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Littoral Rainforest
Paradise by the Beach!
Littoral Rainforest occurs close to the sea (generally within 2km) where there is exposure to salt-laden winds. Rainforest plants dominate the area - vines can form a major part of the canopy along with trees such as Eucalypts and Banksias, making this vegetation community truly unique. In Pittwater, Littoral Rainforest is made up of three vegetation communities. These include Coastal Dune Littoral Rainforest, Coastal Escarpment Littoral Rainforest and Coastal Headland Littoral Thicket.
Littoral Rainforest is found in several council reserves in Pittwater including Horden Park at Palm Beach, pictured below.
Why is it threatened?
Littoral Rainforest is in danger of becoming extinct as a result of a number of urban pressures. For example, urban development has contributed to habitat removal and fragmentation, and dumping of garden refuse has led to invasions of weeds that out-compete native species.
Littoral Rainforest is listed as an 'endangered ecological community' under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995.
What makes it special?
Littoral Rainforest is rare. In NSW it occurs in numerous small pockets which add up to less than 1% of the total rainforest in the state. Littoral Rainforest provides an essential habitat to a number of endangered native animals and plants.
What plants and animals are found in Littoral Rainforest?
Some examples of plants and animals found in Littoral Rainforest in NSW include:
| Plants | Animals |
|---|---|
| Livistona australis (Cabbage Tree Palm) | Bush-hen |
| Banksia integrifolia | Powerful Owl |
| Diospyros australia | Sooty Owl |
| Acmena smithii (Lillypilly) | Osprey |
| Wonga-wonga Vine | Grey-headed Flying Fox |
| Glycine clandestina | Long-nosed Bandicoot |
| Breynia oblongifolia | Ringtail Possum |
| Lomandra longifolia | |
| Doodia aspera |
What you can do to help protect Littoral Rainforest
- Compost all garden waste well away from reserves
- Keep companion animals out of reserves
- Plant appropriate native species in your garden
- Get active and join your local bushcare group
For more information contact Pittwater Council on Ph: 9970 1363
Updated: 13 Sep 2012
Related Links
- Endangered ecological community listing - NSW Scientific Committee - final determination
NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service - Littoral Rainforest in the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
NSW Office of Environment and Heritage - Horden Park
- Coastal Dune Littoral Rainforest - community description
- Coastal Escarpment Littoral Rainforest - community description
- Coastal Headland Littoral Thicket - community description
