Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Wildlife
Kakadu has more than 60 species of mammals, more than 280 bird species, 120 recorded
species of reptile, 25 species of frog, 55 freshwater fish species and at least 10,000 differ-
ent kinds of insect. Most visitors see only a fraction of these creatures (except the in-
sects), since many of them are shy, nocturnal or scarce.
Birds
Abundant waterbirds and their beautiful wetland homes are a highlight of Kakadu. This
is one of the chief refuges in Australia for several species, including the magpie goose,
green pygmy goose and Burdekin duck. Other fine waterbirds include pelicans, brolgas
and the jabiru (or more correctly black-necked stork), Australia's only stork, with dis-
tinctive red legs and long beak. Herons, egrets, cormorants, wedge-tailed eagles, whist-
ling kites and black kites are common. The open woodlands harbor rainbow bee-eaters,
kingfishers and the endangered bustard. Majestic white-breasted sea eagles are seen near
inland waterways. At night, you might hear barking owls calling − they sound just like
dogs − or the plaintive wail of the bush stone curlew. The raucous call of the spectacular
red-tailed black cockatoo is often considered the signature sound of Kakadu.
At Mamukala, 8km east of the South Alligator River on the Arnhem Hwy, is a won-
derful observation building, plus birdwatching hides and a 3km walking track.
Fish
You can't miss the silver barramundi, which creates a distinctive swirl near the water's
surface. A renowned sportfish, it can grow to more than 1m in length and changes sex
from male to female at the age of five or six years.
Mammals
Several types of kangaroo and wallaby inhabit the park; the shy black wallaroo is unique
to Kakadu and Arnhem Land − look for them at Nourlangie Rock, where individuals rest
under rocky overhangs. At Ubirr, short-eared rock wallabies can be spotted in the early
morning. You may see a sugar glider or a shy dingo in wooded areas in the daytime.
Kakadu has 26 bat species, four of them endangered.
Reptiles
Twin Falls and Jim Jim Falls have resident freshwater crocodiles, which have narrow
snouts and rarely exceed 3m, while the dangerous saltwater variety is found throughout
the park.
