Daintree Rainforest
Daintree Rainforest is the world’s oldest tropical rainforest located in the Queensland Rainforest, Australia. Daintree Rainforest is part of the Wet Tropics of Queensland, where a lot of animals live in their original habitats such as Saltwater Crocodile, Cassowaries, Lumholtz’s Kangaroo and other bird species. The Rainforest is over 135 million years old making it home for more than 300 bird species, 100 frog species and 60 different species of mammals. Moreover Daintree Rainforest and Great Barriers Reef. are the 2 major destinations even today attracted millions of visitors in Australia.
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Daintree Rainforest History
Daintree Rainforest history obviously starts from 135 millions years ago, but after discovery we come to know that the real history of Daintree starts from 50,000 years ago. During this period region actively involved several activities from the Kuku Yalanji group of tribes and indigenous peoples.
Kuku Yakanji people majorly involved in agriculture and vegetation activities and they used to grow some plants and trees for shelters. Along with that they also hunt animals, eat some wild fruits and Honey bees to survive.
But during 17th century when Europeans started to arrive in Australia, they started mining in this region. Often involved in mining for gold and other precious metals, Europeans slightly attacked local indigenous and used as forced labourers. And over a period of time The Kuku Yalanji tribe’s administrative power went down slightly. Finally in 1988, Daintree Rainforest was listed in UNESCO World Heritage site for its stunning beauty, vast flora and fauna, and home to many animals and birds.
Animals in the Daintree Rainforest?
As we discussed earlier, Daintree is home to many mammals and wildlife’s. Let’s discuss one by one;
1. Estuaries Crocodiles
One of the most popular and widely available animals throughout the rainforest. These Saltwater Crocodiles belong to the reptile family and it has physical features like a cold blood system (body temperature between 30 to 32 degree celsius) and the largest reptile in the world reaching over 7 meters. Crocodiles usually eat smaller animals like insects, fish species and crabs. Additionally they also like dingoes, reptiles, birds and turtles too.
2. Cassowary
Cassowary is another popular animal we can spot in the Daintree Rainforest. Cassowary is usually large, flightless birds with vibrant blue and black plumage. Listed as endangered species where only 500 Cassowary has left since 1993. Living in wet tropics region through Far North of Queensland and witnessing vital seed dispersers for more than 100 species of rainforest plants with large fruits. Cassowary contains skin on the head in a blue and a little darker further down the neck. Even Though its body is black, we can see red hanging at the front of the neck with an orange patch.
3. Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo
Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroo or Musky Rat Kangaroo is an endemic species with a bright chest and large impressive eyes. These Kangaroos are most active during daytime and late afternoon. It looks like extending the forelegs and brings the hind legs forward. Out of many Musky Rat Kangaroo some can jump and rest rodents walk. They are arboreal and primarily nocturnal, normally living in root systems of large trees, padded with fallen leaves.
4. Insects
Most common animals throughout the world, whereas Daintree Rainforest is home to millions of insects under different types. Insects in Daintree are main leaf eaters in the lowland rainforest. Beetles, Ants, Wasps, Butterflies, and Moths are the more common types of insects we can explore. Major role of these insects is they are very important for decomposing and camouflage strategies.
5. Golden Orb Spider
Golden Orb Spiders are in silvery grey body and brown lake body color and yellow banded legs. These spiders look scary but harmless, usually 2 cm to 4 cm long body range in Female Spiders and 5 mm in Male Spiders. Found in dry open forest and woodlands, mangroves and coastal shrub land. These spider weave are vast in scope and they can be several meters across.
6. Other Animals
Despite of above 5 major animals, Daintree Rainforest is witnessing more numbers of Mammals, Reptiles and Birds such as Rufous Owl, Musky Rat-Kangaroo, Feral Pigs, Azure Kingfisher, Ulysses Butterfly, Spotted Cuscus, Witchetty Grub and Bandicoot.
Interesting Facts about Daintree Rainforest
There are some facts which say this rainforest could be the greatest one in the world. Lets see one by one;
- Daintree Rainforest is a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its ecological importance’s.
- This Rainforest is home to a celebration of rich indigenous cultures.
- Region witnesses 2000 mm rainfall per year and more than 60% of the rain occurs during the wet season.
- Daintree is one of the world’s oldest surviving tropical rainforests till now.
- Under Rainforest major trees and plants till now survived through massive climate effects and today are home to living fossils.
- Animals like Cassowary is a crucial habitant which helps to regenerate the forest by dispersing seeds.
- Even today scientists exclusively conduct research and discover new species regularly.
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