Varirata National Park

Birds

Varirata National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of avian species, many of which are endemic to Papua New Guinea.

Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
As the national bird of Papua New Guinea, the male Raggiana bird-of-paradise is renowned for its vibrant red and orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays. They gather in leks within the park to perform intricate dances to attract females.

Hooded Pitohui
A striking bird with black and orange plumage, the hooded pitohui is notable for being one of the few known poisonous birds. Their skin and feathers contain batrachotoxins, which can cause numbness and tingling upon contact.

Kingfisher
Varirata is home to several species of kingfishers, known for their vibrant colors and swift hunting skills. They are often seen perched near water bodies, diving to catch fish and insects. Their distinctive calls are a common sound throughout the park.

Dwarf Fruit Dove
One of the smallest pigeons in the world, the dwarf fruit dove has a predominantly green plumage with a distinctive yellow belly. They are frugivorous and often found in the forest canopy, making them a challenge to spot.

Pheasant Pigeon
A ground-dwelling bird with a striking metallic green and purple sheen, the pheasant pigeon is known for its elusive nature. They forage on the forest floor for seeds and fallen fruits, and their low, booming calls can often be heard echoing through the forest.

Popular

Varirata National Park, located near Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea, is renowned for its rich biodiversity, offering a sanctuary to a variety of unique and fascinating species.

Cuscus
These arboreal marsupials are nocturnal and known for their slow movements. They have thick, woolly fur and a prehensile tail, which aids in climbing. Cuscuses are primarily folivorous, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers.

Forest Wallaby
Also known as the gray dorcopsis, these small marsupials inhabit the dense forests of the park. They are characterized by their long tails and powerful hind legs, which they use for hopping through the underbrush. Forest wallabies are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation.

Echidna
These spiny anteaters are one of the few egg-laying mammals. Covered in coarse hair and spines, echidnas use their elongated snouts and sticky tongues to feed on ants and termites. They are solitary creatures and can be found foraging on the forest floor.

Bandicoot
Small, nocturnal marsupials with pointed snouts and hunched backs, bandicoots are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and small invertebrates. They are known for their rapid movements and can often be seen darting through the underbrush at dusk.

Possum
These nocturnal marsupials are adept climbers, using their prehensile tails for balance. Possums have a varied diet, including fruits, leaves, and small insects. They are known for their ability to adapt to different habitats within the park.

Green Python
A strikingly vibrant snake, the green python is known for its bright green coloration and prehensile tail. They are arboreal and primarily nocturnal, feeding on small mammals and birds. Juveniles are often yellow or red before turning green as they mature.

Tree Kangaroo
Unique to Papua New Guinea, tree kangaroos are adapted to life in the trees, with strong forelimbs and a long tail for balance. They move slowly and deliberately, feeding on leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their elusive nature makes them a rare sight in the park.

Crocodile Monitor
One of the longest lizards in the world, the crocodile monitor has a slender body, sharp claws, and a long tail. They are arboreal and carnivorous, feeding on birds, small mammals, and carrion. Their keen sense of smell and agility make them formidable predators.

Birds

Varirata National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of avian species, many of which are endemic to Papua New Guinea.

Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise
As the national bird of Papua New Guinea, the male Raggiana bird-of-paradise is renowned for its vibrant red and orange plumage and elaborate courtship displays. They gather in leks within the park to perform intricate dances to attract females.

Hooded Pitohui
A striking bird with black and orange plumage, the hooded pitohui is notable for being one of the few known poisonous birds. Their skin and feathers contain batrachotoxins, which can cause numbness and tingling upon contact.

Kingfisher
Varirata is home to several species of kingfishers, known for their vibrant colors and swift hunting skills. They are often seen perched near water bodies, diving to catch fish and insects. Their distinctive calls are a common sound throughout the park.

Dwarf Fruit Dove
One of the smallest pigeons in the world, the dwarf fruit dove has a predominantly green plumage with a distinctive yellow belly. They are frugivorous and often found in the forest canopy, making them a challenge to spot.

Pheasant Pigeon
A ground-dwelling bird with a striking metallic green and purple sheen, the pheasant pigeon is known for its elusive nature. They forage on the forest floor for seeds and fallen fruits, and their low, booming calls can often be heard echoing through the forest.