Fragile Ecosystems
Simpson Desert by Jacob Rowe
Introduction
The Simpson Desert was first found in 1845. Charles Sturt entered from the South eastern side trying to get to the middle of Australia.The Simpson Desert is located in central Australia within the Southern Eastern corner of the Northen Territory which is also partly in Queensland and South Australia. Due to the lack of rain the terrain is arid. The Simpson Desert is one of the worlds largest endorhiec (being a type of basin). The desert contains Australia's largest lake called Lake Eyre, which is the fifth largest terminal lake.The landscape is subdued with alavial plains; with claypans, dunefields and native vegetation. The wetlands teem with fish. When flooded there are flocks of water birds. The claypans although are usually dry, are populated with black swans and other water birds.
Flora
Cane Grass
Spinifex Grass
Parrot bush
Interesting Flora facts!
Fauna
Sliding Skinks, Water Holding Frog, Spifex Hopping Mouse, Lined Earless Dragon, Orange Naped Snake, the Burtons Snake Lizard and the Perenty Lizard.
Mulgara
Eyrean Grasswren
Sand Sliding Skinks
Spinifex Hopping Mouse
Burtons Snake Lizard
The Burtons Snake Lizard is long and has a pointed short snout. They also have small scales.
Perentie Lizard
Orange Naped Snake
Water Holding Frog
Lined Earless Dragon
Interesting fauna facts: food chain!
Grass seeds eaten by Grasswren and Hopping Mouse, Grasswren eaten by Kite Eagle. Hopping Mouse eaten by fox. Fox eats centipeads, which are eaten by Bilbys. Bilbys eaten by Perentie Lizard which then the Perentie Lizard eats the Hopping Mouse.
Tourism
Although there are amazing sites, there are rules. Like no driving off road or off the track. This is because it is killing biodiversity and can cause erosion (which means to wear away). Also going off the tracks kills fauna as it is home to snakes, birds and other small animals. Also tourists will need: plenty of water, spare car parts and they will need to try to avoid hot seasons like December-March. Another thing they should know is the climate change. The average temperature in Summer can range from 32˚C - 60˚C and in Winter 18˚C - 23˚C.