Traditionally hunter/gatherer societies, populations of people in the Torricelli Mountain Ranges have nearly trebled in the past 50 years. This has led to a dramatic increase in the need for people to hunt and eat native wildlife for food. Combined with changes in traditional beliefs and hunting methods, this has led to the decline in wildlife in the area. Most species have reduced in numbers and distribution, and there have been local extinctions of some species.

The two most endangered species in the Torricelli Mountain range are the Scott's Tree Kangaroo (Dendrolagus scottae) and the Golden-mantled Tree Kangaroo, locally known as Weimang (Dendrolagus goodfellowii pulcherimus). Both are listed as Endangered, but this will be upgraded to Critically Endangered when the next global list is produced. Their distribution has probably been reduced by 70–80% within the last 30–50 years. When the conservation commenced, the Tenkile population was thought to be as few as 100–120 animals.

The decline in wildlife is compromising the health and wellbeing of the people in the area whose diets are increasingly deficient in protein. Levels of malnutrition in this area are among the highest in PNG. Gaining the support and active participation of the local communities is essential to achieving the program’s objectives, as more than 97% of land in PNG is under customary ownership.

Field Partners

With the active support of Zoos Victoria, the Tenkile Conservation Alliance (TCA) was founded in 1999 in response to concerns expressed by local communities about declining tree kangaroo numbers. The TCA is an alliance between zoos, government and local PNG communities, and is responsible for the delivery of this program on the ground. Zoos Victoria holds the position of TCA Board Chair.

The TCA is registered in PNG as a non-government organisation. With the valuable support of Australian Volunteers International, the TCA has two dedicated staff members, Jim and Jean Thomas – former Zoos Victoria employees, based in PNG full-time. Their commitment over the past five years has been crucial to the program’s success.

In addition to Zoos Victoria’s support, the program is supported by the Australasian zoo community, as well as being listed by the World Association of Zoos & Aquaria as an endorsed in situ conservation program.