The International Tree Kangaroo Summit held at the Port Moresby Nature Park has come to a close.
The Summit brought together representatives of government, traditional landowner groups, conservation organizations, and zoological institutions from PNG and around the world
Discussed was the plight of endangered tree kangaroos and work towards their conservation and awareness.
Participants from the summit said that tree kangaroos are the perfect ambassadors and symbol for conservation in Papua New Guinea due to their profile worldwide.
Nature Park’s General Manager, Michelle McGeorge said there is worldwide interest and support for tree kangaroos not only in PNG but abroad as well.
"We must all work together on behalf of this unique animals. “This summit brought all of us together to recognize the contribution each of us are making in this area, said McGeorge.
Tree kangaroos are a unique group of animals mainly found on the island of New Guinea, with two species found in Far North Queensland, Australia.
Most PNG tree kangaroo species are threatened or endangered and need protection
There are two tree kangaroo conservation programs in PNG that are recognised by the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) of PNG. 1) The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program in the YUS Conservation Area, Morobe Province; and 2) Tenkile Conservation Alliance in the Torricelli Mountain range in the East and West Sepik Provinces.
The next International Tree Kangaroo event will be hosted in Germany with PNG selected to host the event again in 2019.