Are you looking for new ways to spend your vacation? How about spending your time with some interesting animals? If your answer to these questions is yes, then take a trip to the Daintree Rainforest!
The Daintree Rainforest is one of the world's
oldest forests. If you booked a Cape Tribulation tour, chances are you will be able
to see some of the strange and rare animals that live in the Daintree.
During the tour, you'll find yourself
face-to-face with some of Australia's most bizzare creatures. They will be in
their natural environment and some might even be lying on your path. So before
you get startled at the sight of these strange animals, let's do a little bit
of getting to know to prepare you for the tour.
Here are some of the animals that you will
meet while exploring the rich Daintree Rainforest.
1. White Lipped Tree Frog
Growing up to 14 centimetres long, the White
Lipped Tree Frog considered the largest tree frog. It's famous for the white
lower lip that identifies it from the rest of the frog species. It also has a
unique mating call that sounds like the bark of a dog instead of a regular
croak!
2. Ulysses
Butterfly
What's big, electric blue, and flies from
flower to flower? It's the Ulysses Butterfly! Easily recognised for its large
blue wings, this butterfly is the tourism symbol throughout northern
Queensland. What's interesting about this butterfly is that as it flies, the
wings create a flashing bright blue effect that can be seen from several
hundred metres away. It's something you definitely won't want to miss!
3.
Bennett's Tree Kangaroo
Jumping from tree to tree is Bennett's Tree
Kangaroo. Like their kangaroo cousins, these small fellows keep their young for
nine months in a pouch. They use their strong hind legs to jump from tree
branches while balancing with their tail. Since they reproduce at a slow pace,
there are an endangered kangaroo species.
4. Cassowary
Standing 6-foot tall and weighing 100 pounds,
the Cassowary is the Daintree's unique big bird. The iconic black feathers,
colourful neck and that large spongy crest on its head makes it easily
recognizable among other animals of the Daintree. It cannot fly but it can run
at record speeds of 30 miles per hour. Be careful near Cassowaries though
because most of them are known to be aggressive and territorial using their
sharp and powerful talons to strike at anything it considers an intruder.
5.
Mahogany Glider
As the name implies, Mahogany Gliders are
mahogany-coloured mammals that glide from tree to tree. They became famous for
the long distance glide that they can do reaching up to 30 metres per jump.
These small creatures were thought to be extinct until they were rediscovered
in 1989.
6.
Estuarine Crocodile
Be careful when walking near watery areas of
the Daintree rainforest because an Estuarine Crocodile might be watching
nearby. These massive reptiles have been living along the region for almost 100
years. But contrary to their tough behavior, these crocs are actually
classified as endangered due to aggressive hunting. Remember, don't hurt the
crocodile and it won't hurt you in return.
7. Golden Orb Spider
If you're easily scared of creepy crawlies,
then the Golden Orb Spider will be a test of your courage. Don't worry though,
because these large spiders are totally harmless to humans. The spider's body
is only 1-2 millimeters in diameter but the legs can grow up to the size of
your hand! The leg joints are gold in colour—hence its name. Watch out for
these spider's webs on hikes as they are often built at head level.
8. Rufus Owl
The Rufus owl rules the night in the Daintree
rainforest. It can swoop upon the nests of other birds stealing their young for
its nightly meal. Take a night tour to see this cunning hunter.
9. Spotted Cuscus
The Spotted Cuscus is very similar to a sloth
– and it has about the same vigour and energy too! The body of the Cuscus is
covered in tan fur with chestnut-coloured spots and a black back. It can grab
on to branches using its “two-thumbed” hands and cling to them upside down.
Now that you've met these unique creatures of
the Daintree, you are ready to go on a rainforest adventure! Pack your bags and
book for a Cape
Tribulation accomodation to start your holiday in the heart of the
Daintree Rainforest.
Perereca-de-folhagem via photopin (license)
Ulysses Butterfly via photopin (license)
cassowary via photopin (license)
Tree Kangaroo Looking Curious via photopin (license)
