Traditional conservation and utilization of wildlife in Papua New Guinea

Summary

The majority of the rural people of Papua New Guinea depend partly or wholly on the use of the region's many species of fauna and flora. Traditional life-styles which have evolved over hundreds of years have developed practices that deliberately set out to conserve wildlife resources, and these include seasonal hunting and harvesting, and giving special protection to certain species that are important to the community. Unfortunately, some traditional practices are particularly destructive to wildlife, and as human populations have increased, their impact has become greater. However, the major threat to wildlife is the massive habitat destruction which is associated with population resettlement schemes and agricultural and mining developments.

The formation of Wildlife Management Areas initiated at the request of landowners is a most encouraging movement which has the potential to retain traditional practices of wildlife conservation, at the same time preventing further habitat destruction.