IUCN Management Category Unassigned

Biogeographical Province 5.01.13 (Papuan)

Geographical Location Occupies part of Baiyer River Valley, in the north-west of the Bismarck Range, West Highland Province. Approximately 5°09'S, 144°09'E

Date and History of Establishment Gazetted as a sanctuary on 13 January 1968 under the Lands Act 1962-1967.

Area 120ha

Land Tenure Government expropriated land

Altitude 800-1,200m

Physical Features The Baiyer River basin is dissected by numerous creeks and streams.

Climate The pattern of rainfall is seasonal. Of the 2590mm mean annual rainfall, least (100mm) falls in July, the driest month, and most (367mm) in March, the wettest month. Regular temperature inversions in Baiyer Valley are responsible for the daily alternating katabatic and anabatic winds, which give rise to a pattern of clear valley bottoms and clouded slopes in the morning and clouded bottoms and clear slopes in the evening. Diurnal temperature range is likely to be greater than the annual range (CSIRO, 1970).

Vegetation Lowland hill forest is contiguous with the forests of the lower Baiyer River which joins those of the Lai, Jimi, Yuat, and Sepik rivers. Forest within the sanctuary consists principally of oak Quercus spp., with a canopy at 30m and frequent emergents rising to about 35m. A distinct lower canopy is present, with shrubby undergrowth and a rather sparse ground cover (Croxall, 1977). Other species of trees include Evodia elleryane, Elmerillia, Gnetum, Casuarina, Pandanus, Eucalyptus deglupta and Mucuna novoguineensis (MacKay 1980). Forest clearance has given rise to secondary grasslands dominated by Themeda australis (CSIRO, 1970).

Fauna Eight species of mammal were recorded by Anderson et al. (1985). Species include rats Melomys rufescens and Parahydromys asper, New Guinea spiny bandicoot Echymipera kalabu, long-tailed bandicoot Peroryctes raffrayanus and dasyurid marsupial Murexia longicaudata. Kangaroos and possum are also present (Gorio, S., pers. comm., 1980). Some 185 species of birds have been recorded (MacKay, 1980). Significant populations of lesser bird of paradise Paradisaea minor and magnificent bird of paradise Cicinnurus magnificus are present (B.M. Beehler, pers. comm., 1989).

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities The sanctuary was popular among tourists but has not been frequented by tours for two years due to security problems (R. Hicks, pers. comm., 1989). There is a self-catering hostel.

Scientific Research and Facilities Research includes surveys of the birds (Mackay, 1980) and mammals (Anderson et al, 1985). Various species are bred in captivity including cassowarys Casuarius sp., and Raggiana bird of paradise Paradise raggiana. Other work includes a study of phalanger breeding and cassowary diet by faecal analysis (S. Gorio, pers. comm., 1980). Facilities include aviaries for research, enclosures for cassowaries and a laboratory (SPREP, 1985).

Conservation Value No specific information

Conservation Management Administered by a small trust. A simple system of zonation has been established consisting of zoo areas, a recreational area and natural environment areas (SPC, 1985).

Management Constraints Threats include hunting by local villagers and disturbance by domestic pigs (SPREP, 1985). Lack of funds is threatening the survival of the sanctuary (R. Hicks, pers. comm., 1989).

Staff One superintendent, one ranger, one business manager (SPC, 1985)

Budget K 36,000 NK (1980)

Local Addresses

Superintendent, Baiyer River Sanctuary, P O Box 490, Mt Hagen

References

Anderson, T., Amos, N., Berry, A. and Cook, J. (1985). A study of the parasitology and behaviour of forest mammals using spool-and-line tracking. In: de Winser, N. and de Winser, S. (Eds), Expedition Yearbook 1985. Expedition Advisory Centre, London. Pp. 215-216.

SPREP (1985). Report on the Third South Pacific National Parks and Reserves Conference. Volume 3. Country Reviews. South Pacific Commission, Noumea, New Caledonia. 269 pp.

Croxall, J. (1977). Insectivorous rainforest passerines. Ibis 119: 115.

CSIRO (1970). Lands of Goroka - Mount Hagen Area, Papua New Guinea. CSIRO Land Research Series 27: 16-117.

Gorio, S. (1978). Papua New Guinea involves its people in national park development. Parks 3: 12-14.

MacKay, R., (1980). A list of birds of the Baiyer River Sanctuary and adjacent areas. Papua New Guinea Bird Society Newsletter 167-168: 24-38.

Date June 1980, reviewed January 1989, updated July 1989