Page 98 - Port Douglas Magazine 43

DAINTREE ADVENTURES.

1

THE ELUSIVE CREATURES

OF THE DAINTREE

WORDS by Jamie Jansen

ONE OF THE MOST FASCINATING THINGS about the Daintree 2. ULYSSES BUTTERFLY
Rainforest is its hidden creatures. This ancient ecosystem, believed to be A flutter of electric blue against a backdrop of green; few sights in the
more than 135 million years old, is unlike any other place on earth, home Daintree are as enchanting as the Ulysses butterfly. With a wingspan of up to
to an incredible variety of plants and animals found nowhere else. 14 centimetres, this vibrant butterfly is one of Tropical North Queensland’s
Many of these creatures remain tucked away among the dense leaves and most distinctive and unique butterfly species.
towering canopy, their presence revealed only by a faint rustle in the foliage Beyond their beauty, Ulysses butterflies play a vital role in the rainforest
or a distant call. From shy tree-dwellers to vibrant creatures scurrying along ecosystem. As they feed on nectar, they act as essential pollinators, helping
the forest floor, spotting these elusive inhabitants takes patience and a sharp to maintain the health and diversity of the rainforest’s flora.
eye, making each encounter a truly unforgettable experience.
Patience is key when spotting the Ulysses butterfly. Their bright blue wings
1. SOUTHERN CASSOWARY make them easy to see but also vulnerable to predators, so they fly quickly and
unpredictably. Watch for flashes of blue near flowering trees or plants, and
Topping the list of fascinating wildlife in the Daintree Rainforest is the you might catch a glimpse of this iconic symbol of the Daintree Rainforest.
Southern Cassowary, known for its striking appearance and vital role in the
ecosystem. 3. BOYD’S FOREST DRAGON
These magnificent flightless birds, with their vivid blue face and neck and Did you know that dragons still exist in Australia? The Boyd’s Forest Dragon
distinctive horn-like casque, are notoriously hard to spot. While their beauty is a captivating lizard native to the Daintree Rainforest. These incredible
is captivating, these creatures are best admired from a safe distance. Standing lizards are masters of disguise, with textured, bark-like skin that helps them
up to 1.8 metres tall and weighing as much as 35 kilograms, cassowaries blend seamlessly with tree trunks.
are equipped with sharp, spear-like claws on each foot and can become
aggressive if they feel threatened. If you’re hoping to spot one, the canopy walk at Mossman Gorge is a great
Tracing their lineage back to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, place to start. Keep an eye out for their distinctive shape on tree trunks.
Typically, they perch at around head height, but when approached, they
cassowaries are living relics of a prehistoric era. They play a crucial role as instinctively shift to the opposite side of the tree, keeping the trunk as a
“gardeners” of the rainforest, spreading seeds from the fruits they consume shield between them and potential threats.
and ensuring the continued growth of the region’s unique and ancient plant
diversity.

98 Port Douglas Magazine & Travel Planner