Scientists Find 'Lost World' in Indonesia

[NNN0LHI]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/I/INDONESIA_LOST_WORLD?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=HOME



In this undated photo released by Conservation International, a golden-mantled tree kangaroo (Dendrolagus pulcherrimus) is seen after being discovered on Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition to the Foya Mountains in Indonesia's easternmost Papua province in December 2005. Scientists discovered a "Lost World" in an isolated Indonesian jungle, identifying dozens of new species of frogs, butterflies and plants _ as well as large mammals hunted to near extinction elsewhere, members of the expedition said Tuesday, Feb. 7 2006. This was first record of the species in Indonesia and the second known site on earth where it is known to exist. (AP Photo/Conservation International, Bruce Beehler, HO)

JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) -- Soon after scientists landed by helicopter in the mist-shrouded mountains of one of Indonesia's most remote provinces, they stumbled on a primitive egg-laying mammal that simply allowed itself to be picked up and brought to their field camp.

Describing a "Lost World" - apparently never visited by humans - members of the team said Tuesday they also saw large mammals that have been hunted to near-extinction elsewhere and discovered dozens of exotic new species of frogs, butterflies and palms.

"We've only scratched the surface," said Bruce Beehler, a co-leader of the monthlong trip to the Foja Mountains, an area in the eastern province of Papua with roughly 2 million acres of pristine tropical forest.

"There was not a single trail, no sign of civilization, no sign of even local communities ever having been there," he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview from Washington, D.C.

Hi mods you may prefer this thread in the science forum. If you do feel free to move it there or just lock it and I will repost it over there. Thank you.

[mike_c]

1. he looks a bit sceptical....

I'm just sayin'.

[slor]

2. Great...I can see it now...

"Hunt the Rarest Animals: $2000.00".

[ismnotwasm]

3. Cool story

I hope they're able to keep it free from human invasion.

[murray hill farm]

5. yes, very cool story!

But, my bones itch to go there! I wont, of course! Just knowing such a place still exists is so very cool.

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

4. May that world long remain "lost", at least to anyone but those scientists

[proud patriot]

7. my thoughts exactly

[Skidmore]

6. Actually, he looks a bit like Senator Byrd....

when he's saying "Hear me!!"

[maine_raptor]

8. I can just hear BushCo talking now............

"Wilderness! Uncka Dick when we start drillin'?"

"Just as soon as I cook up some intell showing those Kangaroos have WMD."

[Bluesplayer]

9. I wonder if there's any oil there....

[Disturbed]

10. "Lost"

Did someone lose this place?