Daintree (23865)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e, B2
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: Daintree
Central coordinates: Latitude: -16.1618, Longitude: 145.2542
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 0 to 1330
Area of KBA (km2): 2713.01001
Protected area coverage (%): 99.47
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Daintree IBA is located at the northern end of the Wet Tropics and encompasses one of the largest and most intact blocks of tropical rainforest remaining in Australia stretching from Helenvale south to Mount Molloy and encompassing 269,041 ha. The boundary of the IBA coincides with the Wet Tropics World Heritage area. Additional areas of forest could be included in the IBA but the World Heritage Area adequately protects populations of all the key bird species. Dominating the underlying geology of the area are granites and metamorphics, forming high hills and mountains which rise up from a narrow coastal plain. Covering this topography is rainforest vegetation; the Daintree IBA encompasses the most intact sequence of rainforest vegetation from coast to mountain top in the Wet Tropics. Overall the area has little human impact although development pressure is increasing. The climate of the region is monsoonal with a pronounced wet and dry season.
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. Alliance for Zero Extinction (2018): site confirmed as an AZE site during the AZE project (2015-2018). Taxonomy, nomenclature and Red List category follow the IUCN 2016 Red List. 2019-02-22 (Mike Evans): the 2005/2010 AZE site Carbine Tableland/Mount Lewis Forest Reserve (SitRecID 26307) has been merged into this site as part of the 2018 AZE assessment.
Additional biodiversity: Infrequent sightings of Bush Stone-curlew, Silver-crowned Friarbird, Yellow Honeyeater and Banded Honeyeater were reported in Atlas of Australian Bird surveys from 1998 to 2008 (Atlas of Australian Birds). Non-bird biodiversity: The Daintree IBA contains populations of three species of endangered frog, Common Mistfrog, Waterfall Frog and Lace-eyed Tree Frog. The area also contains a number of threatened plant species and Regional Ecosystems. Given its location in the Wet Tropics and the isolated and rugged nature of the area, it is almost certain that with further investigation other significant fauna and flora values will be discovered within the IBA.
Other site values: Queensland State Government - Dept of NPWS.
Delineation rationale: 2019-02-22 (BL Secretariat): the 2005/2010 AZE site Carbine Tableland/Mount Lewis Forest Reserve (SitRecID 26307) has been merged into this site as part of the 2018 AZE assessment.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Assessment of impacts, monitoring and management of weeds and ferals should be a high priority for land managers. Maintenance of the ecological integrity of high altitude forests through appropriate management of public access, weeds and feral animals is particularly important.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Climate change & severe weather | Habitat shifting & alteration | Only in the future | |
| Residential & commercial development | Tourism & recreation areas | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Barrett, G., Silcocks, A., Barry, S., Cunningham, R. and Poulter,R. (2003) 'The new atlas of Australian birds'. (Birds Australia: Melbourne). Crome, F.H.J. and Moore, L.A. (1990) Cassowaries in north-eastern Queensland: report of a survey and a review and assessment of their status and conservation and management needs. Australian Wildlife Research 17: 369-385. Garnett, S. and Crowely, G. (2000). 'The Action Plan for Australian birds'. (Environment Australia: Canberra). Higgins, P.J., Peter, J.M. and Steele, W.K. (2001) Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Volume 5. Melbourne: Oxford University Press. Hilbert, D.W., Bradford, M., Parker, T. and Westcott, D.A. (2004) 'Golden bowerbird (Prionodura newtoniana) habitat in past, present and future climate: predicted extinction of a vertebrate in tropical highlands due to global warming. Biological Conservation 16 :367-377. Nix, N.A. and Switzer, M.A. (1991). 'Rainforest animals. Atlas of vertebrates endemic to Australia's Wet Tropics'. (Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service: Canberra). Stanton, P. and Stanton, D. (2005). 'Vegetation mapping of the Wet tropics. Wet Tropics Management Authority, Cairns. Australia. Wet Tropics Management Authority (1996). Wet tropics in profile. Reference guide to the Wet Tropics of Queensland World Heritage Area. (Wet Tropics Management Authority, Cairns).
Contributors: The nomination was prepared by Alastair Freeman.