DOCSLIB.ORG

The Raja Ampat Islands in the Heart of the Coral Triangle

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
The Raja Ampat Islands in the Heart of the Coral Triangle Asia-Pacific / Indonesia Program The Raja Ampat Islands In the Heart of the Coral Triangle The Raja Ampat, or “Four Kings,” archipelago encompasses around 4 million hectares of land and sea off the northwestern tip of Indonesia’s West Papua Province. Located in the Coral Triangle, the heart of the world’s coral reef biodiversity, the seas around Raja Ampat hold the richest variety of coral species re- corded in the world. Raja Ampat in- cludes the four large islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati, and Misool, plus hundreds of smaller is- lands. The area’s massive coral colonies show that its reefs are resilient to threats like coral bleaching and dis- ease—threats that now jeopardize Bird’s eye view of the karst islands in Misool, Raja Ampat ©Jez O’Hare the survival of corals around the world. In addition, Raja Ampat’s strong ocean currents sweep coral vancy (TNC) and its partners con- are threatened by overfishing and larvae across the Indian and Pacific ducted a scientific survey of the Raja destructive fishing, turtle poaching, Oceans to replenish other reef eco- Ampat Islands to collect information and unsustainable logging. systems. Raja Ampat’s coral diversity, on its marine ecosystems, mangroves, resilience to threats, and ability to re- and forests. The survey brought Raja Ensuring Conservation through plenish reefs make it a global priority Ampat’s total number of confirmed Partnerships for marine protection. The archi- corals to 537 species—an incredible To address these issues, TNC is pelago is part of an area known as the 75% of all known coral species. In ad- working in close partnership with the Bird’s Head seascape, which also con- dition, 828 fish species were re- government, communities, non- tains Cendrawasih Bay, the largest corded, raising the known total for profits and the private sector by: 1) marine national park in Indonesia, Raja Ampat to an amazing 1,074. On contributing to the development of and Jamursba Medi, housing some of land, the survey found lush forests, a comprehensive conservation action the most important sea turtle nesting rare plants, limestone outcroppings, plan to protect Raja Ampat’s reefs beaches in the world. and nesting beaches for thousands of and forests; 2) helping incorporate sea turtles. marine protected area management Survey Confirms Highest Though human impacts here are into the regency’s long-term plan- Marine Biodiversity on Earth less severe than elsewhere in Indo- ning and policy; and, 3) supporting In 2002, The Nature Conser- nesia, Raja Ampat’s natural resources the establishment of a network of campaign survey shows promising re- sult; in Kofiau and SE Misool, the percentage of the local community that understands the link between healthy coral reefs and increased fish catch has increased significantly. Local communities in Kofiau and Misool have also established 10 small-scale village marine protected areas. The communities are reviving the practice of sasi – a traditional seasonal closure of marine areas to allow certain species to reproduce or grow. TNC is working with the In- donesia Locally-Managed Marine Meetings with local communities © M. Korebima, The Nature Conservancy Area Network in supporting the government develop local content for elementary school curricula that marine protected areas for Raja sectoral divisions of the government, incorporates marine conservation Ampat for the protection of law enforcers and communities. topics into natural science subjects. biodiversity and sustaining ecosystem TNC is supporting this initiative by CI and TNC are also running an goods and services. providing a wooden boat that serves Education under Sail marine conserva- as a Floating Patrolling Station for tion program using the 32-m Supporting Policies for Kofiau and Misool to protect the wooden boat, the Kalabia, that cir- Sustainable Resource-Use area from illegal marine activities cumnavigates the archipelago, bring- Management such as destructive fishing and turtle ing conservation education to over poaching. The Raja Ampat Regency Gov- 88 schools in Raja Ampat. This pro- TNC and partners are working ernment established six new marine gram offers experiential learning, closely with the Tourism and Fisher- protected areas (MPAs) in Decem- targeting elementary schoolchildren. ies Departments, and representatives ber 2006, making it the first Indone- Education modules include “field from live-aboard dive industry, local sian district to declare an MPA net- visits” to mangrove forests, coral non-government organizations and work. TNC and Conservation In- reefs teeming with life, and sea grass local communities to introduce a ternational (CI) are working beds where turtles and dugongs feed; tourism entrance fee system within collaboratively to support the gov- games like the Ecosystem Detective, and Raja Ampat. Funds raised are rein- ernment in the planning and man- Tantangan Teteruga or Challenges of vested into tourism