red centre habitat

Spectacular ranges and their surrounding slopes, dry water courses and flood plains form the heartland of Australia. Although not particularly high the ranges rise steeply from the surrounding plains and many have been eroded over millions of years into fascinating shapes by wind and water. These ranges provide many different habitats for plants and animals including narrow gorges which shade permanent pools of life-supporting water. The Red Centre also consists of extensive sand plains and dunes which support spectacular displays of wild flowers after rain.

Arid habitats, covering about 70% of the continent, are the most extensive in Australia. The Red Centre has an average daytime temperature of 35° C in summer and 25°C in winter and precipitation is unpredictable. So, although red kangaroos, dingos, emus and wallaroos live in the region the most common animals are small marsupials and native rodents, birds and reptiles which are able to find shelter during the hottest part of the day.

Further information about this habitat can be found at these sites:

• Dept of Infrastructure, Planning & Environment, Northern Territory
• Landcare Australia
• Parks & Wildlife Commission, Northern Territory

• Bilby
• Mala
• Princess Parrot
• Thorny Devil