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
14. Refugia in New South Wales (continued)
14.5. Reference number NSW5
Refuge area: Macquarie Marshes
Biogeographic region: Darling Riverine Plains
Type of refuge: Wetlands
Lat./Long. 30°30’ to 31°23’ S / 147°28’ to 147°47’E
Quality of refuge: Significant (2)
Area (km²): <1,000
Chief refuge value
A massive complex of wetlands providing a wide range of habitats and a major drought refuge for waterbirds.
General description
A complex of braided swamps, channels and gilgai floodplain on the lower Macquarie River south-west of Walgett. There are extensive areas of reeds and eucalypt woodlands. Some flooding occurs in most years. After inundation there is widespead breeding by waterbirds, and when the swamps further inland are dry the Marshes function as a drought refuge1, 2, 3.
ANZECC-listed species
None identified.
Regional endemics
None identified.
Relict species
None identified.
Other significant species
The freckled duck Stictonetta naevosa occurs1. A substantial fauna of aquatic and semi-aquatic reptiles3.
Key threats
Because the system is regulated, flow patterns and amounts of water are important management issues.
Land tenure
Macquarie Marshes National Park, freehold land.
Key references
1. Paijmans (1981)
2. Wettin et al. (1993)
3. Brooker (1992)
4. Brooker and Wombey (1986)
Before you download
Most publications are available as PDF files. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files.
If you are unable to access a publication, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window