The expedition led by the Wildlife Conservation Society and sponsored by PNG Sustainable Development Program Limited, discovered more than 80 species new to science, including orchids, carnivorous plants, butterflies, frogs and insects.
The CEO of PNGSDP, Mr David Sode, welcomed the return of the scientists from a four-week stay in the area.
"The Hindenburg Wall is one of the geological and biological wonders of our country," he said. "Very little is known about its biology and the role it plays in our own environment and its potential importance to the world because of the diversity of its species. The team has lifted the lid on this unique area of Papua New Guinea, and I look forward to reading the report of its study."
During its stay the team, which included UPNG and Department of Environment and Conservation scientists as well as specialists from overseas, collected information on a wide range of plants and animals.
As well as using standard survey techniques, the scientists used an extensive network of camera traps.
“These were a continual source of excitement for the research team,” Project Coordinator Nathan Whitmore said. One camera filmed a succession of native rats moving past that got bigger and bigger and bigger until we saw a giant rat the size of a small dog!”
One of the new species discovered in an isolated moss forest was a dendrobium orchid with beautiful rose-pink flowers.
WCS Botanist Arison Arihafa said: “I feel proud as a Papua New Guinean to have discovered a plant new to science that I know other botanists around the world will be excited about. I hope that our discoveries will contribute to the conservation of this area’s amazing biological and cultural diversity.”
Mr Whitmore said the team would now start preparing a formal scientific report on its findings.
He said the data could be used for multiple purposes including evaluating conservation priorities for the area; setting a base-line for monitoring endangered species; providing essential information to government agencies responsible for environmental planning, identifying eco-tourism opportunities and assessing the ecological resources of PNG.
A new species of plectanthrus was found. These are commonly known as spurflowers and are grown as ornamental plants, edible vegetables (leaf and root) and for medicinal purposes in some societies. They are also used as food plants by the larvae of some butterflies.
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