Tanami Desert facts for kids
The Tanami Desert is a large desert in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is a dry and remote area with rocky ground and small hills. For a long time, this desert was not fully explored. The Tanami Track, a famous road, crosses through it. In the 1860s, an explorer named John McDouall Stuart tried many times to cross the desert to reach the Victoria River, but he could not find enough water.
The Tanami Desert is known as one of Australia's special natural areas, called an IBRA region. Scientists consider it "one of the most important biological areas" in Australia. This is because it provides a safe home for many of Australia's rare and endangered animals.
Animals of the Tanami Desert
Many interesting species of animals live in the Tanami Desert. Some of these are small mammals.
- Western Chestnut Mouse (Pseudomys nanus)
- Little Native Mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus)
- Long-tailed Planigale (Planigale ingrami)
Important bird species also make their home here.
- Grey Falcon (Falco hypoleucos)
- Australian Painted Snipe (Rostratula australis)
- Freckled duck (Stictonetta naevosa)
Indigenous People of the Desert
The Tanami Desert is the traditional home of the Kukatja and Walpiri people. The Tjurabalan people live near the edge of the desert.
See also
In Spanish: Desierto de Tanami para niños
