News on Indo-Pacific Conservation

IPCA mourns the passing of friend and colleague Paul Igag, who died suddenly on 29 October 2010 in Goroka, Papua New Guinea. Paul was a co-founder of the PNG Institute of Biological Research (PNGIBR), to which IPCA provided initial funding support.

Paul was PNG's first national ornithologist, and was one of the first scientific staff at the young Research and Conservation Foundation of PNG, then became one of the first scientific staff at the Wildlife Conservation Society PNG Program, then became a founder of PNGIBR.

Paul studied the nesting and feeding ecology of Palm Cockatoos, Eclectus Parrots and Vulturine Parrots in the Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area. These species play important roles in the overall ecology of rainforests through seed dispersal, but are vulnerable to destructive logging practices and wildlife hunting for feathers as well as meat. Paul learned much about the nesting and dietary requirements of these rare birds.

He was a leader in PNG's movement toward greater scientific autonomy. Dozens of students and his coworkers affectionately called him "Uncle Paul." Paul was indeed a cheerful and supportive uncle to many biologists and students for nearly two decades. Science in PNG and the many colleagues and collaborators who Paul supported face a tragic loss. His friends have established an online memorial page, and we encourage you to sign it as comfort to those he leaves behind.

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