logs. This foraging behaviour is an essential part of their ecological role, as it contributes to soil aeration and nutrient cycling (Academic OUP, 2009).

Reproduction and Mating

As a monotreme, the Eastern long-beaked echidna lays eggs rather than giving birth to live young. Females lay a single leathery egg, which they incubate in a pouch for approximately 10 days. Once hatched, the puggle remains in the pouch for up to two months, feeding on milk secreted from specialised mammary glands (IUCN Red List, 2016).

Geographic Range

The Eastern long-beaked echidna is endemic to the montane forests of Papua New Guinea, thriving at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. Their range is limited to remote, forested highlands, with populations scattered across the island (AP Science Foundation, 2009).

FAQ

What is the Eastern long-beaked echidna?

The Eastern long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni) is one of the most unique mammals on Earth. As an egg-laying monotreme, they are part of an ancient lineage that has survived for millions of years. Endemic to Papua New Guinea, they are known for their elongated snout and nocturnal habits (Mongabay, 2015).

Why is the Eastern long-beaked echidna Vulnerable?

Their primary threats include habitat destruction from palm oil and timber deforestation and mining, as well as hunting for bushmeat. Despite legal protections, enforcement is weak, and their populations are in decline (IUCN Red List, 2016).

What does the Eastern long-beaked echidna eat?

Earthworms form the majority of their diet, along with other soil-dwelling invertebrates. They forage using their long snout and sticky tongue, an adaptation perfect for extracting prey from soil and decaying wood (Academic OUP, 2009).

How does the Eastern long-beaked echidna reproduce?

Females lay a single egg, incubating it in a pouch for about 10 days. Once the young hatches, it stays in the pouch for up to two months before becoming independent (IUCN Red List, 2016).

Where is the Eastern long-beaked echidna found?

They inhabit the remote montane forests of Papua New Guinea, at elevations between 2,000 and 3,000 metres. These habitats are increasingly threatened by human activities (AP Science Foundation, 2009).

Take Action!

Protect the Eastern long-beaked echidna by advocating for habitat preservation and supporting indigenous-led conservation efforts. Use your purchasing power to demand palm oil free and vegan instead! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Further Information

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Giljov, A., Karenina, K., Hawkins, M. R., & Malashichev, Y. (2015). First record of limb preferences in monotremes (Zaglossus spp.). Australian Journal of Zoology, 63(5), Article ZO15043. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO15043

Leary, T., Seri, L., Flannery, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Aplin, K., Salas, L. & Dickman, C. 2016. Zaglossus bartoni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136552A21964496. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136552A21964496.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

Mack, A. L. (2015). The Long-beaked Echidna: Can we save the earth’s oldest living mammal? Mongabay. Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2015/10/the-long-beaked-echidna-can-we-save-the-earths-oldest-living-mammal/

Opiang, M. D. (2009). Home ranges, movement, and den use in long-beaked echidnas, Zaglossus bartoni, from Papua New Guinea. Journal of Mammalogy, 90(2), 340–346. https://doi.org/10.1644/08-MAMM-A-108.1

The Australia and Pacific Science Foundation. (2009). Reproductive ecology of the eastern long-beaked echidna, Zaglossus bartoni (APSF 09-1). APSF Project Report. Retrieved from http://www.apscience.org.au/apsf_09_1/

Wikipedia contributors. (2021). Eastern long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_long-beaked_echidna

Eastern Long-beaked Echidna Zaglossus bartoni

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Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi

Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi

IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Location: Papua New Guinea (Owen Stanley Range, Central Ranges, Tari Valley, Mt Sisa)

This jewel-toned forest dweller, the Blue Bird-of-Paradise Paradisornis rudolphi, is one of nature’s most visually arresting #bird species—found only in the misty mountain ranges of Papua New Guinea. Yet their mesmerising beauty comes with a high cost. Males are hunted for their shimmering plumes, prized in traditional regalia. More insidiously, their montane rainforest habitat is vanishing due to logging, subsistence agriculture, and the relentless expansion of palm oil monoculture. Despite showing some tolerance for degraded landscapes, they rely on remaining forest patches for food, breeding, and safety. If we fail to act, their haunting calls may be silenced forever. Use your voice and your wallet to stand with them. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Blue Birds of Paradise belong to a vibrant and unique genus 🦜🦚 living only in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 They are vulnerable due to #palmoil #deforestation and #mining. Protect and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🩸🚜🔥❌ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/blue-bird-of-paradise-paradisornis-rudolphi/

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Male Blue Bird of Paradise do fancy dances, 🦚🪺✨ electric-blue feathers morph into glowing discs. Swaying like lanterns they make eerie calls that echo in the forest. They must not be silenced! #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🩸🚜🔥❌ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/blue-bird-of-paradise-paradisornis-rudolphi/

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Appearance and Behaviour

Displaying males are unforgettable: they fan their electric-blue pectoral feathers into glowing discs, sway from branches like feathered lanterns, and produce eerie, fluting calls that echo through the canopy. Their long, streamer-like tail feathers ripple like silk, catching light as they dance to win the attention of rather drabber females.

Blue Birds-of-Paradise are mostly canopy-dwelling and favour lower montane forests between 1,100 and 2,000 metres. Males are fiercely territorial, and each individual typically maintains a home range of 5 to 100 hectares depending on forest quality and human disturbance (Pruett-Jones & Pruett-Jones, 1988; Whiteside, 1998). Their diet is mainly fruit and arthropods, which they skillfully extract from bark and epiphytes in the upper canopy.

Diet

They primarily consume fruits and insects—making them important seed dispersers in their upland forest ecosystems. Their ability to adapt to patchy, human-modified landscapes suggests some behavioural flexibility, but only if fruiting trees and sufficient canopy cover remain.

Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi
Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi

Reproduction and Mating

The breeding ritual of the Blue Bird-of-Paradise is one of nature’s most theatrical. Males invest huge energy in display courts—favourite perches within primary or semi-degraded forest—where they call and dance for days on end. A single chick is usually raised per nesting attempt, in a shallow nest positioned on low branches. Nestlings have even been recorded surviving in heavily modified garden landscapes, although predation risks in these areas are much higher (van den Bergh et al., 2013).

Geographic Range

Found only in Papua New Guinea, this bird ranges from Mt Sisa south of Tari to the Owen Stanley Range. It is highly patchy in distribution and absent from many seemingly suitable areas. Significant populations persist in Tari Valley and Ambua Lodge, though hunting and land clearance have fragmented formerly connected ranges (Beehler & Pratt, 2016).

Threats

The elevational zone is under pressure from clearance for subsistence gardens by the increasing human population.

IUCN Red List

Palm oil expansion

Montane rainforest in Papua New Guinea is rapidly being cleared for oil palm plantations, particularly in lower elevation areas adjacent to the Blue Bird-of-Paradise’s habitat. As new palm oil developments push upslope, they destroy crucial breeding and feeding habitat for this canopy-dependent species. These plantations not only reduce canopy cover but also fragment populations, making survival harder in degraded forests.

Subsistence agriculture and logging

Forest clearance for gardens and shifting cultivation by a growing rural population is a direct threat to this species. Even degraded forest remnants are under pressure, with critical microhabitats being lost every year.

Hunting for plumes

Adult males are hunted for their ornate feathers used in traditional ceremonies. Although the Fauna Act of Papua New Guinea offers legal protection, enforcement is weak, and feather collecting continues—especially around cultural festivals like Independence Day and Christmas (van den Bergh et al., 2013).

Youth poaching with slingshots

A more recent threat is the increase in nest poaching by children using slingshots. This unsustainable removal of chicks further reduces recruitment in already small populations.

Take Action!

Speak up for the Blue Bird-of-Paradise by refusing to support the industries destroying their rainforest homes. Choose 100% palm oil-free products, support indigenous land stewardship, and push for an end to illegal wildlife trade. These birds are the heartbeat of New Guinea’s mountain forests—do not let them fade into silence. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

FAQs

How many Blue Birds-of-Paradise are left?

Current estimates suggest a population of 2,500 to 9,999 mature individuals. Subpopulations are small and likely fragmented, with few exceeding 1,000 birds (IUCN, 2024). Habitat loss and hunting continue to push this number downwards.

Where do Blue Birds-of-Paradise live?

This species is endemic to Papua New Guinea’s eastern Central Ranges, favouring montane forest at elevations between 1,100–2,000 metres. Important locations include Mt Sisa, Tari Valley, and the Owen Stanley range. While some tolerate degraded forest, primary canopy is crucial for breeding displays.

Are Blue Birds-of-Paradise threatened by palm oil plantations?

Yes. Although much attention has been focused on palm oil in Southeast Asia, Papua New Guinea is one of the fastest-growing producers. Palm oil deforestation is accelerating near the altitudinal ranges of Paradisornis rudolphi, particularly in fragmented upland areas where the species survives. This adds yet another pressure on their already limited and degraded habitat.

Why are Blue Birds-of-Paradise hunted?

Males are hunted for their distinctive feathers, worn in traditional dress and ceremonies. Despite legal protection under PNG’s Fauna Act, enforcement is weak, and feathers are sometimes sold to tourists. Cultural celebrations have increased demand in recent years.

Do Blue Birds-of-Paradise make good pets?

Absolutely not. These birds require specific habitat, a rich canopy, and complex social cues to survive and breed. The illegal pet trade is cruel and devastating. Taking them from the wild accelerates extinction. Instead, advocate against exotic pets and support habitat conservation.

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Paradisornis rudolphi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22706266A94059137. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706266A94059137.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

John P. Dumbacher, Birds of New Guinea: Distribution, Taxonomy, and Systematics, The Condor: Ornithological Applications, Volume 120, Issue 1, 1 February 2018, Pages 245–246, https://doi.org/10.1650/CONDOR-17-226.1

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Support the conservation of this species

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Blue Bird-of-paradise Paradisornis rudolphi

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Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea decora

Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea decora

IUCN Status: Vulnerable

Location: Papua New Guinea – Fergusson Island and Normanby Island, D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago. Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise lives in the forests and foothills of the remote D’Entrecasteaux archipelago in east Papua New Guinea. It is found only on two islands – Fergusson and Normanby – and survives in small, fragmented populations.

Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea decora is classified as #Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, with an estimated population of just 650 individuals split across Fergusson and Normanby Islands in Papua New Guinea. This rare and radiant #bird is under siege from logging, gold mining, nickel mining, and slash-and-burn agriculture. Though it can return to forest regenerating after 20–30 years, it cannot survive in heavily degraded or permanently cleared habitats. If these threats are not stopped, this species may vanish forever. Use your voice and your wallet to protect this luminous and irreplacable treasure of New Guinea. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

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/

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The Goldie’s #Bird of Paradise is a shimmering bird of #Papua’s jungles putting on a rainbow performance. They’re #vulnerable due to #palmoil #deforestation and #hunting. Help them survive when you #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴🔥👎⛔ @palmoildetect.bsky.social https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/goldies-bird-of-paradise-paradisaea-decora/

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Habitat loss and degradation through commercial logging, mineral exploration and clearance for agriculture are on-going threats.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

The Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise is a visual marvel. The adult male glows with crimson, golden-yellow, and iridescent green plumage, complete with a pair of long flank plumes and a green sheen across the head and back. Females and juveniles are duller in colour but still show elegant markings. Males are known for their flamboyant courtship displays, hanging upside down from vines and branches while fanning out their plumes, fluttering their wings, and calling loudly. These performances are critical for sexual selection, and the species has been observed engaging in lek-like display areas.

Recent behavioural observations suggest the presence of alternative mating tactics. Footage captured in the wild showed female-plumaged birds mounting others, an extremely rare behaviour that could be indicative of sneak copulations by immature males (MacGillavry et al., 2024). This complex mating dynamic points to an elaborate social structure and possible hidden hierarchies in these secretive birds.

Exciting new findings have shown that Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise, along with other species in the Paradisaeidae family, exhibits biofluorescence – a form of plumage-based signalling visible under ultraviolet light. The bright plumage, particularly in males, includes regions that fluoresce green or yellow under UV excitation, enhancing their courtship displays (Martin et al., 2025).

Diet

The diet of Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise consists primarily of fruits, figs, and various invertebrates, including insects and their larvae. As a frugivorous species, they play a role in seed dispersal within their forest ecosystems. They forage actively in the mid to upper canopy, using their sharp beaks to probe bark, epiphytes, and foliage for hidden invertebrates. Their specialised diet ties them closely to intact rainforest habitats, where fruiting trees and insect diversity are highest.

Reproduction and Mating

Males perform intricate display rituals to attract females, often returning to the same courtship sites each season. These courtship displays are highly energetic and involve not only visual displays but vocalisations and precise body movements. Copulation occurs following female selection of a display partner. Like most birds-of-paradise, Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise is polygynous, and males do not participate in rearing offspring.

Females build nests and raise chicks alone, typically constructing small, cup-shaped nests in the canopy. Clutch size is presumed to be one or two eggs, as is common in the family, though detailed nesting data for this species remains limited.

Geographic Range

Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise is endemic to the D’Entrecasteaux Islands of Papua New Guinea. On Fergusson Island, it occurs in several locations including Maybole Mountain, Oya Tabu Mountain, and the Edagwaba Mountain range. On Normanby Island, it has been recorded in areas such as Mount Solomonai, Lonana, and inland Sewa. Its current total range comprises just over 2,300 km² across both islands, but suitable habitat is fragmented and continues to shrink.

Most individuals are concentrated in mid-elevation forests between 300 and 750 metres above sea level. Although they can tolerate some secondary regrowth, they do not persist in heavily degraded or clear-cut areas.

Threats

  • Timber Logging: Commercial logging has resumed on Fergusson Island in designated Timber Rights Purchase Areas. These operations are fragmenting the forests and displacing Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise from their mid-montane habitats (D. Mitchell in litt. 2016).
  • Gold Mining and Nickel Mining: Mineral exploration and development pose a serious threat. Nickel mining on Fergusson and gold exploration on Normanby are intruding into known habitats. Forest clearing and road construction have already disturbed critical display and nesting areas.
  • Slash-and-burn agriculture: Expansion of slash-and-burn agriculture is converting forest into gardens, especially on Normanby Island. These clearings displace birds and interrupt regrowth cycles critical to the species’ survival.
  • Small Population Size: With fewer than 650 individuals remaining, the species is highly vulnerable to stochastic events, inbreeding depression, and local extinction. Its two isolated subpopulations exacerbate these risks.

Take Action!

Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise is one of the world’s most beautiful birds – but beauty alone cannot save them. You can make a difference:

#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

FAQs

How many Goldie’s Birds-of-paradise are left in the wild?

Recent surveys estimate fewer than 650 individuals remain, with approximately 500 on Fergusson Island and 150 on Normanby Island. This small population is fragmented and continues to decline due to logging, mining, and agricultural expansion (D. Mitchell in litt. 2008).

How do Goldie’s Birds-of-paradise reproduce?

Males perform elaborate visual and acoustic displays to attract mates. Only females build nests and raise the young. Each breeding cycle likely produces 1–2 eggs, and there is little to no male involvement in parental care. The reproductive success of the species is closely tied to the availability of undisturbed forest habitat.

What do Goldie’s Birds-of-paradise eat?

They are primarily frugivores, consuming a variety of native fruits and figs, along with arthropods for protein. Their role as seed dispersers is essential to maintaining the biodiversity of island forest ecosystems.

Are they affected by palm oil deforestation?

While the D’Entrecasteaux Islands are not yet a major palm oil hotspot, proposals for plantation development are spreading. The spread of mining, logging and palm oil could push Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise to the brink. Pre-emptive action is needed to prevent further encroachment by these extractive industries.

Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua
Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua
Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua
Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua
Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua
Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua

Support the conservation of this species

There are currently no conservation activities in place.

Create art to support this forgotten animal.