development, agement of the MPA network by the Turtles. conservation and community health providing technical assistance, expert TNC’s ultimate goal is to protect projects in Raja Ampat. advice and education. Raja Ampat’s magnificent reefs while Through surveys and monitoring sustaining the livelihoods of local Reaching Out, Taking Conser- of reef health, fish populations and people. patterns of resource use, TNC pro- vation Action vides technical input towards design- In encouraging community par- ing a zoning system and management ticipation in conservation initiatives, plans for the Kofiau and South East TNC conducts various activities in- contact information (SE) Misool MPAs that would allow cluding a Pride Campaign in collabo- The Nature Conservancy local communities to benefit from ration with RARE. The campaign Coral Triangle Center their marine resources while ensur- has improved conservation awareness Jalan Pengembak No. 2 Sanur, Bali 80228 ing fish stocks are protected in no- among local communities through a Indonesia take areas. series of site-specific education pro- tel +62.361.287.272 fax +62.361.270.737 grams that are delivered to stake- [email protected] The Raja Ampat Government coraltrianglecenter.org has also issued a decree for a joint pa- holders by radio, puppet shows, pam- nature.org trolling system that involves cross- phlets, and local gatherings. A post-.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Birds of Gag Island, Western Papuan Islands, Indonesia
    DOI: 10.18195/issn.0312-3162.23(2).2006.115-132 [<ecords o{ the rVcstCrJJ Australian Museum 23: 115~ n2 (2006). The birds of Gag Island, Western Papuan islands, Indonesia R.E. Johnstone Western Australian Museum, Locked Bag 49, Welsh pool DC Western Australia 6'1S6 Abstract This report is based mainly on data gathered during a biological survey of C;ag Island by a joint Western Australian Museum, Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense and Herbarium Bogoriense expedition in July 1'197. A total of 70 species of bird have been recorded for Gag Island and a number of these represent new island and/or Raja Ampat Archipelago records. Relative abundance, status, local distribution and habitat preferences found for each species arc described, extralimital range is outlined and notes on taxonomv are also given. No endemic birds were recorded for Gag Island but a number of species show significant morphological variation from other island forms and may prove to be distinct taxonomically. INTRODUCTION undergo geographic variation for taxonon,ic, Gag Island (0025'S, 129 U 53'E) is one of the Western morphological and genetic studies. The Papuan or Raja Ampat Islands, lying just off the annotated checklist provided covers every Vogelkop of Irian Jaya, between New Guinea and species recorded, both historically and during Halmahera, Indonesia. These islands include (from this survey. north to south) Sayang, Kawe, Waigeo, Gebe, Gag, In the annotated list I summarise for each species Gam, Batanta, Salawati, Kofiau, Misool and a its relative abundance (whether it is very common, number of small islands (Figure 1). Gag Island is common, moderately common, uncommon, scarce separated from its nearest neighbours Gebe Island or rare), whether it feeds alone or in groups, status to the north~west, and Batangpele Island to the (a judgement on whether it is a vagrant, visitor or north-east, by about 40 km of relatively deep sea.
    [Show full text]
  • From the Jungles of Sumatra and the Beaches of Bali to the Surf Breaks of Lombok, Sumba and Sumbawa, Discover the Best of Indonesia
    INDONESIAThe Insiders' Guide From the jungles of Sumatra and the beaches of Bali to the surf breaks of Lombok, Sumba and Sumbawa, discover the best of Indonesia. Welcome! Whether you’re searching for secluded surf breaks, mountainous terrain and rainforest hikes, or looking for a cultural surprise, you’ve come to the right place. Indonesia has more than 18,000 islands to discover, more than 250 religions (only six of which are recognised), thousands of adventure activities, as well as fantastic food. Skip the luxury, packaged tours and make your own way around Indonesia with our Insider’s tips. & Overview Contents MALAYSIA KALIMANTAN SULAWESI Kalimantan Sumatra & SUMATRA WEST PAPUA Jakarta Komodo JAVA Bali Lombok Flores EAST TIMOR West Papua West Contents Overview 2 West Papua 23 10 Unique Experiences A Nomad's Story 27 in Indonesia 3 Central Indonesia Where to Stay 5 Java and Central Indonesia 31 Getting Around 7 Java 32 & Java Indonesian Food 9 Bali 34 Cultural Etiquette 1 1 Nusa & Gili Islands 36 Sustainable Travel 13 Lombok 38 Safety and Scams 15 Sulawesi 40 Visa and Vaccinations 17 Flores and Komodo 42 Insurance Tips Sumatra and Kalimantan 18 Essential Insurance Tips 44 Sumatra 19 Our Contributors & Other Guides 47 Kalimantan 21 Need an Insurance Quote? 48 Cover image: Stocksy/Marko Milovanović Stocksy/Marko image: Cover 2 Take a jungle trek in 10 Unique Experiences Gunung Leuser National in Indonesia Park, Sumatra Go to page 20 iStock/rosieyoung27 iStock/South_agency & Overview Contents Kalimantan Sumatra & Hike to the top of Mt.
