CAPE LE GRAND NATIONAL PARK

Cape Le Grand is one of a number of areas in the south-west where an ancient landscape that has remained unglaciated, and above sea level for well over 200 million years, has provided excellent conditions for the persistence of a range of primitive and relict species. A number of species present at Cape Le Grand have strong Gondwanan associations including a legless lizard, the Common Scaly-foot (PYGOPUS LEPIDOPODUS) which is regarded as the most primitive member of the legless lizards, and three other legless lizards DELMA FRASERI, D. AUSTRALIS, and APRASIA STRIOLATA. Other primitive species include the Honey Possum (TARSIPES ROSTRATUS), and the Western Pygmy-possum (CERCATETUS CONCINNUS). Although likely to have a non-Gondwanan origin, blind-snakes, including RAMPHOTYPHLOPS AUSTRALIS, which is present at Cape Le Grand, also have ancient origins.

As a reserve of over 31,000 hectares, Cape Le Grand National Park is a significant area in maintaining existing processes at a regional scale. It is substantially larger than the average reserve area in the wheatbelt of 114 hectares and therefore is a potentially important contemporary refugium for many species, including invertebrates and smaller vertebrates.

Cape Le Grand is in an area in the south-east of the wheatbelt region that is rich in endemic species at a national scale. For example, approximately 28 fauna species that are endemic either to the south-west region, or to Western Australia occur at Cape Le Grand. Endemic frogs recorded include the Humming Frog (NEOBATRACHUS PELOBATOIDES), the Quacking Frog (CRINIA GEORGIANA), and the Western Banjo Frog (LIMNODYNASTES DORSALIS). Endemic mammals that occur here include the Ash-grey Mouse (PSEUDOMYS ALBOCINEREUS), and the Grey-bellied Dunnart (SMINTHOPSIS GRISEOVENTER). Also found at Cape Le Grand are 29 flora species endemic either to the wheatbelt region or to Western Australia, including 14 eucalypts.

Cape Le Grand is one of a number of areas in the wheatbelt that are significant for rare species, due to widespread clearing in the surrounding landscape, and to the high diversity and level of local endemism. One species occurring here is listed as endangered at the national level, EUCALYPTUS INSULARIS. Other species listed at the State level include six flora species including the Bearded Heath (LEUCOPOGON MULTIFLORUS), the Fringed Lily (THYSANOTUS PARVIFLORUS) and a pea-flowered shrub GONOCARPUS SIMPLEX. The Quenda (ISOODON OBESULUS) is listed as a species in need of monitoring.

Cape Le Grand has a number of species that are disjunct. Disjunct populations are those that have become physically separated, resulting in minimal or no gene flow between them, and they are an important precursor to the development of new species. A number of species in Australia have separate eastern and western populations, and some have formed sub-species, reflecting important broader long-term processes such as sea level changes and climatic fluctuations.

Species with disjunct western populations at Cape Le Grand include the Quenda, six reptile species including the Black Tiger Snake (NOTECHIS ATER), and 10 bird species. A number of species that are confined to Western Australia have disjunct populations as a result of the scattered nature of their original natural habitat. Such species include the Slender Tree Frog (LITORIA ADELAIDENSIS), and the Moaning Frog (HELEIOPORUS EYREI).

AVAILABLE HOLIDAY PACKAGES TO THIS REGION:

Adelaide to Perth 10 Day Wildlife Adventure Enjoy a sunset at Lake Gairdner, a tour to the Coodlie Park Farm Retreat and see the indigenous men and women doing traditional art paintings at the Ceduna Indigenous Arts and Culture Centre. Rate from : Available on request

Perth to Adelaide 9 Day Wildlife Adventure Be amazed by the rock formation at Wave Rock and journey onto the Nullarbor Plains to see the majestic Nullarbor Cliffs. Visit the historical settlement in Fowlers Bay and enjoy some extreme fun sand boarding on the massive sand dunes. Rate from : Available on request

Secrets of the Esperance 6 Day Wildlife Adventure Experience an adventure in the Fitzgerald & the Cape Le Grand National Parks and enjoy the coastline with white sandy beaches where you can snorkel, boogie board and fish. This tour will allow you to captivate Australia's unique wildlife. Rate from : Available on request