Further Information

IUCN Rating vulnerable


Affleck, S., & McGeoch, M. A. (2024). Global avian functional diversity depends on the world’s most widespread and distinct birds. Ecology Letters, 27(11), 1683–1694. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.14552


Boersma, J., Gregg, J., Nason, D., Malesa, E., Le Breton, C., Ketaloya, S., Iova, B., & Mittermeier, J. C. (2025). An ornithological survey of Fergusson Island, D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago, Papua New Guinea, reveals new island records and noteworthy natural history observations. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 145(1), Article a2. https://doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v145i1.2025.a2

BirdLife International. 2016. Paradisaea decora. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22706257A94058564. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22706257A94058564.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

MacGillavry, T., Janiczek, C., & Fusani, L. (2024). Video evidence of mountings by female-plumaged birds of paradise. Ethology. https://doi.org/10.1111/eth.13451

Martin, R. P., Carr, E. M., & Sparks, J. S. (2025). Does biofluorescence enhance visual signals in birds-of-paradise? Royal Society Open Science, 12 February 2025. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241905

Stelbrink, B., Von Rintelen, T., Richter, K., Finstermeier, K., Frahnert, S., Cracraft, J., & Hofreiter, M. (2022). Insights into the geographical origin and phylogeographical patterns of Paradisaea birds-of-paradise. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 196(4), 1394–1407. https://doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlac010

Goldies Bird of Paradise Paradisaea decora - Papua New Guinea and West Papua

Goldie’s Bird-of-paradise Paradisaea decora

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Join 3,179 other subscribers

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

Pledge your support

Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator

Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator

Red List Status: Vulnerable

Locations: Bougainville (Papua New Guinea), Choiseul and Santa Isabel (Solomon Islands)

Deep within the old-growth forests of Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands, lives a shrewd and magnificent hunter the Imitator Goshawk Tachyspiza imitator. One of the region’s most elusive and beautiful birds of prey. With only 250-999 mature individuals estimated across three islands, this vulnerable species faces mounting pressure from palm oil and timber deforestation. Their preference for pristine interior forest makes them particularly susceptible to habitat destruction as chainsaws carve through their ancient hunting grounds. Fight for their survival every time you shop #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Imitator Goshawks 🦅🦉💗 are shrewd #raptors who are vulnerable in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 #SolomonIslands 🇸🇧 due to #palmoil #deforestation and #mining. Help them every time you shop and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔☠️🧐⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/imitator-goshawk-accipiter-imitator/

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Appearance and Behaviour

The Imitator Goshawk’s compact frame reflects perfect adaptation to dense forest hunting in Solomon Islands and New Guinea. Their shorter wings and tail, combined with notably longer legs, distinguish them from relatives and enable swift navigation through tangled branches. These forest phantoms move with fluid precision through the understory. These raptors lack the distinctive calls of their relatives, adding to their mysterious presence in the forest depths.

Their piercing eyes scan the forest floor and middle canopy with predatory focus, every sense attuned to subtle movements that betray prey. Unlike relatives who prefer forest edges, these raptors have evolved to claim the heart of the forest as their domain.

Diet

The secretive nature of Imitator Goshawks means their dietary preferences remain largely unknown. One remarkable observation captured them feeding on a smaller bird Chestnut-bellied Monarch Monarcha castaneiventris, demonstrating their ability to catch agile forest birds. Their longer legs suggest they may hunt from low perches, potentially targeting prey on the forest floor as well as in the canopy.

Reproduction and Mating

The breeding ecology of the Imitator Goshawk remains shrouded in mystery. Their nesting habits, courtship behaviours, and family structure have yet to be documented by researchers. This knowledge gap of birds of prey in Papua represents one of the most significant challenges in developing effective protection strategies for this vulnerable species.

Geographic Range

The Imitator Goshawk inhabits three islands across the Solomon Sea: Bougainville in Papua New Guinea, and Choiseul and Santa Isabel in the Solomon Islands. They occupy lowland forests and forest edges from sea level to at least 400 metres elevation, with possible sightings extending to 1,000 metres. Known from scattered specimens and rare sightings, the total population of 350-1,500 individuals appears to have declined on Choiseul and remains extremely rare throughout their range.

As a lowland and hill species with almost all records from old-growth forest, Imitator Goshawks are likely to be threatened by forest loss and degradation. Industrial logging continues on Choiseul and Santa Isabale (G. Dutson in litt. 2016) and logging may become a problem on Bougainville when the island opens up to development.

IUCN Red List

Threats

Timber and palm oil deforestation

Industrial timber and palm oil operations continue across Choiseul and Santa Isabel, systematically removing the old-growth forests that Imitator Goshawks require. As chainsaws bite into centuries-old trees, the complex forest structure essential for these raptors disappears. The species shows clear preference for pristine forest and is rarely found in degraded areas, making them extremely vulnerable to ongoing timber and palm oil deforestation. Future development plans for Bougainville threaten to extend this destruction to their last stronghold.

Competition from Related Species

The Imitator Goshawk possibly faces competition from the closely related Accipiter albogularis, particularly in degraded forest areas where habitat quality has declined This interspecific competition may force Imitator Goshawks into suboptimal territories.

Limited Scientific Knowledge

The poorly understood ecology of this species creates challenges for effective protection strategies. Without detailed knowledge of their breeding requirements, population dynamics, and specific habitat needs, targeted protection efforts remain difficult to implement.

Take Action!

The Imitator Goshawk’s survival hangs by a thread with around 250-999 mature individuals left alive. Protect these enigmas of the rainforest every time you shop. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife to reduce pressure on the forest ecosystems that these magnificent birds desperately need to survive.

FAQs

What is the current population of Imitator Goshawks?

Recent assessments estimate the global population at 250-999 mature individuals, equivalent to 350-1,500 total individuals across all three islands. This extremely small population makes the species highly vulnerable to extinction.

How long do Imitator Goshawks live?

The lifespan of Imitator Goshawks in the wild has not been documented due to limited research. We can hazard a guess from other medium-sized raptors, they likely live several years, but without detailed studies of marked individuals, their exact longevity remains unknown. Understanding their lifespan is crucial for developing effective protection strategies and assessing long-term viability of fragmented populations.

What makes Imitator Goshawks different from other goshawks?

The Imitator Goshawk’s distinctive shorter wings and tail combined with notably longer legs set them apart from related species and reflects their specialisation for hunting in dense forests. Their unique bodies mean they can manoeuvre through branches and foliage.

Further Information

BirdLife International. (2016). Accipiter imitator. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species e.T.A. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22695553A93515433.en

Bildstein, K. L., & Zalles, J. I. (2001). Conservation status of tropical raptors. Journal of Raptor Research, (1), 3-18. https://sora.unm.edu/sites/default/files/journals/jrr/v032n01/p00003-p00018.pdf

Griffiths, C. S., Barrowclough, G. F., Groth, J. G., & Mertz, L. A. (2007). Phylogeny, diversity, and classification of the Accipitridae based on DNA sequences of the RAG-gene. Journal of Raptor Research, (), 253-301.

Kane, S. A., Fulton, A. H., & Rosenthal, L. J. (2015). When hawks attack: animal-borne video studies of goshawk pursuit and prey-evasion strategies. Journal of Experimental Biology, (), 212-222. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4302165/

Lerner, H. R., & Mindell, D. P. (2005). Phylogeny of eagles, Old World vultures, and other Accipitridae based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, (), 577-584.

Webb, M. (1997). Additional notes on the birds of Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. Muruk, 7(2), 37-56.

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator - Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator – Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator - Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator – Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator - Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator – Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator - Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator – Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator - Threats
Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator – Threats

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Accipiter imitator. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22695553A93515433. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22695553A93515433.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Imitator Goshawk Accipiter imitator

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Grizzled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus inustus

Grizzled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus inustus

IUCN Status: Vulnerable (VU)

Location: Indonesia (West Papua, islands of Japen, Waigeo, Misool, Salawati), Papua New Guinea

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

Grizzled Tree Kangaroos 🦘 are looked after by @Tenkile they are vulnerable from #palmoil #deforestation in #WestPapua and #PapuaNewGuinea. Help their survival! When you shop #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔☠️🤮🧐🙊⛔️#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/02/03/grizzled-tree-kangaroo-dendrolagus-inustus/

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Listed as Vulnerable because of an ongoing population decline, suspected to be more than 30% over the last generation (i.e, 10 years), and projected exceed 30% over the next two generations (i.e., 20 years), due to hunting and habitat loss and degradation from expanding agricultural activities.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

The Grizzled Tree Kangaroo are curious and gentle marsupials who blend in with the shadowplay of the forest canopy. Their charcoal-grey fur is streaked with rusty undertones. Strong forearms grasp thick branches with ease, while broad hind legs so familiar in their terrestrial cousins — are used in Papua for climbing, not bounding on the ground. A long, bushy tail acts as a balast and balances their weight in the treetops.

Distinct among tree kangaroos, males grow larger than females, reaching up to 15 kilograms, their bodies powerful, almost bear-like. Their faces are striking: some carry a grey forehead, others have darker facial marks.

They move at first light and in the purple hush before dusk, cautious and careful, threading the canopy as generations have done before them. Little is known of their social lives — the forest keeps their secrets well.

Diet

Grizzled Tree Kangaroos are folivores, primarily feeding on a variety of leaves, fruits, and bark. Their diet includes the foliage of plants such as Schuurmansiella angustifolia, Gnetum, Tetracera, Elatostema, arums, and several species of fig trees (Ficus spp.). They select a range of edible leaves and fruits available in the rainforest canopy and occasionally descend to the ground in search of additional food sources. Their feeding habits play a role in maintaining the ecological balance of their forest habitat.

Reproduction and Mating

The Grizzled Tree Kangaroo gives birth to a single, tiny joey, barely larger than a peanut, who clambers unaided into the mother’s pouch. Here, sheltered and nurtured, the joey will remain for nine months, unseen by human eyes.

Yet much remains to be discovered about the reproduction of Grizzled Tree Kangaroos in the wild. Reports suggest that reproduction occurs once a year, with observations of females carrying young in March, June, and December. Rare instances of twins have been recorded in the wild.

Geographic Range

The Grizzled Tree Kangaroo once moved freely across the northern forests of New Guinea, from the Torricelli Range to the Vogelkop Peninsula. Today, their range is fragmented but still broad:

  • Indonesia: Vogelkop and Fakfak Peninsulas, Foja Mountains, islands of Japen, Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, possibly Batanta.
  • Papua New Guinea: Northern coast ranges as far east as Wewak.

They are found from sea level up to 1,500 metres above sea level, climbing the spine of mountains wrapped in mist. They live in both primary and degraded forests — but it is the untouched forests, dense and dripping with life, where they truly belong.

Threats

Palm oil deforestation

Large-scale clearing of forests for palm oil plantations is a major driver of habitat loss for the Grizzled Tree Kangaroo. Primary and secondary forests are converted to monocultures, removing the dense, diverse vegetation they require for food and shelter.

Gold mining

Mercury and other pollutants from illegal and small-scale gold mining operations contaminate the rivers and soil within their habitat, indirectly affecting the forest ecosystem, animals and indigenous peoples and reducing available resources.

Commercial and illegal logging activities create fragmented landscapes, isolating populations of Grizzled Tree Kangaroos and restricting their movement. Fragmentation increases their vulnerability to hunting and reduces genetic diversity.

Hunting

Hunting for bushmeat remains a significant threat throughout the species’ range. Tree kangaroos are slow-moving and often targeted by hunters, leading to population declines, especially in areas without hunting restrictions.

Illegal pet trade

Young Grizzled Tree Kangaroos are sometimes captured and sold into the illegal pet trade. Captivity causes stress and high mortality rates, and the removal of individuals further destabilises wild populations.

Climate change

Changes in rainfall patterns and temperature regimes affect the flowering and fruiting cycles of forest plants. Altered environmental conditions may impact food availability and the overall health of the habitat.

Take Action!

The Grizzled Tree Kangaroo is a survivor of a world most will never see. Protecting them means rejecting palm oil. Boycott soy-fed meat. Stand with indigenous-led conservation and agroecology. Fight the illegal pet trade. Let the canopy stay whole. Let the forest breathe. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat

FAQs

What is the current population of Grizzled Tree Kangaroos?

The exact population is unknown, but their numbers are believed to be declining across their fragmented range. Reports suggest that where hunting moratoriums are in place, sightings have increased after decades of absence (Tenkile Conservation Alliance, 2024).

How long do Grizzled Tree Kangaroos live?

While no comprehensive studies exist, similar species can live 15–20 years in the wild. In captivity, where breeding success has been achieved, lifespans can be longer.

Why are Grizzled Tree Kangaroos threatened?

Palm oil plantations, hunting, illegal logging, and habitat fragmentation are stripping away their homes and severing their populations. Combined with climate change, these forces push the Grizzled Tree Kangaroo closer to extinction.

Do Grizzled Tree Kangaroos make good pets?

No. They are solitary, tree-dwelling creatures who suffer deeply in captivity. Torn from their families, trapped in cages, deprived of the forest’s vast canopy, they quickly decline. The pet trade robs them of everything they are.

Further Information

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Flannery, T. (1995). Mammals of New Guinea. Cornell University Press.

Flannery, T., Martin, R., & Szalay, A. (1996). Tree Kangaroos: A Curious Natural History. Reed Books.

Leary, T., Seri, L., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A., James, R., Dickman, C., Aplin, K., Flannery, T., Martin, R. & Salas, L. 2016. Dendrolagus inustus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T6431A21957669. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T6431A21957669.en. Downloaded on 03 February 2021.

Tenkile Conservation Alliance. (2024). Grizzled Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://tenkile.com/grizzled-tree-kangaroo/

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Grizzled tree-kangaroo. Retrieved June 3, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grizzled_tree-kangaroo

Grizzled Tree Kangaroo Dendrolagus inustus - #Boycott4Wildlife
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Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica

Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica

IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable

Location: The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is endemic to New Britain, part of Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago. They are primarily found in the island’s eastern and central regions, inhabiting lowland and hill forests up to 1,000 metres above sea level.

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

Charismatic, cheeky Blue-eyed #cockatoos 🕊️ have vivid blue eye rings and expressive crests. They’re #vulnerable in #PapuaNewGuinea due to #palmoil #deforestation and the illegal #pet trade. Help them #BoycottPalmOil 🌴⛔️#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-tz

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Extensive logging for #palmoil and #gold #mining in #NewBritain in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 has made the delightful Blue-eyed cockatoo #vulnerable 😿 Help them to survive when you #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🤮💀🚫 #BoycottGold 🥇🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-tz

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Rapid conversion of lowland forest to oil palm plantations over the last thirty years is likely to have caused a significant loss of breeding habitat to the Blue-Eyed Cockatoo. The major oil palm companies have committed to no further forest clearance but there is a risk that smaller companies will clear forest for oil palm.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

The Blue-eyed Cockatoo is a medium-sized parrot, measuring about 50 centimetres in length. They are easily recognised by their white plumage, bright blue eye rings, and striking yellow-tinged crests. Highly social, they are often seen in pairs or small flocks and communicate with loud, raucous calls (Birds of the World, n.d.; BirdLife International, 2021).

Active and playful, they forage for food in the forest canopy, showcasing remarkable agility as they climb and perch. Their social bonds and intelligent behaviour make them one of the most engaging cockatoo species to observe (Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica close up in profile
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica boycott for them
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica are endangered by palm oil
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica eating nuts
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica up close
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica threats
Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica on branch

Diet

The Blue-eyed Cockatoo feeds primarily on fruits, seeds, nuts, and flowers, often foraging in large, fruiting trees. They play a crucial ecological role as seed dispersers, contributing to forest regeneration. However, deforestation has significantly reduced their access to food sources, increasing their vulnerability (IUCN, 2021; Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Reproduction and Mating

Blue-eyed Cockatoos are cavity nesters, relying on large, mature trees for nesting. They lay one to two eggs per clutch, and both parents participate in incubation and rearing the chicks. Their dependence on old-growth forests highlights the critical need to conserve these habitats (Birds of the World, n.d.; Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Geographic Range

This species is restricted to New Britain in Papua New Guinea’s Bismarck Archipelago. Their range spans the island’s eastern and central regions, where they inhabit lowland and hill forests. While they primarily rely on intact forests, they have been observed in degraded habitats with sufficient canopy cover (Bird Conservation International, 2001; IUCN, 2021).

Threats

Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica threats

Rapid conversion of lowland forest to palm oil plantations over the last thirty years is likely to have caused a significant loss of breeding habitat. The major oil palm companies have committed to no further forest clearance but there is a risk that smaller companies will clear forest for oil palm. Industrial logging continues, as does clearance for subsistence gardens by the growing local populations. About 35% of habitat thought to be suitable for this species was cleared in 30 years or three generations (Buchanan et al. 2008).

IUCN RED LIST

Palm oil and timber deforestation

The destruction of New Britain’s forests due to out-of-control palm oil plantations, logging, and agricultural activities is the primary threat to this species (IUCN, 2021).

Illegal Hunting

Local communities hunt these cockatoos for food, contributing to population declines (Bird Conservation International, 2001).

Illegal Pet Trade

Blue-eyed Cockatoos are highly sought after for the pet trade, where their beauty and intelligence make them valuable targets. Trapping for this trade further depletes their numbers (IUCN, 2021).

Climate Change

Shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures due to climate change threaten the delicate forest ecosystems they depend on.

Take Action!