    [Show full text]
  • Reflections on Linguistic Fieldwork and Language Documentation in Eastern Indonesia
    Language Documentation & Conservation Special Publication No. 15 Reflections on Language Documentation 20 Years after Himmelmann 1998 ed. by Bradley McDonnell, Andrea L. Berez-Kroeker & Gary Holton, pp. 256–266 http://nflrc.hawaii.edu/ldc/ 25 http://hdl.handle.net/10125/24827 Reflections on linguistic fieldwork and language documentation in eastern Indonesia Yusuf Sawaki Center for Endangered Languages Documentation, University of Papua I Wayan Arka Australia National University Udayana University In this paper, we reflect on linguistic fieldwork and language documentation activities in Eastern Indonesia. We first present the rich linguistic and biological diversity of this region, which is of significant interest in typological and theoretical linguistics and language documentation. We then discuss certain central educational issues in relation to human resources, infrastructures, and institutional support, critical for high quality research and documentation. We argue that the issues are multidimensional and complex across all levels, posing sociocultural challenges in capacity-building programs. Finally, we reflect on the significance of the participation oflocal fieldworkers and communities and their contextual training. 1. Introduction In this paper, we reflect on linguistic fieldwork and language documentation in Eastern Indonesia. By “Eastern Indonesia,” we mean the region that stretches from Nusa Tenggara to Papua,1 including Nusa Tenggara Timur, Sulawesi, and Maluku. This region is linguistically one of the most diverse regions in the world interms of the number of unrelated languages and their structural properties, further discussed in the next section. This is the region where Nikolaus Himmelmann has done his linguistic 1The term “Papua” is potentially confusing because it is used in two senses.
    [Show full text]
  • Management and Breeding of Birds of Paradise (Family Paradisaeidae) at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation
    Management and breeding of Birds of Paradise (family Paradisaeidae) at the Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. By Richard Switzer Bird Curator, Al Wabra Wildlife Preservation. Presentation for Aviary Congress Singapore, November 2008 Introduction to Birds of Paradise in the Wild Taxonomy The family Paradisaeidae is in the order Passeriformes. In the past decade since the publication of Frith and Beehler (1998), the taxonomy of the family Paradisaeidae has been re-evaluated considerably. Frith and Beehler (1998) listed 42 species in 17 genera. However, the monotypic genus Macgregoria (MacGregor’s Bird of Paradise) has been re-classified in the family Meliphagidae (Honeyeaters). Similarly, 3 species in 2 genera (Cnemophilus and Loboparadisea) – formerly described as the “Wide-gaped Birds of Paradise” – have been re-classified as members of the family Melanocharitidae (Berrypeckers and Longbills) (Cracraft and Feinstein 2000). Additionally the two genera of Sicklebills (Epimachus and Drepanornis) are now considered to be combined as the one genus Epimachus. These changes reduce the total number of genera in the family Paradisaeidae to 13. However, despite the elimination of the 4 species mentioned above, 3 species have been newly described – Berlepsch's Parotia (P. berlepschi), Eastern or Helen’s Parotia (P. helenae) and the Eastern or Growling Riflebird (P. intercedens). The Berlepsch’s Parotia was once considered to be a subspecies of the Carola's Parotia. It was previously known only from four female specimens, discovered in 1985. It was rediscovered during a Conservation International expedition in 2005 and was photographed for the first time. The Eastern Parotia, also known as Helena's Parotia, is sometimes considered to be a subspecies of Lawes's Parotia, but differs in the male’s frontal crest and the female's dorsal plumage colours.
