Fauna
The park is known for its populations of waterbirds such as the brolga, sarus crane, black-necked stork, comb-crested Jacana and magpie geese. In the woodland and grassland area the Agile Wallaby, Northern Nailtail Wallaby and Australian Bustard may be found.
Threatened species which are found in the park include the Golden-shouldered Parrot, Star Finch, Red Goshawk, Lakeland Downs Mouse and the Spectacled Hare-wallaby. Termite mounds are scattered across the park, particularly on the Niland Plain.
Reptiles, amphibia and mammals are also present, sometimes in quite large numbers. Mammals include, dingoes, wallabies,possums, foxes, feral cattle and wild pigs. Wild pigs sometimes reach such large numbers that they have to be culled. Reptiles are represented by numerous species of snakes, with the brown snake, death adder and the taipan being the three most dangerous. Both are very poisonous and potentially lethal. Monitor lizards (goannas) are also fairly numerous, especially the yellow-spotted monitor Varanus panoptes. Frogs are also fairly numerous, especially the green tree frog, Litoria caerulea, but there are many others. The introduced cane toad is present in the park, and may be competing with some of the native animals. Other introduced species, such as pigs, cattle and horse roam throughout the park.
Tourists should keep well aware that there are numerous crocodiles in the various waterways of the park. The park has the largest concentration of crocodiles, fresh and saltwater in Queensland. There are two species of crocodile in the park: freshwater and saltwater. The freshwater variety are not as big and seek smaller prey and are not so dangerous to humans. The saltwater species can be very large and are potentially dangerous to humans. There have been several crocodile attacks in the park in recent times and some have been fatal. Saltwater crocodiles are a protected species in Australia, and they appear to be breeding successfully, although the habitat is not as suitable as in the Northern Territory where breeding appears to be prolific.
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