Birds of Paradise Save Nimbokrang Forest

Birds of paradise, as the name suggests, seem to be bringing peace to the people living in the Grime Valley in Jayapura, Papua.

Kompas/Hendra A Setyawan

A lesser bird of paradise (Paradisaea minor) perches at the top of a tree in the forest of Rhepang Muaif in Nimbokrang district, Jayapura regency, Papua, Wednesday (24/11/2021)..

A brief moment before sunrise in Papua, a cenderawasih mati kawat (Seleucidis melanoleucus) broke the morning’s silence in the Grime Valley. Despite its relatively small body, its calls penetrated all corners of the forest. Now and again, it aimed its pointed beak at the sky.

From the observation tower, the yellow plumes along its flanks were clearly visible. For around 15 minutes, the bird perched atop a tree that stood 3 meters tall.