Kuk River

The Kuk River is a river located in the Western Highlands Province of Papua New Guinea. It is notable primarily for its proximity to the Kuk Early Agricultural Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Kuk site contains archaeological evidence of agricultural practices dating back to the early Holocene, with evidence suggesting the cultivation of taro and bananas as early as 6,950–6,440 BC.

The river's flow is influenced by the surrounding highland terrain and rainfall patterns common to Papua New Guinea. It plays a vital role in the local ecosystem, providing water for both human consumption and agricultural purposes. While not a major river in terms of length or volume compared to others in Papua New Guinea, its significance stems from its relationship to the Kuk Early Agricultural Site and the broader understanding of the development of agriculture in the region. Studies of the Kuk River's surrounding environment, including soil composition and pollen records, have been crucial for interpreting the archaeological findings at the Kuk site and reconstructing the history of agricultural innovation in the highlands.