Mount Lyndhurst (24558)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Mount Lyndhurst
Central coordinates: Latitude: -30.1920, Longitude: 138.6347
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 187 to 290
Area of KBA (km2): 94.95731
KBA classification: Regional
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA is a portion of Mount Lyndhurst Station, a large pastoral leasehold property located on the north-western margin of the Flinders Ranges in north-eastern South Australia. The IBA encompasses the entire extent of suitable habitat for the Mount Lyndhurst population of Chestnut-breasted Whiteface, as determined by studies in 1990, 1999 and 2007. The IBA extends east from a few hundred metres west of the summit of Mount Lyndhurst north to Leslie mine and then eastwards approximately 1 km south of Lyndy mine to the fence separating Lesley paddock from Doughboy paddock. Where this fence meets the Strzelecki Track the boundary continues about 4 km southwards (taking in the western end of Willow paddock) to the southern boundary of Mount Lyndhurst Station and then westwards to complete a rectangle. This IBA could be expanded to conserve more of the Thick-billed Grasswrens that occur throughout the area. The habitat of Mount Lyndhurst Station consists of low hills covered by gibber and shingle rock, these forming a bare stony surface that typically comprises 60 to 80% of the total terrain, and being dissected by numerous minor drainage lines. The station also supports patches of low, open shrubland, mostly comprising of bluebush Maireana astrotricha mixed with saltbush Atriplex vesicaria and other chenopod shrubs, with larger Eremophila and Acacia shrubs sparsely scattered across the site, mainly along drainage lines. The climate is arid with hot to extremely hot summers and dry, mild winters; at nearby Farina mean maximum temperatures range from 17.3oC in July to 35.5oC in January and mean annual rainfall is 162 mm.
Rationale for qualifying as KBA: This site qualifies as a Key Biodiversity Area of international significance that was identified using previously established criteria and thresholds for the identification of Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) and for which available data indicate that it does not meet global KBA criteria and thresholds set out in the Global Standard.
Additional biodiversity: A single dead Plains-wanderer was recovered at the station after it became trapped in fencing.
Other site values: Pastoral lease managed by Glenstrae Pastoral Company (Andrew Cleland, Norm Marston, Bob Campbell) of Willalooka, South Australia. The site is well known to birdwatchers and can be accessed by the Strzelecki Track. The former owners discouraged camping because of concerns about habitat degradation and disturbance. The new owners have not yet been consulted but may retain the policy of the previous owners. Permission should be obtained before walking beyond the vicinity of the main road.
Habitats
Land use: rangeland/pastureland (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Shrubland | 50 | |
| Desert | 50 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Continue to manage livestock and grazing conservatively to maintain shrubland habitat. Regulate public access to prevent damage to habitat and disturbance of birds.
| Threat level 1 | Threat level 2 | Threat level 3 | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture & aquaculture | Livestock farming & ranching | Agro-industry grazing, ranching or farming | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Bureau of Meteorology (2007) Climate statistics for Marree (Farina). http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/averages/tables/cw_017024.shtml accessed on 22 November 2007. Pedler, L.P. (1991) The status and ecology of the Chestnut-breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis. Unpublished report. Canberra: Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service (Endangered Species Unit). Pedler, L.P. (1992) Review of the status and distribution of the Chestnut-Breasted Whiteface Aphelocephala pectoralis. South Australian Ornithologist 29: 79-93. Pedler, L.P. (2000) Chestnut-Breasted Whiteface survey, July-August 1999. Unpublished report. South Australia: Wildlife Advisory Committee, National Parks and Wildlife South Australia. Pedler, L., Watson, M., Langdon, P. and Pedler, R. (2007) Rare bird surveys, Mt Lyndhurst Station March 2007. Unpublished report. South Australia: SA Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board.
Contributors: Lynn Pedler (South Australian Ornithological Association) wrote the nomination. Reece Pedler of the Arid Lands Natural Resources Management Board supplied a copy of the NRM-funded report (Pedler et al. 2007). Keith Bellchambers provided comments.