200 Species of Plants, Animals Discovered in Papua New Guinea

Researchers working in the rain forests of Papua New Guinea are reporting the discovery of 200 new species of plants and animals.

Two scientific teams carried out the work last year under the auspices of the Conservation International (CI)  in conjunction with Papua New Guinea's Institute for Biological Research and A Rocha International.

The researchers explored the country's Nakanai and Muller Ranges in 2009 as part of an effort to better document the biodiversity of species-rich environments that aren't well-known.

Getting researchers into this remote region to carry out the survey was no joy. In announcing the findings, the CI noted that its teams had to rely on a combination of small plane, dinghy, helicopter - as well as old-fashioned hoofing it by foot - to navigate through what was described as especially rugged terrain. "Difficult access may also be conservation's most powerful ally in many parts of the country, where much remains to be discovered," the organization said.