There are numerous, plants, birds and animals and insects that the visitor can
observe with little difficulty. Some of the wildlife is nocturnal so what you see will
depend on the time of day that you are walking or driving.
ON THE DRIVE UP (Or Down)
As you travel up the road to the top of Mount Buffalo you will see a
range of wildlife if you are lucky and observant. Wallabies are common
along the road at any time of the day but in particular at Dawn or dusk
The early drivers will often see lyrebirds feeding at the side or
crossing the road (and then running off to safety with wings outspread
looking more like a feathered lizard than a bird)
In the later evening Wombats are common on the side of the road as are
nocturnal birds such as the Tawny Frogmouth and Owls. Bats can be seen
hunting along the open spaces and small creatures such as the the
antechinus may sometimes cross the road in the lights of the car.
If you stop and let your eyes adjust to the dark on the flat area at
Rollasons falls walk picnic area you may see a Greater Glider soar from
one treetop to another or hear Sugar Gliders quarreling in the foliage. A
possum or two may be observed (by their glowing eyes) if you carefully
shine a torch into the lower branches of the Alpine Ash.
THE GORGE LOOKOUTS
Currawongs and Wattlebirds and Crimson Rosellas are commonly seen at
the gorge lookouts (You should not feed them however as it is not good
for their health). Ravens also visit this area as do a wide range of
smaller birds. If you stand on the lookouts you may see a huge
wedgetailed eagle soaring in the distance or a swift Kestrel or Falcon hunting prey in the gorge crags and vegetation.
THE HORN
While walking to the top of the Horn you may see flocks of ravens and
the occasional Kestrel that frequent this area to hunt the numerous
Bogong Moths that shelter in the rock shelters and cracks by day and
then swarm out in their millions at dusk. These are migratory moths that
hatch in Northern NSW and Southern Queensland and then travel to the
south to shelter in the high country over the warmer months before
returning north to lay their eggs when the first frosts arrive
Some useful information and also references regarding the Flora and fauna of Mount Buffalo is detailed below
FLORA
The plateau's isolation and harsh alpine climate create an 'island
in the sky'. As you ascend the mountain you can see dramatic vegetation
changes as you rise in altitude, from the Peppermint forests, through
tall stands of alpine ash, snow gum woodlands and sub-alpine grasslands
and bogs at the higher altitudes.
In summer carpets of silver snow daisies, yellow billy buttons and
royal bluebells bloom on the plateau. The sub-alpine plants on the
plateau have all developed a variety of physical and behavioral
characteristics to survive the extreme and harsh conditions on the
mountains.
Mount Buffalo National Park is also home to three unique plants;
Buffalo Sallee, Buffalo sallow wattle and fern-leaf heath myrtle.
FAUNA
BIG BIRDS
The Currawong is a common bird at Mount Buffalo in particular at the Gorge where it scavenges of tourists and also feeds off the Moths and other insects attracted by the lights of the Chalet and carpark at night. Like many birds they mostly leave the high ground when the snow falls arrive. They are gregarious and are often seen in small flocks. For More information see http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Strepera-graculina
The Lyrebirdis a bird a little larger than a domestic chicken with the male having the distinctive lyre tail.The bird is also an excellent mimic and can replicate a wide range of natural and man made sounds. The Lyrebird tends to run along the ground and glide short distances when disturbed or threatened but can fly when needed. The males have dance or display mounds in a defined territory as a part of mating rituals, but the female incubates the eggs alone
. For additional information see http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Menura-novaehollandiae
The Crimson Rosella is a medium sized parrot that is common at the Gorge and also seen at the camping ground and other locations. It begs food from tourists and is often seen perching on shoulders and heads of visitors in its effort to obtain part of a biscuit. For additional information see www.birdsinbackyards.net/finder/display.cfm?id=98
The Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoo.
This large bird is often seen in small flocks flying through the treetops in the foothills of the park and occasionally on the plateau. With its large wingspan and harsh cry they are an impressive bird. For more information see http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/species/Calyptorhynchus-funereus
The Wedge Tailed Eagleis Australia's largest living bird of prey and
one of the largest eagles in the world. It has a wingspan of up to 2.3 m. Females are larger than males,
averaging 4.2 kg in weight. A carnivorous bird requiring an extensive territory they can be seen using the thermals to glide and serch for prey. Tey have been known to show aggression towards hang-gliders (perhaps thinking that they are competition). For more information see www.austmus.gov.au/factsheets/wedge_tailed_eagle.htm
