BIRDS OF PARADISE of the Huon Peninsula include (clockwise from above): the magnificent bird of paradise (male displaying on the trunk of a sapling), Huon astrapia (male feeding on a fruiting shefflera tree) and Wahnes’ parotia (male standing in display court he has cleared on the forest floor). While the magnificent bird of paradise is widespread in the mountains of New Guinea, the latter two species are endemic to the peninsula. Wahnes’ parotia is classified as “very endangered” by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature due to its limited range and loss of habitat.

| 40 | NATIONAL WILDLIFE