Word: Ayu Arman
First, the nature reserve forest. Approximately 70% of the forest area in the Yapen Islands falls within a designated conservation area. This nature reserve is located at the heart of Yapen Island, stretching from east to west for about 105.6 kilometers and covering an area of 59,600 hectares. The area boasts rich biodiversity. Numerous species of flora and fauna have been recorded. Among them are 126 species of trees, along with various types of orchids, butterflies, bats, freshwater fish, bees, shrimp, crabs, snakes, cuscus, Irian porcupines, tree kangaroos, ground kangaroos, wild boars, rats, deer, and birds.
There are 134 known bird species in the Yapen nature reserve forest. These include four species of birds of paradise and the golden-fronted bowerbird, locally known as namdur. Both the namdur and birds of paradise are protected under Regulation of the Minister of Environment and Forestry No. 106 of 2018.
The various flora and fauna mentioned above still do not fully reflect the wealth of biodiversity in Yapen’s forest reserve, as there remain vast unexplored areas. This presents both a knowledge challenge and a responsibility to protect our natural heritage.
To reach the reserve, one can travel overland for about 50 kilometers through Kontiunai Village and Ambaidiru Village. Traveling by car from Serui City takes approximately two hours.
Second, birdwatching for birds of paradise. The Yapen nature reserve is a migration path for this iconic and endemic bird of Papua. However, there are specific birdwatching spots often visited by tourists, such as in the forests of Barawai, Aisau, Sawendui, Aikakopa, and Awado villages. These birds can usually be observed closely from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM. In the evening, they appear again from 4:00 PM until dusk.
