My book focuses on the famous World-heritage Daintree rainforest in far north Queensland. Brief chapters take readers on a fascinating journey from its beginnings to the rapid changes brought about by European settlement. The Daintree rose to prominence following the discovery of one of the greatest concentrations of primitive flowering plants on Earth ~ plants which occur nowhere else.
Topics are varied. They include its wildlife (e.g. the cassowary, the tree-kangaroo, the rat-kangaroo, flying-foxes and other bats); its primitive flowering plants (e.g. Noahdendron nicholasii); the first human occupants the Kuku Yalanji aborigines, and the battle to save it from certain oblivion after developers began subdividing this precious rainforest. Matchbox Bean, Mountain Mist Frog, Metallic Starling, mangroves ~ all these and many more are described in an informative, easy-to-read style.
Daintree Jewel of Tropical North Queensland is essential reading for every visitor to the Daintree, armchair travellers, and anyone with an interest in Australia’s natural heritage.
