Photo: The pig-nosed turtle and bird-of-paradise are endemic to the Kali Kao region. TSE Group highlights the urgency of preserving their natural habitat through a video documentary.
BOVEN DIGOEL – Amidst Papua’s lush forests and pristine rivers, rare species coexist with nature. Some have yet to receive scientific names, waiting to be studied further by researchers.
In Papua’s waters, one notable species is the pig-nosed turtle (Carettochelys insculpta), a unique reptile believed to have survived for over 100 million years. Meanwhile, up in the tropical forest canopy, the greater bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea apoda) dances with its distinctive golden feathers, serving as a symbol of Papua’s natural beauty.
Both species inhabit the Kali Kao region, a river that is integral to the forest ecosystem and a life source for local communities. For many residents, Kali Kao is more than just a waterway; it is the lifeblood connecting humans, forests, and wildlife that have coexisted for generations.
Through a documentary video, Tunas Sawa Erma (TSE) Group highlights the importance of protecting the habitats of Papua’s endemic wildlife, given their high ecological value. The video portrays Kali Kao as a home to various species, including the river-dwelling pig-nosed turtles and the canopy-inhabiting greater birds-of-paradise.
This documentation also aims to raise public awareness regarding endemic wildlife conservation and the importance of maintaining ecosystem balance in Papua.
The video on Kali Kao is available in three languages to reach a wider audience:
- Indonesian Version
https://youtu.be/OdNdJbzN0ek - English Version
https://youtu.be/9cu6v52N8MU - Korean Version
https://youtu.be/MwsBpFCt_4Q
Through this documentary, TSE Group hopes to encourage more people to recognize and care for Papua’s rich biodiversity and understand the importance of preserving natural habitats for future generations. (PR)
