Morehead River (23460)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, B1, D1a
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Morehead River
Central coordinates: Latitude: -15.1985, Longitude: 143.4207
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 64 to 190
Area of KBA (km2): 1332.39299
Protected area coverage (%): 85.41
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Morehead River IBA is located in the south-east of Cape York. The IBA is defined as the properties supporting high numbers of Golden-shouldered Parrots but also supports many other savanna species. The land is mostly pastoral lease used for extensive cattle grazing, with a monsoonal climate. Low hills are covered with open savanna woodland and drained by largely ephemeral streams. Conservation agreements cover or are being negotiated over parts of the area.
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: The savanna woodlands support a range of woodland species through the Melaleucas, particularly when in flower. In the wet season Azure Kingfisher occurs along streams with the narrow strips of riparian forest supporting a small suite of rainforest birds like Fairy Gerygone and Pied Imperial-Pigeon. Wet grasslands are used by Latham's Snipe during the northern migration and by the Brolga for nesting. Raptors like Black-breasted Buzzard nest in some years and Red Goshawk has been seen on two occasions. Non-bird biodiversity: The area falls surprisingly short in other significant fauna, although the Rufous Hare-wallaby has been recorded and several Macropus species occur at low densities.
Other site values: Nature Refuge = Queensland State Government (QPWS); remainder leasehold property. Leaseholders as appropriate.
Habitats
Land use: rangeland/pastureland (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 20 | |
| Grassland | 5 | |
| Savanna | 75 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Spell country during the early wet season to allow perennial grasses to flourish and provide seed for Golden-shouldered Parrots. Burn patchily after the first storm rains.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
| Natural system modifications | Fire & fire suppression | Suppression in fire frequency/intensity | Ongoing |
| Invasive & other problematic species, genes & diseases | Invasive non-native/alien species/diseases | Unspecified species | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Crowley, G.M. and Garnett, S.T. (2000) Changing fire management in the pastoral lands of Cape York Peninsula of northeast Australia, 1623-1996. Australian Geographical Studies 38:10-26. Crowley, G.M., Garnett, S.T. and Shephard, S. (2004) Management guidelines for golden-shouldered parrot conservation. Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, Brisbane. Garnett, S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (1997) The Golden-shouldered Parrot of Cape York Peninsula: the importance of cups of tea to effective conservation. In. 'Conservation outside Nature Reserves'. Pp. 201-205. Edited by Hale, P. and Lamb, D., Uni.Qld Garnett, S.T. and Crowley, G.M. (2003) Recovery Plan for the Golden-shouldered Parrot. Department of Environment and Heritage, Canberra. Garnett, S.T. and Shephard, S. (1997) Cape York Peninsula, Australia, as a stopover site for Latham's Snipe Gallinago hardwickii. Stilt 30:54-55.
Contributors: Sue and Tom Shephard, leaseholders of Artemis Station. The nomination was prepared by Stephen Garnett.