Keeping it cool
As we step into this wet forest ecosystem, an obvious climatic shift occurs.
Clusters of strong, young Tasmanian blackwood (rriyalimana) (Acacia melanoxylon) indicates the soil is damp and rich, and cool air circulates from the gaps between boulders.
Meanwhile, rocky crevices hide damp shadows, ferns dominate the forest floor, and the soil is carpeted by a thick layer of moss.
Zooming in further
The vitality of this ecosystem is a reminder that even the smallest species are crucial.
From bacteria and fungi to protozoa and viruses, soil microorganisms are as tiny as they are powerful. They’re responsible for facilitating underground carbon storage, converting nitrogen to support plant growth and filtering out pollutants from water.
They’re also more abundant than you might realise. It’s been estimated that a single gram of soil can house several billion bacteria.
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An ode to lichen
We have lichen to thank for the pops of colour on these dolerite stone fragments.
Lichen are a symbiotic partnership of two separate organisms — fungus and algae — growing together. The fungus supplies the shelter for the algae, while the algae photosynthesises and provides food for the fungus.
In addition to being a great example of give-and-take in nature, lichen are a source of food for other species, and used to build and insulate nests.
Spotty and spotted
Speaking of other species, spotted-tailed quoll (luwayina) (Dasyurus maculatus) have been seen moving through this area on several occasions.
Quolls are solitary animals that hunt across large distances, sometimes travelling more than 6km in a single evening. It might seem counterintuitive, but by hunting dominant species, quolls ensure less-dominant animals can flourish.
The devil you know
Another species that often moves through the area is the Tasmanian devil (purinina) (Sarcophilus harrisii).
Unlike quolls, devils are opportunistic, both hunting and scavenging for already-dead prey. By removing carcasses before they can rot, devils help prevent disease outbreaks (and some carbon emissions) in the area.
Their presence also pushes back feral cats which would otherwise hunt small, native mammals.
Explore by ecosystem
The Quoin boasts numerous ecosystems — from grassy woodland to dolerite escarpment — each unique in appearance, species makeup and functional role in the broader web of life.
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