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
13. Refugia in Queensland (continued)
13.2. Reference number QLD2
Refuge area: Gregory and Nicholson River wetlands
Biogeographic region: Gulf Plains
Type of refuge: Wetlands
Lat./Long. 18°S / 139°E
Quality of refuge: Significant (2)
Area (km²): <10,000
Chief refuge value
A complex of sub-tropical freshwater and tidal wetlands functioning as important refuges for waterbirds and migratory waders.
General description
The Nicholson and Gregory Rivers drain out of the North-west Highlands in the corner of Queensland through dry, sub-tropical eucalypt woodland. On the marine plains and littoral shores of the Gulf of Carpentaria, the streams support dense shrublands, riverine forests and wetlands. Tidal wetlands form downstream. Systematic studies of these systems are lacking, but they appear to have high biological value and to function as refuges for many species of waterbirds and migratory waders1.
ANZECC-listed species
None identified.
Regional endemics
None identified.
Relict species
None identified.
Other significant species
None identified.
Key threats
Low intensity cattle grazing, and feral pigs and horses.
Land tenure
Pastoral leases.
Key references
1. Blackman et al. (1993)
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