Ajamaru Lakes
Location:
1°16'S, 132°15'E; 120 km ESE of Sorong, Kepala Burung, Irian Jaya.
Area:
c.1,500 ha.
Altitude:
c.250m.
Biogeographical Province:
5.1.13.
Wetland type:
14.
Description of site:
Three small freshwater lakes and associated marshes in a valley in the mountains of the Vogelkop Peninsula. The largest lake, Danau Amaru (900 ha), drains east via the other two lakes into an upper tributary of the Sungai Kais.
Climatic conditions:
Humid tropical climate.
Principal vegetation:
No information.
Land tenure:
No information.
Conservation measures taken:
None
Land use:
No information.
Disturbances and threats:
No information.
Economic and social values:
No information.
Fauna:
Three species of fishes are known only from these lakes: Melanotaenia ajamaruensis, M. boesemani and Glossogobius hoesei. However, very little research has been carried out, and it is possible that many more endemic fishes occur in the lakes.
Special floral values:
No information.
Research and facilities:
Allen and Boeseman have investigated the fish fauna.
References:
Allen & Boeseman (1982).
Criteria for Inclusion:
1b, 2d.
Source:
Marcel J. Silvius.