DIVERSE HABITATS HOME FROM HOME: KAKADU’S

There are six distinct habitats Kakadu National Park, which in part accounts for the diversity of bird species that call this place home.

1. STONE COUNTRY

the Stone country encompasses

300m sandstone cliffs (some up to high) of the Arnhem Land Plateau edge and escarpment at the eastern is of the park. At the top, the plateau dry and harsh, while deep gorges lush along the escarpment house monsoon forests. LOOK OUT FOR:

2. SAVANNAH WOODLAND

The savannah woodlands, or per lowlands, make up almost 80 cent of Kakadu. Termite mounds feature prominently alongside eucalypts and tall grasses. This habitat may appear to have little activity, but in fact has the highest number of animals of all of Kakadu’s habitats, and a diversity of birdlife. LOOK OUT FOR:

3. SOUTHERN HILLS AND RIDGES

This habitat is characterised by rugged ridges and alluvial flats. The landscape is formed by ancient volcanic rocks exposed by the retreating Arnhem Land plateau, and can be easily observed from the top of Gunlom Falls. LOOK OUT FOR:

4. FLOODPLAINS/ WETLANDS

This landscape alters dramatically between the seasons. In the Wet it is a shallow freshwater sea, while in the Dry the water recedes into creeks, rivers and remote billabongs, where waterbirds and wildlife congregate and seek refuge. LOOK OUT FOR:

5. COASTAL/ TIDAL FLATS

Kakadu has almost 500sq.km of coastal and estuarine areas, including tidal creeks and river systems extending up to 100km inland. These habitats are home to life adapted to the oxygen-deficient, salty environment, such as mangrove swamps and samphire flats. LOOK OUT FOR:

6. MONSOONAL VINE FOREST

This habitat depends on year-round water sources, often alongside rivers, springs, or at the base of the escarpment. Tall trees provide fruits for flying foxes and pigeons to spread from one isolated pocket of forest to another. LOOK OUT FOR: