THE ELUSIVE CREATURES OF THE DAINTREE

WORDS by Jamie Jansen

One of the most fascinating things about the Daintree Rainforest is its hidden creatures. This ancient ecosystem, believed to be more than 135 million years old, is unlike any other place on earth, home to an incredible variety of plants and animals found nowhere else.

Many of these creatures remain tucked away among the dense leaves and towering canopy, their presence revealed only by a faint rustle in the foliage or a distant call. From shy tree-dwellers to vibrant creatures scurrying along the forest floor, spotting these elusive inhabitants takes patience and a sharp eye, making each encounter a truly unforgettable experience.

1. SOUTHERN CASSOWARY

Topping the list of fascinating wildlife in the Daintree Rainforest is the Southern Cassowary, known for its striking appearance and vital role in the ecosystem. These magnificent flightless birds, with their vivid blue face and neck and distinctive horn-like casque, are notoriously hard to spot. While their beauty is captivating, these creatures are best admired from a safe distance.

Standing up to 1.8 metres tall and weighing as much as 35 kilograms, cassowaries are equipped with sharp, spear-like claws on each foot and can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

Tracing their lineage back to the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, cassowaries are living relics of a prehistoric era. They play a crucial role as "gardeners" of the rainforest, spreading seeds from the fruits they consume and ensuring the continued growth of the region's unique and ancient plant diversity.

2. ULYSSES BUTTERFLY

A flutter of electric blue against a backdrop of green; few sights in the Daintree are as enchanting as the Ulysses butterfly. With a wingspan of up to 14 centimetres, this vibrant butterfly is one of Tropical North Queensland's most distinctive and unique butterfly species.

Beyond their beauty, Ulysses butterflies play a vital role in the rainforest ecosystem. As they feed on nectar, they act as essential pollinators, helping to maintain the health and diversity of the rainforest's flora.

Patience is key when spotting the Ulysses butterfly. Their bright blue wings 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 you might catch a glimpse of this iconic symbol of the Daintree Rainforest.

3. BOYD'S FOREST DRAGON

Did you know that dragons still exist in Australia? The Boyd's Forest Dragon is a captivating lizard native to the Daintree Rainforest. These incredible lizards are masters of disguise, with textured, bark-like skin that helps them blend seamlessly with tree trunks.

If you're hoping to spot one, the canopy walk at Mossman Gorge is a great 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 instinctively shift to the opposite side of the tree, keeping the trunk as a shield between them and potential threats.

4. PRICKLY KATYDID

Another hidden gem of the Daintree is the Prickly Katydid, an insect so well-camouflaged it took scientists until 2005 to formally describe it. Often called the Giant Spiny Tree Cricket or Spiny-Legged Rainforest Katydid, this fascinating insect with its psychedelic designs has an ability to vanish into its surroundings.

Despite their large size (adults can grow up to 10 centimetres long) they are incredibly difficult to spot. These insects are most commonly seen during the summer's stormy weather when they descend from the treetops to avoid high winds and rain.

Photo Credit Wet Tropics Management Authority

5. BENNETT'S TREE KANGAROO

Most people associate kangaroos with open plains, but in the Daintree, you'll find a unique tree-dwelling cousin: Bennett's Tree Kangaroo. This rare and shy marsupial spends most of its life high in the canopy, leaping and climbing with ease thanks to its muscular limbs, broad feet, and long tail for balance.

Unlike their ground-dwelling relatives, tree kangaroos can move both forward and backward along branches, a unique trait. Feeding on leaves, fruits and flowers, they play an important role in maintaining the rainforest's ecosystem.

7. BIOLUMINESCENT FUNGI

Adding to the nighttime spectacle, bioluminescent fungi cast an eerie green-blue glow in the dark. These glowing mushrooms are a rare and surreal sight, offering a magical experience for those exploring the rainforest after sundown. While their bioluminescence isn't fully understood, it's thought to attract insects that help spread their spores.

8. SALTWATER CROCODILE

The Saltwater Crocodile is the Daintree's apex predator, a creature that commands respect and awe. Growing up to seven metres long, these ancient reptiles have been around for 95 million years, dating back to the time of the dinosaurs.

Saltwater crocodiles can often be seen basking along the banks of the Daintree River or lurking just beneath the surface. Guided river cruises, like Crocodile Express, offer the safest way to observe these massive predators in their natural habitat.

9. DAINTREE RIVER RINGTAIL POSSUM

As the name of this cute little Australian possum suggests, the Daintree River ringtail possum is most often seen along the banks of the Daintree River, that cuts a path through the Daintree Rainforest.

Most ringtail possums are small and weigh less than one kilogram. They are light brown in colour, possess a dark stripe of the back of the head and have a distinctive curved tail which they use to carry small twigs and branches for building nests.

Arm yourself with a pair of binoculars, so you have the best chance of spotting a Daintree River ringtail possum.