List of mammals, birds, reptiles,
amphibians insects and plants
Ferns:
There are approximately 40 species of fern in the Daintree. These species are not
found anywhere else in the world. Ferns are a unique plant known as vascular plants.
This means that they circulate their water internally .King fern: This fern grows by
spreading out on the ground, resembling a palm. It has the longest fronds (the
leaves of ferns) of any fern in the world. Tree fern: This has a narrow trunk and long
fronds. This fern has been around for millions of years. Tassel fern: There are two
varieties of the tassel fern. One grows on other plants and the other grows on the
ground.
Palms:
Palms first came from India. They have been in Australia, however, for millions of
years .Fan palm: The fan palm thrives in the wet season, and loves muddy flooded
areas. This palm can grow up to six metres tall and can have a diameter of four
metres .Wait-a-while palm: This palm is a climbing palm that has sharp hooks. Water
that we can drink is found in the stems of this palm. The Daintree is home to many
different plants and animals. Many of the species are endemic to the rainforest,
which means they can only be found here. We will look at some of the mammals,
birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish that are found in the Daintree.
Mammals:
Tree kangaroos: Tree kangaroos are small, shy mammals that hide in trees. They are
only about 60 centimetres in height but they have a tail that is almost one metre in
length. Bats: Bats play an important role in the rainforest by spreading seeds. While
some bats eat insects, they primarily live on fruit and nectar. It is through eating and
expelling these that the bats disperse seeds .Tropical bettong: The bettong is a rare
nocturnal mammal. The bettong feeds on fungi and spends most of its time on the
ground.
Birds:
Cassowary: This endangered bird has a very colourful head and neck. It is the male
that will incubate the eggs and raise the chicks. This bird, like the bat, is responsible
for spreading the seeds of many trees.
Reptiles:
Snakes: The amethystine python is the largest of the Australian pythons, and it lives in
the Daintree. On average it will grow to about seven metres in length. They eat
warm-blooded animals, which they kill by suffocation. Other snakes that live in the
Daintree include the death adder and the Tapian . These are venomous snakes.
Crocodiles: Australian crocodiles are thought to be the most the most aggressive
crocodiles in the world. They can grow to about five metres in length. Crocodiles lay
eggs. Geckos: The northern leaf-tailed gecko lives in the Daintree. This lizard can only
be found in Australia. It has rough skin and spiky scales .Lizards: The Daintree is also
the home of a lizard which is thought to have originated form Southeast Asia and
New Guinea. The Boyd's forest dragon can grow to 50 centimetres in length and it
has curved spikes that form a line down its back.
Amphibians:
Frogs: The common green tree frog likes to live in moist, dark places. This frog eats
insects like moths, flies and crickets and grows to about nine centimetres.
Freshwater Fish: The rainbow fish is a colourful fish that is also found in New Guinea. It
is a tropical-climate fish that lives in fresh water.