In one of Asia's most isolated jungles -- the Foja Mountains of western New Guinea -- naturalists have discovered a vast unexplored preserve of exotic species new to science.
During a 15-day expedition in December, the researchers found hundreds of rare birds, more than 20 new species of frogs, five kinds of previously unknown palms, four new breeds of butterfly and giant rhododendrons with white blossoms the size of bread plates -- believed to be the largest on record.
All told, the 3,700 square miles of mist-shrouded tropical forest may be the most pristine natural area in Asia and the Pacific, Conservation International announced in Indonesia today.
"It is as close to the Garden of Eden as you're going to find on Earth," expedition chief scientist Bruce Beehler said.
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By the expedition's best estimate, more than 741,000 acres of the old growth tropical forest have never been visited by humans.
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