The survival of the Blue-eyed Cockatoo depends on protecting their forest habitats and addressing illegal hunting and trapping. By boycotting products with palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and spreading awareness, you can help ensure a future for this species. Every effort matters. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

Blue Eyed Cockatoo Cacatua Ophthalmica - Papua New Guinea
Blue Eyed Cockatoo Cacatua Ophthalmica - Papua New Guinea
Blue Eyed Cockatoo Cacatua Ophthalmica - Papua New Guinea

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2021. Cacatua ophthalmica (errata version published in 2022). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22728429A216251055. Accessed on 19 January 2025. https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22728429/216251055

Marsden, S. J., Pilgrim, J., & Wilkinson, R. (2001). Status, abundance and habitat use of Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica on New Britain, Papua New Guinea. Bird Conservation International, 11(3), 213–224. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/259438192

eBird. n.d. Blue-eyed Cockatoo. Retrieved from https://ebird.org/species/blecoc1

Birds of the World. n.d. Blue-eyed Cockatoo. Retrieved from https://birdsoftheworld.org/bow/species/blecoc1/cur/introduction

IUCN Rating vulnerable

Support the conservation of this species

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Blue-eyed Cockatoo Cacatua ophthalmica

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Take Action in Five Ways

1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Join 3,179 other subscribers

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

Location: Bougainville (Papua New Guinea), Choiseul and Santa Isabel (Solomon Islands)

IUCN Status: Near Threatened

One of the least known and possibly rarest birds of prey in the world, the Fearful #Owl Nesasio solomonensis is an elusive nocturnal predator endemic to the Solomon Islands and Bougainville in Papua New Guinea. With their large size, powerful talons, and striking facial features, this species is closely related to Asio owls but has unique characteristics that set them apart. The Fearful Owl is highly dependent on intact lowland forests, making them vulnerable to habitat destruction. Palm oil deforestation and hunting pressures are putting increasing strain on their population, leading to concerns over their long-term survival. Take action and resist for this species every time you shop—go #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife in the supermarket.

The Fearful #Owl 🦉 of #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 is ‘Near Threatened’ due to hunting and #palmoil #deforestation. Their wide-eyed intense looks gave them their name. Support these #owls every time you shop #BoycottPalmOil 🌴⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/fearful-owl-nesasio-solomonensis/

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Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

Appearance and Behaviour

The Fearful Owl is a large, robust bird of prey with a wingspan that allows them to glide effortlessly through dense forests. They have a dark facial mask, piercing orange-yellow eyes, and powerful talons suited for catching large prey. Their plumage is a mix of rich browns and mottled patterns, providing excellent camouflage among tree canopies. This species is highly territorial and is known for their low, booming calls that echo through the forest at night.

Juvenile Fearful Owls have a strikingly different appearance, covered in long, fluffy down with barred wing feathers emerging as they mature. Despite their name, they are not known to be aggressive towards humans. Rather their name is a nod to their wide-eyed and intense appearance. Like many other birds of prey, they are solitary hunters, relying on their stealth and acute vision to ambush prey. Reports suggest that they prefer undisturbed primary forests, making them particularly susceptible to habitat destruction.

Diet

Fearful Owls primarily hunt mammals, birds, and large insects. They are known to prey on the Northern Common Cuscus (Phalanger orientalis), which is also targeted by human hunters in their range. This competition for food may be contributing to their decline. While they have been observed hunting near forest edges and clearings, they are most frequently found in dense, untouched forests where prey is abundant.

Studies suggest that their reliance on larger prey makes them highly sensitive to changes in their ecosystem. As human activity disrupts natural food chains, Fearful Owls may struggle to find adequate nutrition, further threatening their population.

Reproduction and Nesting

Little is known about the breeding habits of the Fearful Owl. However, reports suggest that they nest in large tree hollows or sometimes on epiphytes high in the canopy. Nests are often located on the edge of native gardens, indicating some level of adaptability to human-altered landscapes. The only recorded juvenile was found in 1987 after their nest tree was felled. They were taken in by a local village but were not observed calling or exhibiting any signs of distress.

Given their likely slow reproductive rate and the increasing loss of nesting trees due to deforestation, their ability to sustain stable populations is in danger.

Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

Threats

  • Palm Oil Deforestation – Large-scale timber and palm oil operations have devastated lowland forests on Choiseul and Santa Isabel. Most lowland areas have either been logged or are under logging concessions.
  • Hunting – The Fearful Owl’s prey species, such as the Northern Common Cuscus (Phalanger orientalis), are heavily hunted, reducing food availability (Dutson, 2011).
  • Declining Population – Remote sensing data suggests that forest loss in the species’ range is leading to a steady decline, estimated at 10–19% over three generations. Sightings have become increasingly rare, with reports indicating fewer individuals in formerly well-populated areas (Woxvold & Novera, 2021).
Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

FAQs

Where can Fearful Owls be found?

This species is only found on Bougainville in Papua New Guinea and on Choiseul and Santa Isabel in the Solomon Islands. They require large tracts of intact lowland forest to thrive.

Why are they called ‘fearful’ owl?

Despite their name, Fearful Owls are not aggressive toward humans. Their name likely stems from their intense gaze, large eyes and powerful hunting abilities.

What is threatening their survival?

The biggest threats to Fearful Owls are habitat destruction and hunting pressures. Large-scale logging has removed much of their native forest, and competition with human hunters for food is further straining their population.

Take Action!

The survival of the Fearful Owl depends on protecting their rainforest home from destruction. Use your wallet as a weapon in the supermarket—go #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop. Choose products that are 100% palm oil-free Subscribe to Palm Oil Detectives and spread the word, educate others, and stand against the industries that are destroying their forests. Resist and fight for their survival! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

The Fearful Owl is threatened by large-scale logging and deforestation in the lowlands, which has increased in intensity in recent years, and most of the lowlands of Choiseul and Santa Isabel have been logged or have logging concessions (Katovai et al. 2015).

IUCN Red List

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Nesasio solomonensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22689539A93236256. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22689539A93236256.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Loyn, R. H., & Debus, S. (2000). Description of juvenile Fearful Owl (Nesasio solomonensis). Australian Field Ornithology, 18(7), 288-289.

IUCN Rating vulnerable

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Fearful Owl Nesasio solomonensis

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Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea, Australia

The Great Knot breeds on gravelly areas covered with lichen and patches of herbs, heather (del Hoyo et al. 1996), Empetrum spp., Dryas spp. and Vaccinium spp.(Johnsgard 1981), or alternatively on areas with a continuous layer of lichen and scattered stunted larch Larix spp. or dwarf pine Pinus pumila (del Hoyo et al. 1996).

The breeding grounds of the Great Knot have been decimated by #agriculture and #palmoil plantations in #PapuaNewGuinea. They are now endangered with no known conservation in place. Support them with a brand #Boycott4Wildlife

The Great Knot has been uplisted to Endangered owing to recent evidence showing a very rapid population decline caused by reclamation of non-breeding stopover grounds, and under the assumption that further proposed reclamation projects will cause additional declines in the future.

IUCN Red List

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2019. Calidris tenuirostris (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22693359A155482913. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22693359A155482913.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

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Great Knot Calidris tenuirostris

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Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher Actenoides bougainvillei

Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher Actenoides bougainvillei

Endangered

Location: Endemic to Bougainville Island and nearby islets in Papua New Guinea

The Bougainville moustached kingfisher (Actenoides bougainvillei) is a striking and enigmatic bird found exclusively on Bougainville Island, Papua New Guinea. With their vibrant blue and orange plumage, handsome black moustached stripe, and striking beak, these birds are icons of the island’s biodiversity.

This species is classified as Endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 2,500 mature individuals estimated to remain. Their population continues to decline due to habitat loss from logging, palm oil agriculture, and Indonesian colonial settlement. Fight for their survival by boycotting palm oil and supporting Papuan indigenous sovereignty. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

The cheeky colourful Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher 🦜🇵🇬 lives in #PapuaNewGuinea and #WestPapua #rainforest, endangered by #palmoil #deforestation. Boycott the brands destroying their home #BoycottPalmOil @palmoildetect #Boycott4Wildlife https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/bougainville-moustached-kingfisher-actenoides-bougainvillei/

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Currently, the species’ montane forest habitat is above the altitude usually affected by logging or clearance for subsistence gardens.

IUCN Red List
Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher by J. G. Keulemans print from 1905.
Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher by J. G. Keulemans print from 1905.

Appearance and Behaviour

The Bougainville moustached kingfisher is a medium-sized bird, measuring approximately 31 cm in length and weighing around 170–190 grams. Males are distinguished by their vibrant blue upperparts, orange underparts, and a striking black moustachial stripe extending from the base of the bill. Females are duller, with greenish plumage replacing the vibrant blue.

These kingfishers are secretive and solitary, typically perching in dense forest understories. They use their long, robust beak to hunt insects, small reptiles, and occasionally small birds. Their flight is swift but typically short, as they prefer moving between perches within their forest habitats.

Threats

IUCN Status: Endangered

Habitat Loss: Logging for timber and palm oil agriculture has led to significant deforestation on Bougainville Island, fragmenting the kingfisher’s already restricted range. Shifting agriculture practices further reduce the availability of suitable primary forest habitats.

Hunting and Trapping: Though not targeted specifically, these birds are sometimes caught in traps set for other animals, adding pressure to their declining population.

Climate Change: Changing weather patterns due to climate change may alter their habitat, reducing the availability of food sources and nesting sites.

Introduced pests: The Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher is potentially threatened by introduced rats and cats which are common even at high altitudes (Leary 1991).

Geographic Range

The Bougainville moustached kingfisher is endemic to Bougainville Island in Papua New Guinea and some adjacent islets. They are restricted to undisturbed lowland and montane forests, preferring primary forests between elevations of 300 and 1,000 metres.

Due to logging and habitat fragmentation, their range is shrinking, and they are increasingly confined to smaller, isolated forest patches.

Diet

These kingfishers are primarily carnivorous, feeding on a diet of insects, small reptiles, and amphibians. They have also been observed preying on small birds. Using their sharp beak, they perch silently before darting to capture their prey.

As habitat loss continues to diminish prey availability, their specialised diet places them at even greater risk.

Reproduction and Mating

Very little is known about the breeding habits of the Bougainville moustached kingfisher. Like other kingfishers, they are believed to nest in tree cavities or burrow into earthen banks. Clutch sizes are likely small, with only 2–3 eggs per season.

Habitat loss and fragmentation further reduce the availability of suitable nesting sites, making successful reproduction increasingly challenging.

Take Action!

The Bougainville moustached kingfisher is a symbol of the unique biodiversity of Bougainville Island. Protecting their forest habitat is vital for their survival. Support conservation efforts, boycott palm oil, and advocate for stronger protections against deforestation. Share their story to raise awareness of their plight. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Further Information

BirdLife International. 2016. Actenoides bougainvillei. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22726874A94934210. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22726874A94934210.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

BirdLife International. (2022). Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Birds of the World. (2022). Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher. Birds of the World.

eBird. (2022). Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher. eBird.

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Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Bougainville Moustached Kingfisher Actenoides bougainvillei

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How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

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Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus

Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus

Location: Australia (Queensland) and Papua New Guinea’s offshore islands including Woodlark Island, Alcester Island, Kiriwina, and Halmahera

IUCN Status: Endangered

The Spectacled Flying Fox (Pteropus conspicillatus) is a large, highly mobile fruit #bat native to the tropical rainforests of Australia’s Wet Tropics and Papua New Guinea‘s offshore islands including Woodlark Island, Alcester Island, Kiriwina, and Halmahera. Named for the distinctive pale rings around their eyes, they play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal across vast forested landscapes. However, their survival is under severe threat due to rampant #palmoil #deforestation in #Papua, along with #climatechange-induced extreme heat events, and human-wildlife conflict. These bats have suffered catastrophic population declines in recent years, underscoring the urgent need for conservation action. In February 2019 the Australian government upgraded their threatened status from vulnerable to endangered, after almost a third of the bat population died in a severe heatwave in Queensland in late 2018. Take action and resist climate change and deforestation-driven #extinction every time you shop—#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Spectacled Flying Foxes are a species of megabat #endangered in #PapuaNewGuinea and #FarNorthQueensland Australia. #Bushfires have decimated their numbers. 😿🦇🔥 They face serious threats from #palmoil #deforestation #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/spectacled-flying-fox-pteropus-conspicillatus/

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Wide-eyed Spectacled Flying Foxes are #endangered megabats in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 and #FarNorthQueensland Australia 🇦🇺 😿🦇🔥 A major ongoing threat is #palmoil #deforestation. Take action when you #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/spectacled-flying-fox-pteropus-conspicillatus/

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Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus

The Spectacled Flying Fox was listed as a threatened species under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. They were considered vulnerable due to a significant decline in numbers as a result of loss of their prime feeding habitat and secluded camp sites.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

Spectacled Flying Foxes are among the most striking of Papua and Australia’s #megabats, with jet-black fur contrasted by golden rings around their eyes and neck. They have a wingspan of up to 1.6 metres, making them one of the largest flying fox species. Their powerful wings allow them to travel over 40 km per night in search of food. Unlike smaller bats, they do not echolocate but instead rely on keen eyesight and a sophisticated sense of smell to navigate and locate fruiting trees. They roost in large, noisy colonies in mangroves, rainforests, and urban areas, playing a vital ecological role in seed dispersal and pollination.

Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus cuddling in a tree
A baby Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus being bottle fed
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus two hanging out in a tree
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus close up
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus cuddling in a tree
Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus in flight

Diet

The diet of Pteropus conspicillatus is diverse, consisting primarily of fruits, nectar, and pollen from a variety of rainforest species. Studies have shown they are particularly dependent on figs (Ficus spp.), eucalyptus, and blossoms from Myrtaceae trees (Parsons et al., 2007). Their feeding habits make them critical keystone pollinators, ensuring the reproduction of numerous tropical plant species. However, habitat destruction is forcing them into urban areas where they feed on exotic fruit trees, leading to increased human-wildlife conflict.

Reproduction and Mating

Spectacled Flying Foxes have a slow reproductive rate, giving birth to only one pup per year. Mating occurs in March–April, with females giving birth between October and December. The mother carries the pup clinging to her belly for the first few weeks before leaving them in nursery groups while she forages. Mortality rates are high, particularly during heat stress events and mass die-offs linked to climate change.

Threats

Deforestation for Industrial Agriculture

The primary threat to Pteropus conspicillatus is habitat destruction, particularly for timber and palm oil plantations (in Papua New Guinea) and timber and meat deforestation (In Australia). Vast tracts of lowland rainforest are being cleared, reducing their foraging habitat and forcing them into urban areas where they are often persecuted by humans.

Extreme Heat Events and Climate Change

Spectacled Flying Foxes are highly vulnerable to extreme heat, with thousands dying from heat stress during temperature spikes above 42°C. These mass die-offs, recorded in 2018 and 2019, have decimated the population, making them one of the first Australian mammals experiencing large-scale climate change-induced mortality.

Human-Wildlife Conflict

Farmers often view these bats as pests due to their consumption of fruit crops, leading to culling, habitat destruction, and illegal poisoning. In some areas, local governments have sanctioned smoke dispersals to remove colonies, causing unnecessary stress and fatal injuries to bats.

Disease Stigma and Persecution

Flying foxes are often unfairly demonised due to their association with viruses like Hendra, despite low transmission risks to humans. This stigma has led to illegal killings and further persecution, exacerbating their population decline.

Take Action!

The Spectacled Flying Fox is a vital part of Australia and Papua New Guinea’s rainforest ecosystem. Fight for their survival and resist deforestation-driven extinction every time you shop—#BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife. Support habitat protection initiatives and advocate for stronger protections against bat culling and persecution.

FAQs

Why is the Spectacled Flying Fox endangered?

Habitat loss due to deforestation, mass mortality events from climate change, and persecution by farmers and local authorities have caused a significant population decline.

Why does the world need Spectacled Flying Foxes?

They are critical pollinators and seed dispersers, playing an essential role in the health of tropical rainforests. Without them, many plant species—including those vital to human agriculture—would struggle to reproduce.

How many Spectacled Flying Foxes are left?

It is difficult to estimate exact numbers, but populations have plummeted in recent years due to heat stress events and habitat destruction. In 2019, thousands perished in a single heatwave, accelerating their decline.

Do Spectacled Flying Foxes carry disease?

Like all wildlife, they can carry zoonotic diseases, but the risk of transmission to humans is extremely low unless there is direct contact. Education and conservation efforts should focus on protecting both bats and public health.

Can you keep Spectacled Flying Foxes as pets?

No. Keeping a Spectacled Flying Fox as a pet is illegal and unethical. These are wild animals with specialised needs, and their removal from the wild harms both individuals and ecosystems.

