Nightcap Range (24564)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1e
Year of last assessment: 2018
National site name: Nightcap Range
Central coordinates: Latitude: -28.5453, Longitude: 153.3388
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 933
Area of KBA (km2): 161.03883
Protected area coverage (%): 99.13
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The Nightcap Range IBA consists of four protected areas in north-east New South Wales: Nightcap, Goonengerry and Mount Jerusalem National Parks, and Whian Whian State Conservation Area. The Nightcap Range IBA is located in very close proximity to the Scenic Rim IBA, which lies 10 km to the north-west, but is kept separate because it is located at a lower altitude and supports a slightly different suite of birds. Neighbouring forests could be added to the Nightcap Range IBA if the populations of Albert's Lyrebirds in these forests are considered to be of global significance. The IBA receives the highest volume of annual rainfall of any region in NSW (average 2351 mm per year at 380 m altitude, higher at higher altitudes); average summer temperatures are 17-27 Celsius and winter temperatures 7-17 Celsius at this altitude. Warm temperate rainforest is found throughout the park on soils with a rhyolitic base, while subtropical rainforest is supported by nutrient-rich basalt soils. Sixty-one percent of the IBA (or the extent of Nightcap NP in 1994) is included in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage 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. 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.
Additional biodiversity: One record each of Red Goshawk and Regent Honeyeater in Nightcap National Park and one record of Rufous Scrub-bird in Mount Jerusalem National Park (NSW NPWS 2008).
Other site values: NSW State government with management the responsibility of NSW NPWS.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research (100%)
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Forest | 100 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Manage fire in a manner that sustains suitable habitat for key species. Eradicate or control introduced plants and animals. Encourage owners/managers of neighbouring properties to identify, manage and protect suitable habitat on adjoining land and ecological corridors to facilitate dispersal.
| 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 | Trend Unknown/Unrecorded | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: DEC (2005) Nightcap NP, Whian Whian SCA & Snows Gully NR Fire Management Strategy (Type 2). NSW NPWS Northern Rivers Region: Alstonville. http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/parks/fmsNightcap.pdf accessed June 2008. NSW NPWS (2004) Parks & Reserves of the Tweed Caldera incorporating National Parks: Mt Warning, Border Ranges, Mebbin, Nightcap, Mt Jerusalem, Goonengerry; Nature Reserves: Limpinwood, Numinbah, Snows Gully. Plan of Management. New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service: Hurstville. NSW NPWS (2008) Atlas of NSW Wildlife. http://wildlifeatlas.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/wildlifeatlas/watlasSpecies.jsp accessed 8 June 2008.