The Most Popular Animal in Papua New Guinea, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the animal you think is the most popular!
Updated on May 2, 2024 06:28
In the lush and diverse ecosystems of Papua New Guinea, the abundance of unique wildlife not only captivates the interest of biologists but also sparks curiosity among locals and visitors. Establishing a ranking of the most popular animals helps in raising awareness about the conservation of these species and their habitats. It encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation for the wildlife that is part of this country's natural heritage.
This ranking system provides an engaging way for people to express their preferences and opinions regarding different animals. By participating in the voting, users contribute to highlighting the animals that are most admired, promoting further interest and research in the region's biodiversity. It is not only a fun activity but also serves an educational purpose, fostering a connection between people and the natural world around them.
What Is the Most Popular Animal in Papua New Guinea?
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144votesKnown as a national symbol in Papua New Guinea, and is often featured in traditional stories and art. It is also an important bird for Indigenous peoples, who use its feathers in ceremonial dress.The Cassowary is a large, flightless bird native to the rainforests of Australia, New Guinea, and nearby islands. It is considered one of the most frightening birds in the world due to its powerful build, sharp claws, and aggressive behavior.
- Scientific Name: Casuarius
- Average Height: 1.5 to 1.8 meters (5 to 6 feet)
- Weight: Up to 60 kilograms (130 pounds)
- Physical Appearance: Large body covered in coarse, black feathers; distinctive bony casque on the head; bright blue face and neck; long, powerful legs with dagger-like claws
- Habitat: Tropical rainforests and dense vegetation
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237votesA unique species of kangaroo that lives in the forests of Papua New Guinea. It is often considered a symbol of conservation efforts in the country.The tree kangaroo is a unique marsupial that inhabits the rainforests of Papua New Guinea. It is known for its incredible ability to climb trees and live an arboreal lifestyle, making it distinct from its ground-dwelling kangaroo relatives. Unlike its terrestrial counterparts, the tree kangaroo possesses adaptations such as strong forelimbs, long claws, and a flexible tail to aid in its climbing and jumping skills.
- Scientific Name: Dendrolagus
- Average Lifespan: 15-20 years
- Size: Around 2 to 3 feet tall
- Weight: 12-30 pounds
- Habitat: Rainforests and mountainous regions
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333votesPapua New Guinea is home to several species of crocodile, including the saltwater crocodile, which is the largest living reptile in the world. Crocodiles are often featured in traditional stories and art, and are also hunted for their meat and skins.The crocodile is a large reptile known for its formidable appearance and predatory nature. It is characterized by a long, muscular body, short legs, and a powerful tail. The crocodile has a broad snout with sharp teeth and a rugged, scaly skin that provides protection from its environment. Its body is adapted for both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, with webbed feet for swimming and claws for gripping on land.
- Species: Various species of the Crocodylidae family
- Size: Can reach lengths of up to 20 feet (6 meters)
- Weight: Ranges from 200 to 2,000 pounds (90 to 900 kilograms)
- Habitat: Tropical freshwater rivers, lakes, estuaries, and brackish mangrove swamps
- Distribution: Found in Africa, Australia, Americas, and Asia
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49votesPapua New Guinea is known for its incredible diversity of bird species, including the famous birds of paradise. These birds have bright, colorful plumage and unique mating rituals, and are highly prized by collectors and bird watchers.The Birds of paradise are a group of vibrant and unique bird species native to Papua New Guinea and surrounding regions. Known for their stunning plumage and elaborate mating dances, they are considered one of the most iconic and sought-after birds in the world.
- Family: Paradisaeidae
- Size: Varies from 15 to 43 cm
- Weight: Varies from 50 to 430 grams
- Habitat: Rainforests and mountains of Papua New Guinea
- Diet: Fruits, seeds, insects, and small vertebrates
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512votesPossums are common in Papua New Guinea, and are often hunted for their meat and fur. They are also considered to be important spiritual animals by some Indigenous peoples.The Possum is a marsupial native to Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the Phalangeridae family and is known for its unique appearance and behavior.
- Scientific name: Phalangeridae
- Habitat: Forests and woodlands
- Size: Around 30-35 cm long (excluding tail)
- Weight: 1-4 kg
- Appearance: Furry body with bushy tail, large eyes, and pointed snout
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610votesThe largest land-living arthropod in the world, coconut crabs are found throughout the Pacific, including in Papua New Guinea. They are often hunted for their meat, and are also considered a delicacy in some parts of the country.The Coconut crab, also known as the robber crab or palm thief, is a species of land hermit crab found in the coastal regions of Papua New Guinea. It is the largest land-living arthropod in the world and is renowned for its impressive size and strength.
