Uluru
Uluru, also known as Ayers rock is a large sandstone rock in the southern part of the Northern Territory. The Uluru is sacred to the Anangu people, the Aboriginal people in the area. Uluru stands 348m above the ground and 863m above sea level, most of Uluru is underground. It is 9.4km in circumference. The Anangu people lead walking tours to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal dreamtime stories of the area. The Uluru also seem to change colour at different times of the day.
Climate
The park receives an average of 284.66mm of rain each year. The average high temperature in summer is 37.8 °C, and
the average low temperature in winter is 4.7 °C. Temperature extremes
in the park have been recorded at 46 °C during the summer and
−5 °C during winter nights. The UV levels are extremely high on a daily
basis. The local indigenous population recognise 5 seasons:
- Wanitjunkupai (April/May) – Cooler weather
- Wari (June/July) – Cold season bringing morning frosts
- Piriyakutu (August/September/October) – Animals breed and food plants flower
- Mai Wiyaringkupai (November/December) – The hot season when food becomes scarce
- Itjanu (January/February/March) – Sporadic storms can roll in suddenly
history
Archaeological findings around the suggest that people have lived in the area for over 10 000 years. The area was mapped by European first in 1872. In the following year, explorer William Gosse, observed the Uluru and named it after the Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Further explorations were conducted to see if cattle farming was possible. The farmers tried to establish themselves however interactions with the Anangu grew frequent and violent. As a result of grazing and drought bush food became scares and created more conflict. Between 1918 and 1921, large areas of South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory were declared as Aboriginal reserves. Tourism began in 1936 followed by permanent European settlement to promote Aboriginal welfare policy and tourism. Increase in tourism prompted the formation of the first vehicular tracks in
1948 and tour bus services began early in the 1950s. In 1958, the area that would become the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park was placed under the management of the Northern Territory Reserves Board and named the Ayers Rock. On 26 October 1985 the government returned ownership to the local Aborigines with on of the conditions being; The Anangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years. The 25th anniversary of the hand back of title was celebrated on 26 October 2010.
1948 and tour bus services began early in the 1950s. In 1958, the area that would become the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park was placed under the management of the Northern Territory Reserves Board and named the Ayers Rock. On 26 October 1985 the government returned ownership to the local Aborigines with on of the conditions being; The Anangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years. The 25th anniversary of the hand back of title was celebrated on 26 October 2010.
flora AND FAUNA
Throughout history 46 native mammals have been known to have lived near Uluru. However recent reports say that the number has decreased to 21. The bat population of the park comprises at least seven species that depend on day roosting sites within caves and crevices of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Most of the bats forage for aerial prey or so from the rock face. The park has a very rich reptile fauna of high conservation significance with 73 species having been reliably recorded. Four species of frog are prolific at the base of Uluru and Kata Tjuta following summer rains. The Great Desert Skink is listed as vulnerable. Anangu continue to hunt and gather animal
species in remote areas of the park and on Anangu land elsewhere. Hunting is largely confined to the Red Kangaroo, Bush Turkey, Emu, and lizards such as the Sand Goanna and Perentie. Of the 27 mammal species found in the park, six are introduced: the house
mouse, camel, fox, cat, dog, and rabbit.
species in remote areas of the park and on Anangu land elsewhere. Hunting is largely confined to the Red Kangaroo, Bush Turkey, Emu, and lizards such as the Sand Goanna and Perentie. Of the 27 mammal species found in the park, six are introduced: the house
mouse, camel, fox, cat, dog, and rabbit.
A number of plant species in the Kata Tjuta Park are rare or restricted. The growth and reproduction of plant communities rely on irregular rainfall. Some plants are able to survive fire and some are dependent on it to reproduce. Trees such as the Mulga and Centralian Bloodwood are used to make tools such as spearheads, boomerangs and bowls. The red sap of the bloodwood is used as a disinfectant and an inhalant for coughs and colds.