Support the conservation of this species

Tolga Bat Hospital – Queensland

Further Information

Fox, S. (2006). Population structure in the spectacled flying fox, Pteropus conspicillatus: A study of genetic and demographic factors (Doctoral dissertation, James Cook University). https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/8053/

Parsons, J. G., Cairns, A., Johnson, C. N., Robson, S. K. A., et al. (2007). Dietary variation in spectacled flying foxes (Pteropus conspicillatus) of the Australian Wet Tropics. Australian Journal of Zoology, 54(6), 417–428. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO06092

Roberts, B., Eby, P. & Westcott, D. 2020. Pteropus conspicillatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T18721A22080456. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T18721A22080456.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

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Spectacled Flying Fox Pteropus conspicillatus

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Ifola Dendrolagus notatus

Ifola Dendrolagus notatus

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Locations: Papua New Guinea, Indonesian-occupied West Papua

Ifolas are gentle forest-dwelling ＃marsupials of the tree #kangaroo genus ＃Dendrolagus in ＃PapuaNewGuinea 🦘🦘🤎. Endangered due to ＃palmoil ＃deforestation. Say no to palm oil and ＃BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔☠️🤮⛔️ ＃Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/ifola-dendrolagus-notatus/

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Ifolas are gentle tree #kangaroos on the edge of #extinction in ＃WestPapua and ＃PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬🦘🦘🤎 due to hunting and ＃PalmOil ＃deforestation. Say no to palm oil when you shop! ＃BoycottPalmOil 🌴🪔🙈🚫🤮＃Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/ifola-dendrolagus-notatus/

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The Ifola, a rare and little-known #marsupial tree kangaroo, inhabits the tropical montane forests of the Fakfak Mountains in Papua New Guinea and Indonesian-occupied West Papua. First identified as a distinct species in 1993, this remarkable marsupial is part of the genus Dendrolagus, known for their arboreal lifestyle. With their restricted range and vulnerability to habitat loss, Ifola are at significant risk due to palm oil deforestation, gold mining, and other human activities encroaching on their high-altitude homes. Their survival is tied to the preservation of the rich, biodiverse forests they call home. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Appearance and Behaviour

The Ifola are strikingly agile and robust tree kangaroos, characterised by their reddish-brown coat, paler underparts, and a long, bushy tail. Their strong claws and muscular limbs are perfectly adapted for climbing the dense rainforest branches of , allowing them to thrive in the dense canopies of tropical forests (IUCN, 2015).

These shy and solitary animals are known for their elusive nature, often avoiding human contact. Primarily nocturnal, Ifola are adept at navigating the upper canopy, where they forage and rest, blending seamlessly into their environment (Tenkile Conservation Alliance, n.d.).

Diet

The Ifola’s diet consists primarily of leaves, which they supplement with fruits, flowers, and other vegetation. Their folivorous habits allow them to exploit a specialised niche in their montane forest habitat. However, their reliance on forest resources makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat destruction (IUCN, 2015).

Reproduction and Mating

As with many marsupial tree kangaroo species, there is limited information about the reproductive behaviours of Ifola. They are likely to have a low reproductive rate, with females giving birth to a single joey that remains in the pouch for several months. After giving birth, they are suspected to have an 18 month dependency period before the female is ready to breed again. This slow reproduction makes population recovery challenging, especially under current threats (IUCN, 2015; Tenkile Conservation Alliance, n.d.).

Geographic Range

The Ifola are endemic to the Fakfak Mountains in the Bird’s Head Peninsula of Indonesian-occupied West Papua. They are found in a narrow range of tropical montane forests, typically between 1,000 and 2,000 metres above sea level (IUCN, 2015). This limited distribution places them at heightened risk from habitat destruction and environmental changes.

Their habitat has been heavily impacted by logging, mining, and the expansion of palm oil plantations, further reducing their already restricted range (Palm Oil Detectives, 2021).

Threats

This incredibly rare tree kangaroo is listed as Endangered because they are suspected to have undergone at least a 50% population reduction in the last three generations (i.e., 30 years) that has not ceased, due mainly to hunting pressures and loss of habitat.

Palm Oil and Timber Deforestation: Logging and agricultural expansion, including out-of-control palm oil plantations, are destroying their habitat at an alarming rate (IUCN, 2015).

Gold Mining: Extractive industries pose a significant threat to the montane forests they depend on.

Climate Change: Rising temperatures threaten to shrink the high-altitude forests where they thrive, pushing them into even smaller ranges.

Take Action!

Protecting the Ifola requires urgent action to preserve their montane forest habitat. Support indigenous-led conservation initiatives in West Papua and choose products free from palm oil and deforestation. Adopting a vegan lifestyle and using your voice to advocate for the protection of biodiverse ecosystems are vital steps to ensure their survival. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

The Ifola is threatened by heavy hunting for food with dogs by local people (it has disappeared from the Schrader Range). They are also threatened by loss of habitat due to agriculture (shifting cultivation) and deforestation due to logging.

IUCN Red List

Further Information

Leary, T., Seri, L., Flannery, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Helgen, K., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Allison, A. & James, R. 2016. Dendrolagus notatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136732A21957010. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136732A21957010.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Palm Oil Detectives. (2021). Ifola Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/ifola-dendrolagus-notatus/

Tenkile Conservation Alliance. (n.d.). Ifola Tree Kangaroo. Retrieved from https://tenkile.com/ifola-tree-kangaroo

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Ifola Dendrolagus notatus

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How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Woodlark Cuscus Phalanger lullulae

Woodlark Cuscus Phalanger lullulae

Red List Status: Endangered

Locations: Papua New Guinea: Woodlark Island, Madau Island, Alcester Island (Milne Bay Province). The Woodlark Cuscus inhabits the mosaic of dry lowland forest, secondary regrowth, and epiphyte-laden trees.

The Woodlark #Cuscus is a nocturnal marsupial found nowhere else but the forests of Woodlark, Madau, and Alcester islands. By day, the Woodlark Cuscus curls into tree hollows or buries themselves in tangles of epiphytes; by night, they move silently through the canopy, their marbled fur blending with the shifting shadows. The Woodlark Cuscus faces imminent extinction as palm oil plantations, logging, and gold mining threaten to erase the last forests of their island home. With all individual cuscuses known from less than 1,300 km² and new clearances looming, the Woodlark Cuscus’s world is shrinking fast. Stand with indigenous Melanesian sovereignty and safeguard these islands. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

The Woodlark #Cuscus 🦫🐻 is a fuzzy #endangered #marsupial of #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 living on remote Woodlark island. They’re at risk from #palmoil #ecocide. Protect them and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🩸☠️🤢🚜🔥❌ #Boycott4Wildlife when you shop! @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/woodlark-cuscus-phalanger-lullulae/

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The major threat to the Woodlark Cuscus, and indeed the current way of life for humans on the island, is a proposal by a Malaysian timber company to log almost half of the rainforest on the island. In addition a goldmine is planned for the island, and this has the potential to degrade habitat for the species. The Woodlark Cuscus is occasionally hunted for food by local people, but they are not a preferred food item (unlike pigs and fish), and hunting appears to have little impact on population abundance. Listed as Endangered because they live in an area less than 1,300 km², all individuals are known from two (possibly 3) locations, and there is an imminent risk (=projected decline) to their remaining habitat due to plans for logging and mine development on Woodlark Island.

The major threat to the Woodlark Cuscus, and indeed the current way of life for humans on the island, is a proposal by a Malaysian timber company to log almost half of the rainforest on the island.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

Woodlark Cuscus Phalanger lullulae (2)

The Woodlark Cuscus is a medium-sized, solitary marsupial, with females slightly larger than males. Their short, woolly coat is a marbled patchwork of ochre, brown, and white, with each animal displaying a unique pattern. The Woodlark Cuscus has a black face, a pink nose, and pale flashes on their ears. Their long, prehensile tail is naked at the tip, acting like a fifth limb to grip branches as they climb. The Woodlark Cuscus’s hands and feet are highly adapted for arboreal life, with opposable digits and syndactyly on the hind feet. They move with deliberate grace, rarely descending from the canopy. Radio tracking studies reveal that the Woodlark Cuscus spends most of their time near a few favoured sleeping trees, emerging after dark to forage. The Woodlark Cuscus is mostly solitary, and encounters between individuals can be aggressive.

Threats

Palm oil, logging, and mining deforestation

The Red List lists the Woodlark Cuscus as Endangered because their entire population is confined to less than 1,300 km², and all known locations are threatened by imminent habitat destruction. A Malaysian timber company has proposed logging nearly half of Woodlark Island’s rainforest to make way for palm oil plantations, which would obliterate the cuscus’s habitat and the ecological web of the island. Gold mining projects also threaten to pollute and fragment the remaining forest. As bulldozers advance, the Woodlark Cuscus loses the shelter of epiphyte-laden trees and the nectar-rich vines that sustain them. Even secondary regrowth, which locals say provides the Woodlark Cuscus’s favourite foods, is at risk.

The Woodlark Cuscus cannot survive in plantations or open ground and is extremely vulnerable to local extinction as the forest is cleared. This threat is compounded by the lack of protected areas and the absence of any formal conservation action. The Woodlark Cuscus’s entire way of life—solitary, arboreal, and dependent on a living forest—is under direct assault from industrial expansion and land grabs (Flannery, 1995; Mongabay, 2020).

Fragmentation and population collapse

The Woodlark Cuscus’s range is now fragmented into isolated forest patches. Satellite imagery and field surveys confirm that the Woodlark Cuscus is more abundant in the dry lowland forests of eastern Woodlark Island, where secondary regrowth provides shelter and food, than in the dense western jungles. However, as logging, mining, and plantations advance, these patches shrink and become isolated. The Woodlark Cuscus is highly adapted to arboreal life and rarely crosses open ground, making recolonisation of lost habitat nearly impossible. Fragmentation increases the risk of inbreeding and local extinction, especially as the Woodlark Cuscus is already confined to a handful of sites. Without urgent action to halt forest loss and restore corridors, the Woodlark Cuscus faces a future of genetic decline and population collapse (Norris, 1999; Mongabay, 2020).

Diet

The Woodlark Cuscus is a nocturnal forager, feeding on nectar from vines and the fast-growing tree Rhus taitensis, which flourishes in old gardens and secondary regrowth. Local knowledge suggests the Woodlark Cuscus also eats the leaves and fruits of several vine species, though the exact plants are not yet identified. Like other cuscuses, the Woodlark Cuscus may occasionally eat fruit or even meat, but nectar and soft plant matter are thought to be their staples. Their foraging helps pollinate vines and disperse seeds, supporting the forest’s renewal after disturbance (Flannery, 1995).

Reproduction and Mating

Researchers have not directly observed the Woodlark Cuscus’s courtship or mating, but studies of captured females reveal that breeding is likely spread over a long period, with births occurring throughout the year. Females give birth to a single young, which remains in the pouch before graduating to riding on the mother’s back as they mature. The composition of the mother’s milk changes as the young grows, starting as a dilute, sugar-rich fluid and becoming more concentrated with protein and fat over time. This gradual transition from pouch to back is typical of metatherians. The Woodlark Cuscus’s solitary nature means that mothers raise their young alone, teaching them to forage and climb until they are independent (Flannery, 1995; Norris, 1999).

Geographic Range

The Woodlark Cuscus is endemic to Papua New Guinea and found only on Woodlark Island, Madau Island, and Alcester Island in Milne Bay Province. Within these islands, the Woodlark Cuscus prefers dry lowland forest and secondary regrowth, especially on the eastern side of Woodlark Island. The Woodlark Cuscus is absent from the dense rainforests of the west and is rarely seen outside tree hollows or dense epiphyte tangles during the day. Their range has contracted dramatically as logging and mining projects have advanced, and the species is now absent from large areas where they once thrived (Flannery, 1995; Norris, 1999).

FAQs

How many Woodlark Cuscuses remain alive in the wild?

Precise numbers are unknown, but all Woodlark Cuscuses are confined to less than 1,300 km² across three islands. Surveys suggest the Woodlark Cuscus is moderately abundant in the eastern forests of Woodlark Island and on Alcester Island, but their population is declining rapidly as habitat disappears. The Red List classifies the Woodlark Cuscus as Endangered, and the species could vanish within a generation if logging and mining proceed unchecked (Flannery, 1995).

What makes the Woodlark Cuscus so vulnerable to extinction?

The Woodlark Cuscus is highly specialised for life in the forest canopy and cannot survive in plantations or open ground. Their entire population is confined to a handful of islands, and all known habitat is under threat from palm oil, logging, and mining. The Woodlark Cuscus’s reluctance to cross open ground makes them especially vulnerable to fragmentation, and their solitary habits mean that recolonisation of lost patches is unlikely. Without urgent protection of remaining forests and indigenous-led agroecology, the Woodlark Cuscus faces extinction (Mongabay, 2020; Norris, 1999).

Do Woodlark Cuscuses make good pets?

Absolutely not! The Woodlark Cuscus is a solitary, nocturnal animal with highly specific needs for shelter, diet, and space. In captivity, the Woodlark Cuscus suffers extreme stress, loneliness, and early death. The pet trade rips families of these rare marsupials apart and fuels their extinction. Keeping the Woodlark Cuscus as a pet is illegal and unethical.

Take Action!

Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife. Support indigenous-led sovereignty and agroecology on Woodlark Island. Reject products linked to logging and mining. Fight for the Woodlark Cuscus’s survival every time you shop.

Further Information

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Flannery, Tim. (1995). Mammals of New Guinea Chatswood, NSW. Reed Books. Australian Museum

Leary, T., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Helgen, K., Wright, D., Allison, A. & Hamilton, S. 2016. Phalanger lullulae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T16846A21951419. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T16846A21951419.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Mongabay. (2020, October 1). Land grab, logging, mining threaten biodiversity haven of Woodlark Island. https://news.mongabay.com/2020/10/land-grab-logging-mining-threaten-biodiversity-haven-of-woodlark-island/

Norris, C. A. (1999). The ecology and behaviour of the Woodlark cuscus, Phalanger lullulae. The American Society of Mammologists.

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Woodlark cuscus. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Woodlark_cuscus

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Woodlark Cuscus Phalanger lullulae

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Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea, Asia, SE Asia, Northern Australia

The Far Eastern Curlew breeds on open mossy or transitional bogs, moss-lichen bogs and wet meadows, and on the swampy shores of small lakes and winters in Papua New Guinea; in the non-breeding season, this bird is essentially coastal, occurring at estuaries, mangrove swamps, saltmarshes and intertidal flats, particularly those with extensive seagrass (Zosteraceae) meadows. They often roost in salt-marshes, behind mangroves, or on sandy beaches (del Hoyo et al. 1996).

Far Eastern Curlews are shorebirds with a big range over #Asia #PapuaNewGuinea #Australia. They’re endangered as their home is being destroyed for #palmoil and agriculture. Support this #forgottenanimal with a #Boycott4Wildlife Art by @kokayart

Habitat loss on the Yellow Sea staging grounds is probably the primary threat to the species, with loss of stopover sites thought to be responsible for shorebird population declines on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (Amano et al. 2010, Yang et al. 2011).

IUCN Red List

This species breeds in eastern Russia, from the upper reaches of the Nizhnyaya Tunguska river east though the Verkhoyarsk mountains to Kamchatka, and south to Primorye and north-eastern Mongolia (del Hoyo et al. 1996). The Yellow Sea region of
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Republic of Korea and China is a particularly important stopover site on northward and southward migration. They have been recorded as a passage migrant in Japan, Brunei, Bangladesh, Thailand, Viet Nam, Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, with up to 75% of the population wintering in Australia. The remaining proportion of the population winters in China, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and New Zealand (del Hoyo et al. 1996).

The major threat to this species is forest degradation, clearance and conversion to plantations or gardens. Pesticide use in oil palm plantations might pose a secondary threat.

IUCN Red List

Progressive declines and extinctions of individual island populations also threaten the persistence of the species as a whole by limiting opportunities for natural or assisted reintroductions.

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Further Information

BirdLife International. 2017. Numenius madagascariensis (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2017: e.T22693199A118601473. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T22693199A118601473.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Art by Szabolcs Kokay

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Far Eastern Curlew Numenius madagascariensis

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Louisiade Woolly Bat Kerivoula agnella

Louisiade Woolly Bat Kerivoula agnell

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Location: The Louisiade Woolly Bat is endemic to Papua New Guinea, specifically to the islands of the Louisiade Archipelago, including Sudest (Vanatinai) and Tagula.

Also known as St. Aignan’s Trumpet-Eared Bat, the Louisiade Woolly Bat is a rare and enigmatic species. Recognised for their soft, wool-like fur and distinct trumpet-shaped ears, these bats are essential to their ecosystems as insect controllers and forest health indicators.

However, their survival is increasingly threatened and they are now listed as endangered on IUCN Red List. Habitat destruction from logging, agriculture, and development is fragmenting their limited range. Without conservation efforts, this delicate species may face extinction. Protect their habitat and biodiversity: #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

The delicate and tiny Louisiade Wooly #Bat 🦇🖤with trumpet-like 👂🎺ears is #endangered in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 from #palmoil and #pesticide #pollution. Help save this forgotten species when you #BoycottPalmOil 🌴💀🔥🚫 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-sV

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The major threat to this species is forest degradation, clearance and conversion to plantations or gardens. Pesticide use in oil palm plantations might pose a secondary threat.

IUCN Red List

Progressive declines and extinctions of individual island populations also threaten the persistence of the species as a whole by limiting opportunities for natural or assisted reintroductions.

Louisiade Woolly Bat Kerivoula agnella

Appearance and Behaviour

The Louisiade Woolly Bat, also called St. Aignan’s Trumpet-Eared Bat, is a small, delicately built bat with a body length of 4–5 cm and a wingspan of about 25 cm. Their dense, woolly fur varies from pale grey-brown to golden, providing excellent camouflage in their forest environment. Their namesake trumpet-shaped ears are highly sensitive, aiding in echolocation to navigate and hunt insects.

This nocturnal species is active in dense forest canopies, using their remarkable agility to hunt small, flying insects. During the day, they roost in tree hollows, beneath bark, or in dense foliage, relying on their cryptic colouring to remain hidden from predators.

