Refugia for biological diversity in arid and semi-arid Australia
Biodiversity Series, Paper No. 4
S.R. Morton, J. Short and R.D. Barker, with an Appendix by G.F. Griffin and G. Pearce
Biodiversity Unit
Department of the Environment, Sport and Territories, 1995
12. Refugia in the Northern Territory (continued)
12.14. Reference number NT14
Refuge area: Hay River
Biogeographic region: Simpson-Strzelecki Dunefields
Type of refuge: Refuge from exotic animals
Lat./Long. 23°50’ to 24°50’S / 137°10’ to 137°50’E
Quality of refuge: Significant (1)
Area (km²): <1,000
Chief refuge value
The area contains a variety of environments undisturbed by feral animals. It is potentially one of the few remaining relatively pristine watercourses in central Australia.
General description
The Hay River is a linear riverine system coursing for 150 km through the north of the Simpson Desert. It supports a dense and varied shrub and woodland vegetation which is apparently free of exotic wildlife. Associated with the River is Lake Caroline, an ephemeral wetland of possible significance to waterbirds1.
ANZECC-listed species
None identified.
Regional endemics
None identified.
Relict species
None identified.
Other significant species
None identified.
Key threats
Exotic animals.
Land tenure
Crown land.
Key references
1. Gibson and Cole (1988)