The dark and steamy atmosphere of this impenetrable rainforest jungle is recreated at the Rainforest Habitat only nine kilometres from the centre of Lae.
Forest trees, local bananas, tree ferns, flowering orchids and ginger are amongst the 15,000 native and exotic plants found spreading upwards to form a natural protective canopy for the diversity of animals and birdlife below.
Forest wallabies, flying foxes, lizards, green frogs, butterflies and crocodiles add to the large variety of wildlife. The "raunwara" (waterhole) in the centre of the Habitat has species of native fish and turtles and adjoins a swamp where ducks and other waterbirds live.
Over thirty species of birdlife, including the magnificent Raggiana Bird of Paradise, Queen Victoria's Crowned Pigeons, hornbills, parrots, brush turkeys, cassowaries and fruit doves can be found. Raised walkways and waterfalls add to the comfort and enjoyment of the jungle walk. Refreshments are served in the cool fragrance of rainforest foliage.
The Rainforest Habitat, situated on the campus of the University of Technology, with an area of more than 3,000 square metres is covered by an eleven metre high shade cloth canopy to create an artificial rainforest environment for the study and preservation of native flora and fauna. It forms part of the Unitech owned insect Farming and Trading Agency (IFTA).
The Bird of Paradise
Bougainville Flowers
Crocodiles
Rainforest