Talele Island National Park

Birds

Talele Island National Park, established in 1973, is a protected area in Papua New Guinea renowned for its rich biodiversity and cultural significance to the Qaqet Tribe of the Baining people.

Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise (Paradisaea raggiana)
The national bird of Papua New Guinea, the Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise is celebrated for its vibrant red and yellow plumage and elaborate courtship displays. Males showcase their magnificent feathers and perform unique dances to attract females.

Victoria Crowned Pigeon (Goura victoria)
This large, ground-dwelling bird is known for its regal appearance, featuring beautiful blue-gray plumage, a fan-shaped crest, and bright red eyes. Endemic to the island of New Guinea, it inhabits lowland rainforests and is admired for its unique appearance and gentle nature.

Papuan Lorikeet (Charmosyna papou)
A striking bird found in the highlands, the Papuan Lorikeet boasts a vibrant mix of red, black, and purple plumage. Known for its acrobatic flight and energetic behavior, it feeds primarily on nectar and pollen.

King of Saxony Bird-of-Paradise (Pteridophora alberti)
Notable for the male’s extraordinary head plumes, which can exceed twice the bird’s body length, this species is a marvel of avian evolution. Males use these ornate plumes in elaborate courtship displays to attract females.

Blyth’s Hornbill (Rhyticeros plicatus)
Also known as the Papuan Hornbill, this large bird is characterized by its impressive bill and casque. It plays a vital role in seed dispersal within the forest ecosystems of New Guinea.

Palm Cockatoo (Probosciger aterrimus)
Distinguished by its striking black plumage and prominent red cheek patches, the Palm Cockatoo is known for its unique behavior of using sticks to drum on hollow trees, possibly as a form of communication or courtship display.

Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus)
This species exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism, with males displaying bright green plumage and females adorned in vibrant red and purple. They are commonly found in lowland rainforests and are known for their strong pair bonds.

Southern Cassowary (Casuarius casuarius)
A large, flightless bird with a striking blue and black coloration, the Southern Cassowary is known for its helmet-like casque and powerful legs. It plays a crucial role in seed dispersal within its rainforest habitat.

New Guinea Harpy Eagle (Harpyopsis novaeguineae)
An apex predator in New Guinea’s forests, this eagle is recognized by its powerful build and distinctive crest. It primarily preys on tree-dwelling mammals and birds, contributing to the ecological balance of its habitat.

Collared Imperial-Pigeon (Ducula mullerii)
This large pigeon species is noted for its elegant appearance, featuring a pale gray body with a distinctive black collar around its neck. It inhabits lowland forests and mangroves, often seen in flocks feeding on fruits.

Saltwater Crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
The largest reptile native to New Guinea, the saltwater crocodile inhabits most of the island’s rivers, including those within Talele Island National Park. These formidable predators can grow up to 7 meters in length and are known for their powerful build and territorial nature.

Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
The park’s coastal areas serve as breeding grounds for green sea turtles. These marine reptiles are known for their distinctive greenish-colored fat and are often seen nesting on the park’s beaches.

Dugong (Dugong dugon)
In the surrounding waters of Talele Island, dugongs can occasionally be spotted grazing on seagrass meadows. These gentle marine mammals are closely related to manatees and are known for their unique dolphin-like tails.

Cuscus (Phalangeridae family)
The dense forests of the park are home to various species of cuscus, arboreal marsupials closely related to possums. They are nocturnal and have a slow, deliberate movement, feeding primarily on leaves and fruits.

Tree-Kangaroo (Dendrolagus species)
Unique to New Guinea, tree-kangaroos inhabit the park’s forested areas. Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, these marsupials are adapted to life in the trees, with strong forelimbs and a long tail for balance.

Monitor Lizard (Varanus species)
Various monitor lizard species, including the impressive crocodile monitor, can be found within the park. These large reptiles are known for their sharp claws and keen hunting abilities.

Flying Fox (Pteropus species)
Large fruit bats known as flying foxes are common in the park. They play a crucial role in pollination and seed dispersal, feeding on a variety of fruits and flowers.

New Guinea Singing Dog (Canis lupus dingo)
Occasionally, the elusive New Guinea singing dog, known for its unique vocalizations, can be heard within the park. These wild dogs are rare and primarily inhabit remote highland areas.

Pig-nosed Turtle (Carettochelys insculpta)
Found in the freshwater rivers and streams of the park, the pig-nosed turtle is distinctive for its leathery shell and pig-like snout. Unlike other freshwater turtles, it has flippers similar to marine turtles.

Giant Rat (Mallomys species)
The park’s forested regions are home to some of the world’s largest rat species. These nocturnal rodents can weigh up to 1.5 kilograms and are primarily herbivorous.