Tree-Kangaroo in Wondiwoi Mountain
Dendrolagus mayri, is an endemic kangaroo from West Papua found in the Wondiwoi Mountains. This animal, which is often called the Wondiwoi kangaroo, is almost extinct. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, the International Organization for Endangered Species, estimates the population is less than 50 individuals. In fact, this animal is thought to be extinct before it was finally rediscovered in 2017 by a number of British researchers.
Joined in the marsupiali family, the Wondiwoi Kangaroo is a little different from its Australian siblings. These endemic animals of Papua can be said to be omnivores. Although most of his food is fruits and seeds, it is not uncommon for him to also eat bird eggs. Living from tree to tree, able to jump up to 9 meters in 1 jump. The Wondiwoi kangaroo is one of the most unknown mammals in the World.
The tree kangaroo is a tropical marsupial that is a close relative of kangaroos and wallabies that live in land. The Wondiwoi tree kangaroo is medium in size and has the forearm muscles to pull its body against the tree trunk and move around the branches by climbing and jumping. He was found in a forest full of bamboo thickets at an altitude of 1,500-1,700 meters.
Just like other tree kangaroos, the Wondiwoi Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus mayri), which is a marsupial animal, is thought to be more active in tree activities. His favorite foods are leaves and fruit. In addition, this typical kangaroo from Papua island also eats seeds, flowers, sap, eggs, chicks, and even skin.
This kangaroo habitat is estimated to be in a mountainous forest area with about 1,600 meters above sea level. Its distribution area is limited to the Wondiwoi mountain peninsula, Wondama Bay Regency, West Papua. The Wondiwoi Mountains are not a friendly terrain for conducting research. The place is covered forest and very difficult to access. Not to mention the threat of wild beasts that can approach at any time. One of the Wondiwoi tree kangaroos' fortunes is that they live in a dense bamboo forest that is difficult to reach.
The Wondiwoi Mountains Nature Reserve is the right place for those who like to walk in nature while enjoying the fresh air. Located not too far from the city, only about 5 kilometres from the Manokwari town, the Wondiwoi Nature Reserve has around 147 species of flora and fauna. If you just want to take a walk or trekking quietly while enjoying the scenery, not just relaxing on the beach, then this place is perfect.
From Wondiwoi Nature Reserve, tourists can also enjoy stunning views of the Cenderawasih Bay and Wandamen Bay. But to achieve this beautiful place is quite difficult, because tourists must board a Cessna type aircraft to get to the center area of Wondiwoi. The stunning scenery and diversity of flora and fauna inside the area that you will see shall be comparable to the tough journey you have taken.