    [Show full text]
  • A Floristic Study of Halmahera, Indonesia Focusing on Palms (Arecaceae) and Their Eeds Dispersal Melissa E
    Florida International University FIU Digital Commons FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations University Graduate School 5-24-2017 A Floristic Study of Halmahera, Indonesia Focusing on Palms (Arecaceae) and Their eedS Dispersal Melissa E. Abdo Florida International University, [email protected] DOI: 10.25148/etd.FIDC001976 Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd Part of the Biodiversity Commons, Botany Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, and the Other Ecology and Evolutionary Biology Commons Recommended Citation Abdo, Melissa E., "A Floristic Study of Halmahera, Indonesia Focusing on Palms (Arecaceae) and Their eS ed Dispersal" (2017). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3355. https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/3355 This work is brought to you for free and open access by the University Graduate School at FIU Digital Commons. It has been accepted for inclusion in FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations by an authorized administrator of FIU Digital Commons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL UNIVERSITY Miami, Florida A FLORISTIC STUDY OF HALMAHERA, INDONESIA FOCUSING ON PALMS (ARECACEAE) AND THEIR SEED DISPERSAL A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY in BIOLOGY by Melissa E. Abdo 2017 To: Dean Michael R. Heithaus College of Arts, Sciences and Education This dissertation, written by Melissa E. Abdo, and entitled A Floristic Study of Halmahera, Indonesia Focusing on Palms (Arecaceae) and Their Seed Dispersal, having been approved in respect to style and intellectual content, is referred to you for judgment. We have read this dissertation and recommend that it be approved. _______________________________________ Javier Francisco-Ortega _______________________________________ Joel Heinen _______________________________________ Suzanne Koptur _______________________________________ Scott Zona _______________________________________ Hong Liu, Major Professor Date of Defense: May 24, 2017 The dissertation of Melissa E.
    [Show full text]
  • Report on Biodiversity and Tropical Forests in Indonesia
    Report on Biodiversity and Tropical Forests in Indonesia Submitted in accordance with Foreign Assistance Act Sections 118/119 February 20, 2004 Prepared for USAID/Indonesia Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan No. 3-5 Jakarta 10110 Indonesia Prepared by Steve Rhee, M.E.Sc. Darrell Kitchener, Ph.D. Tim Brown, Ph.D. Reed Merrill, M.Sc. Russ Dilts, Ph.D. Stacey Tighe, Ph.D. Table of Contents Table of Contents............................................................................................................................. i List of Tables .................................................................................................................................. v List of Figures............................................................................................................................... vii Acronyms....................................................................................................................................... ix Executive Summary.................................................................................................................... xvii 1. Introduction............................................................................................................................1- 1 2. Legislative and Institutional Structure Affecting Biological Resources...............................2 - 1 2.1 Government of Indonesia................................................................................................2 - 2 2.1.1 Legislative Basis for Protection and Management of Biodiversity and
    [Show full text]
  • April 2011 Asia Pacific Conservation Region Marine Program Report No 3/11
    April 2011 Asia Pacific Conservation Region Marine Program Report No 3/11 Report Compiled By: April 2011 Asia Pacific Conservation Region Marine Program Report No 3/11 Report Compiled By: Acknowledgements We would like to thank the communities of Raja Ampat for sharing their knowledge and detailed information on how they use their marine resources. We are grateful to Meta Ancelino, Yohanes Goram Gaman, Ferry Liuw, and Paulus Thebu for providing field assistance and helping to conduct interviews. Peter Mous gave inputs into the original survey questionnaire and helped categorize the types of fishing gear. Alan White provided input on research questions and feedback on early drafts. This work was supported by the Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan and Balai Besar Konservasi Sumber Daya Alam (BBKSDA) Papua Barat. This work was funded by AusAID, USAID, the David and Lucille Packard Foundation, the Schooner Foundation, and the HGH Foundation Report on a Coastal Rural Appraisal in Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua, Indonesia Contents Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................ ii Contents ...............................................................................................................................................................iii Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... iv INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................1
    [Show full text]
  • Scuba Diving
    Raja Ampat Raja Ampat loosely translates to mean "Four Kings", and is an archipelago in the East of Indonesia made up of 1500 small islands and cays surrounding the main four islands (or Four Kings) of Misool, Salawati, Batanta and Waigeo. The Raja Ampat Regency covers over 40,000 Sq Km of land and sea, including the largest national marine reserve in Indonesia; "Cenderawasih Bay". The Regency is part of the new West Papua province which was formerly know as Irian Jaya. The capital of the regency is Waisai (est. population 6000) which is located on Waigeo and is only a 45 minute boat ride from our island/project site. Raja Ampat sits right in the heart of the "Coral Triangle", which is unquestionably the most bio-diverse area for marine life in the world. Incredibly, the oceans that surround Raja Ampat contain 80% of all the world's coral species (10 times the number of species found in the entire Caribbean!) 1350 species of fish 6 of the world's 7 marine turtle specie 27 varieties of marine mammal. With so many of the 1500 small islands, cays and reefs still to be mapped and discovered, Raja Ampat truly is one of the "worlds" final diving frontiers! Project Summary and Goals Summary: Barefoot Conservation is working in partnership with the Raja Ampat local government, local Papuan Communities and stakeholders, to protect the coral reefs of Raja Ampat and the communities that rely on them. This partnership is bonded by a willingness to make a real difference, and the understanding that research, survey dives and Marine Protected Areas cannot work unless accompanied by education and the sustained alleviation of poverty.
