https://www.wettropics.gov.au/

  • Animals of the Wet Tropics

    The Wet Tropics contains some of the world’s oldest continuously surviving tropical rainforests, where ancient animal lineages have persisted for millions of years. These remarkable forests are home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including many species found nowhere else on Earth.

Graphic with map with text: The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area covers 0.12% of Australia

The Wet Tropics World Heritage Area Covers 0.12% of Australia

Despite covering only, a small part of the Australian continent, the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area (the Area) supports the highest biodiversity of any region in Australia. It provides habitat for an exceptional range of animals, and more than a quarter of its species are of significant conservation value, highlighting the global importance of protecting this unique natural environment.

The Wet Tropics is home to more than 670 species of vertebrate (backbone) animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fish. About half of these species are birds. This represents approximately 45% of the total vertebrate diversity across the entire Australian continent.

Graphic with statistics about animal species.
  • Bat hanging upside down in a tree.
    © WTMA/Jennifer Mclean

    Why animals matter

    Animals play important roles in keeping the rainforest healthy. Birds, bats and insects pollinate flowers and spread seeds, while frogs, reptiles and mammals help maintain the balance of rainforest ecosystems. Together with plants, they form a complex web of life that supports the biodiversity of the Wet Tropics.

  • Brown bird performing mating dance on tree stump
    © WTMA/Julia Sumerling

    Origin and evolution

    Discover how Gondwanan, Australian and Asian animal lineages came together to create the extraordinary diversity of wildlife found in the Wet Tropics.

  • Cassowary in the rainforest
    © Tourism & Events Queensland/Reuben Nutt

    Cassowaries

    Discover the southern cassowary, the Wet Tropics’ iconic rainforest gardener. Learn about its habitat, unique behaviour, cultural significance, threats and conservation.

  • Two birds in a rainforest, the male performing a mating dance.
    © WTMA/Dominic Chaplin

    Significant animals

    Discover the Wet Tropics’ most significant animals, from ancient survivors and endemic species to rainforest oddities, and learn why they are important to biodiversity and conservation.

  • Small grey and striped black possum on a branch in a forest.
    © WTMA

    Threatened species

    Discover threatened animal species of the Wet Tropics, including endangered mammals, birds and critically endangered frogs, and learn about the threats and conservation efforts protecting them.

Last updated: 13 Oct 2026