Flora and fauna Acclimatisation Report
The 12 Apostles is home to more than 1000 species of fish, 50+ species of sharks, 150+ species of birds and most recognisably 850+ Monotremes, Marsupials and Macropods in the coast of the 12 Apostles and over a 100 different types of flora acclimatising the coast. Consequently, both flora and fauna acclimatise the whole coast of the 12 Apostles successfully.
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Likewise, there are several different factors to successfully acclimatising the environment of the 12 Apostles. To illustrate, they are: shelter being provided from the flora in order for animals to stay safe during the harsh weather conditions or away from their predators, the general food chain amongst the animals and plants which must not be obscured ; so that the wildlife does not become extinct, as well as the fact that regularly photosynthesis must occur for the plants to actually survive. Conversely, these are some contributing factors of which in how both flora and fauna acclimatise the area. The following below will discuss about one example each of a flora and fauna which acclimatise the 12 Apostles.
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Flora - The Coast Beard Heath:
The 'Coast Beard Heath,' also known as the Ericaceae family's Leucopogan parviflorus, is an example of flora that acclimates in the 12 Apostles. This plant has small leaves that perform better in windy conditions. Furthermore, the small leaves attached to the plant catch less wind and are less likely to blow away from the plant than the other leaves and flowers attached to the plant. Furthermore, the Coast beard Hearth's hard waxy leaves are more salt resistant than softer leaves.Furthermore, this magnificent plant is a dune and a coastal shrub that produces a plethora of berries every summer after flowering, which are essential for several bird species that inhabit the coastal area. This plant, too, can provide humans with a luscious and sweet treat, with the ripest berries being bright white.
​When entering the 12 Apostles view, Coastal Beard Heath grows primarily on top of cliffs, in intertidal zones, and near paths and road ways. Furthermore, this plant is primarily consumed by birds such as seagulls and pelicans, as well as a special bird known as Lewin's Honeyeater, which feeds on the plant's extremely rare berries, and several other wildlife feed on it.​ According to Nature Conservation in 1992, the plant was listed as "least of concern," but it was also listed as an uncommon plant at the time. While the plant provides food for many animals, it also faces a number of threats, including more aggressive grass species that prevent the plant from growing and threats where the soil is sandier than usual, making it difficult for the plant to grow. Furthermore, a rare species known as Chrysanthemoides monilifera from South Africa threatens the shrub in the 12 Apostles. However, it manages environmental factors such as droughts and climate change very well, but when it comes to fires, it is very special because it is a "fire re-sprouter," which means it can grow again. To summarise, if the 'Coastal Beard Heath' becomes endangered, it will have an impact on the ecosystem and life cycle of the creatures that inhabit the coastal areas and the general area of the 12 Apostles, and should thus be preserved.
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Fauna - Southern Right Whales
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The 'Southern Right Whale' is an example of fauna that acclimates in the 12 Apostles. As a result, it is now known as the Eubalaena australis, a type of whale with a large black body and a dorsal fin at the back of its body. This species has short, blunt paddle-shaped flippers and a broad head with several white callosities (raised rough patches of skin) that form an elegant pattern that distinguishes it from other whales. This whale species is known as the 'anchor' in this ecosystem because it is extremely bulky and eats a lot of tiny fish, which helps the ecosystem.
The Southern Right Whale is well-known for inhabiting coastal areas within the vast ocean that connects to the rest of the world and is commonly seen in aquatic areas. They frequently spend their time in sheltered coves and bays that provide vantage points. Even scientists admit that they are extremely unpredictable and can change course at any time. Despite the fact that whales can be seen all year, it is believed that the whales have a better chance of being seen during the winter and spring, when the water is warmer. Fortunately, the IUCN has determined that these whales are not currently endangered and that the number of species alive is quite stable. Entanglement in fishing gear, vessel strikes, industrialisation of coastal and marine habitats resulting in habitat degradation, ocean noise, and changes in water conditions and dynamics due to climate change are some of the most persistent threats that the Southern Right Whale faces. As a result, the Southern Right Whale is an example of a fauna that acclimates the 12 Apostles but must be preserved by prohibiting all of the above-mentioned acts.
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These splotchy with marks are the special features of this whale, also known as its white callosities
Above this, is an image of the the Coast Beard Heath, inhabiting the terrain like area near the coastal area.
Above this, is an image of the Southern Right Whale breaching up to the ocean's surface at the 12 Apostles.
These small little leaves are the ones that function better against the wind. Also, these are the leaves that are waxy and are salt resistent.
As labelled, these are the bright white elegant flowers that produce such a sweet aroma, as well as it being able to produce berries that can be fed to both humans and aniamls.