by The Pinnacles Desert in Western Australia is famous for its limestone formations but also for its wildlife. Located within Nambung National Park this desert is more than just the pillars. Despite the harsh conditions the desert has a unique ecosystem where the tough creatures thrive. Whether you’re a nature nut or just curious about the animals that live here wildlife Pinnacles tour is an adventure in itself. From common to rare and endangered this desert has natural treasures hidden within.
The Tough Residents of the Pinnacles Desert
Western Grey Kangaroos
One of Australia’s most famous animals the Western Grey Kangaroo roams the desert plains during the cooler hours looking for food. Their strong hind legs and ability to conserve water allows them to survive in this harsh environment. You might see them hopping around Kangaroo Point at dawn or dusk during migration season.
Emus
Emus are Australia’s largest bird and are common in the Pinnacles Desert. These flightless birds can travel great distances while foraging for food eating everything from fruit to insects. Their long legs and keen eyesight help them navigate the vast expanse of yellow sand. You might see them while driving along the desert landscape.
Reptiles
The Pinnacles Desert has reptiles. The bobtail skink (or shingleback lizard) and the thorny devil are two reptiles well suited to the desert. The bobtail skink with its short tail and slow movement can be seen basking in the sun. The thorny devil is a master of camouflage and blends into the desert sand to avoid birds of prey. You may also see the brown snake one of the venomous snakes of this area so be careful while walking.
Birds of Prey
Several species of birds of prey such as wedge-tailed eagles and peregrine falcons fly over the Pinnacles National Park scanning the ground for small mammals or reptiles to hunt. These magnificent birds can be seen soaring over the desert at night. The views of the sky are perfect for spotting these hunters.
Nocturnal Creatures
At night the desert plains of the Pinnacles come alive with nocturnal creatures such as marsupial mice, geckos and bats. The cooler temperatures give them a break from the heat of the day and they come out to hunt for food. If you’re visiting at night listen for the rustling of tiny feet across the sand and you might see species like the honey possum or even the adult mouse darting across the landscape.
How do these animals survive in the Desert
The Pinnacles Desert wildlife has adapted in amazing ways to the extreme desert conditions. With temperatures hot during the day and limited water the survival here requires not just toughness but highly specialized behaviour and physical adaptations. These animals are desert dwellers and have evolved to live in this harsh landscape, they have many strategies to cope with the heat and lack of food and water.
For example, Western Grey Kangaroos have adapted to conserve water. They rest in shaded areas or burrow into the sand during the hottest part of the day and are more active during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. Their bodies can slow down their metabolic processes to conserve energy and fluids which is essential for survival in a barren landscape where resources are scarce.
Reptiles like the thorny devil have evolved amazing ways to survive in the desert. This small armoured lizard can absorb water from tiny droplets of moisture on its skin and channel it to its mouth through grooves in its scales. It’s a clever adaptation for a landscape with minimal rainfall. The bobtail skink, another desert reptile, stores fat in its short tail so it can go for long periods without food. These reptiles also bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature, a critical behaviour in the arid conditions where temperatures fluctuate dramatically between day and night.
The Pinnacles Desert landscape is shaped not only by the wildlife but also by native plants that have evolved to survive the desert. For example the white clematis grows in the desert plains and provides food for birds and small mammals. These plants are essential to the ecosystem providing food and shelter to animals that would otherwise not survive. The interaction between these plants and animals is a delicate balance that supports life in this harsh environment.
Beyond behaviour, many animals in the Pinnacles Desert have physical adaptations to blend in with the environment and avoid predators. The thorny devil uses its spiny appearance and sandy colour to camouflage itself from predators like birds of prey. Many nocturnal animals like marsupial mice and geckos hunt at night, using the cover of darkness to hide.
The Pinnacles Desert wildlife is a testament to the power of nature. The animals and plants here not only survive but thrive in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Despite the forces of nature at work, these creatures have found a niche in this crazy landscape, showing us the intricate web of life that exists in even the most harsh of places.
Visitor Experiences and Wildlife Hotspots
You can’t visit the Pinnacles without experiencing the bizarre beauty of the place. Stop in at Hangover Bay or Jurien Bay for more exploring. Along the way you may also find ancient marine shells embedded in the desert floor, remnants of the desert being part of a prehistoric sea.
FAQs
What’s the best time to see wildlife?
Best time to see wildlife is early morning or late afternoon when the animals are most active and the temperature is cooler. Dawn and dusk is good for kangaroos and birds of prey.
Are there tours that focus on the wildlife of the Pinnacles?
Yes, there are several Pinnacles tours from Perth that focus on both the limestone formations and the wildlife of Nambung National Park. Some of them are wildlife habitat focused, others are about the formation of the limestone pillars and their role in the ecosystem. Contact local operators like Autopia Tours or Wayoutback Tours to get more information about Pinnacle tours.
Can I see kangaroos during the day in the Pinnacles?
Western Grey Kangaroos are most active at dawn and dusk but you can see them resting in the shade during the day, especially at Kangaroo Point or along the desert plains.
Are there any dangerous animals in the Pinnacles?
The Pinnacles Desert has various wildlife, including venomous snakes like the brown snake. While encounters with dangerous animals are rare, be aware of your surroundings and don’t disturb the wildlife.
What to bring for wildlife watching?
Binoculars for bird watching, camera for wildlife from a distance, water and sun protection if you’re visiting during the day. Pinnacles Sunset Stargazing Tour can offer great views of the desert under the stars and nocturnal creatures.
