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Published -
- March 20, 2020
- 6:07 pm
Around 300,000 little red flying foxes gather to drink.
They skim the river, collecting water on their bodies, but they run the gauntlet of the Australian freshwater crocodile. Taken from Lands of the Monsoon.
What role do flying foxes play in the ecosystem of the monsoon regions of northern Australia?
In the remote wilds of northern Australia, the lands of the monsoon play host to a diverse and complex ecosystem, home to a myriad of species both fascinating and fearsome. Among these animals are the flying foxes and the freshwater crocodile, two creatures that inhabit the unique wetlands of the region. While their paths may rarely cross, these animals offer an interesting comparison, demonstrating the vast differences between them and the challenges they face to survive in their harsh and ever-changing environment.
Flying foxes are among the most fascinating of all mammals. With their large wingspan, pointed ears, and elongated snouts, they have all the hallmarks of the classic bat. However, they are not true bats, but rather members of a family of fruit-eating mammals called megabats. They are found all over the world, from the island of Madagascar to the forests of Southeast Asia, but are particularly abundant in the monsoon regions of northern Australia.
Freshwater crocodiles, on the other hand, are formidable reptiles that have adapted to life in the murky waters and shaded banks of monsoon waterways. They are smaller than their more well-known saltwater cousins, but no less dangerous, with powerful jaws and sharp teeth that make them a force to be reckoned with. They are unique in that they are able to regulate their body temperature by basking in the sun, leading them to be found in areas with a varied landscape of pools and banks, sandy beaches, reedy swamps, and rocky outcrops.
Despite their differences, flying foxes and freshwater crocodiles share some common traits. Both are reliant on the seasonal changes brought by the monsoon to survive. For the flying foxes, the arrival of the monsoon brings with it a bounty of fruit that sustains them throughout the year. It is said that they have a sense of smell that allows them to locate individual trees that are fruiting, and they have the ability to spread seeds in their droppings, helping to regenerate the forest.
The freshwater crocodile, too, relies on the monsoon to provide the water levels that are crucial for their breeding cycle. Unlike other crocodiles, they build nests of mud and vegetation in the banks of waterways, and it is often only during the height of the monsoon that these nests are inundated with the water necessary for eggs to hatch. The relationship between the monsoon and both of these animals is one of perfect balance, finely tuned to the rhythms of the wet and dry seasons.
However, there are many threats facing these animals in the lands of the monsoon. The loss of habitat due to deforestation has a detrimental effect on the flying fox population, as they rely so heavily on the forest canopy for shelter and food. In addition, their role as pollinators is crucial to the ecosystem, and their continued decline would have knock-on effects throughout the entire region.
For the freshwater crocodile, the introduction of invasive species such as cane toads has had a devastating impact, as they prey on the eggs and hatchlings of the freshwater crocodile, as well as rendering their prey toxic. Climate change is also a significant threat, as changes in rainfall patterns and temperature shifts could disrupt the finely-tuned cycle of the monsoon that these creatures depend on.
In conclusion, the flying foxes and freshwater crocodiles of the lands of the monsoon are just two examples of the incredible and unique species that inhabit this remarkable landscape. While they may be vastly different in appearance and behavior, they share a common dependence on the monsoon and the natural cycles that sustain life within this fragile ecosystem. It is only by working to protect both the animals and the environment they inhabit that we can hope to preserve these remarkable creatures for future generations.
