Central Range Subalpine Grasslands - A Global Ecoregion
The only alpine shrublands in Australasia
Snapshot: Ecoregion 106
Size:
15,571 sq. km (6,011 sq. miles)
Habitat type:
Montane Grasslands and Shrublands
Central New Guinea
Conservation Status:
Relatively Stable/Intact
Quiz Time
What is the "Ring of Fire"?
Answer:
Papua New Guinea is located along the "Ring of Fire," a region that encircles the Pacific Ocean along the edges of shifting tectonic plates. The movement of these plates causes earthquakes and volcanic activity throughout the Ring of Fire, including eruptions of the 40 active volcanoes found on Papua New Guinea.
About the Area
These disjunct meadow habitats form a tiny ecoregion that surround the highest peaks of Papua New Guinea - a large island nation in the South Pacific Ocean.
A combination of rich volcanic soil produced by the eruptions of active volcanoes on New Guinea and heavy tropical rains help the plant life of the Central Range Subalpine Grasslands thrive. Many endemic plant, mammal, and bird species are found in these sensitive areas.Local Species
Endemic animals include two mammals - a shrew mouse (Pseudohydromys murinus) and a rat (Rattus novaeguineae) in addition to a number of birds such as MacGregor's bird of paradise (Macgregoria pulchra), Papuanb thornbill (Acanthiza murina), and Wattled ploughbill (Eulacestoma nigropectu).
Threats
Much of this ecoregion remains intact, although approximately one-fifth of the fragile ecoregion has been destroyed. Logging in the mountains and pollution in rivers that run through the grasslands are a cause of concern.
Resources
• NationalGeographic.com
