Transcript Kakadu National Park

Jose Godoy and saul
velasquez
period 4
Kakadu National Park
Ecosystem
• It is a unique example of a complex of
ecosystems, including tidal flats,
floodplains, lowlands and plateaux, and
provides a habitat for a wide range of rare
or endemic species of plants and animals.
Species
•
•
•
•
•
over 280 bird species
roughly 60 mammal species
over 50 freshwater species
over 10,000 insects species
over 1,600 plant species.
Climate
• During the dry season (from April/May to September), dry southerly
and easterly trade winds predominate. Humidity is relatively low and
rain is unusual. At Jabiru, the average maximum temperature for
June–July is 32 °C. During the 'build up' (October to December)
conditions can be extremely uncomfortable with high temperatures
and high humidity. However, 'build up' storms are impressive and
lightning strikes are frequent. In fact, the Top End of Australia
records more lightning strikes per year than any other place on
earth. At Jabiru the average maximum temperature for October is
37.5 °C.
• The wet season (January to March/April) is characterised by warm
temperatures and, as one would expect, rain. Most of the rain is
associated with monsoonal troughs formed over Southeast Asia,
although occasionally tropical cyclones produce intense heavy rain
over localised areas. At Jabiru, the average maximum temperature
for January is 33 °C. Annual rainfall in Kakadu National Park ranges
from 1,565 mm in Jabiru to 1,300 mm in the Mary River region.
Enviromental issues and threats
• Kakadu has seen several invasive species threaten the
native habitat, particularly in recent decades. Introduced
fauna including the water buffalo, wild pig and more
recently, the cane toad have had major effects on
habitat. Invasive weeds include Mimosa pigra, which
covers 800 km² of the Top End, including vast areas of
Kakadu, invasive para grass (Urochloa mutica) displaces
the native food of much of Kakadu's birdlife. Salvinia
molesta has infested the Magela floodplain. Brumbies
also inhabit areas of the National Park, including Yellow
Water. One last problem is the mining in the park which
can impact a lot of the wild life's future.
Location
• Kakadu National Park is located within the
Alligator Rivers Region of the Northern Territory
of Australia. It covers an area of 19,804 km2
(7,646 sq mi),[2] extending nearly 200
kilometres from north to south and over 100
kilometres from east to west. It is the size of
Slovenia, about one-third the size of Tasmania,
or nearly half the size of Switzerland. The
Ranger Uranium Mine, one of the most
productive uranium mines in the world, is
surrounded by the park.