Lorentz National Park – A Place For Endangered Wildlife

Lorentz National Park is World Heritage Site which holds its existence in the prefecture of Irina Jaya. The National Park stretches for over 150 km from the central Cordillera

Mountains in the north to the Arafura Sea in the South. You can enter this National Park of Indonesia by taking the air route from Jayapura to Wemena and the Tamika. The Park was established as the Strict Nature Reserve by the Government of Indonesia. It occupies the area of 2150000 hectare. In the year 1997 it was declared as the National Park by the Ministry of Forestry. This comprises of the eastern extension and the coastal and marine areas.

The Park can be categorized into two district zones: the swampy lowlands and the high mountain area of the central cordillera. The later part can be further divided into the eastern and western part depending upon the geography and the type of vegetation. The north – south line at the Kwiyawagi village divides the line. The central part of the two colliding plates that caused the mountain to rise is present in the southern part.

The National Park lies in the humid tropical climate zone. The mean rainfall in this area is measured around 3700 mm. The Western winds prevail between the months of October and March and the Eastern winds blow from April to September. The months in the period of December to March are generally experienced by the high waves in the coastal areas. The daily temperatures record from 29 – 32 degrees in the low lying areas. The everlasting and permanent ice and snow are found in the area of the Mount Jaya. The weather situations in the areas of mountains are completely dependant on the instant topography. The rainfall of the upper valleys of this region ranges from 3500 to 5000 mm per year.

The Faunal world of this estimated to include around 164 species of the mammals and 650 species of the birds. The park is comprised up of 150000 species of the insect. The region has been occupied by over 24000 years and has advanced with some of the idiosyncratic, long inaccessible and lonely cultures on the entire planet. Among all these the Dani tribe of the Baliem lowland is ideally recognized for these ancient agricultures.

The lack of the facilities related to the security and accessing this place limited the access of only 100 people at the time. But in the recent years around fifty climbers ascend the Puncak Jaya every year. The facilities of the lodges are present outside the park at Tamika and Wemena.

So do not miss the visit to this National Park when you trip Indonesia. I can assure you that you will be delighted with this recreational visit.