Wildlife
The region takes its name from the crocodiles in the lower reaches of the rivers. However, the region features a wide diversity of plant and animal habitats. More than 1500 species of plants have been recorded in a range of tropical habitats including mangrove, monsoon forest, tropical grassland and woodland. There are 46 species of fish in the river system representing approximately a quarter of all known species existing in Australia.
The region also features high populations of the dusky rat and its predator the water python. New vertebrate species are still being discovered in the region notably the Kakadu dunnart and the Kakadu Pebble-mound Mouse. The potential for discovery of invertebrate species such as ants is even greater.
There is some threat to the ecosystems from introduced flora and fauna. Introduced species of plant such as the giant sensitive plant and Mission grass are threatening habitats. Pest species such as feral water buffalo and Cane Toads are also causing problems.
Read more about this topic: Alligator Rivers
Famous quotes containing the word wildlife:
“Russian forests crash down under the axe, billions of trees are dying, the habitations of animals and birds are layed waste, rivers grow shallow and dry up, marvelous landscapes are disappearing forever.... Man is endowed with creativity in order to multiply that which has been given him; he has not created, but destroyed. There are fewer and fewer forests, rivers are drying up, wildlife has become extinct, the climate is ruined, and the earth is becoming ever poorer and uglier.”
—Anton Pavlovich Chekhov (1860–1904)