Threats

The Louisiade Woolly Bat (Kerivoula agnella) faces mounting threats from habitat destruction, pesticide use, and human activities across their limited island range.

Deforestation for palm oil and timber

Throughout the Louisiade Archipelago, forest degradation and clearance for palm oil agriculture is the most pressing threat. On Fergusson Island, forests below 200 metres have been degraded over generations by subsistence farming and frequent fires, while logging concessions cover nearly half the island, further shrinking the bat’s habitat. Woodlark Island has seen similar impacts, with large areas cleared for palm oil and mining, leaving fragmented patches of secondary forest. On Misima Island, former gold mining operations and increasing human activity have significantly degraded forest cover, while Sudest Island remains a rare stronghold with relatively intact forests at higher elevations.

Pesticide and run-off pollution from palm oil plantations

The increasing use of pesticides and herbicides across these islands is a huge threat to the Louisiade Woolly Bat. These chemicals may harm insect populations, their primary food source, while also potentially poisoning the bats directly. As agriculture expands, the reliance on these harmful chemicals continues to rise, further jeopardising the species.

Climate Change

Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns threaten the forest ecosystems these bats depend on. Changes in insect populations caused by climate change could further jeopardise their food sources.

Small and Isolated Population

With populations confined to small, isolated islands, the Louisiade Woolly Bat is at high risk of extinction. Habitat fragmentation caused by logging and palm oil agriculture limits their ability to move between areas, reduces genetic diversity, and increases the likelihood of localised population collapses.

Diet

The Louisiade Woolly Bat is insectivorous, preying on moths, beetles, flies, and other small, flying insects. They use echolocation to hunt within dense forest canopies and near water sources where insects are abundant.

Reproduction and Mating

Although specific details about the Louisiade Woolly Bat’s reproduction are unknown, it is likely that they follow similar patterns to other bats in the Kerivoula genus. Females likely give birth to a single pup each year, which remains dependent on the mother for several weeks until they can forage independently.

Geographic Range

This bat is endemic to Papua New Guinea’s Louisiade Archipelago, specifically on Sudest (Vanatinai) and Tagula islands. They are closely associated with lowland forests, where they rely on intact, undisturbed habitats for roosting and hunting.

FAQ

What are some interesting facts about woolly bats?

Woolly bats, such as the Louisiade Woolly Bat, are named for their dense, wool-like fur, which helps them blend into their forest surroundings. They are among the most agile bat species, able to navigate dense canopies with precision.

Where are woolly bats found?

Woolly bats are typically found in tropical and subtropical forests across Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The Louisiade Woolly Bat is restricted to the islands of Sudest and Tagula in the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea.

Are woolly bats carnivores?

Woolly bats are insectivorous, feeding exclusively on small, flying insects such as moths, flies, and beetles.

Take Action!

The Louisiade Woolly Bat is a delicate, rare species whose survival depends on protecting Papua New Guinea’s forest ecosystems. Stand against habitat destruction caused by logging and agriculture: #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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There are no known conservation activities for this animal. Share out this post to social media and join the #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife on social media to raise awareness

Further Information

Aplin, K. & Armstrong, K.D. 2020. Kerivoula agnella. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T10968A21975540. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T10968A21975540.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Funakoshi, K., Fukui, D., Yamamoto, T., & Mizuno, M. (2015). Ecology and monogamous system of the painted woolly bat (Kerivoula picta) in Khon Kaen, Thailand. Mammal Study, 40(4), 207–216. https://doi.org/10.3106/041.040.0402

IgoTerra. (n.d.). Kerivoula agnella. Retrieved from https://igoterra.com/taxon/view/35788/Kerivoula-agnella

Wikipedia. (n.d.). St. Aignan’s Trumpet-Eared Bat. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Aignan%27s_trumpet-eared_bat

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Louisiade Woolly Bat Kerivoula agnella

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Join 3,179 other subscribers

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Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis

Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis

Red List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea

Region: Endemic to Fergusson Island in the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago

Once thought to be extinct since its last sighting in 1882, the elusive Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon was rediscovered in 2022 thanks to the collaboration of researchers and local communities. This large, ground-dwelling pigeon is now listed as Critically Endangered, with fewer than 250 mature individuals believed to remain. It lives exclusively in the hill and montane rainforests of Fergusson Island, which are under increasing pressure from logging, subsistence agriculture, and introduced predators such as rats, pigs, and potentially domestic cats. The species is also hunted by locals for food. Protecting this remarkable bird and its habitat is urgent. Use your voice and your wallet to help save them. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife and be #Vegan

Thought #extinct but dramatically rediscovered in 2022 Black-naped Pheasant-pigeons are #endangered #birds 🐦 A threat is #palmoil #deforestation in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 Help them when you shop #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🩸☠️⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/black-naped-pheasant-pigeon-otidiphaps-insularis/

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Known locally as ‘Auwo’, Black-naped Pheasant-pigeons 🪿🐦 are #endangered #birds. A big threat is #palmoil #deforestation in #PapuaNewGuinea 🇵🇬 Fight back against their #extinction! #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴🩸☠️🧐🚫 @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/black-naped-pheasant-pigeon-otidiphaps-insularis/

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Appearance and Behaviour

Also known locally as “Auwo”, the Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon resembles a glossy pheasant in body shape, with a flattened tail and long legs adapted to a ground-dwelling lifestyle. Their plumage is a mix of iridescent green, bronze, and black, with a distinctive black nape from which they get their name. These shy birds move quietly through the undergrowth, foraging for seeds and fallen fruit. Unlike arboreal pigeons, they spend nearly all their time on the forest floor.

They are highly elusive and have only recently been captured on camera traps in remote highland forests. The behaviour of these illusive pheasant-pigeons is still not well studied, but they are presumed to be solitary or occur in low densities, making them extremely difficult to detect.

Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis
Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis
Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis
Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis boycott palm oil
Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis threats

Diet

Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons forage for fallen fruit and seeds on the forest floor. Their diet includes a wide variety of native fruiting plants, contributing to seed dispersal across fragmented montane habitats. While they can tolerate some disturbance, they disappear from forests where hunting is prevalent.

Reproduction and Mating

Little is known about their breeding behaviour of these birds, but like other Otidiphaps species, they are believed to nest on the ground. Recent local accounts suggest that active nests have been discovered in dense forest understories. Ground nesting makes them especially vulnerable to predation by invasive rats and pigs. Pheasant-pigeons lay one or two eggs, which are incubated on the forest floor under dense cover.

Geographic Range

The Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon is endemic to Fergusson Island, part of the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. Their known range includes the steep, rugged slopes of Mt Kilkerran and surrounding highland rainforest above 1,000 metres. No populations are known outside this single island. Despite recent rediscovery, the species is feared to be extremely rare and severely fragmented.

Threats

Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis threats

Logging of primary forest

Timber logging continues in central and eastern Fergusson Island, especially in the East Fergusson Timber Rights Purchase area, which resumed operations in 2012. Industrial logging threatens the bird’s entire remaining habitat (Gregg et al., 2020).

Hunting pressures

The species was historically hunted by local communities, but following the bird’s rediscovery in 2021 and increased awareness of their rarity, Indigenous peoples on Fergusson Island are beginning to recognise its cultural and ecological importance. There is now hope that local knowledge and stewardship will empower communities to take a leading role in protecting the species.

Introduced predators

Including Polynesian Rats (Rattus exulans) and pigs, are already established and may prey on ground nests. Cats and Black Rats (Rattus rattus) may already be present and pose a serious threat if widespread (Atkinson & Atkinson, 2000; Dutson, pers. comm. 2021). Shipping and trade introduce high risk invasive species being transported to the island via large cargo vessels, increasing the threat of ecological disruption.

Climate change-related extreme weather

This alters rainfall patterns and temperatures which further threaten the already-fragile montane ecosystems of Fergusson Island.

Take Action!

The rediscovery of the Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to save a species from extinction. We must support local communities and indigenous-led conservation on Fergusson Island to protect this bird’s remaining habitat. Reject palm oil and logging products that drive deforestation. Choose vegan, animal-free alternatives and raise your voice for wildlife. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan #BoycottMeat

FAQs

Do Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons make good pets?

Absolutely not. Keeping these Critically Endangered birds as pets is illegal and contributes directly to their extinction. Every individual removed from the wild represents a significant loss for a species with fewer than 250 mature individuals left. Indigenous communities are working hard to protect their native wildlife – we must support their efforts by opposing wildlife trafficking and the exotic pet trade.

How many Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons are left?

Estimates suggest there are fewer than 250 mature individuals left in the wild, based on limited sightings and habitat assessments (Gregg et al., 2020). Their range is restricted to Fergusson Island and even there they occur in extremely low densities.

Why are Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons endangered?

Their habitat is shrinking due to logging and agriculture, and they are also hunted by local communities. Introduced predators like pigs and rats eat their eggs, and cats may be an additional future threat (Gregg et al., 2020; del Hoyo et al., 2020).

Where exactly do Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons live?

They are found only on Fergusson Island, part of the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago of Papua New Guinea, mostly in montane forest habitats above 1,000 metres near Mt Kilkerran.

How were Black-naped Pheasant-Pigeons rediscovered?

After 140 years, the species was rediscovered in 2022 through a month-long expedition using camera traps and the guidance of local hunters who knew the bird’s calls and habits. The effort was part of the Search for Lost Birds program led by Re:wild, BirdLife International, and the American Bird Conservancy (Kimbrough, 2022).

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Further Information

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Audubon. (2022, November 17). ‘Like Finding a Unicorn’: Researchers Rediscover the Black-Naped Pheasant-Pigeon. Audubon Magazine. https://www.audubon.org/news/like-finding-unicorn-researchers-rediscover-black-naped-pheasant-pigeon-bird

BirdLife International. 2016. Otidiphaps insularis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T22726273A94916466. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-3.RLTS.T22726273A94916466.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Kimbrough, L. (2022, November 21). In PNG, researchers find a large pigeon lost to science for 140 years. Mongabay. https://news.mongabay.com/2022/11/in-png-researchers-find-a-large-pigeon-lost-to-science-for-140-years/

Sci.News Staff. (2022, November 21). Ornithologists capture first-ever photos, video of long-lost ground-dwelling pigeon. Sci.News. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.sci.news/biology/otidiphaps-insularis-11411.html

Zoological Society of London. (n.d.). Black-naped pheasant-pigeon (Otidiphaps insularis). EDGE of Existence. Retrieved March 25, 2025, from https://www.edgeofexistence.org/species/black-naped-pheasant-pigeon/

Support the conservation of this species

Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Black-naped Pheasant-pigeon Otidiphaps insularis

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How can I help the #Boycott4Wildlife?

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1. Join the #Boycott4Wildlife on social media and subscribe to stay in the loop: Share posts from this website to your own network on Twitter, Mastadon, Instagram, Facebook and Youtube using the hashtags #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Join 3,179 other subscribers

2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

3. Supermarket sleuthing: Next time you’re in the supermarket, take photos of products containing palm oil. Share these to social media along with the hashtags to call out the greenwashing and ecocide of the brands who use palm oil. You can also take photos of palm oil free products and congratulate brands when they go palm oil free.

4. Take to the streets: Get in touch with Palm Oil Detectives to find out more.

5. Donate: Make a one-off or monthly donation to Palm Oil Detectives as a way of saying thank you and to help pay for ongoing running costs of the website and social media campaigns. Donate here

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Forest Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sylvatica

Forest Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sylvatica

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Location: The Forest Rainbowfish is endemic to the Upper Lakekamu Basin in south-eastern Papua New Guinea, at elevations between 35 and 120 metres. This area lies approximately 190 km north-west of Port Moresby.

The Forest Rainbowfish is a radiant freshwater species found only in the remote streams of Papua New Guinea’s Upper Lakekamu Basin. With their shimmering, iridescent scales, these fish bring flashes of colour to their rainforest habitat. However, their survival is under severe threat from deforestation for timber logging, out-of-control palm oil plantations, and agricultural encroachment.

The degradation of these pristine streams is pushing the Forest Rainbowfish toward extinction. Protecting their habitat is crucial for their survival and the preservation of Papua New Guinea’s unique biodiversity. Use your voice to demand action: #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Here’s a stunning #rainbow #fish 🐠🐟🌈 in #PapuaNewGuinea’s forest #rivers 🇵🇬. Forest Rainbowfish are #endangered due to #river #pollution as a result of #palmoil plantations. Help them survive and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴☠️⛔️#Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/forest-rainbowfish-melanotaenia-sylvatica/

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This species of fish is threatened by commercial logging and oil palm plantations in the region (A. Mungkaje and U. Kolkolo pers. comm. 2019). Oil palm plantations are primarily found in the coastal plain and so logging is likely to be the more signficant threat.

IUCN Red List

Appearance and Behaviour

The Forest Rainbowfish is a medium-sized fish, reaching lengths of 8–10 cm. Their body is elongated and slightly compressed, covered in scales that reflect a spectrum of colours, giving them a rainbow-like sheen in sunlight. Males are particularly vivid, displaying more intense colours and larger, more ornate dorsal and anal fins compared to females.

These fish are diurnal, schooling actively in clear, fast-flowing streams. Their iridescence allows them to blend with their shimmering aquatic surroundings, offering some protection from predators.

Forest Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sylvatica
Forest Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sylvatica

Threats

Palm Oil Deforestation

Logging, the expansion of out-of-control palm oil plantations, and agricultural activities are rapidly destroying the rainforest streams that the Forest Rainbowfish relies on. These activities increase sedimentation, degrade water quality, and fragment their already limited range.

Gold Mining and Water Pollution Run-Off:

Gold mining operations in Papua New Guinea contribute to heavy metal contamination and other pollutants, which seep into waterways, further jeopardising the delicate ecosystem of the Upper Lakekamu Basin.

Climate Change:

Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns due to climate change threaten the flow and quality of the streams where this species thrives. These changes can make their habitats uninhabitable.

Diet

The Forest Rainbowfish is an omnivorous species. Their diet consists primarily of small aquatic invertebrates, algae, and detritus. By feeding on these resources, they help maintain the ecological balance of their environment, controlling insect populations and recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

Reproduction and Mating

Forest Rainbowfish are oviparous, with females laying adhesive eggs on submerged vegetation or rocky substrates. Males court females with vibrant displays, spreading their fins and flashing their colours to attract a mate.

The eggs hatch within a week, and the fry are free-swimming soon after. Juveniles grow rapidly, feeding on tiny planktonic organisms. The presence of clean, undisturbed streams is essential for their reproductive success, making habitat degradation a critical threat.

Geographic Range

The Forest Rainbowfish is restricted to the Upper Lakekamu Basin in south-eastern Papua New Guinea. Their range spans elevations of 35 to 120 metres and is approximately 190 km north-west of Port Moresby. These fish inhabit clear, fast-flowing streams surrounded by dense lowland rainforest. As deforestation and human activity encroach on this region, their range becomes increasingly fragmented and vulnerable.

The Forest Rainbow fish lives in small, 1-3 m wide, clear, slow-flowing creeks in closed-canopy rainforest on relatively flat terrain. These typically have a mud or gravel bottom littered with leaves and log debris. The maximum size of this species is at least 5.5 cm SL (Allen 1997, G.R. Allen pers. comm. 2019).

FAQ

What is the Forest Rainbowfish?

The Forest Rainbowfish (Melanotaenia sylvatica) is an endangered freshwater fish found only in Papua New Guinea’s Upper Lakekamu Basin. Known for their iridescent scales, they are a striking example of the unique biodiversity of the region.

Why is the Forest Rainbowfish endangered?

Habitat loss from logging, out-of-control palm oil plantations, agricultural expansion, and pollution are the primary threats. Climate change and water contamination from mining activities further exacerbate their decline.

What do Forest Rainbowfish eat?

They are omnivores, feeding on aquatic insects, algae, and organic detritus. Their feeding habits contribute to the health of their ecosystem by regulating insect populations and recycling nutrients.

Can Forest Rainbowfish be kept in aquariums?

While some rainbowfish are popular in the aquarium trade, wild-caught Forest Rainbowfish should never be kept as pets. Capturing them contributes to population declines. It is far better to support habitat conservation efforts to protect them in the wild.

Take Action!

The Forest Rainbowfish’s survival depends on preserving Papua New Guinea’s pristine rainforests. Fight for their future by boycotting palm oil, supporting conservation efforts, and demanding sustainable forestry practices. Every action matters: #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

Further Information

Allen, G.R. 2020. Melanotaenia sylvatica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T161111293A161111315. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T161111293A161111315.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Allen, G. R. (1997). Melanotaenia sylvatica, a new species of rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae) from Irian Jaya, Indonesia. Retrieved from Regenbogenfische.com

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Forest Rainbowfish Melanotaenia sylvatica

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D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis

D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Location: Papua New Guinea’s D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago.

