Tasmania's’ unique flora and fauna

Being separated from mainland Australia for 12000 years Tasmania has developed differences however subtle in all forms of native life.

Many of its species are endemic (are only naturally found here.) Apart from this, its remaining Ancient original native forests are extremely rare and precious on a world scale.

Tall Eucalypts in the north west are dominated by Eucalyptus obliqua(brown topped stringybark) The remaining ancient original native forests of the North West are largely pure cool temperate rainforest dominated by Myrtle beech (Nothafagus cunninghamii) in association with Sassafras, Blackwood,, Celery top pine, Native laural,, Man fern and Leatherwood.

The north west is also home to unique crayfish,(Astacopsis gouldi –the giant freshwater crayfish and burrowing crayfish of the Engayus genus . There are also many mammals, birds, ferns and (beautiful fungi best seen in May)

You can find some photos of Tasmanias unique plants and animals in the Photo Gallery.