RAINFOREST
The
rainforest at Nerringillah is situated in a steep-sided gully a short distance
away from the Centre. This gully has escaped the usual plunder by foresters
and so remains almost intact. The main canopy is composed of coachwood,
sassafrass, lilly pilly and cabbage tree palms. Mountain pepper and tree
ferns are the typical understorey plant, while there are many different
ground plants.
Around
the Centre are several examples of rainforest regeneration at various stages.
Students
enjoy the experience of collecting field data
using typical sampling methods, e.g. quadrats,
transects and profiles. |
Nerringillah
Ecology Centre
Click
on any image for a larger view.
|
Birds
are always heard in abundance and sometimes even lyrebirds are spotted.
Small antechinus have been known to scurry down tree trunks to check
out the students more closely during the day.
The
animals usually spotted at night are the possums. Glow worms provide
the unexpected fairy lights when torches are extinguished.
The
rainforest is usually classed as warm temperate but there are sub-tropical
indicators such as the Banglow palm and the hard quandong.
Click
to go back to the ecosystems list
.
For
more on rainforests, click here.
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