Publications
S.R. Morton, J. Short and R.D. Barker
with an Appendix by G.F. Griffin and G. Pearce
Refuge area Camballin Floodplain
Biogeographic region Dampierland
Type of refuge Wetland
Lat./Long. 17o 53’ - 18o 06’ S / 124o 11’ - 124o 27’ E
Quality of refuge Significant (2)
Area (km2) <1,000
Chief refuge value
A major post-breeding refuge for waterbirds in the Kimberley region; a major breeding area for some waterbirds; and a major migration stop-over area for shorebirds1.
General description
A riverine floodplain contiguous with the Fitzroy River floodplain. Distinct wetlands include LeLievre Swamp, Moulamen Swamp, 17 Mile Dam, several unnamed swamps and Snake Creek. The system includes riverine floodplain, permanent river sections, seasonal streams, seasonal floodplain lakes, seasonal freshwater marshes, seasonally flooded forest and man-made reservoir and irrigated land1.
ANZECC-listed species
None identified.
Regional endemics
None identified.
Relict species
None identified.
Other significant species
Sixty-seven waterbird species are recorded, 20 of them listed under treaties1. Thirteen migrant shorebirds have been recorded, particularly sharp-tailed sandpiper Calidris acuminata, little curlew Numenius minutus and oriental pratincole Glareola maldivarum, and wood sandpiper Tringa glareola. The marshes are also regionally significant for yellow chat Ephthianura crocea1. Freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa are recorded at Moulamen Swamp1.
Key threats
Water diversion to irrigated crops (sorghum); possibly new agricultural projects in seasonal wetlands; introduction of exotic plants1.
Land tenure
Pastoral leases (Liveringa and Camballin Farms). Dam managed by Western Australian Water Authority1.
Key references
1. Jaensch and Lane (1993)
