Vertebrate fauna of the Cannabullen Plateau: a mid-altitude rainforest in the Australian Wet Tropics

Abstract

This paper reports on a vertebrate fauna survey undertaken at the Cannabullen section of Tully Gorge National Park in the north Queensland Wet Tropics. A team of 6 biologists surveyed the plateau and adjacent Cochable Creek over 20 days in November 1993 using a combination of standardised methods including mammal trapping, active reptile searches, spotlighting and bird censuses. Additional miscellaneous observations were also included. Ninety-six species of vertebrate were detected (12 mammals, 52 birds, 22 reptiles and 10 amphibians) of which 29 were endemic to the Wet Tropics region. Thirty-nine species were considered to be significant with respect to the conservation of the World Heritage values of the region, with 8 of these recognised as being rare or endangered in Queensland. The survey extended the known altitudinal range of 6 species endemic to the Wet Tropics to well below their previously recognised limits.