Stirling Range (24837)
Australia, Australasia
Site overview
KBA status: confirmed
Global KBA criteria: A1a, A1c
Year of last assessment: 2009
National site name: Stirling Range
Central coordinates: Latitude: -34.3967, Longitude: 118.0443
System: terrestrial
Elevation (m): 250 to 1100
Area of KBA (km2): 1125.79646
Protected area coverage (%): 99.43
KBA classification: Global
Legacy site: Yes
Site details
Site description: The IBA is almost identical to Stirling Range National Park, approximately 60 km north of Albany in south-western Western Australia. The IBA excludes some salt lakes on the south-east boundary of the National Park and includes some road corridors excluded from the park. Stirling Range National Park is a very large remnant of native vegetation situated around Stirling Range, a series of isolated peaks and hills which are mainly composed of metamorphosed sandstones and shales. The range experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, although cold temperatures, high rainfall and occasional snowfalls occur at the highest altitudes. The nutrient-poor soils of the national park support five major vegetation communities: (1) shrubland and (2) mallee-heathland at higher altitudes; and (3) woodland, (4) wetland and (5) salt lake communities on lower slopes and plains. The National Park is surrounded by cleared pastoral land but remnant large trees and patches of heathland may be important for Carnaby's Black-Cockatoos.
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: More than 140 species of birds have been recorded in Stirling Range National Park. Non-bird biodiversity: Stirling Range National Park is one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia, particularly for flora. The park supports more than 1500 species of plants, including 87 species which are endemic to the park. It also supports a diverse range of endemic relict invertebrates, and is recognised as one of the most important sites in Australia for endemic mygalomorph spider species, and one of the richest areas for land snails. Twenty species of native mammals (including the re-introduced, nationally vulnerable Numbat Myrmecobius fasciatus) have been recorded in the park in recent decades. In total, at least 26 species of plants and nine species of animals that occur in Stirling Range National Park are listed as threatened under federal and/or state legislation.
Other site values: Western Australian State Government with management the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Habitats
Land use: nature conservation and research
| IUCN Habitat | Coverage % | Habitat detail |
|---|---|---|
| Rocky Areas(e.g., inland cliffs, mountain peaks) | 5 | |
| Wetlands(Inland) | 5 | |
| Forest | 45 | |
| Shrubland | 45 |
Threats
Summary of threats to biodiversity at KBA: Contain or minimise spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Implement fire management practices that are sympathetic to the requirements of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo.
| 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 | Ongoing |
Additional information
References: Birds Australia Western Australia Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo Recovery Project Database.
Contributors: Thanks to Cheryl Gole as compiler.