Description
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park is a sanctuary located in the southern area of the Northern Territory, almost the geographical centre of Australia. It belongs in the traditional lands of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara tribes.
It is a massive 1,333.72 square kilometres, roughly 132,566 hectares. The main attraction, Uluru, measures 348 metres tall, and the Kata Tjuta (meaning "Many Heads"), is 32 kilometres west. The national park is located 1,431 kilometres south of Darwin. |
Map of Uluru-Kata Tjuta
Abiotic Factors
Uluru-Kata Tjuta is located in the Australian outback, so the climate is hot and dry. At night, however, the national park is much cooler; the lowest temperature ever recorded was -5 degrees Celsius.
- Average Daily Sunlight Exposure (January): 27.6 milliJoules per square metre
- Average Rainfall (per year): 308 millimetres
- Average Temperature: 30-35 degrees Celsius
- Highest Recorded Temperature: 45.5 degrees Celsius
- Uluru is 863 metres above water level
Biotic Factors
Uluru-Kata Tjuta is home to a broad range of plants and animals (flora and fauna), there are currently 21 recorded animal species and many plants too. Many species have learned to adapt with the tough conditions and populate the national park.
Fauna
Perentie Lizard: The perentie lizard is the largest monitor lizard in Australia, getting up to 2.5 metres in length. It is a venomous reptile, affecting people with a mild venom bite.
The lizards thrive in dry, arid regions which is why they make Uluru their home. Their habitat is comprised of rocky areas.
Perentie lizards are predators, they typically hunt insects, lizards, fish, birds, and other small animals, although larger lizards have been known to attack small kangaroos, wombats, and even dingoes.
They do this by hiding in the rocks and ambushing their confused prey, either whipping it with the perentie's powerful tail or biting down hard with its vigorous jaws. One flick of the tail can break an animal's leg.
Perenties are very shy animals, usually avoiding human contact. Their long, sharp claws help them scale trees, to hunt prey. The lizard's throat can expand in an attacking or defensive manoeuvre.
Black Footed Rock Wallaby: Also known as the black-flanked rock-wallaby, this animal is smaller than most wallabies, averaging only about 50 centimetres tall. As the name suggests, the wallaby has black feet and beige, grey colours to blend in with the rocks it inhabits. Their diet mainly consists of grass, herbs, shrubs and fruit, which it finds in open areas such as plains. This food provides a sustainable water source for the animal, meaning the wallabies don't have to drink very often.
The black footed rock wallaby has been threatened by introduced species such as foxes and pets. Their Conservation Status is rated "Near Threatened", thanks to hunting from pests but also competition for food against rabbits, sheep and goats.
The black footed rock wallabies have a heavy layer of fur to help grip the rocks as it bounces. Bouncing is an energy-efficient alternative to running, because in the harsh conditions, it is easy to become fatigued. Their light coloured skin helps them blend in but also reflects the sun's heat.
The lizards thrive in dry, arid regions which is why they make Uluru their home. Their habitat is comprised of rocky areas.
Perentie lizards are predators, they typically hunt insects, lizards, fish, birds, and other small animals, although larger lizards have been known to attack small kangaroos, wombats, and even dingoes.
They do this by hiding in the rocks and ambushing their confused prey, either whipping it with the perentie's powerful tail or biting down hard with its vigorous jaws. One flick of the tail can break an animal's leg.
Perenties are very shy animals, usually avoiding human contact. Their long, sharp claws help them scale trees, to hunt prey. The lizard's throat can expand in an attacking or defensive manoeuvre.
Black Footed Rock Wallaby: Also known as the black-flanked rock-wallaby, this animal is smaller than most wallabies, averaging only about 50 centimetres tall. As the name suggests, the wallaby has black feet and beige, grey colours to blend in with the rocks it inhabits. Their diet mainly consists of grass, herbs, shrubs and fruit, which it finds in open areas such as plains. This food provides a sustainable water source for the animal, meaning the wallabies don't have to drink very often.
The black footed rock wallaby has been threatened by introduced species such as foxes and pets. Their Conservation Status is rated "Near Threatened", thanks to hunting from pests but also competition for food against rabbits, sheep and goats.
The black footed rock wallabies have a heavy layer of fur to help grip the rocks as it bounces. Bouncing is an energy-efficient alternative to running, because in the harsh conditions, it is easy to become fatigued. Their light coloured skin helps them blend in but also reflects the sun's heat.
Fauna: The Perentie Lizard and the Black Footed Rock Wallaby
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Flora: The Mulga and the Dunoisia's myoporoides
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Flora
Mulga: The mulga is classified as a tree, or a tall shrub, usually around 15 metres high.
It has adapted perfectly to the harsh conditions with thick-skinned "phyllodes", used to store water for dry periods. The phyllodes erect around midday to keep as little as possible of the pods in the sun.
Duboisia (or Corkwood Tree): Duboisias are small shrubs, 14 metres tall, consisting of ligh coloured wood. Their bark is thick and corky, hence the name "corkwood tree". They flower in spring, producing black berries, which many animals use as a food source.
It has adapted perfectly to the harsh conditions with thick-skinned "phyllodes", used to store water for dry periods. The phyllodes erect around midday to keep as little as possible of the pods in the sun.
Duboisia (or Corkwood Tree): Duboisias are small shrubs, 14 metres tall, consisting of ligh coloured wood. Their bark is thick and corky, hence the name "corkwood tree". They flower in spring, producing black berries, which many animals use as a food source.
Why is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Special?
Uluru is a historic landmark of our country, sacred to the Aboriginal natives. The national park is home to a broad range of plants and animals, some of which are endangered in to becoming extinct. Destroying the park would destroy their habitats, possibly killing off many species. Uluru-Kata Tjuta is also a great place for recreational activities such as sightseeing and bushwalking. Tourists used to be able to climb the giant rock, Uluru, but the natives prohibited it, because of pollution and damage to the site.
Stratagies to maintain the Park:
Stratagies to maintain the Park:
Uluru is an important feature to the Aboriginals, with historical value from the Dreamtime. To help save the park we could:
- Stop pollution
- Set up breeding programs for endangered animals
- Stay away from wild animals
- Prevent destruction or graffiti
- Control fires with back burning and set up bushfire safety plans