    [Show full text]
  • Indigenous Knowledge and Practices for Marine Ecotourism Development in Misool, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
    INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICES FOR MARINE ECOTOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN MISOOL, RAJA AMPAT, INDONESIA By: Nurdina Prasetyo A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand February 2019 No matter how important local and national knowledge is within a specific spatial context, unless it is conveyed in English it has little chance to enter the global marketplace and be reproduced and recirculated. Somewhat ironically, given the desire to give voice to local and Indigenous perspectives, unless that voice can be spoken in English it is likely not to be heard. (Hall, 2013, p. 608) ABSTRACT This doctoral study examines the complexities of integrating Indigenous knowledge and practices into sustainable marine ecotourism development, with a focus on the case study of Misool, Raja Ampat, in West Papua Province, Indonesia. The research addresses the knowledge gaps on integrating Indigenous knowledge into marine ecotourism initiatives. Indigenous knowledge is often neglected as a key source of information, undervalued from the perspective of Western scientific knowledge, even though utilising Indigenous knowledge helps to increase the sustainability of development efforts and contributes to the empowerment of local communities. Literature on marine ecotourism shows an almost total absence of studies that draw from Indigenous knowledge, yet, local community participation is underlined as one of the most important factors in sustainable marine ecotourism development. This thesis thus aims to contribute new insights on how Indigenous knowledge can be optimally integrated or applied in marine ecotourism development. Misool is one of the islands in Raja Ampat which attracts scuba divers and marine tourists from around the world, due to its abundance marine life.
    [Show full text]
  • Indonesia-11-Contents.Pdf
    ©Lonely Planet Publications Pty Ltd Indonesia Sumatra Kalimantan p490 p586 Sulawesi Maluku p636 p407 Papua p450 Java p48 Nusa Tenggara p302 Bali p197 THIS EDITION WRITTEN AND RESEARCHED BY Loren Bell, Stuart Butler, Trent Holden, Anna Kaminski, Hugh McNaughtan, Adam Skolnick, Iain Stewart, Ryan Ver Berkmoes PLAN YOUR TRIP ON THE ROAD Welcome to Indonesia . 6 JAVA . 48 Imogiri . 127 Indonesia Map . 8 Jakarta . 52 Gunung Merapi . 127 Solo (Surakarta) . 133 Indonesia’s Top 20 . 10 Thousand Islands . 73 West Java . 74 Gunung Lawu . 141 Need to Know . 20 Banten . 74 Semarang . 144 What’s New . 22 Gunung Krakatau . 77 Karimunjawa Islands . 154 If You Like… . 23 Bogor . 79 East Java . 158 Cimaja . 83 Surabaya . 158 Month by Month . 26 Cibodas . 85 Pulau Madura . 166 Itineraries . 28 Cianjur . 86 Sumenep . 168 Outdoor Adventures . 32 Bandung . 87 Malang . 169 Probolinggo . 182 Travel with Children . 43 Pangandaran . 96 Central Java . 102 Ijen Plateau . 188 Regions at a Glance . 45 Borobudur . 106 Meru Betiri National Park . 191 Yogyakarta . 111 PETE SEAWARD/GETTY IMAGES © IMAGES SEAWARD/GETTY PETE Contents BALI . 197 Candidasa . 276 MALUKU . 407 South Bali . 206 Central Mountains . 283 North Maluku . 409 Kuta & Legian . 206 Gunung Batur . 284 Pulau Ternate . 410 Seminyak & Danau Bratan . 287 Pulau Tidore . 417 Kerobokan . 216 North Bali . 290 Pulau Halmahera . 418 Canggu & Around . .. 225 Lovina . .. 292 Pulau Ambon . .. 423 Bukit Peninsula . .229 Pemuteran . .. 295 Kota Ambon . 424 Sanur . 234 Gilimanuk . 298 Lease Islands . 431 Denpasar . 238 West Bali . 298 Pulau Saparua . 431 Nusa Lembongan & Pura Tanah Lot . 298 Pulau Molana . 433 Islands . 242 Jembrana Coast . 301 Pulau Seram .
