Cape York Peninsula tropical savanna facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape York Peninsula tropical savanna |
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Map of the Cape York Peninsula tropical savanna ecoregion.
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| Ecology | |
| Realm | Australasian |
| Biome | tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas, and shrublands |
| Borders | Carpentaria tropical savanna, Einasleigh Uplands savanna and Queensland tropical rain forests |
| Geography | |
| Area | 121,160 km2 (46,780 sq mi) |
| Country | Australia |
| States | Queensland and Torres Strait Regional Authority |
| Conservation | |
| Conservation status | Relatively stable/intact |
| Protected | 35,713 km² (29%) |
| Cape York Peninsula Queensland |
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The interim Australian bioregions,
with Cape York Peninsula in red |
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| Area | 122,564.57 km2 (47,322.4 sq mi) | ||||||||||||||
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The Cape York Peninsula tropical savanna is a special natural area in northern Australia. It's a type of tropical grassland, savanna, and shrubland. This region covers the Cape York Peninsula in Queensland. This is the northernmost tip of mainland Australia. It's also known as the Cape York Peninsula bioregion.
Contents
What is the Cape York Peninsula like?
This amazing area covers the northern part of the Cape York Peninsula. It also includes the nearby Torres Strait Islands. To the southwest, it meets the Carpentaria tropical savanna. To the south, you'll find the Einasleigh Uplands savanna. The Queensland tropical rain forests are to its southeast.
The western part of the region has large sandy areas. Rivers and streams cut through these plains. There are also low hills made of sandstone. Along the coast, you can find wide plains next to the Gulf of Carpentaria.
On the eastern side, there are sand dunes shaped by the wind. The geology here is quite complex. You can find different types of rocks, including volcanic and metamorphic rocks. In the south, there are deeply cut plateaus. Nearby are the Laura Lowlands, which have sand, silt, and clay.
What is the weather like?
The climate here is tropical and humid. This means it's warm and often wet. The amount of rain changes across the region. It can get between 1000 mm and 1600 mm of rain each year. Some higher areas even get more rainfall.
What plants grow here?
The main types of plants you'll see are:
- Woodlands: Areas with many trees, but not as dense as a forest.
- Heathlands: Open areas with small, shrubby plants.
- Sedgelands: Wet areas with grass-like plants called sedges.
- Vine forests: Forests where many vines grow. Some lose their leaves in the dry season.
- Mangrove forests: Special trees that grow in salty water along the coasts and river mouths.
Why is this area important?
The Cape York Peninsula is home to many different plants and animals. It's a very important place for nature. A large part of this area is protected. This helps keep its unique ecosystems safe.
Protected areas
Many parts of the Cape York Peninsula are protected. These areas are like national parks. They help keep the land and its wildlife safe. Some of these protected areas include:
- Alwal National Park
- Binirr National Park
- Cape Melville National Park
- Jack River National Park
- Jardine River National Park
- Kulla National Park
- Lakefield National Park
- Olkola National Park
- Oyala Thumotang National Park
- Wuthathi (Shelburne Bay) National Park
