How many animals live in the Daintree Rainforest?

The lush Daintree Rainforest is home to thousands of animals.

The Daintree Rainforest is the oldest rainforest in the world and so many different species call the rainforest its home. There are about one third of Australia’s mammal species and over 430 bird species living in the Daintree.

What mammals can I see?

There are so many different mammals to spot within the Daintree from ones that are seen higher up in the trees or even ones that are on the lowlands.

Platypus

Platypi are best seen in the coastal streams or the farm dams around dawn and dusk. They can be very hard to spot, so you’ll be lucky if you’re able to see one! Keep a close watch in the water and you might see one swimming.

Echidna

The medium sized animals come across a bit prickly. Found on the rainforest floor, echidnas are cute animals that aren’t dangerous animals. That being said, it’s best to not touch one if you do come across one in the wild.

Possums

There are different species of possums that are spotted throughout the Daintree Rainforest. However, they are more active at night, and most are up higher in the trees.

What birds are there to find?

Birdwatchers all over the world will visit the Daintree Rainforest to spot the different species of birds that call the forest home. From brightly coloured birds to big scary looking birds, there is a wide variety to see.

Southern cassowary

The southern cassowary is one of the deadliest birds in the world and is also one of the fastest flightless birds. From how the southern cassowary looks, it’s believed to be the most similar to a dinosaur compared to other birds.

Kingfisher

Kingfishers are usually found during the wet season (summer). These small to medium sized birds are full of colour and can easily be spotted in the trees.

There are all different kinds of kingfishers to spot, so you may be lucky to come across a few!

Will I see the reptiles?

Reptiles are a bit harder to spot within the Daintree Rainforest, but it is certainly possible!

Crocodile

The most looked for reptile in the Daintree are crocodiles! You can find these scary creatures in the Daintree River. Join the Daintree River Cruise and have the chance to possibly spot some in the river or by the riverbanks.

Lizards

Lizards can be often spotted in the rainforest and can be easy to spot due to their length or even the colours.

The Boyd’s forest dragon is commonly spotted across all parts of the rainforest. They may move slowly, but they are long with some colour.

Another lizard you might spot on the tree trunks or even on the forest floor are frilled lizards. These lizards can move quite quickly on their back legs. Don’t get too close to them as they may feel threatened and lift up their frill.

Snakes

Snakes can be spotted on the ground or up in the trees. If you do come across an eastern brown, taipan, red bellied black, or the death adder, keep your distance as these snakes are very venomous. Don’t fret though, most of the snakes you might see are harmless like some of the pythons. The pythons can be quite long and are usually in the tree tops getting some sun.

The Daintree Rainforest is really a nature lovers paradise. You can explore the lush ancient rainforest for the day and keep watch of all kinds of animals.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.