Wasur National Park
Wasur National Park forms part of the largest wetland in Papua
and has been the least disturbed human activity.
About 70% of the total area of the Park consists of savanna
vegetation, while the remaining vegetation is in the form of swamp
forest, monsoon forest, coastal forest, bamboo forest, grassy plains
and large stretches of sago swamp forest. The dominant plant species
in the forest area include api-api (Avicennia sp.), tancang (Bruguiera
sp.), ketapang (Terminalia sp.), and cajuput (Melaleuca sp.).
Species of animal commonly seen include the wallaby (Macropus agilis),
pesquet s parrot (Psittrichus fulgidus), southern cassowary (Casuarius
casuarius sclaterii), blue-crowned pigeon (Goura cristata), greater
bird of paradise (Paradisea apoda novaeguineae), king bird of
paradise (Cicinnurus regius rex), red bird of paradise (Paradisea
rubra), freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus novaeguineae), and
saltwater crocodile (C. porosus).
The high value of its biological diversity has led to the Park being
dubbed the "Serengeti of Papua".
The Park's wetland forms a very productive ecosystem, providing life
support and protection for various species of fish, lobster and crab
of high economic value.
The vast open wetland, in particular Rawa Biru Lake, has attracted
various species of water fowl including migrant birds as well as
wallabies and cassowaries to approach and even dwell on the Lake.
The Lake is sometimes called "tanah air" (the Motherland), due to
the multitude of various animals that crowd around the Lake. This is
a superb place to watch animals.
Interesting locations/attractions:
Rawa Biru Lake, Maar, Kakania, Dikbob, Rawa Panjang, Pilmul:
watching animals, the lake, horse riding, kayaking/canoeing along
the rivers, and sites of cultural interest. Yanggandur, Soa, Ukra,
Onggaya: the savanna, animal observation, kayaking/canoeing along
the rivers, fishing, and cultural tourism.
Best time of year to visit: July to November.
How to reach the Park: from Jayapura to Merauke by plane, 1.5 hours;
then from Merauke to the Park by car, 1-2 hours via the main
Jayapura-Merauke road.
Declared Minister of Forestry SK.No.448/Menhut-VI/90,
a total area of 413,810 hectares
Location Regency of Merauke (Province of West Papua)
Temperature 22° - 30° C
Rainfall 2,400 mm/year (on average)
Altitude 0 - 90 m asl.
Geographical location 140°29' - 141°00' E; 8°04' - 9°07'
Park Office: Jl. Raya Mandala, Gang Spadem Nr. 2
PO Box 109, Merauke 99611, West Papua
Tel. : +62-971-322495 or 325406
Fax. : +62-971-325407
Related resources
National park in Maluku and Papua:
- National Parks in Indonesia
- Manusela National Park - Masohi, Maluku
- Teluk Cendrawasih National Park - Manokwari, West Papua
-
Lorentz National Park - Jayapura, Papua
