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Land and Climate Most soils are old and infertile, deficient in phophorous and nitrogen. A lack of organic matter, particularly in arid and semiarid areas, accentuates the problem, and many soils have low capacity to absorb and retain moisture. Queensland experiences tropical and subtropical climatic conditions. Summer temperatures are high with average January maxima from 82 degrees on the coast to 99 degrees in the interior.   |
 Plant and Animal Life The tropical and subtropical rainforests are scattered in coastal and near-coastal valleys and ranges, with a remarkable diversity of plant and animal species. Coastal areas are covered mainly by open eucalyptus forest and sparse woodland, with much land cleared for agriculture. Queensland has the greatest animal diversity of any state in the country. More than 70 species of marsupials are found in Queensland. There are dozens of species of bats and rodents, nearly 80 species of snakes, and more than 150 species of lizards, as well as saltwater and freshwater crocodiles. The hundreds of bird species include two large flightless birds, the emu of open country and the cassowary of the northern rainforests.  |
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