Gulf of Carpenteria, NT/QD border, Australia Photograph by www.c2ctours.com   Northern Australia Tropical and Subtropical Grasslands, Savannas, and Shrublands   138,900 square miles (359,700 square kilometers) -- about the size of Kansas and Michigan Relatively Stable/Intact

· Wild and Rugged
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
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Wild and Rugged

Wild and rugged are the two adjectives that best describe the land surrounding the Gulf of Carpentaria. Monsoon rains batter this region every summer, swelling the many rivers that run out to the gulf. A wide variety of habitats is found here, including muddy saline flats, patches of rainforest, towering sandstone cliffs, and wide open grassland savanna. This region is the largest area of tropical savanna in Australia.

Special Features

Vegetation changes with rainfall here, where the coastal areas receive twice as much rainfall as the inland savanna and woodlands. Journeying inland from the coast, vast coastal flats of alluvial mud and sand grade into extensive areas of marine vegetation with saline pans. Low woodlands can be found on the well-drained soils of the coastal plains. Even farther inland, extensive savanna grasslands stretch to the horizon, interrupted by eucalyptus woodlands. Spectacular sandstone ranges, formed millions of years ago by sedimentary deposits, also extend inland.

	Waterbirds such as the magpie goose use these coastal areas for feeding and breeding. The magpie goose has unusual feet, which are partially webbed and clawed, enabling them to navigate through water and roost in trees with ease.

Wild Side

Several reptile species in this region are endemic, including the Carpentarian rock gecko, Hosmer’s skink, and the Carpentarian lerista--another type of skink. The Carpentarian grass wren can be found only on hummocks of spinifex, a hardy, drought-resistant grass. Also seen scurrying through the region is the small Carpentarian sandstone antechinus, a mouse-like marsupial. The euro, or common wallaby, is a small, shaggy kangaroo that rests all day under rock ledges or beneath dense trees. Other residents include the spectacled hare-wallaby (a marsupial grazer), the Australian bustard, and the gray falcon. Located near springs in steep gorges, small patches of rainforest provide cover for the rare Carpentarian rock-rat, a large, nocturnal rodent. The brightly colored endangered Gouldian finch is easily recognized by its lilac breast, grass-green wings, yellow abdomen, and blue rump.

Cause for Concern

Although this region may be isolated, cattle-grazing poses a serious threat for wetlands and forest areas. Extensive fires threaten rainforest patches and the rare animals found there. Introduced predators are causing problems for some small mammal species. The pale field rat, for example, was once found throughout this ecoregion. Now they only survive on offshore islands where introduced predators are yet not found. However, keeping cats and other non-native animals off these islands is a serious challenge. Invasive weeds are becoming a problem as well in wetland areas.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.