are endemic to a specific mountain or groups of mountains. Climate Rainfall in the area varies considerably, with elevation and orientation of the coastline being the major influences. Rainfall averages from 1,200 millimeters (mm) to over 8,000 mm annually. The highest mountains along the escarpment between Cairns and Tully receive the highest rainfall, mainly owing to orographic factors. Mount Bellenden Ker is the wettest recording station in the area with other high peaks and eastern slopes favouring high rainfall. Most of the rainfall occurs from November to April. Tropical cyclones may impact the area. Environmental threats The expansion of the sugarcane industry in lowland plains poses a significant threat to some endangered ecosystems. Some are fragmented and their natural vegetation is degraded. Invasive pest species are another concern along with internal fragmentation by road and power lines. Insect and mite species are of particular concern because some of them are hard to detect. Some areas are off-limits to the general public to prevent the introduction of Phytophthora. The southern cassowary is often killed by motor vehicles. See also Environment of Australia Forests of Australia List of World Heritage Sites in Asia and Australasia References External links Wet Tropics Management Authority webpage World heritage listing for Wet Tropics of Queensland Far North Queensland World Heritage Sites in Queensland Australian National Heritage List IBRA regions 1988 establishments in Australia North Queensland Central Queensland Protected areas established in 1988 Tropical Queensland