Cows in Kakadu

I spent yesterday in the Northern Territory’s Kakadu National Park. It was a truly magnificent experience.

I was surprised to learn that in the wet season 75 % of the park becomes covered in water much of it runoff from the Arnhem Land escarpment. I was also surprised to learn that about 75 % of the park is burnt each year.

And I was surprised to see cattle grazing in the park, view image (about 70 Kbs).

When I asked a local about this beast I was told “We would prefer they weren’t here, but these cattle are owned by one of the traditional owners and she lets them come out”.

I understand there were once 300,000 buffalo in the area but this number has been reduced to 1,000.

With the reduced number of buffalo, I am told the water is not so muddy and so there are a few more water birds. I saw a tremendous diversity yesterday including sea eagles,view image (about 70 kbs)and magpie geese.

My favourite was perhaps this comb-crested Jacana, view image (about 70kbs) – also know as a Jesus-birds because their 8 cm long toes enable them to almost walk on water.

Interestingly it is the male jacana that looks after the eggs – usually on a lilly pad. When danger threatens Dad has been know to tuck a few eggs under a wing and run somewhere safe. Mum may mate several times during the one season, leaving a few males each with a clutch of eggs to raise.