Publications
S.R. Morton, J. Short and R.D. Barker
with an Appendix by G.F. Griffin and G. Pearce
Refuge area Edgar Ranges
Biogeographic region Dampierland
Type of refuge Mountain range/ refuge from exotic animals
Lat./Long. 18o 55’ S / 123o 25’ E
Quality of refuge Highly significant (4)Area (km2) <10,000
Chief refuge value Habitat for ANZECC-listed species and Regional endemics.
General description
Ranges on border of south-west Kimberley and the Great Sandy Desert. Comprises a picturesque scarp, with outlying mesas and scarps. The ranges contain gorges, caves and permanent water. Extensive sandplains support dry-country versions of pindan (low woodlands to low-open woodlands of Eucalyptus zygophylla, Acacia eriopoda, Grevillea refracta, and G. wickhamii over hummock and tussock grassland)1.
ANZECC-listed species
Bilby Macrotis lagotis (V); Alexandra’s parrot (probably only an intermittent visitor, V)1.
Regional endemics
A race of the Plumed Pigeon Geophaps plumifera mungi is endemic to the Edgar Ranges4. Among plants, Pandanus spiralis var. flammeus (a new variety of screw pine) occurs as a solitary colony at Logues Spring, Ptilotus kenneallyanus and Pityrodia ovata.
Relict species
Ficus platypoda and Ficus opposita var. indecora in gorges.
Other significant species
24 species of mammal have been recorded, including an unnamed race of Petrogale lateralis3.
Key threats
None identified; possibly foxes and feral cats.
Land tenure
Currently vacant Crown land. The Edgar Range Nature Reserve is proposed1.
Key references
1. Burbidge et al. (1991)
2. Kenneally (1981)
3. Kennedy (1992)
4. McKenzie (1981)