    [Show full text]
  • Reef Fishes of the Bird's Head Peninsula, West
    Check List 5(3): 587–628, 2009. ISSN: 1809-127X LISTS OF SPECIES Reef fishes of the Bird’s Head Peninsula, West Papua, Indonesia Gerald R. Allen 1 Mark V. Erdmann 2 1 Department of Aquatic Zoology, Western Australian Museum. Locked Bag 49, Welshpool DC, Perth, Western Australia 6986. E-mail: [email protected] 2 Conservation International Indonesia Marine Program. Jl. Dr. Muwardi No. 17, Renon, Denpasar 80235 Indonesia. Abstract A checklist of shallow (to 60 m depth) reef fishes is provided for the Bird’s Head Peninsula region of West Papua, Indonesia. The area, which occupies the extreme western end of New Guinea, contains the world’s most diverse assemblage of coral reef fishes. The current checklist, which includes both historical records and recent survey results, includes 1,511 species in 451 genera and 111 families. Respective species totals for the three main coral reef areas – Raja Ampat Islands, Fakfak-Kaimana coast, and Cenderawasih Bay – are 1320, 995, and 877. In addition to its extraordinary species diversity, the region exhibits a remarkable level of endemism considering its relatively small area. A total of 26 species in 14 families are currently considered to be confined to the region. Introduction and finally a complex geologic past highlighted The region consisting of eastern Indonesia, East by shifting island arcs, oceanic plate collisions, Timor, Sabah, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and widely fluctuating sea levels (Polhemus and the Solomon Islands is the global centre of 2007). reef fish diversity (Allen 2008). Approximately 2,460 species or 60 percent of the entire reef fish The Bird’s Head Peninsula and surrounding fauna of the Indo-West Pacific inhabits this waters has attracted the attention of naturalists and region, which is commonly referred to as the scientists ever since it was first visited by Coral Triangle (CT).
    [Show full text]
  • Four Undocumented Languages of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia
    Language Documentation and Description ISSN 1740-6234 ___________________________________________ This article appears in: Language Documentation and Description, vol 17. Editor: Peter K. Austin Four undocumented languages of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia LAURA ARNOLD Cite this article: Arnold, Laura. 2020. Four undocumented languages of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia. In Peter K. Austin (ed.) Language Documentation and Description 17, 25-43. London: EL Publishing. Link to this article: http://www.elpublishing.org/PID/180 This electronic version first published: July 2020 __________________________________________________ This article is published under a Creative Commons License CC-BY-NC (Attribution-NonCommercial). The licence permits users to use, reproduce, disseminate or display the article provided that the author is attributed as the original creator and that the reuse is restricted to non-commercial purposes i.e. research or educational use. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/ ______________________________________________________ EL Publishing For more EL Publishing articles and services: Website: http://www.elpublishing.org Submissions: http://www.elpublishing.org/submissions Four undocumented languages of Raja Ampat, West Papua, Indonesia Laura Arnold University of Edinburgh Summary Salawati, Batta, Biga, and As are four undocumented Austronesian languages belonging to the Raja Ampat-South Halmahera branch of South Halmahera- West New Guinea, spoken in West Papua province, Indonesia. Salawati, Batta, and Biga are spoken in the Raja Ampat archipelago, just off the western tip of the Bird’s Head peninsula of New Guinea, and As is spoken nearby on the New Guinea mainland. All four languages are to some degree endangered, as speakers shift to Papuan Malay, the local lingua franca: Biga is the most vital of the four languages, in that children are still acquiring it, whereas As is moribund, with only a handful of speakers remaining.
    [Show full text]