Page 88 - Port Douglas Magazine 39

Bennett’s Tree Kangaroo PHOTO CREDIT Wet Tropics Images

“THE HEALTH AND VITALITY OF
THE WET TROPICS RAINFOREST
IS INDEBTED TO THE CASSOWARY,
WHICH DISPERSES FOREST SEEDS

ACROSS EXTENSIVE AREAS.”

The beautiful Green Ringtail Possum is particularly special to Terry, with its
fossil history tracing back 28 million years.
“These possums, being leaf eaters, possess a unique digestive system aided by
symbiotic bacteria that aid in detoxifying their food, and currently one of our
scientists is studying potential climate-induced changes in leaf toxicity.
“These possums play a crucial role in the ecosystem, forming part of the food
web by eating the leaves of rainforest plants, which in turn become a food source
for owls, pythons, and spotted tail quolls. Full day Half day
“While their loss wouldn’t lead to the extinction of rainforests, it would signify Great Barrier Reef
the disappearance of a rich and intricate story within this ancient ecosystem, Island Adventure
raising questions about human interference in such a fascinating and valuable
biodiversity.” SNORKELLING | DIVING | 3 REEF SITES SNORKELLING | GLASS BOTTOM BOAT
Discover the elusive Tree Kangaroos, rarely seen despite road signs in the
rainforest. Two species reside in Australia: Bennett’s Tree-kangaroo and
Lumholtz’s Tree-kangaroo.
The Bennet’s Tree Kangaroo is the largest tree-climbing mammal in Australia
and is only found between the Daintree River near Mossman and the Annan
River south of Cooktown, while Lumholtz’s reside in Queensland’s Tablelands.
Terry explains that Tree Kangaroos have an intriguing history.
“Current understanding suggests that kangaroos and wallabies originated from
animals resembling tree-climbing possums. However, Tree Kangaroos, a quite
recent species, reversed the family trend and went back into the trees.
“Their adeptness in climbing stems from their lengthy tail, which serves as a
counterbalance, their broad feet that firmly grasp branches, and their distinctive
foot motion. This motion enables them to walk like us, moving both fowards
and even backward along branches, a trait uncommon among other kangaroos
or wallabies.
“Both Bennett’s and Lumholtz’s Tree Kangaroos are classified as near threatened,
indicating some challenges but not immediate danger. Nevertheless, caution
remains essential in their conservation.”
To end on a more positive note, there’s good news about the cassowary. This
large, vibrant, flightless bird, related to emus and ostrich, is native to the Wet
Tropics and Cape York region and serves as the emblem of the Wet Tropics
Management Authority.
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the ‘Cassowary Recovery Team,’ which Terry
supports, and the collaborative efforts of 30 partners, the cassowary population
has reached a stable point.
“While we’re encouraged by the progress, we remain watchful for the future,” Full day Half day
Terry underscores... “The health and vitality of the Wet Tropics rainforest is
indebted to the cassowary, which disperses forest seeds across extensive areas.” Daintree Rainforest Ziplining Tour

NURTURING AWARENESS AND CONSERVATION MOSSMAN GORGE | SMALL INTIMATE GROUPS CAPE TRIBULATION | RAINFOREST ZIPLINING
Terry stresses that preserving what we have left is essential and that the challenge
lies in making people realise the uniqueness of our beautiful rainforest.
“Ensuring the safeguarding and restoration of the areas adjacent to the World
Heritage Area and National Park estate is equally crucial, as everything is
interconnected,” he emphasises. Port Douglas magazine readers exclusive offer
“I believe each of us needs to take steps to reduce our environmental impact. The
key message is to lighten your footprint, reducing your environmental impact by
being mindful of your consumption habits. 10% OFF Use promo code ‘PDMAG10’
“We are at an important juncture in time and it’s only a matter of one extreme
weather event - let’s hope this summer is as gentle as possible.”

wettropics.gov.au reefunlimited.com | 1300 031 411 |

Terry working with Master Reef Guides PHOTO CREDIT Wet Tropics Images *T&C’s - Discount only available if promo code is applied when booked direct with Calypso Reef Cruises,
Daintree Tours or Treetops Adventure.