Thornton Peak
Quick facts for kids Thornton Peak |
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Summit of Thornton Peak looking over Alexander and Cow Bay, Daintree National Park
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,374 m (4,508 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Thornton Peak
Location in Queensland
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| Parent range | Great Dividing Range |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | Unknown |
Thornton Peak is a magnificent mountain in Queensland, Australia. It stands tall at 1374 meters, rising proudly above the ancient Daintree Rainforest. This impressive peak is located about 126 kilometers northwest of Cairns, near the Daintree River. It is one of Queensland's highest mountains, ranking as the fourth tallest. Only Mount Bartle Frere (1622 meters), Mount Bellenden Ker (1593 meters), and Mount Superbus (1375 meters) are taller.
The local Kuku Yalanji people, who are the traditional owners of this land, call Thornton Peak by its special name, Wundu. This name holds deep spiritual meaning for them.
Thornton Peak is a vital part of the rainforest ecosystem. Its slopes are covered in lush green trees, providing a home for many unique plants and animals. Some of these species are found nowhere else in the world!
Contents
Exploring Thornton Peak
A Towering Landmark
Thornton Peak is a very important natural feature in Far North Queensland. Its height of 1374 meters makes it a prominent sight in the landscape. The mountain is part of the famous Great Dividing Range, a long chain of mountains and plateaus in eastern Australia. From its summit, you can see amazing views of the surrounding Daintree National Park and the sparkling coastline.
Home to Special Wildlife
The rainforests covering Thornton Peak are incredibly diverse. They are home to many different kinds of plants and animals. Some of these creatures are endemic, which means they live only in this specific area and nowhere else on Earth. One very special animal found here is the cinereus ringtail possum. This cute possum with its fluffy tail lives on only three mountain tops, and Thornton Peak is one of them! Protecting these unique habitats is very important for these rare species.
Protecting Rare Animals
Scientists are always working to protect the amazing wildlife of Thornton Peak. They know that some animals need cooler climates to survive. As the Earth's climate changes, some areas might become too warm for certain species. To help these animals, scientists have suggested that Thornton Peak could be a safe new home for them. This idea is called translocation. It means carefully moving animals from one place to another to help them thrive. This way, these special creatures can continue to live and grow in a suitable environment.
The Kuku Yalanji Connection
For thousands of years, the Eastern Kuku Yalanji people have lived in this region. Thornton Peak, or Wundu as they call it, is a sacred place for them. It is much more than just a mountain; it is a place of cultural and spiritual importance. The Kuku Yalanji people have a deep connection to the land, its stories, and its traditions. They are the custodians of this beautiful area, caring for it and passing down their knowledge through generations.
See also
