The Greater Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) is endemic to the Papua, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Known for its stunning beauty and plumage, this bird is a protected species under Indonesian law (P. 106/MENLHK/SETJEN/KUM.1/12/2018). Despite this protection, hunting and illegal trade continue to threaten its survival.
For centuries, people have hunted for their vibrant feathers and fur. Residents of Boven Digoel Village state that hunting activity increases during the back-to-back school period because people sell bird parts to cover educational expenses.
One fascinating aspect of this species is its unique mating ritual. Males perform an elaborate courtship dance while produce distinctive calls like “Kkek… Kkek… Waukk… Waukk…” to attract females. This display occurs in a designated area known as a “lek”, typically featuring tall, broad-canopied trees with open surroundings and minimal human disturbance. The mating process is known as lekking.
Males and females of the Greater Bird of Paradise (Paradisaea apoda) show distinct physical differences, with males displaying their signature vibrant plumage. Ecologically, this species provides valuable insights into wildlife conservation, as information about their nesting sites and bio-ecology remains limited (IPB, 2023).
From the social perspective, sightings of these birds often come from forest workers or locals who witness the males dancing or find lek trees. However, lek trees are at risk—as there are no specific regulations to protect them, trees that meet logging criteria can be felled, even if they are critical for courtship displays or serve as food sources.