Shark That Walks on Fins Is Discovered

In this undated photo released by Conservation International, an epaulette shark (Hemiscyillum freycineti), one of over fifty likely new species discovered during the recent CI-led surveys in the waters off Indonesia's Papua province, rests on the sea bottom. Calling it an underwater world full of visual wonders, scientists Monday announced the discovery of dozens of new marine species including the shark that walks on its fins in the region known as the Bird's Head Seascape. (AP Photo/Conservation International, Gerry Allen, HO) (Conservation International, Gerr - AP)

But the region's biodiversity faces threats from subsistence fishermen who use dynamite and cyanide, as well as a government plan to introduce commercial fishing along the coast. That has prompted Conservation International to call for the government to set up a series of marine parks around Bird's Head Seascape.

"These Papuan reefs are literally species factories that require special attention to protect them from unsustainable fisheries and other threats so they can continue to benefit their local owners and the global community," Erdmann said.

Erdmann said only 11 percent of the area currently is protected, most of it in the Teluk Cendarawasih National Park. He said the government is studying the idea of creating additional marine parks.

The surveys took place in waters surrounding Papua from Teluk Cenderawasih in the north to Raja Ampat archipelago off the western coast and southeast to the FakFak-Kaimana coastline.

The two survey sites are a few hundred miles from another Conservation International site in the Foja Mountains. Researchers in February announced a survey of the Foja Mountains discovered 20 frog species _ including a microhylid frog less than a half-inch long _ four new butterfly species, and at least five new types of palms.

Researchers also encountered the Long-beaked Echidna, members of the primitive egg-laying group of mammals called the Monotremes.

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