Summer

December

Giant Clams – During the warmer months from December to March Giant Clams reproduce within themselves as they are simultaneous hermaphrodites. Their natural habitat is the warm tropical waters of a coral reef. The Giant Clam is the largest bivalve mollusc that has ever existed on the planet, it can grow to a metre in length and live for more than 100 years.

Mangroves – From December to April the all-important Mangrove filtering system commences, as the abundant Wet season water run-off bringing a range of organic matter and silt into the river. The Mangroves filter this water creating clean, clear water with the right nutrient content that allows the hard coral reef system the best chance to live, grow and thrive. Of Australia's 36 mangrove species, 28 are found in the Daintree Rainforest region.

January

Sea Turtles - Between mid-January and late April, turtle hatchlings can be seen emerging from their nests and rushing into the sea. Of the seven species of marine turtles, six are found in Queensland's shallow coastal waters. Green, Hawksbill and Loggerhead turtles are the most frequently sighted but Flatback, Leatherback and Olive Ridley turtles are also occasionally seen.

Ulysses butterfly – also known as the Blue Mountain Swallowtail, the Blue Emperor, and the Mountain Blue inhabits tropical rainforest areas. It is protected by the Australian government, although the species is not endangered. The male is an iridescent blue-green with black edges. The female is more subdued in color. The body is plump and dark with a blue-green sheen. The Ulysses Butterfly has a wingspan of about 5.5 inches (14 cm). Both have a long "swallowtail." The favoured food of this spectacular butterfly is The Pink Flowered Doughwood which flowers from January through to March.

February

Buff-breasted Paradise Kingfisher – Nests are in active terrestrial termite mounds - always small, dark mounds exclusive to the rainforest environs. Both sexes incubate the eggs and feed the young. The young hatch and leave the nest during February.

Golden Penda - Blooming for extended periods between February and November, the Golden Penda’s flowers occur in clusters, scattered across the crown of the tree to make a dazzling, bright yellow display. The flower with stamens up to 3cm long is popular with nectar feeding birds, such as parrots and lorikeets. The Golden Penda grows tall and straight and to 40 metres in height.