2023-05-21 10:22:35
Excursion through one of the most biodiverse regions of our planet on the International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22nd (PHOTO)
Perth (ots) – She is long. The list of animal and plant species found only in South West Western Australia and nowhere else in the world is impressive. The stories of animals that were believed to be extinct but have been rediscovered, or whose distribution area is very small, are exciting. A trip to one of the most biodiverse regions on earth for the International Day of Biological Diversity on May 22nd.
Southwest Australia is a true wonderland of biological diversity that never ceases to amaze scientists. And therefore also following the definition of Conservation International one of only 36 biodiversity hotspots worldwide. On an approximately 500,000 square kilometer area in the triangle Kalbarri – Esperance – south-western point of the Australian continent, you will find the largest concentration of rare and endangered animal and plant species Down Under.
The considerable regional endemism is also exceptional. Numerous animals and plants are found exclusively in the south-west of Australia, often in extremely limited geographical areas, such as the white-bellied frog (Anxiety alba), whose distribution area in Margaret River, according to the researchers’ estimates, is just five square kilometers.
These biological peculiarities are probably due to the geographical extent of Western Australia, the climatic diversity, the relative wilderness of many areas, extremely nutrient-poor soils and the fact that large parts of Australia’s largest state were never covered by sea or glaciers at any time in geological history.
Tourists can feel like Alice in Wonderland when they experience the unique biodiversity and grandiose natural scenery of Western Australia’s biodiversity hotspot in national parks such as the Fitzgerald River National Park, on the Abrolhos Islands or on animal observation tours.
Hotspot within a hotspot: The Fitzgerald River National Park
In 2017, the pristine bushland between the towns of Bremer Bay and Hopetoun was declared a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO for its biological diversity, one of only two areas in Western Australia.
In the Fitzgerald River National Park, which lies in the center of the biosphere reserve and is one of Australia’s largest national parks with 330,000 hectares, there are 1,800 different plant species, 75% of them endemic species that only occur here. In spring, when the wildflowers bloom, a colorful carpet of flowers covers the landscape. 22 species of mammals, as well as 84 different species of birds and 50 species of reptiles and frogs have also been documented in the park, including the “dibbler”, a small marsupial that was thought to be extinct.
Nature lovers can hike, canoe, and whale watch in the park’s scenic wilderness. Doubtful Islands Bay on the west side of the park is one of the few important southern right whale calving grounds on the south coast of Australia. Southern right whales and their calves can be seen here between July and October each year as they rest and play in the shallow waters at Point Anne Lookout.
Two basic campsites as well as that Quaalup Homesteadrun by a German couple, offer overnight accommodation in the park.
Abrolhos Islands, the “Galapagos Islands of Australia”
Made up of 122 coral reefs and islets stretching more than 100 kilometers in the Indian Ocean, the Abrolhos Islands archipelago off the coast of Geraldton. It is considered the southernmost extensive coral reef system in the Indian Ocean. The Abrolhos Islands are often called “Australia’s Galapagos Islands” because of their unique biological diversity. Home to 200 species of coral and 600 species of fish, Noddi tern, Derby wallabies and the endangered Australian sea lion. It is estimated that 50% of the eggs that Australian crayfish produce each year come from the islands. 2017 designated the international nature conservation organization Mission Blue the islands as Western Australia’s first “Hope Spot”, a place of global importance for ocean health. Kalbarri Scenic Flights and Shine Aviation offer day tours that allow visitors to admire the islands from the plane before landing on East Wallabi Island and then taking guided walks or snorkeling back on land.
Woylies, the “Kung Fu Quokkas” of the Southwest
“Kung-Fu-Quokkas”, that’s what the guides call it South West Eco Discoveries the small, nocturnal, kangaroo-like marsupials with prehensile tails. In the Margaret River area, the provider organizes night-time observation tours. The cute mini marsupials, which once inhabited more than 60% of mainland Australia, are now only found in small areas of Western Australia and on offshore islands in South Australia. Woylies are important “engineers of the ecosystem”. When they dig in the ground to forage, they also disperse seeds and fungal spores, helping to create a healthy ecosystem. Outwardly, they are reminiscent of the cute quokkas that only exist on Rottnest Island and have become minor internet celebrities since the social media trend of the quokka selfie.
About Western Australia
Western Australia offers a variety of unique holiday experiences. The ideal starting point for a journey through the largest state Down Under is the Western Australian capital of Perth, which can be reached relatively quickly from Europe with a flight of only 17 hours. The sun-kissed, booming metropolis, which is located directly at the mouth of the Swan River on the Indian Ocean and is regularly ranked among the top 10 most livable cities in the world, regularly surprises with its “wow factor”. Perth attracts with trendy pubs, rooftop bars, colorful night markets, food events, street art, the largest inner city park in the world and unforgettable sunsets on the 19 city beaches. Beyond the city limits, travelers experience pink lakes, rust-red desert sand that meets the brilliant turquoise blue of the Indian Ocean, snow-white sandy beaches, towering eucalyptus forests, deep gorges, bizarre rock formations, rushing waterfalls, huge cattle ranches and above all the sparkling starry sky of the outback. The adventures that visitors experience here are as diverse as the landscape of Western Australia, best of all on a road trip, true to the motto: “The journey is the reward”. The most popular routes include the “Coral Coast Highway” from Perth to Exmouth, “The South West Edge” and the legendary four-wheel drive track “Gibb River Road”. They promise self-drive adventures at their finest and take visitors to Western Australian highlights such as Ningaloo Reef, Australia’s whitest sandy beach at Lucky Bay or the unmistakable rock formations of the Bungle Bungles in the Kimberley region. A tour with an Aboriginal guide should also be on the program to get an insight into the ancient culture of the indigenous people. www.westeraustralia.com
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Questions & contact:
Cornelia Behringer – PR-Managerin Continental Europe
Tourism Western Australia
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Tel.: 089-219 096 512
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