Conservation in Papua New Guinea:
Tree Kangaroos, Echidnas and People

Blessed with unique (and sometimes bizarre) diversity of species that includes egg-laying mammals, tree-dwelling kangaroos, giant ground-dwelling birds, and a butterfly with a foot-wide wingspan, it is easy to overlook the fact that Papua New Guinea (PNG) is also unparalleled in its cultural richness. In the heart of this developing country with many challenges lies a diverse group of native cultures looking for a balance in the preservation of their traditional ways, and the need to protect their natural resources. PNG has over 800 different languages, a large number of indigenous, traditional-living groups, and very complex spiritual beliefs. Wildlife resources are essential to a country where 97% of the land is owned by traditional landowners who pass it down through generations. Long-term success of conservation programs relies on active involvement by local people who perceive species conservation as a method to preserve their traditional way of life.

In this hunting society, most wild animals have learned to avoid villages. However, villagers are very resourceful in their use of the native wildlife species, as Mark Wanner experienced first hand. While in a village, Mark had a close encounter with a young cassowary. Cassowaries, very large, emu-like birds, can be dangerous and aggressive, and it was a huge surprise when one curiously came within a foot of an unsuspecting Mark. Responding with a tremendous jump to get out of the bird's path of (perceived) destruction, Mark made the villagers laugh so hard at the scene that most could not even stand upright. The villagers could not understand Mark's wariness of this bird: cassowaries are occasionally captured as chicks in the forest, raised and semi-domesticated while given free roaming access within their villages. Cassowary feathers and other parts are used in traditional headdresses, necklaces and ritualistic tools.

Of the many species, tree kangaroos and echidnas hold unique places in native cultures. The Matschie's tree kangaroo is a rare, canopy-dwelling species found only in Papua New Guinea. Its tail is used as headbands and worn during ceremonies; its skin is used for the traditional "kundu" drums, and the meat is consumed. A local story told by a villager says that both echidnas and tree kangaroos used to share the same parts of the forest, but the tree kangaroo tricked the echidna into removing his tail. Not being able to balance in trees without a tail, the echidna was forced to live underground and eat worms. In turn, the echidna got its revenge by inventing the custom of area humans wearing a tree kangaroo tail around the heads to show great status. The tree kangaroos hold a special place in their spiritual beliefs as well as their legends: shape-shifting bush spirits use their shapes to trick people into parts of the forest. Tree kangaroos are believed to possess magical abilities, capable of making people irresistibly fall in love.

There are many open questions about the basic biology of these species despite their place in native culture. The Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Conservation Center for Papua New Guinea, led by Children's Zoo Curator Alice Seyfried, has partnered with the Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program (TKCP), led by Dr. Lisa Dabek of Roger Williams Park Zoo, a Saint Louis Conservation Fellow. Although TKCP's studies began in 1996, we are just now learning about wild tree kangaroo activity patterns, population size, social structure and habitat utilization. Even less is known about the rare and secretive, egg-laying, long-beaked echidna, which is more limited geographically than its short-beaked relatives.  It is suspected that echidnas are long-lived, and may take many years to reach sexual maturity and reproduce. In April of 2004, Saint Louis Zoo veterinarian Dr. Luis Padilla joined a research team that set out to find answers to these questions.

The team temporarily placed GPS radio-transmitters on tree kangaroos and a long-beaked echidna, and subsequently tracked their movements. While collars were placed on tree kangaroos, the stocky echidna body necessitated placing small radio-bracelets on their ankles. Local people were trained in radio-tracking techniques and assisted in data collection. Dr. Padilla examined and anesthetized the animals to safely place the radio-transmitters, and collected samples for genetic analysis.  An electronic microchip was placed in each animal for future identification.

The information gained should start to address basic questions on echidna and tree kangaroo biology, and will be used to make objective decisions on how wildlife resources can be sustainably utilized. As partners in conservation, the Saint Louis Zoo is leading the way towards a bright future in Papua New Guinea's wildlife, its people and their rich culture.