The Blue Mountains of NSW are renowned for their exceptional diversity and uniqueness in both fauna and flora, supporting a vast range of species across varied ecosystems and landforms. Unique Flora The region boasts over 2,300 native plant species, including rare and endemic types found nowhere else. Eucalypts dominate the landscape, with nearly 100 species present—making this one of the world's greatest concentrations of eucalyptus and contributing to the famous blue haze. U Unique plants include the Wollemi pine (an ancient “living fossil” discovered in a remote canyon), several endemic wildflowers such as Epacris obtusifolia and Hibbertia pustulata, and numerous orchids, banksias, and waratahs that bring distinctive color and diversity to the landscape. Unique Fauna The Blue Mountains support more than 400 vertebrate species, including 52 mammals, 63 reptiles, over 30 frogs, and over 265 bird species (one third of Australia’s birds). Iconic and threatened animals such as the spotted-tail quoll, Blue Mountains Water Skink, platypus, echidna, and powerful owl inhabit the forests, swamps, and waterways. There are more than 120 butterflies and 4,000 moth species, and the swamps and caves harbor many unique invertebrates. The diversity of these ecosystems—from upland swamps and rainforest gullies to heathlands and woodlands—creates unique ecological niches, enabling both ancient and newly evolved species to thrive in close proximity. Many rare and endangered species depend on the protection provided by World Heritage listing and national park management.
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