McAdam National Park

McAdam Overview

McAdam National Park, located in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea, encompasses approximately 3.86 square miles (10 square kilometers) of protected area. Established on July 1, 1970, the park is situated near the town of Bulolo, approximately 15 kilometers away, and is accessible via the Bulolo Highway.

The park’s terrain is characterized by steep slopes, notably rising to the Three Sisters peak in the southwest. It is drained by the Weibek Creek, with inclines descending towards the Bulolo River to the east.

The landscape is predominantly forested, featuring a mix of Araucaria species, including hoop and klinkii pines, as well as oak trees and bamboo groves. These forests serve as a crucial seed bank for the Araucaria species, which have become increasingly rare due to deforestation and mining activities in the region.

The park’s diverse habitats support a rich array of wildlife. Bird enthusiasts can observe species such as the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise, various parrots, and the cassowary. Reptiles, including tree pythons and other snakes, as well as lizards, are also present.

Mammalian fauna includes wallabies and tree kangaroos, which find refuge in the park’s undisturbed areas. The presence of the Alexander birdwing butterfly adds to the park’s biodiversity, highlighting its ecological significance.

Visitors to McAdam National Park can engage in several activities to experience its natural beauty. Hiking trails of varying difficulty traverse the dense forests and run alongside picturesque rivers, offering opportunities to witness the vibrant flora and fauna firsthand.

Birdwatching is particularly rewarding, given the park’s avian diversity. The tranquil environment also makes it suitable for picnics and nature walks, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. For those interested in extended stays, camping facilities are available, providing a base to explore the park’s offerings more thoroughly.

Despite its natural allure, McAdam National Park faces significant conservation challenges. Illegal settlements have emerged within its boundaries, leading to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. These settlers often clear forests for gardens and engage in small-scale mining activities, particularly along the Bulolo River, resulting in pollution and degradation of water quality.

The use of fire for land clearing has also caused damage to the Araucaria forests, with some areas being overtaken by invasive species like bamboo and Piperaceae plants following such disturbances. The absence of on-site management and enforcement has exacerbated these issues, as the last park ranger departed in the early 1980s, leaving the park vulnerable to exploitation.

Efforts to address these challenges have been proposed, focusing on re-establishing a government presence within the park and clarifying its legal status to resolve land ownership disputes.

Developing a comprehensive management plan in collaboration with customary landowners and local authorities is essential to guide conservation actions and sustainable use of resources. Reforestation initiatives aim to restore degraded areas, particularly those affected by illegal activities and fires.

Engaging the local community through education and awareness programs is also crucial to foster a sense of stewardship and ensure the long-term preservation of McAdam National Park’s unique ecological and cultural values.

Park Map

McAdam National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

McAdam National Park is a paradise for birdwatchers, with a remarkable array of avian species inhabiting its dense forests and open spaces. The park is home to colorful parrots, majestic birds-of-paradise, and elusive forest dwellers.

Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
Famed for its elaborate courtship displays, the male showcases vibrant red and orange plumes while performing an intricate dance to attract females.

Papuan King-Parrot
A strikingly beautiful bird with a bright red chest and green wings, often seen foraging for fruit in the treetops.

Dusky Lory
This energetic and highly social parrot sports dusky black and bright orange plumage. It moves in noisy flocks, feeding on nectar and fruits.

Black-capped Lory
Easily identified by its black cap and vivid red body, this parrot is frequently seen around flowering trees, where it feeds on nectar.

Goldie’s Lorikeet
A small, brightly colored parrot with predominantly green feathers and a touch of red on its head, often found in montane forests.

Coconut Lorikeet
A brilliantly colored bird with a mix of green, blue, yellow, and red feathers, it is commonly observed feeding on nectar from native flowering plants.

Papuan Eclectus
The males and females of this species have distinct colors—males are bright green, while females are a deep red and purple. They are known for their loud, melodious calls.

Wattled Brushturkey
A large, ground-dwelling bird that builds enormous mound nests to incubate its eggs. It is often seen foraging on the forest floor.

Black-billed Cuckoo-Dove
A slender, medium-sized dove with a distinctive black bill, frequently spotted in dense forest habitats.

Wompoo Fruit-Dove
A stunningly colorful bird with a deep purple chest and green wings, its name comes from the resonant “wompoo” sound it makes while calling.

McAdam National Park’s biodiversity makes it an exceptional destination for nature lovers, with its unique combination of mammals, reptiles, and an incredible variety of birds creating an unforgettable wildlife experience.