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Animals |
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In each habitat type, many animals may be encountered. From the barnacle-encrusted rocks of Wedge Island to the vine-strewn rainforest of Hidden valley, there is quite a change in the fauna. Along the foreshore many animals may be difficult to see. Some like the Brittle Stars live under rocks while others such as Barnacles shelter within a hard skeleton. On the beach look for Sand Dollars, small flat sea urchins that leave a trail as they move through the sand. Also seen are the Sand Baller and Ghost Crabs. A moonlight stroll along the beach is always delightful to view these crabs scurrying around in search of food! In the forest, the first animal usually seen is the Australian brush turkey, a large black bird with a red head and yellow collar. These birds are usually found strutting around the resort and picnic area. They are related to the jungle fowl which is also found in the park. Many other birds live at Cape Hillsborough. Some are migratory and visit for only a few months of the year. Early morning is the best time to observe birds. More than 136 species of Birds have so far been identified in this national park. Some of the more common ones are listed below.
Cape Hillsborough National Park is also home to a colony of 150 – 200 ghost bats, one of four colonies identified in Queensland. They occupy at least three caves in the park during winter. Also observed at Cape Hillsborough is approximately 22 Mammals, 25 Reptiles (2 species of the legless lizard, 17 skinks and 5 species of geckoes) and 8 Amphibians.
The Eastern Grey Kangaroo and many types of Wallabies live in the park. The most common wallaby is the Agile (Sandy) Wallaby and Whip-Tail (Pretty face) Wallaby. The shy Brush-Tail Rock Wallaby can sometimes be seen in November on the far side of the causeway and beach. Cape Hillsborough is very unique as visitors are given a rare treat of viewing wallabies on the beach at sunrise most mornings. It is believed that they go down to the beach to enjoy nibbling the seedpods that wash up onto the beach.
There are approximately 25 species of Butterflies within Cape Hillsborough National Park including the magnificent Ulysses or Mountain Blue. Butterflies such as the Blue Tiger also live at Cape Hillsborough and can be seen in large numbers during winter. Other butterflies include:
Reference: Cape Hillsborough and Pioneer Peaks National Parks Management Plan by Qld National Parks and Wildlife Service and Qld Dept of Environment (1998) |