Mangrove swamps abound along the coasts. Forests, covering almost three fourths of the island area, consist of several kinds of palm, bamboo, oak, beech, and pine trees. Orchids and figs grow wild. New Guinea has nearly 500 species of birds. Colorful tropical birds include the bird of paradise, parrot, cockatoo, and flightless cassowary.
Wildlife includes the tree kangaroo, wallaby, ring-tailed opossum, and bandicoot.
Among abundant reptiles are the crocodile, lizard, and many varieties of snake, including the python. The majority of people are engaged in agriculture, lumbering, petroleum drilling, fishing, and pearl diving. Although a relatively small area is under agriculture, the bulk of New Guinea's population are subsistence farmers. Yams, taros, sago, sweet potatoes, corn, bananas, cassavas, rice, and sugarcane are the chief crops. Tropical fruits grow abundantly.