The D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys has possibly one of the most unpronounceable names in the world and is also one of the least known rodents in the world. also known as the Fergusson Island tree mouse, is an arboreal rodent endemic to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea’s D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago. This small, nocturnal rodent species depends on intact montane forests, making them highly vulnerable to habitat destruction caused by out-of-control palm oil plantations, logging, and agricultural expansion. Urgent conservation action is needed to protect this precious and obscure mouse species from extinction. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

This diminutive and cute tree #rat 🩷🐀🌳has a difficult name: D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys. They’re #endangered in #PapuaNewGuinea due to #palmoil and #timber #deforestation. Help them survive and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/dentrecasteaux-archipelago-pogonomys-pogonomys-fergussoniensis/

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Appearance and Behaviour

The D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys is a small, tree-dwelling rodent with soft, dense fur that ranges from brown to reddish-brown, helping them blend into their forest environment. Their underparts are lighter in colour, and their prehensile tail is a critical adaptation for climbing and balancing in the canopy (IUCN, 2016).

Nocturnal and arboreal, these rodents are elusive and rarely observed. They spend their time foraging in the treetops, relying on their agility to navigate their forested habitat (iNaturalist, n.d.; IUCN, 2016).

D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis
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D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis threats
D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis
D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis
D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis
D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis

Diet

This species primarily consumes fruits, seeds, and plant material, relying heavily on the biodiversity of montane forests. Their specialised diet ties them directly to the health of their ecosystem, and habitat degradation poses a significant threat to their food sources (IUCN, 2016; iNaturalist, n.d.).

Reproduction and Mating

There is limited information about the reproduction of the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys. Like other species in the Pogonomys genus, they are likely to have small litters. Understanding their reproductive patterns is critical for developing effective conservation strategies (IUCN, 2016).

Geographic Range

This species is restricted to Fergusson Island in Papua New Guinea, where they inhabit montane forests between 1,200 and 1,800 metres above sea level. Their extremely limited range makes them particularly vulnerable to habitat loss for palm oil, timber and gold mining (IUCN, 2016).

Threats

D’entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys Pogonomys fergussoniensis threats

Forest clearance is a serious problem for this species. The islands are being converted to grassland (perhaps entirely) through subsistence farming. This species is assessed as Endangered because of their extent of occurrence (EOO) is approximately 4,922 km², all individuals occur in fewer than six locations, there is continuing decline in the extent and quality of its habitat through deforestation, and the population size is presumed to be decreasing as a result of habitat loss. The species does appear to be tolerant of some disturbance, but this needs to be confirmed.

IUcN Red LIST

Palm oil and timber logging: Deforestation for out-of-control palm oil plantations, agriculture, and timber logging is destroying their montane forest habitat at an alarming rate (IUCN, 2016).

Climate Change: Rising temperatures could further reduce the availability of suitable montane habitats, forcing these small tree-dwelling rodents into even smaller ranges.

Conservation Neglect: As a lesser-known species, they receive minimal attention in conservation efforts, further jeopardising their survival.

Take Action!

Safeguarding the D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys requires immediate action to preserve their fragile forest habitat. Boycotting products containing palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation, and advocating for biodiversity protection are essential steps to ensure their survival. Every effort matters. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

Further Information

Wright, D & Leary, T. 2016. Pogonomys fergussoniensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T136763A22431006. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T136763A22431006.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

iNaturalist. (n.d.). Pogonomys fergussoniensis. Retrieved from https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/74934-Pogonomys-fergussoniensis

Wikipedia. (n.d.). D’Entrecasteaux Archipelago Pogonomys. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Entrecasteaux_Archipelago_pogonomys

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David’s Echymipera Echymipera davidi

David’s Echymipera Echymipera davidi

IUCN Status: Endangered

Location: Kiriwina Island, Trobriand Islands, Papua New Guinea

David’s Echymipera (Echymipera davidi) is an extremely rare, little-known #bandicoot endemic to Kiriwina Island in the Trobriand Islands of #PapuaNewGuinea. With a range of just 280 km², this elusive #marsupial is at significant risk due to habitat loss and human encroachment. Like other bandicoots, they are crucial for ecosystem health, aerating the soil as they dig for food. However, their survival is threatened by the pressures of #agriculture, habitat destruction, and #hunting. Without immediate conservation efforts, this species faces an uncertain future. Help this animal by raising awareness #Boycott4Wildlife

The David’s Echymipera is a tiny cute forest floor dwelling #marsupial scurrying through #PapuaNewGuinea’s forests eating #insects. #Endangered by #deforestation and hunting, help them when you #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-sE

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Appearance and Behaviour

David’s Echymipera is small and stout, with a compact, rounded body covered in dense, coarse fur, typically in brown or reddish-brown hues that blend perfectly with the forest floor. They have a long, pointed snout, which they use to sniff out insects, roots, and tubers hidden beneath the soil. Their sharp claws and powerful forelimbs make them expert diggers, aerating the forest floor as they forage.

These marsupials are primarily nocturnal, emerging under the cover of darkness to search for food. Unlike some other marsupials, they are solitary and secretive, avoiding contact with others outside of breeding. Their keen sense of smell and hearing help them detect both food and potential predators in their dense forest habitat.

David's Echymipera Echymipera davidi

Threats

Habitat Loss and Human Encroachment

David’s Echymipera is a marsupial restricted to Kiriwina Island, Papua New Guinea a small landmass with increasing human activity. Deforestation for agriculture, combined with land clearing for settlements, has significantly reduced the available habitat for this already vulnerable species.

Hunting and Predation

The species is hunted by local communities, further decreasing their numbers. While traditional hunting has existed for centuries, population pressures and habitat loss have made the species more vulnerable to decline. Additionally, introduced predators such as dogs and cats may also pose a serious risk.

David's Echymipera Echymipera davidi

Small Population Size

As an island endemic species, David’s Echymipera has a naturally small population. This makes them especially vulnerable to environmental changes, disease outbreaks, and genetic bottlenecks, reducing their ability to adapt to new threats.

Diet

Like other bandicoots, David’s Echymipera is an omnivore, feeding on a wide range of foods. They use their long snouts and sharp claws to dig up earthworms, insects, roots, fungi, and tubers. This constant foraging plays a crucial role in aerating the soil and dispersing fungal spores, making them an essential part of the island’s ecosystem.

Reproduction and Mating

Little is known about the breeding habits of David’s Echymipera, but they likely follow the pattern of other bandicoots. Most species of Echymipera have short gestation periods, with females giving birth to one to three young at a time. These tiny, underdeveloped newborns crawl into the mother’s backward-facing pouch, where they continue to grow for several weeks before emerging.

Females may be capable of multiple reproductive cycles per year, helping the population recover if conditions are suitable. However, the increasing threats to their habitat make successful reproduction more difficult.

David's Echymipera Echymipera davidi

Geographic Range

David’s Echymipera is endemic to Kiriwina Island, part of the Trobriand Islands in Papua New Guinea. Kiriwina is low-lying, with a maximum elevation of 100 metres above sea level, making it highly vulnerable to habitat disturbances and climate change impacts. While there is speculation that they may exist on nearby islands, no confirmed records exist outside of Kiriwina.

FAQ

Why is David’s Echymipera endangered?

David’s Echymipera is Endangered due to its restricted range, habitat destruction, hunting, and small population size. As an island species, it is especially vulnerable to environmental changes and human impact.

Does David’s Echymipera have any predators?

Yes, while its natural predators are unknown, introduced species like feral cats and dogs pose a major threat, alongside human hunting for food.

Can David’s Echymipera survive in disturbed habitats?

There is no evidence that this species can adapt to disturbed environments. Unlike some other bandicoots, which can persist in secondary forests or agricultural areas, David’s Echymipera is only found in intact natural habitats, making conservation efforts critical.

David's Echymipera Echymipera davidi

Take Action!

The survival of David’s Echymipera depends on urgent conservation efforts. You can help by:

• Supporting conservation groups working to protect Papua New Guinea’s unique wildlife.

• Raising awareness about the threats posed by deforestation and hunting.

• Demanding stronger protections for endemic species on Kiriwina and the Trobriand Islands.

• Boycotting palm oil and industrial agriculture that drive deforestation worldwide.

Use your voice to make a difference. #Boycott4Wildlife

Support the conservation of this species

This animal has no protections in place. Read about other forgotten species here. Create art to support this forgotten animal or raise awareness about them by sharing this post and using the #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife hashtags on social media. Also you can boycott palm oil in the supermarket.

Further Information

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GBIF. (2024). Echymipera davidi—David’s Echymipera. Global Biodiversity Information Facility. https://www.gbif.org/species/2435327

Flannery, T. (1995). Mammals of New Guinea (2nd ed.). Cornell University Press.

Leary, T., Wright, D., Hamilton, S., Singadan, R., Menzies, J., Bonaccorso, F., Helgen, K. & Seri, L. 2016. Echymipera davidi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2016: e.T7017A21966774. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-2.RLTS.T7017A21966774.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Wikipedia. (n.d). David’s Echymipera. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David%27s_echymipera

Wildlife SNPits. (2016, May 17). Bandicoots: The Little Marsupial Diggers. Retrieved from https://wildlifesnpits.wordpress.com/2016/05/17/bandicoots-the-little-marsupial-diggers/

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David’s Echymipera Echymipera davidi

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Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor

Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor

IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: This rare primate is endemic to the Mentawai Islands off the west coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. They are found on Siberut, Sipora, and North and South Pagai, where they inhabit lowland and hill forests in these isolated and fragile ecosystems.

The Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur, also known as the Pig-tailed Langur, is one of the most distinctive and endangered monkeys in the world. These ultra rare and critically endangered small primates are known for their short, upturned noses and unique pig-like tails. Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langurs are critically endangered due to palm oil and timber deforestation, hunting, and habitat fragmentation in their tiny island homes of Siberut, Sipora, and North and South Pagai, Indonesia. Immediate conservation action is necessary to protect the remaining population and their delicate ecosystem from disappearing forever. Fight for them every time you shop and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Forgotten #primate 🙊🐒 Pig-tailed Snub-nosed #Langur is now critically endangered on tiny islands near #Sumatra #Indonesia 🇮🇩 from #palmoil #deforestation and hunting pressures. Help them survive #BoycottPalmOil 🌴☠️⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/pig-tailed-snub-nosed-langur-simias-concolor/

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Pig-tailed Snub-nosed #langurs have a cute upturned nose and a pig-like tail. They’re critically #endangered by #palmoil #deforestation and hunting in #Indonesia 🇮🇩🐒 Resist their #extinction! #BoycottPalmOil 🌴☠️⛔️ #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/pig-tailed-snub-nosed-langur-simias-concolor/

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Appearance and Behaviour

The Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur is a medium-sized primate with a striking appearance. Their dense, greyish-brown fur contrasts with lighter underparts, and their small, upturned nose gives them a unique and endearing look. Their short, thick tail, resembling that of a pig, is another defining feature (IUCN, 2020).

Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor endangered due to palm oil
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor threats
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor
Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor boycott palm oil

These langurs are diurnal and arboreal, spending most of their time in the forest canopy. They live in social groups of up to 20 individuals, where they engage in complex communication and social bonding. Their dynamic foraging strategies allow them to adapt to the heterogeneous environments of the Mentawai Islands.

This species is listed as Critically Endangered because a population decline of 80-90% over the last 36 years (three generations) is estimated due to heavy hunting pressure and extensive habitat loss (especially on southern islands but quite significant throughout species range). The Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur is threatened mainly by heavy hunting and commercial logging (Whittaker 2006, Quinten et al. 2014).

IUCN Red List

Diet

The Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur is primarily folivorous, feeding on a variety of leaves, but they also consume fruits, seeds, and flowers when available. This specialised diet ties them closely to their forest environment, making them highly vulnerable to habitat destruction and fragmentation (IUCN, 2020).

Reproduction and Mating

As with many langurs, this species is believed to have a low reproductive rate. Females give birth to a single infant after a long gestation period, and young langurs are raised with the support of the social group. This cooperative behaviour is vital for ensuring the survival of the next generation in their challenging environment.

Geographic Range

The Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur is restricted to the Mentawai Islands, including Siberut, Sipora, and North and South Pagai. These islands are home to diverse but fragile ecosystems, where this species relies on primary and secondary forests for survival. Their limited geographic range makes them highly vulnerable to localised threats (IUCN, 2020).

Threats

They are also threatened by the conversion of rainforest into oil palm plantations, as well as forest clearing and product extraction by local people. Sometimes, animals are taken for the pet trade (Whittaker 2006).

IUCN Red LIST
  • Palm oil and timber deforestation: The rapid expansion of out-of-control palm oil plantations, logging, and agricultural activities has resulted in the widespread destruction of the Mentawai Islands’ forests.
  • Illegal hunting for bushmeat: The langur is heavily hunted for bushmeat, a significant threat in local communities.
  • Habitat Fragmentation: Infrastructure development and forest clearing have fragmented their habitats, isolating populations and reducing genetic diversity.

Take Action!

Protecting the Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur requires urgent conservation measures to halt deforestation and hunting. By boycotting products containing palm oil, supporting indigenous-led conservation initiatives, and advocating for forest preservation, you can help safeguard this critically endangered primate. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

Conservation

Conservation efforts for these critically endangered small primates is underway. Read more about Asian Species Action Partnership (ASAP) in Indonesia.

Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Quinten, M, Setiawan, A., Cheyne, S., Traeholt, C. & Whittaker, D. 2020. Simias concolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T20229A17953422. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T20229A17953422.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Zhao, L., et al. (2024). Dynamic foraging strategy adaptation to heterogeneous environments contributes to social aggregation in snub-nosed monkeys. Zoological Research, 45(1), 39–54. https://doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2095-8137.2023.047

Wikipedia. (n.d.). Pig-tailed Langur. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pig-tailed_langur

GBIF. (n.d.). Simias concolor. Retrieved from https://www.gbif.org/species/4267130

Pig-tailed Snub-nosed Langur Simias concolor

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Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus

Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus

Red List Status: Critically Endangered

Locations: Colombia (regions of Atlántico, Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba)

Known for the characterful head crests giving adults a plucky and “punk” look, the Cotton Top #Tamarin, also known as the Cotton-headed Tamarin is a diminuitive #monkey living in the humid forests in the south to dry deciduous forest in the north of #Colombia. They are now critically endangered and face multiple serious threats from capture for primate experiments, to the illegal pet trade and deforestation for palm oil, soy, meat deforestation and the cultivation of ilicit coca. Help these spritely and remarkable tiny primates to survive, every time you shop be #Vegan and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Cotton-headed #Tamarins 🐒🙈🤎 are plucky #primates from rainforests of #Colombia 🇨🇴 They are critically endangered from #palmoil #soy and #mining #deforestation. Help them and #Boycottpalmoil 🌴🪔🧐🙊⛔️ be #vegan and #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/31/cotton-headed-tamarin-saguinus-oedipus/

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The habitat of the Cotton-top Tamarin Saguinus oedipus is used for large-scale agricultural production (i.e. cattle) and farming, logging, oil palm plantations, and hydroelectric projects that fragment the cotton-top tamarin’s natural range.

Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus Traci-louise Getty Images Signature
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus threats
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus GSMCity for Getty Images
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus GSMCity for Getty Images (2)
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus by Nattanan76 for Getty Images
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus by Nattanan76 for Getty Images (2)
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus by Martin Leber for Getty Images
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus by Jason Kostancek for Getty Images
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus by Fieldwork for Getty Images
Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus boycott palm oil

Appearance and Behaviour

Cotton-top tamarins are instantly recognisable by their exuberant white crest, a tuft of hair that rises above their expressive faces like a crown. Their bodies, measuring 21 to 26 centimetres with tails stretching an additional 33 to 41 centimetres, are agile and light, weighing about 430 grams. Their fur is soft and textured, with shades of brown and cream blending seamlessly into the dappled forest light. These tamarins are highly social, living in close-knit groups of three to nine individuals. They communicate with a rich repertoire of sounds—chirps, trills, and whistles that echo through the trees as they forage and play. Their movements are quick and precise, a dance of curiosity and cooperation as they navigate the treetops, their family bonds strong and their emotional lives complex.

Threats

Palm oil and meat agriculture deforestation

The forests that cotton-top tamarins call home are vanishing at an alarming rate, stripped bare by the relentless expansion of palm oil plantations and cattle ranching. Where once there were towering trees and tangled vines, there are now rows of oil palms and open pastures. The bulldozers leave scars across the landscape, and the air is thick with the scent of burning wood and earth. For the cotton-top tamarin, each hectare lost is another fragment of their world torn away, another family group isolated and vulnerable.

Illegal pet trade and hunting

The illegal pet trade is a cruel and persistent threat. Infants are snatched from their mothers, their families torn apart, and their lives reduced to cages and loneliness. Hunting for bushmeat also takes its toll, disrupting social groups and undermining the resilience of wild populations. The silence that follows a gunshot is deafening, a reminder of the fragility of life in the forest.

Climate change and habitat fragmentation

Changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures as a result of climate change are altering the delicate balance of the forest. Trees fruit at unpredictable times, and rivers run dry or flood unpredictably. Fragmented habitats isolate tamarin groups, reducing genetic diversity and making them more susceptible to disease and other pressures.

