Riniyurru National Park

So in my first week in Australia I was towed off to Riniyurru National Park, Cape York by my host here. Our aim was to find out whether this one species of orchid, Dendrobium johannis, was actually three (or maybe even more!).  This kind of stuff is really important for conservation work because it helps conservation authorities manage the populations and make sure they stick around in the years to come. For example, if  the rangers are planning to burn in an area with an endangered species present this information can help them manage the area and protect the species if need be by,say, clearing an area around it so it is more protected. It was gloriously hot (even though it was only spring!) and I learned a lot from both my host and the rangers on base.

Riniyurru a.k.a Lakefield National Park in relation to Cairns, Australia

Grassland of Riniyurru N.P. Common sized termite mound behind me. There was a rustling in the grass and I was inspecting it hoping for a snake.

Dendrobium canaliculatum

Dendrobium johannis

Common tree frog, Litoria

Blue tongued skink/Tiliqua scincoides.

Waiting for the tide to go down a bit before we can cross a river, watching out for crocs

Kangaroo's yet to be identified (not so good with my megafauna)

Fire!

Brolga/ Grus rubicunda in recently burnt Eucalypt woodland

Lizard yet to identified

Frill-necked lizard / Chlamydosaurus kingii

The research is thus far incomplete so, unfortunately, I shall have to leave you in suspense. I know you are all just dying to know ;). I spent three days here and was barely back in the Atherton office of Queensland Parks and Wildlife services before tracking my way to Undara National Park for some more  threatened plant research...to be continued (dun dun duuun)