Tropical Rainforest habitat

Rugged mountains with fast-flowing rivers and spectacular waterfalls rise abruptly from the sandy beaches, rocky headlands and mangrove forests that form the interface between the ocean and the rainforest on Queensland's north east coast.

The mountains catch passing clouds causing heavy rain to fall for much of the year. The combination of heavy rain and high temperatures creates an ideal environment for plants to grow and the coastal slopes and lowlands are renown for their diversity of vegetation.

Among the lush forests of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area (approx 894000 ha) between Cooktown and Townsville there are at least 483 species of plants that are considered rare or threatened. Tall trees, ferns, palms, orchids, vines, moss and fungi live together in rainforest communities. The tallest plants use their branches and leaves to reach out and catch the sunlight leaving only subdued light for the plants
growing on the forest floor.

The diversity of rainforest vegetation, in turn, supports a rich diversity of animals. The nutrient rich, damp, warm environment provides the ideal living conditions for many invertebrates, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

Further information about this habitat can be found at these sites:

• Cape Tribulation Research Station
• CRC for Tropical Rainforest Ecology and Management
• Environment Australia
• Wet Tropics Management Authority

• Cairns Birdwing Butterfly
• Cassowary
• Crocodile
• Striped Possum

Pigs - destroy vegetation by eating, wallowing and digging around wet areas. They also disturb the nests of ground nesting birds and reptiles and eat native animals and their eggs.