Budderoo and Barren Grounds (23834)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Budderoo and Barren Grounds
Central coordinates: Latitude: -34.6963, Longitude: 150.6582
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 200 to 680
Area of KBA (km2): 73.84425
Protected area coverage (%): 92.89
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The heathland of Barren Grounds, Budderoo and Red Rocks is one of only four large areas of heath along this section of coast. The heaths and sedgelands of the plateau grade into warm temperate rainforest and subtropical rainforest on the slopes, gullies and ridges below the escarpment. The area is a typical hanging swamp plateau, dominated by heathland and almost completely encircled by sheer cliffs. Red Rocks is a nearby area of heath and this IBA may warrant expansion if Bristlebirds establish themselves in other pockets of habitat in the vicinity. The climate is temperate with damp winters and warm, humid summers moderated by proximity to the coast.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that meets the thresholds for at least one criterion described in the Global Standard for the Identification of KBAs.
Additional biodiversity: Approximately 160 bird species have been recorded in Barren Grounds Nature Reserve of which nearly a third breed in the reserve. This includes counts of 20-40 Ground Parrots in recent surveys (which are probably under-estimates).Eastern Bristlebirds have been recorded some 15 km west at Fitzroy Falls and Upper Kangaroo Valley with a small population about 5 km SE at Red Rocks NR indicating that there is some dispersion of birds through suitable corridor habitat. Non-bird biodiversity: Threatened species include the Tiger Quoll, Dasyurus maculatus, Long-nosed Potoroo, Potorous tridactylus, Common Bent-wing Bat, Miniopterus schreibersii, Red-crowned Toadlet, Pseudophryne australis, Giant Barred Frog, Mixophyes iteratus or M. balbus, and Giant Burrowing Frog, Heleioporus australiacus. The Broad-headed Snake, Hoplocephalus bungaroides, is also likely to occur. A rare, undescribed species of frog, Litoria sp., similar to the Jervis Bay Tree Frog, Litoria jervisiensis, has been recorded in heath at Barren Grounds.
Other site values: State and local government.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 48 | |
| Shrubland | 48 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Implement the management plan aims, notably management of fire to ensure habitat diversity and long term habitat maintenance; and control of introduced species that have significant impacts on the natural values of the areas. Note that high priority will be given to maintenance of habitat for the Ground Parrot and Eastern Bristlebird on the Barren Grounds and Budderoo plateau and precedence will be given to conservation of the Eastern Bristlebird.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Named species | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Increase in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Suppression in fire frequency/intensity | Only in the future |
| Human intrusions & disturbance | Recreational activities | Ongoing | |
| Residential & commercial development | Housing & urban areas | Only in the future | |
| Climate change & severe weather | Droughts | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Baker, J. (1997) The decline, response to fire, status and management of the Eastern Bristlebird. Pacific Cons. Biology 3: 235-243. Baker, J. (1998) Eastern Bristlebird Recovery Plan 1997-2002. NSW NPWS, Sydney. Bain, D. and McPhee, N. (2005) Resurveys of the eastern bristlebird Dasyornis brachypterus in central-eastern New South Wales 1999-2001: their relationship with fire and observer competence. Corella, 29(1): 1-6. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (1998) Budderoo National Park, Macquarie Pass National Park, Barren Grounds Nature Reserve and Robertson Nature Reserve plan of management.
Contributors: Thanks to Chris Brandis, Illawarra Bird Observers Club for drafting the nomination. Thanks also to Jack Backer of NSW NPWS, Dept. of Environment and Conservation, NSW for expert assistance.