Diet

Cotton-top tamarins are omnivorous, their diet a vibrant reflection of the forest’s abundance. They feast on fruits, flowers, and nectar, their nimble fingers plucking delicacies from the branches. They also hunt small animal prey—frogs, snails, lizards, spiders, and insects—adding protein to their meals. In the rhythm of the forest, cotton-top tamarins play a vital role as seed dispersers, their foraging helping to regenerate the woodland and sustain the ecosystem. Their feeding is a lively affair, full of movement and interaction, as they share the bounty of the forest with their family.

Reproduction and Mating

Breeding is a cooperative affair among cotton-top tamarins. Dominant females typically give birth to one to three offspring, most often twins, after a gestation period of about 180 days. The entire group shares responsibility for caring for the young, with fathers, siblings, and other relatives all playing a role. This cooperative system strengthens social bonds and increases the chances of survival for each infant. The forest is alive with the sounds of young tamarins learning to climb and forage, their mothers guiding them through the treetops. In captivity, cotton-top tamarins can live up to 20 years, but in the wild, their lives are shaped by the challenges of a changing world.

Geographic Range

Cotton-top tamarins are found only in northwest Colombia, in the departments of Atlántico, Bolívar, Sucre, and Córdoba. Their historical range has contracted dramatically, the forests they once roamed now reduced to scattered patches. The landscape is a patchwork of green and brown, the remnants of their habitat clinging to life amid the encroachment of agriculture and urban development. The sounds of the forest—birdsong, rustling leaves, and the calls of tamarins—are a reminder of what is at stake.

FAQs

How many cotton-top tamarins are left in the wild?

Recent estimates suggest that the wild population of cotton-top tamarins numbered around 6,946 individuals in 2012, with this figure likely to have declined further as deforestation continues to fragment their habitat. The actual number may be lower, as many forest patches are now isolated and vulnerable to further loss. The cotton-top tamarin’s future is uncertain, and urgent action is needed to protect their remaining strongholds.

What is the lifespan of a cotton-top tamarin?

In the wild, cotton-top tamarins typically live shorter lives due to predation, disease, and the pressures of a changing environment. In captivity, where they are protected from many of these threats, they can live up to 20 years. Their longevity is closely tied to the health of their habitat and the stability of their social groups, both of which are under threat in the wild.

What are the main threats to the cotton-top tamarin’s survival?

The primary threats to the cotton-top tamarin are deforestation for palm oil and meat agriculture, the illegal pet trade, hunting, and habitat fragmentation. Climate change and pollution further stress their already vulnerable populations. Each of these threats is driven by human activity, and each can be addressed through collective action and advocacy.

Do cotton-top tamarins make good pets?

Cotton-top tamarins absolutely do not make good pets! They suffer extreme stress, loneliness, and early death in captivity. The illegal pet trade rips families apart and fuels extinction. Their complex social and emotional needs cannot be met in a domestic setting, and keeping them as pets is both cruel and illegal.

Take Action!

Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife. Support indigenous-led conservation and agroecology to safeguard the forests that cotton-top tamarins call home. Reject the illegal pet trade and advocate for the protection of all wildlife. Every choice you make can help fight for their survival.

Conservation

Conservation efforts for these critically endangered small primates is underway. Read more about Proyecto Tití in Colombia.

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Rodríguez, V., Defler, T.R., Guzman-Caro, D., Link, A., Mittermeier, R.A., Palacios, E. & Stevenson, P.R. 2020. Saguinus oedipus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T19823A115573819. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T19823A115573819.en. Downloaded on 31 January 2021.

Wikipedia

Masilkova, M., Weiss, A., Šlipogor, V., & Konečná, M. (2020). Comparative assessment of behaviorally derived personality structures in golden-handed tamarins (Saguinus midas), cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus), and common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus). Journal of Comparative Psychology, 134(4), 453–466. https://doi.org/10.1037/com0000226

Savage, A., et al. (2016). An assessment of the population of cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) and their habitat in Colombia. PLOS ONE, 11(12), e0168324. https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0168324

Cotton-headed Tamarin Saguinus oedipus

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Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Endangered

Location: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

Like other gibbons, Red-cheeked Gibbons are arboreal and diurnal, with singing bouts averaging 12 minutes and lower calling frequencies in the wet season (Rawson 2004, Kenyon 2007). The species displays a monogamous social structure of adult pair and offspring. Average group size is estimated at 3-5 individuals. Females emigrate near, in and around their natal territories, but males emigrate farther and wider. Female give birth to single offspring at 17-22 month intervals. Nomascus gabriellae is considered Endangeredb ased on a suspected population reduction of 50% or more due to hunting for food, live capture for the pet trade, and the loss of suitable habitat.

Beautiful and endangered Red-cheeked #gibbons 🙉🐒🐵 are devoted partners and known for their melodic cacophony in #Laos 🇱🇦 #Vietnam 🇻🇳 #rainforests. They face many threats. Help to survive when you #Boycottpalmoil #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://wp.me/pcFhgU-rK

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These gibbons belong to genus Nomascus. They are known to communicate in species-specific song when defining territory or attracting mates. They sing in regional accents to each other and form monogamous breeding pairs. Males and females have different coloured fur.

Numerous conservation efforts of these rarest of small primates are ongoing. Sponsor a gibbon at a rescue centre here.

Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Threats to the Red-cheeked Gibbon

  • Hunting for the pet trade
    • Capture of young gibbons by killing the mother
    • Capture for zoos and private collections
    • Females and infants held as pets in hotels and private areas
  • Habitat loss and degradation
    • Planned or unplanned forest conversion
    • Developmental activities such as infrastructure development
    • Encroachment and illegal logging
    • Economic land concession designation in Cambodia
  • Small and fragmented population
    • Reduced genetic diversity and increased vulnerability
  • Trade and possession
    • At least 24-26 gibbons traded in southern provinces of Viet Nam
    • 32 out of 41 cases of gibbon possession reported in southern provinces (2005-2009)
  • Timber logging and palm oil deforestation
    • A contributor to habitat loss in both Viet Nam and Cambodia
  • Forest cover loss
    • Viet Nam has lost 16% of its forest cover since the turn of the century
    • Projected loss of up to 60% of forests in Viet Nam by 2045 if current rates continue
    • Cambodia has lost 25% of its forest cover since the turn of the century
    • Projected loss of up to 70% of forests in Cambodia by 2045 if current rates continue
Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

Further Information

ICUN endangered logo

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

Rawson, B.M., Hoang, M.D., Roos, C., Van, N.T. & Nguyen, M.H. 2020. Nomascus gabriellae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T128073282A17968950. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T128073282A17968950.en. Downloaded on 29 January 2021.

Red-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus gabriellae

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Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki

Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki

Red List Status: Critically Endangered

Location: Central Laos (east of Mekong River), Central Vietnam (Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri Provinces)

In the misty canopies of Southeast Asian forests, where ancient trees reach towards clouded peaks and dawn breaks with haunting melodies, Southern White-cheeked Gibbons swing through their rapidly shrinking world.

Southern White-cheeked #Gibbons stand among Southeast Asia’s most melodic #primates, their haunting territorial songs echoing through evergreen forests at dawn. These remarkable apes face an 80% population decline over three generations as #rubber plantations, agricultural expansion, and #hunting devastate their homeland. #Vietnam has lost 15% of its forest cover in just 15 years and could lose another 45% by 2050, while #Laos faces similar destruction. With fewer than 425 groups remaining in fragmented patches, these singing #apes teeter on #extinction’s edge. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife

Southern White-cheeked #Gibbons 🐒🐵 sing together in regional dialects 🪇🎶🎷 and live in #Cambodia #Laos #Vietnam. They’re critically #endangered on due to #rubber #palmoil #deforestation and hunting. Help them and #BoycottPalmOil 🌴🚫 @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/29/southern-white-cheeked-gibbon-nomascus-siki/

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Appearance and Behaviour

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons display striking sexual dimorphism that transforms with age. Juveniles begin life as light brown infants, turning black after weaning. Adult males remain jet black with distinctive white patches framing their mouths, while females develop rich brown colouring with delicate white facial edging. Their long, powerful arms span up to 1.5 metres, perfectly adapted for their brachiating lifestyle.

These gibbons begin each day with spectacular duet songs that can be heard up to 2 kilometres away. Mated pairs sing together to defend territories and strengthen bonds, their regional accents distinguishing different populations. Southern White-cheeked Gibbons are strictly arboreal, spending their entire lives in the canopy where they move with breathtaking grace and speed.

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki looking concerned
Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki boycott palm oil
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki couple canoodling
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki couple hugging
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki family group hugging
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki assisted feeding
Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki
Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki threats

Diet

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons are primarily frugivorous, spending 33% of their day feeding on diverse forest fruits that ripen throughout the year. They supplement their diet with tender leaves, young shoots, and flowers, occasionally capturing small prey like lizards or Finlayson’s squirrels. These gibbons provide a critical ecosystem service by being seed dispersers, carrying viable seeds in their digestive systems across vast territories before depositing them in new locations through their faeces. Their feeding activities help regenerate forest biodiversity across their 37.9-hectare home ranges.

Reproduction and Mating

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons form monogamous pairs that mate for life, raising their young together in tight family units. Females typically give birth to their first offspring between seven and eight years of age. Because raising young is extremely demanding, both parents share childcare duties, and mothers wait until their current offspring becomes relatively independent before having another infant. Families consist of two parents, a juvenile, and an infant at any given time. Young gibbons leave their parents’ territory once they reach maturity between three and six years of age.

Geographic Range

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons inhabit a restricted range in central Laos east of the Mekong River and central Vietnam’s mountainous provinces. Their historical distribution extended from the Nam Theun and Rao Nay rivers in the north to the Banghiang and Thach Han rivers in the south.

In Vietnam, populations are heavily fragmented and scattered, while in Laos populations of gibbons remain larger. Key populations survive in protected areas including Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area.

Threats

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki threats

Timber, rubber and palm oil deforestation

Agricultural expansion converts primary forests into farmland and human settlements, destroying the tall broadleaf evergreen forests Southern White-cheeked Gibbons require for survival. Logging operations target luxury timber species, selectively removing the largest trees that provide crucial fruiting resources and nesting sites.

Rubber cultivation destroys the fruiting trees that sustain gibbon populations while fragmenting territories below viable thresholds for family groups. The conversion process typically involves clear-cutting entire forest sections, eliminating decades of ecological relationships in mere weeks. In Cambodia’s Virachey National Park, large areas have been cleared for rubber production in recent years, particularly along the eastern borders where gibbons once thrived.

Infrastructure development and roads

Infrastructure development opens previously inaccessible areas to human exploitation, bringing roads, settlements, and hunting pressure into formerly secure habitats. The fragmentation creates isolated forest patches too small to support viable gibbon populations, leading to local extinctions across their range. Agricultural conversion eliminates the continuous canopy connections these strictly arboreal primates need for movement and foraging.

Hunting and wildlife trade

Traditional medicine practitioners highly value Southern White-cheeked Gibbons for their body parts. Opportunistic hunting with firearms targets gibbons alongside other wildlife, often killing entire family groups when hunters encounter them.

The illegal pet trade tears infant gibbons from their families, condemning them to lives of isolation and psychological trauma in captivity. Local communities hunt gibbons for bushmeat, viewing them as readily available protein sources. Gun ownership and hunting access have increased significantly with infrastructure development, bringing previously secure populations within reach of hunters. The small group sizes and territorial nature of gibbon families make them particularly vulnerable to hunting pressure.

Take Action!

Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife every time you shop. Adopt a vegan lifestyle protecting both wild and farmed animals from agricultural expansion. Support indigenous-led protection recognising traditional forest guardianship. Refuse products containing rubber from deforested areas and demand supply chain transparency. #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife #Vegan

FAQs

What sounds do Southern White-cheeked Gibbons make?

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons are renowned for their spectacular dawn songs that can be heard up to 2 kilometres away through dense forest. Mated pairs perform elaborate duets combining whoops, hoots, and melodic phrases that last 15-30 minutes each morning. These territorial songs serve to defend their home ranges and strengthen pair bonds between mates. Each population has developed regional accents, with slight variations in song structure distinguishing different gibbon communities across their range. Males typically begin the duet with deep hooting calls, while females add higher-pitched, more complex phrases that create hauntingly beautiful harmonies echoing through the forest canopy.

How high can Southern White-cheeked Gibbons swing?

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons are masterful brachiators, swinging through forest canopies 15-50 metres above the ground using their extremely long arms and powerful shoulder joints. They travel at speeds reaching 55 kilometres per hour through the canopy. Their incredible agility allows them to navigate dense forest canopies with extraordinary precision.

How long do Southern White-cheeked Gibbons live?

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons can live 35-40 years. Young gibbons remain with their parents for 3-6 years, learning essential survival skills including territorial singing, foraging techniques, and canopy navigation.

Are Southern White-cheeked Gibbons dangerous to humans?

These gentle apes are primarily frugivorous and spend their time high in forest canopies, far from human activity. Their territorial behaviour is directed only towards other gibbon groups, not humans, and consists of vocal displays rather than physical aggression.

Do Southern White-cheeked Gibbons make good pets?

It is deeply cruel to keep these wild apes as pets. Southern White-cheeked Gibbons suffer extreme psychological trauma, loneliness, and early death in captivity. The illegal pet trade rips infant gibbons from their families, causing severe trauma while removing potential breeding individuals from critically endangered populations.

Captive Southern White-cheeked Gibbons often develop depression and aggression as they attempt to cope with social isolation and environmental deprivation. Legal ownership is prohibited under CITES Appendix I and national laws in both Vietnam and Laos.

Why do Southern White-cheeked Gibbons sing?

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons sing elaborate duets to defend their territories, strengthen pair bonds, and communicate with neighbouring families across the forest landscape. These dawn songs serve as acoustic boundaries, informing other gibbon groups about occupied territories and preventing potentially dangerous physical confrontations. Mated pairs coordinate their duets to demonstrate their strong partnership and reproductive fitness to potential rivals. The songs also help family members locate each other in dense forest canopies and may serve to teach young gibbons proper vocal techniques essential for establishing their own territories. Regional variations in song structure function like dialects, allowing gibbons to identify members of their local population versus strangers from distant areas.

Southern White-cheeked Gibbons Nomascus siki boycott palm oil

Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Can, D. N., Trai, L. T., Ninh, L. V., Hieu, T. D., Nghia, H. V., Mai, T. T., & Tu, L. N. (2020). The status of southern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus siki) in Truong Son key biodiversity area. Vietnam Journal of Biotechnology, 42(1), 31-42.

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

Nguyen, M.H., Coudrat, C.N.Z., Roos, C., Rawson, B.M. & Duckworth, J.W. 2020. Nomascus siki. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39896A17968765. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39896A17968765.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

Southern white-cheeked gibbon (Nomascus siki) in Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area, Lao PDR. Conservation and Science Report, Northeast Primate Conservancy.

Southern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus siki

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Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis

Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis

Endangered

Location: Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam

The Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon lives in broadleaf evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, at elevations of between 100-1,200 m asl. These gibbons are frugivorous but also consumes significant proportions of leaves, young shoots and flowers. They are also known to feed on Finlayson’s Squirrel (single record by an adult female) and lizards. Food sharing has been observed (Geissmann 1995, Duc et al. 2016).

Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbons sing in local accents to attract mates and form monogamous pairs and close families. Endangered in #Cambodia #Laos #Vietnam by #deforestation for #agriculture #timber #palmoil Join the brand #Boycott4Wildlife

Listed as Endangered based on a suspected population reduction of at least 50% over the past 45 years (three generations), primarily due to logging, agricultural encroachment, and hunting, and a suspected continuing decline over at least 15 years (one generation) into the future. In Cambodia’s Virachey National Park, large areas have been cleared for rubber plantations in recent years, particularly on its eastern side, and the area is also subjected to illegal logging for luxury timber.

Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis
Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis

These gibbons belong to genus Nomascus. They are known to communicate in species-specific song when defining territory or attracting mates. They sing in regional accents to each other and form monogamous breeding pairs. Males and females have different coloured fur.

Numerous conservation efforts of these rarest of small primates are ongoing. Sponsor a gibbon at a rescue centre here.

Further Information

ICUN endangered logo

Endangered Primate Rescue Centre

Rawson, B.M., Hoang, M.D., Roos, C., Van, N.T. & Nguyen, M.H. 2020. Nomascus gabriellae. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T128073282A17968950. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T128073282A17968950.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis

Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbon Nomascus annamensis

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Take Action in Five Ways

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2. Contribute stories: Academics, conservationists, scientists, indigenous rights advocates and animal rights advocates working to expose the corruption of the palm oil industry or to save animals can contribute stories to the website.

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Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys

Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys

Critically Endangered

Location: N.W. Vietnam, N.W Laos

Northern White-cheeked Gibbon is critically endangered on @IUCNredlist in #Vietnam and #Laos due to hunting, pet trade and #deforestation for #palmoil. Save this species by making art and joining the #boycott4wildlife

The Northern White-cheeked Gibbon is considered Critically Endangered based upon the combined effects of habitat loss, hunting and live capture for the pet trade. The last population in China apparently disappeared several years prior to this species’ last assessment. In Laos and Vietnam, hunting and live capture continue and will likely do so over the long-term.