- Size: Can reach a leg span of up to 3 feet (0.9 meters)
- Weight: Can weigh up to 9 pounds (4 kilograms)
- Color: Generally brown or purple with a distinctive orange coloration
- Lifespan: Can live up to 60 years
- Habitat: Coastal regions, often found near the shore or in mangrove forests
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713votes
Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainThese large bats are found throughout Papua New Guinea, and are considered to be an important food source by many Indigenous peoples. They are also significant in traditional stories and art.The Flying Fox is a fascinating animal found in Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the species of fruit bats and is known for its ability to fly long distances. It has a unique appearance with a wingspan that can reach up to 1.5 meters and a fox-like face, hence the name 'Flying Fox'. This creature is highly diverse, with over 90 species identified across the world. The creator of the Flying Fox is Mother Nature, as it is a natural species that has evolved over time.- Scientific Name: Pteropus
- Average Wingspan: 1.5 meters
- Habitat: Forests and coastal areas
- Diet: Fruit and nectar
- Behavior: Nocturnal and highly sociable
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84votes
Brocken Inaglory · CC BY-SA 3.0Papua New Guinea is home to several species of sea turtles, including the green sea turtle. These turtles are often hunted for their meat and shells, and are also considered to be important cultural symbols.The Green sea turtle, also known as Chelonia mydas, is a species of sea turtle that belongs to the family Cheloniidae. It is one of the most popular animals in Papua New Guinea due to its distinctive appearance and ecological importance.- Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
- Size: Adults can reach a length of 3 to 4 feet (0.9 to 1.2 meters)
- Weight: Adults can weigh between 200 to 500 pounds (90 to 225 kilograms)
- Color: Typically characterized by a dark green or brown carapace (shell) and yellowish-white plastron (underside)
- Lifespan: Can live for several decades, with some individuals reaching over 80 years
Green sea turtle in other rankings- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular animal in the UAE
- Position 9 of 10 in Most popular turtle
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911votes
Brian Dell · Public domainThese large lizards are found throughout Papua New Guinea, and are often hunted for their meat and skins. They are also significant in traditional stories and art.The Monitor lizard is a large reptile found in Papua New Guinea. It belongs to the Varanidae family and is known for its impressive size and unique appearance.- Size: Can grow up to 2-3 meters in length
- Weight: Weighs around 20-30 kilograms
- Color: Varies depending on species, ranging from dark brown to yellowish-gray with different patterns
- Habitat: Found in forests, swamps, and riverbanks
- Diet: Carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, eggs, and carrion
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107votesAlthough not an animal, betel nut is a significant cultural symbol in Papua New Guinea. It is a mild stimulant that is chewed by many Indigenous peoples, and is often used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.The Betel nut, also known as Areca nut, is a popular seed produced by the Areca palm (scientific name: Areca catechu). It is commonly used as a stimulant and traditional medicine in Papua New Guinea and other parts of Southeast Asia.
- Appearance: Small, round seed with a hard outer shell
- Texture: Hard and slightly fibrous
- Color: Usually light brown to dark brown
- Taste: Bitter and astringent
- Cultural significance: Important part of social and cultural customs in Papua New Guinea
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Ranking factors for popular animal
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Cultural significanceConsider the role that animals play in the local culture, traditions, and folklore of Papua New Guinea. This could include their symbolism, representation in art, or connection to ancestral stories.
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Use by local communitiesThe importance and utility of certain animals to local communities should also be considered. Some animals may be used for food, clothing, or other practical purposes. Others may play an important role in the local ecosystem and economy (e.g. pollinators or pest control).
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Conservation status and effortsThe popularity of an animal may also be linked to its conservation status and the efforts being made to protect its habitat and population. Endangered or threatened animals may gain attention and support from both locals and international conservation organizations.
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TourismCertain animals may be popular among tourists, drawing visitors to the country for wildlife experiences. Species that are unique to Papua New Guinea or that are sought after by wildlife enthusiasts can be deemed popular in this context.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most popular animal in Papua New Guinea. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or animal is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1718 views
- 180 votes
- 10 ranked items
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each animal once every 24 hours. The rank of each animal is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most popular animal in papua new guinea
Papua New Guinea is a country known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to over 700 species of birds, 200 species of mammals, and 600 species of fish. The country's unique location, situated on the eastern edge of the island of New Guinea, has resulted in a rich biodiversity.
Among the most popular animals in Papua New Guinea are the birds of paradise, tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and the famous saltwater crocodile. These species are not just popular because of their unique features, but they also hold cultural significance to the people of Papua New Guinea.
The birds of paradise, for example, are revered for their beautiful plumage and are often featured in traditional dances and ceremonies. Tree kangaroos, on the other hand, are considered sacred by some tribes and are believed to have spiritual powers.
Despite the country's rich biodiversity, many of its species are threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. Efforts are being made to conserve these animals and their habitats, but much more needs to be done to ensure their survival.
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