Status and Conservation Possibilities of Papua New Guinea’s Terrestrial Mammals

The status of Papua New Guinea’s terrestrial mammals is revised according to their geographical distribution,<br />life history characteristics, and current conservation plans and legislation. Considering their uniqueness and<br />threatening factors, their appropriate management is critical to achieve sustainable development in the country.<br />Concerning marsupial species no one has been yet domesticated, there is no organized breeding and their<br />natural productivity is generally lower than ruminants. Their conservation status is related to their size as<br />smaller species are usually more prolific, less conspicuous, and less preferred by hunters. Differences on<br />evolutionary ecology between families are discussed, and recommendations are given for the assessment and<br />further conservation of vulnerable species. Conservation programs must go alongside with rural livelihoods<br />improvement through ecotourism, food security, and marketing of non timber forest products.<br />Keywords: terrestrial mammal, marsupial spesies, conservation status, Papua New Guinea