
Fun Facts About the Second Largest Island in the World
16 December, 2024Share:
Fun Facts About the Second Largest Island in the World

The second largest island in the world, Papua, stands as a true marvel of nature and culture. Straddling the territories of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea, this island offers unparalleled diversity in its ecosystems, wildlife, and human heritage. It is a place where ancient rainforests meet towering snow-capped mountains, and where vibrant coral reefs contrast with vast mining operations. Every corner of this island tells a story of resilience, adaptation, and awe-inspiring beauty.
Home to some of the most unique phenomena on Earth, Papua’s significance extends far beyond its geographical size. From hosting the richest flora diversity to being a linguistic mosaic, this island encapsulates the essence of diversity. Its incredible features make it a treasure trove for scientists, adventurers, and conservationists alike. Here, we explore the remarkable aspects that make Papua an irreplaceable part of our planet.

A. One of the World’s Coral Biodiversity Centers
The second largest island in the world, Papua, boasts one of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems on Earth. Its waters host over 600 species of coral, which is approximately 75% of the world’s total coral population. This incredible biodiversity makes Papua a crucial center for marine life. The island’s coral reefs stretch prominently in regions such as Raja Ampat, located in West Papua, Indonesia.
These coral reefs are not just abundant in species but also serve as a vital habitat for numerous marine organisms. They support an intricate web of life, including over 1,700 species of fish. Papua’s coral systems play a significant role in maintaining global marine health and biodiversity.
The world’s coral reef triangle in the Raja Ampat Islands is 1.6 percent of the ocean area on planet Earth covering an area of 5.7 square kilometers which includes Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. It is called the coral triangle, because if you draw a virtual line that encloses the coral reefs in these countries, a triangle will be formed. The coral reef triangle area holds more natural wealth in the form of marine species than any body of water on earth and is home to 76 percent of all coral reef species, as well as 37 percent of all coral reef fish species in the world.
Conservation efforts have been critical in preserving this ecosystem, as the coral reefs face threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution. The government and local communities actively protect this natural treasure to ensure its sustainability for future generations.

B. Tropical Snow-Capped Mountains
The second largest island in the world is home to a rare tropical phenomenon—snow-capped mountains. The iconic Carstensz Mountain, also known as Carstensz Pyramid, stands at an impressive height of 4,884 meters above sea level. Located in the central highlands of Papua, Indonesia, it is the tallest mountain in Oceania and part of the Seven Summits.
What makes Cartenz Pyramid unique is its perpetually snow-covered peaks, despite its location near the equator. This phenomenon occurs due to the mountain’s high altitude, which creates a frigid environment capable of sustaining glaciers. However, these glaciers have been retreating rapidly due to global warming.
Cartenz Mountain is not just a geographical marvel but also a cultural symbol for the indigenous people of Papua. It attracts climbers and adventurers worldwide, who seek to conquer this rare equatorial snow peak while appreciating its natural and cultural significance.

C. The Richest Flora Diversity on Earth
The second largest island in the world also holds the record for the richest flora diversity. Papua has about 16 percent of the world’s total flora, a larger number compared to Madagascar which is recorded to have 11,488 species. Of the 13,634 plant species from 1,742 genera and 264 families found in Papua, 9,301 species are endemic. This remarkable concentration of plant life makes The second largest island an invaluable hub for global biodiversity.
The flora in Papua includes a mix of ancient and endemic species, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world. These plants thrive across diverse ecosystems, ranging from lowland rainforests to alpine meadows. Iconic species such as orchids and carnivorous plants are just a fraction of Papua’s botanical treasures.
Preserving this unparalleled floral wealth is a global priority. Papua’s ecosystems face challenges from deforestation and mining activities, necessitating sustainable development practices and stringent conservation measures.

D. The World’s Oldest Rainforest
The rainforest of the second largest island in the world is considered one of the oldest on Earth. Formed over 70 million years ago, Papua’s rainforests have survived significant climatic changes, making them a living archive of Earth’s ecological history.
These ancient rainforests are home to a staggering variety of flora and fauna, with many species remaining undiscovered. They host endemic species like tree kangaroos, cassowaries, and a plethora of rare plants. The rainforest’s complex ecosystems provide critical carbon storage and contribute to regulating global climate.
Human activity, including logging and agricultural expansion, poses threats to these irreplaceable rainforests. Collaborative efforts between governments, indigenous communities, and environmental organizations are essential to ensure their protection and sustainable use.

E. The Largest Copper Mine in the World
The second largest island in the world houses the Grasberg Mine, the largest copper mine on Earth. Spanning an area of approximately 10,000 hectares, this massive mining operation is located in Mimika, Central Papua Province, West Papua, Indonesia, near Cartenz Mountain.
The Grasberg Mine produces an average of 1.5 million tons of copper annually, alongside significant amounts of gold and silver. This production supports industries worldwide and contributes substantially to Indonesia’s economy. However, the environmental impact of the mining activities has raised concerns among conservationists.

F. The Island with the Most Tribes in the World
The second largest island in the world is renowned for its extraordinary cultural diversity. Papua is home to over 1,000 indigenous tribes, with approximately 300 residing in Indonesian Papua and the rest in in Papua New Guinea. Each tribe has distinct languages, traditions, and customs, making the island a living tapestry of human heritage.
These tribes, including the Dani, Asmat, and Huli, maintain unique lifestyles that are closely tied to their natural surroundings. For example, the Korowai tribe builds treehouses as their primary dwelling, showcasing ingenuity and adaptation to the environment. Traditional practices like war dances and wood carving remain integral to their cultural identity.
Preserving these tribes and their ways of life is crucial in the face of modernization and resource exploitation. Efforts to protect their cultural heritage focus on respecting their autonomy and ensuring their lands remain safeguarded from encroachment.

G. The Island with the Most Languages in the World
The second largest island in the world holds the record for the highest linguistic diversity. Papua is home to over 1,100 languages, with 326 spoken in Indonesian Papua and 839 in Papua New Guinea. This accounts for nearly 15% of the world’s languages, a remarkable concentration in a single location.
The island’s linguistic richness stems from its geographic isolation and the diverse habitats that fostered small, independent communities over millennia. Each tribe developed its own language, creating a mosaic of linguistic identities. Some languages, however, are endangered due to diminishing native speakers.
Preserving this linguistic heritage requires active documentation and revitalization programs. By supporting education in native languages and fostering pride in linguistic identity, Papua’s languages can remain a vital part of the island’s cultural fabric for generations to come.

H. The Island with the Most Orchid Species in the World
see also: Where Is The Authentic Papua Black Orchid?
The second largest island in the world, Papua, is also celebrated for its extraordinary orchid diversity. This island hosts over 3,000 species of orchids, making it the richest orchid habitat on the planet. These orchids thrive across Papua’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to high-altitude meadows.
Papua’s orchids come in an astonishing variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. Many species are endemic, meaning they cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Iconic species include the Paphiopedilum and Dendrobium, prized for their stunning blooms and ecological importance.
Conservation efforts are crucial to protect these delicate plants, as they face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection. Papua’s orchids not only add to its natural beauty but also highlight the importance of preserving this unique biodiversity for generations to come.