IUCN Red List
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys
Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys

The Northern White-cheeked Gibbon is a diurnal, arboreal and territorial species of gibbon found in tall primary and degraded evergreen and semi-evergreen forest. In northwestern Vietnam and northern Lao PDR, the animals live in a subtropical climate with a short and not very cold winter without frost (Tien 1983).

In Vietnam, the species is found from 200 m to well over 1,000 m asl, with the highest record coming from Pu Mat NP from a listening post positioned at 1,500 m asl (Rawson et al. 2011), however, individuals are now found mostly above 700 m due to lowland deforestation (Rawson et al. 2011). In Lao PDR, gibbons are found from the Mekong plains up to at least 1,650 m in Nam Et-Phou Loei NPA (Duckworth et al. 1995, Duckworth 2008).

Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys

These gibbons belong to genus Nomascus. They are known to communicate in species-specific song when defining territory or attracting mates. They sing in regional accents to each other and form monogamous breeding pairs. Males and females have different coloured fur.

Numerous conservation efforts of these rarest of small primates are ongoing. Sponsor a gibbon at a rescue centre here.

Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Rawson, B.M., Nguyen, M.H., Coudrat, C.N.Z., Roos, C., Jiang, X. & Duckworth, J.W. 2020. Nomascus leucogenys (errata version published in 2020). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39895A180816530. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39895A180816530.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

Northern White-cheeked Gibbon Nomascus leucogenys

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Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus

Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus

Status: Critically Endangered

Locations: Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area, Vietnam, and Bangliang Nature Reserve, China

Location: China, Vietnam

In 2024, Cao-vit #gibbons were revised from 110 to 74 individuals 😿 The world’s most #endangered #gibbon is on the edge of #extinction 🙊 Meat agriculture is a main threat. Help them and #BoycottMeat 🥩⛔️ be #vegan 🍆🥦and #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/29/cao-vit-gibbon-nomascus-nasutus/

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The Cao-vit #gibbons melodic “cow-veet” calls 🐒🐵🎶 echo in the jungles of #Vietnam 🇻🇳 Only 75 #monkeys are left alive. Threats include #climatechange and meat #agriculture Fight for them and #BoycottMeat be #Vegan 🫛🍆 #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/29/cao-vit-gibbon-nomascus-nasutus/

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The Cao-vit gibbon, one of the world’s rarest primates, captivates the imagination with their melodic “cow-veet” calls, which echo like rainforest birdsongs. Research has found that they sing in regional accents to each other and form breeding pairs.

Arguably the world’s rarest gibbon they live in one forest patch straddling the Vietnam–China border. These critically endangered primates face myriad threats, including habitat destruction for timber and meat agriculture, inbreeding, and climate change. Immediate, concerted conservation action is essential to save these extraordinary gibbons from extinction.

Support indigenous-led conservation efforts to protect their habitat. Fight for their survival every time you shop. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottMeat and be #Vegan #Boycott4Wildlife.

Appearance and Behaviour

Cao-vit gibbons are medium-sized arboreal primates distinguished by their sexual dimorphism. Males are cloaked in striking black fur with silvery cheeks, while females are a warm honey-gold with black faces. Both sexes have elongated limbs and agile hands, perfectly adapted for their graceful brachiation through the treetops.

The social lives of these gregarious gibbons are rich and complex, as they live in small family groups led by a dominant male and female. Bonds are reinforced through daily duets, where pairs sing in harmony to announce their presence and maintain territory. The gibbons’ vocalisations are essential not just for social cohesion but also for monitoring efforts, as researchers use these “vocal fingerprints” to identify individuals in the wild.

Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus looking for food
Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus mother and baby
Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus threats
Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus boycott
Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus in a tree
Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus shy and reclusive

Threats

IUCN Status: Critically Endangered

The Cao-vit gibbon’s survival is imperilled by numerous threats:

• Habitat Destruction: The gibbon’s remaining forest is under relentless pressure from logging, wood harvesting, and cultivation for livestock grazing.

• Hunting and Trapping: While direct hunting has decreased, accidental snaring poses a significant threat.

• Inbreeding Risks: The isolated population of just 74 individuals faces genetic bottlenecks, increasing their vulnerability to diseases and reducing reproductive success.

• Climate Change: Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns disrupt food availability and habitat stability.

A recent study highlights the extensive logging and cultivation occurring within the Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area, exacerbating habitat fragmentation (IUCN, 2020).

Diet

The Cao-vit gibbons primarily feed on young leaves, fruits, and flowers, preferring species like Ficus and Pterocarya. Seasonal shifts dictate their dietary habits, as they consume more leaves during periods when fruit availability declines. A study on their food preferences emphasised the importance of preserving diverse tree species to sustain their year-round needs.

Reproduction and Mating

These monogamous small primates form long-term pair bonds, with females giving birth to a single offspring after a gestation period of approximately seven months. Parental care is shared, with males often playing an active role in protecting and nurturing their young. Juveniles remain with their family groups for several years before dispersing to form new pairs.

Geographic Range

The entire global population of Cao-vit gibbons resides within the Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area in Vietnam and the Bangliang Nature Reserve in China. This transboundary habitat consists of limestone karst forests, characterised by steep, rocky terrain and sparse vegetation. Once widespread, their range has been reduced to this single, isolated patch due to widespread deforestation.

FAQ

What is the Cao-vit gibbon?

The Cao-vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) is a critically endangered primate, second only to the Hainan gibbon in terms of rarity. Known for their distinctive calls, which resemble birdsongs, these gibbons are a flagship species for the conservation of Southeast Asia’s unique limestone karst forests.

Where does the Cao-vit gibbon live?

Cao-vit gibbons inhabit a single forest patch on the Vietnam–China border, specifically within the Cao Vit Gibbon Conservation Area and Bangliang Nature Reserve. Their habitat consists of limestone karst forests, a challenging and rugged terrain that offers refuge but limits their range.

What are the threats to the Cao-vit gibbon?

The gibbons face a host of threats, including habitat destruction from logging, wood harvesting, and meat agricultural expansion. Inbreeding within their small population further reduces their genetic diversity, while climate change alters the availability of their food resources. Hunting, though reduced, remains a risk, particularly from accidental trapping.

How is the Cao-vit gibbon being conserved?

Conservation and protection initiatives focus on habitat restoration, regular patrolling by rangers, and sustainable livelihood programs for local communities. Education campaigns raise awareness about their plight, while innovative monitoring techniques, such as “vocal fingerprinting,” help researchers track population changes.

What is the population size of the Cao-vit gibbon?

Recent surveys estimate just 74 individuals remain in the wild, a stark decline from earlier estimates of 110-120. This small, isolated population highlights the urgency of conservation efforts to ensure their survival.

How are the gibbons monitored?

Due to their inaccessible habitat, researchers use advanced acoustic techniques to monitor the gibbons. “Vocal fingerprinting” involves recording and analysing their unique calls to identify individuals and track their movements.

Take Action!

Support indigenous-led conservation and fight for the survival of the Cao-vit gibbon. Use your wallet as a weapon and #BoycottMeat and be #vegan #Boycott4Wildlife.

Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Defler, T. R., García-Gutiérrez, J., Stevenson, P. R., Guzmán-Caro, D., & Palacios, E. (2020). Nomascus nasutus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T41642A17969578. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-3.RLTS.T41642A17969578.en

Fan, P., Scott, M. B., Fei, H., & Ma, C. (2012). Locomotion behaviour of Cao Vit gibbon (Nomascus nasutus) living in karst forest in Bangliang Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. Integrative Zoology, 7(4), 482–490. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-4877.2012.00300.x

Fauna & Flora International. (n.d.). Cao-vit gibbons. Retrieved from https://www.fauna-flora.org/species/cao-vit-gibbons/

Nairn, C. (2024, March 27). Smaller population estimate underscores urgency of saving Cao-vit gibbon. Mongabay News. Retrieved from https://news.mongabay.com/2024/03/smaller-population-estimate-underscores-urgency-of-saving-cao-vit-gibbon/

Rawson, B.M., Roos, C., Nguyen, M.H., Bleisch, W., Geissmann, T. & Fan, P.F. 2020. Nomascus nasutus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T41642A17969578. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T41642A17969578.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

SOS Conservation. (n.d.). Transboundary conservation of the critically endangered Cao-vit gibbon. Retrieved from https://iucnsos.org/projects/transboundary-conservation-of-the-critically-endangered-cao-vit-gibbon/

Cao-vit Gibbon Nomascus nasutus

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Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor

Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor

IUCN Red List Status: Endangered

Location: Black-Crested Gibbons are found in the montane and tropical forests of southern China, northern Vietnam, and northern Laos, primarily at elevations between 200 and 2,800 metres.

The Black-Crested Gibbon of the genus Nomascus is a truly enchanting primate, renowned for their melodic morning duets that echo through the forests of southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. What makes these calls even more remarkable is their regional variation—these gibbons sing with distinct “accents,” unique to their local populations. These complex songs not only strengthen bonds between mates but also serve as territorial markers, ensuring harmony within their fragmented forest homes.

Despite their beauty and ecological importance, Black-Crested Gibbons are at risk of extinction. Habitat destruction for agriculture, and logging, coupled with hunting for the bushmeat trade and the illegal pet trade, is rapidly shrinking their population. Protecting their future is vital for the health of their ecosystems. Take action now: Boycott the illegal wildlife trade, be #vegan and #Boycott4Wildlife.

Black-Crested #Gibbon communities are very close 😻🩷🐒🐵 They sing to each other in regional accents 🔊🎶 they recognise. #Poaching and hunting are a major threat along with #deforestation in #Vietnam 🇻🇳 help them when u #Boycott4Wildlife @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/29/black-crested-gibbon-nomascus-concolor/

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Family-minded with a long-limbed and a vivacious energy ✨🎇 Black-crested #gibbons 🐒🐵are #endangered in #China 🇨🇳and #Vietnam 🇻🇳 due to #poaching and the bushmeat trade along with #deforestation. Help them survive #Boycott4Wildlife 🌴☠️🚫 @palmoildetect https://palmoildetectives.com/2021/01/29/black-crested-gibbon-nomascus-concolor/

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Appearance and Behaviour

Black-Crested Gibbons are medium-sized primates with long limbs and powerful shoulders, perfectly adapted for their signature brachiation—swinging gracefully through the forest canopy. Males are jet-black with a tufted crest, while females display golden-yellow fur with dark facial masks. These striking differences make them one of the most visually distinctive gibbon species.

However, it is their haunting morning duets that set them apart. These songs are intricate, with each pair singing in perfect harmony, their voices weaving complex patterns to reaffirm bonds and mark territory. Fascinatingly, research shows that these songs vary between regions, akin to local dialects or accents, showcasing a cultural aspect of their communication rarely observed in non-human species (Wired, 2011). These accents reflect the gibbons’ unique adaptation to their environment, deepening the mystery and wonder of their lives.

Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor boycott
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor
Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor

Threats

The Black-Crested Gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is endangered, with populations across their range severely impacted by a combination of habitat destruction and hunting.

Agricultural expansion for logging and palm oil

Throughout their range, local forest use practices such as selective logging and agricultural encroachment are key drivers of habitat degradation. These activities fragment the gibbons’ forest homes, making it increasingly difficult for populations to thrive and maintain genetic diversity (Geissmann et al., 2000; Jiang et al., 2006; Wei et al., 2017).

Illegal hunting and bushmeat trade

Hunting is one of the most pervasive threats to these gibbons. In Lao PDR, despite the existence of local taboos against hunting gibbons in some areas, these animals are still captured and killed for subsistence, the illegal pet trade, and traditional medicine (Geissmann, 2007; Rawson et al., 2011). Poachers often target adult gibbons, devastating family groups and leaving juveniles traumatised and vulnerable.

Infrastructure development

Infrastructure projects like Road No. 3 in Lao PDR, funded by the Asian Development Bank, have worsened habitat fragmentation and made once-remote areas more accessible to hunters (Fan et al., 2009a; Peng-Fei et al., 2013). This road has cut through critical forest areas, placing even protected populations at risk.

Forest fires, hydropower construction, climate change

In Vietnam, gibbons are threatened by a combination of human activities, including habitat destruction from agriculture, logging, and settlement. Hunting pressure remains high in some areas, further decimating populations. Additionally, environmental factors such as forest fires and hydropower construction disrupt their already shrinking habitats (Rawson et al., 2011).

Diet

The Black-Crested Gibbon primarily feeds on fruit, making them crucial seed dispersers in their ecosystems. They also consume leaves, flowers, and insects when fruit is scarce, helping to maintain the balance and biodiversity of their forest habitat.

Reproduction and Mating

These gibbons form monogamous pairs that bond for life, raising their offspring together in close-knit family groups. Females give birth to a single infant every 2–3 years after a gestation period of about 7 months. The infant clings to their mother for the first year, learning essential survival skills before becoming independent.

Habitat destruction and the scarcity of mature trees suitable for nesting are significant barriers to successful reproduction.

Geographic Range

The Black-Crested Gibbon is native to southern China (Yunnan Province), northern Vietnam, and northern Laos. They inhabit elevations ranging from 200 to 2,800 metres, favouring dense, undisturbed forests. Deforestation has severely reduced their range, confining populations to isolated patches of forest.

FAQ

What is the Black-Crested Gibbon?

The Black-Crested Gibbon (Nomascus concolor) is an endangered primate native to the forests of southern China, Vietnam, and Laos. Known for their beautiful morning duets and striking fur patterns, they are essential to their ecosystems as seed dispersers.

Why are Black-Crested Gibbons endangered?

Habitat destruction for logging, palm oil plantations, and agriculture is a secondary threat. Hunting for bushmeat and the illegal pet trade is a primary threat and has also decimated populations, with poachers often killing adults to capture infants.

Do Black-Crested Gibbons really sing with accents?

Yes! Black-Crested Gibbons sing in unique regional accents, with their songs varying between populations. These duets strengthen pair bonds, mark territory, and reflect the cultural richness of their communication.

Are Black-Crested Gibbons good pets?

Keeping Black-Crested Gibbons as pets is an incredibly selfish and cruel act that directly contributes to their extinction. Poachers kill adults to capture infants, destroying families and traumatising whole populations. If you care about these animals, you must instead boycott the trade in exotic pets and support their protection in the wild.

Take Action!

The Black-Crested Gibbon is an irreplaceable part of their forest ecosystem, but they are at risk of vanishing forever. Refuse to support products linked to deforestation, speak out against the exotic pet trade, and advocate for conservation efforts. Every action counts: #BoycottPalmOil #Boycott4Wildlife.

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Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Orkin, J. D., He, K., Hu, N. Q., Guan, Z. H., Huang, B., Yang, C., Fan, P. F., & Jiang, X. (2025). Landscape and conservation genetics of western black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor) in China. American Journal of Primatology, 87(1), e23662. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.23662

Pengfei, F., Nguyen, M.H., Phiaphalath, P., Roos, C., Coudrat, C.N.Z. & Rawson, B.M. 2020. Nomascus concolor. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T39775A17968556. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T39775A17968556.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

Sun, G. Z., Huang, B., Guan, Z. H., Geissmann, T., & Jiang, X. L. (2010). Individuality in male songs of wild black crested gibbons (Nomascus concolor). American Journal of Primatology, 73(5), 431–439. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.20917

Wired. (2011). Gibbons sing with accents. Retrieved from https://www.wired.com/2011/02/gibbon-singing-accent/

Black Crested Gibbon Nomascus concolor

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Hainan Gibbon Nomascus hainanus

Hainan Gibbon Nomascus hainanus

Critically Endangered

Location: China.

These small apes belong to genus Nomascus which are found in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and southern China. The Hainan Gibbon is known to live in a restricted area of less than 100 km2 in southern China. They are known to communicate in species-specific song when defining territory or attracting mates. They sing in regional accents to each other and they form polygamous relationships.

The Hainan Gibbon is critically endangered in #China due to #deforestation and #hunting. You can help them by joining the #Boycott4Wildlife on brands destroying #rainforests! Find out more

The Hainan Gibbon lives in montane rainforest, at altitudes ranging from 650 to 1,200 m (Chan et al. 2005), although specimens were collected at lower elevations prior to the complete clearance of lowland forest on Hainan. It is diurnal, arboreal, and mostly frugivorous. The Hainan Gibbon is listed as Critically Endangered because of an observed decline of at least 80% over the past 45 years (three generations), primarily due to hunting and habitat loss (Mootnick et al. 2012, Turvey et al. 2015); its extent of occurrence is less than 100 km2 (Bryant et al. 2016)

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Further Information

iucn-rating-critically-endangered

Geissmann, T. & Bleisch, W. 2020. Nomascus hainanus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2020: e.T41643A17969392. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2020-2.RLTS.T41643A17969392.en. Downloaded on 28 January 2021.

Hainan Gibbon Nomascus hainanus

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