FLORA & FAUNA
The Gascoyne hinterland region is home to an abundance of flora and fauna.
FAUNA
WILDLIFE AT MOUNT AUGUSTUS
The majority of Mount Augustus is vegetated. Arid shrubland dominated by wattles, cassias and eremophilas cover the inselberg and the surrounding plain. Take the time to sit quietly in the early morning or late afternoon and you will be rewarded with the site of shy-but-inquisitive wildlife. Marvel at the factors which have shaped the surrounding wildlife – infertile soils and greater climate variability than many other parts of Australia.
Groves of white-barked river gums indicate water seepage from the inselberg - so precious to the local ecology. Mulga, gidgee and other wattles are dispersed across the plain. So too are spinifex pigeons, crimson chats, mulga parrots and babblers – all foraging for food resources. Nearby, emus seek out fruits, and bustards (or wild turkey) sneak up on insects and small reptiles on the ground. Bungarras (goannas) and red kangaroos are common on the plain, while euros and birds of prey are found closer to the mount.
At Cattle Pool on the Lyons River, a tributary of the Gascoyne, permanent pools attract waterbirds such as black cormorants, ibis, heron, and a variety of ducks. In the trees are blue-winged kookaburras, sacred kingfishers and corellas.
