16th January 2013
Broome
Botanical Society has worked with Environs Kimberley to release
important research about one of the Kimberley's most threatened
ecosystems; Monsoon Vine Thickets of the Dampier Peninsula. The Federal
Government is currently deciding whether or not to list this culturally
significant and environmentally important ecosystem as Nationally
Endangered under the EPBC Act (1999).
"Extensive
surveys of the Monsoon Vine Thickets (MVT's) were conducted by the
Broome Botanical Society (BBS) in partnership with the DEC, between 2000
and 2002. Before this, almost no scientific surveys of Peninsula MVT's
had been published, and no-one knew how many patches of thickets there
were, or how large an area they covered." Principal Author of the
scientific report, Sally Black said.
The scientific report; "A
comprehensive survey of the flora, extent and condition of vine
thickets on coastal sand dunes of Dampier Peninsula, West Kimberley
2000-2002" was conducted on a volunteer basis, with Environs Kimberley supporting its completion in 2010.
"Through
the West Kimberley Nature Project, we've now supported BBS to publicly
release their findings, by way of a colourful, plain-English booklet,
outlining values, threats and conservation priorities " Environs
Kimberley Projects Coordinator, Louise Beames said.
"Found
in small patches, most commonly 10ha, or in long, narrow strands,
MVT's, which make up less than one tenth of one percent of the Dampier
Peninsula, are easily damaged. Major threats identified were weeds,
fire, clearing, off-road 4 wheel driving and camping, feral and domestic
animals, and development." said David Dureau, Broome Botanical Society
President.
"When
analysed, we found four distinct MVT groupings. Illustrations from
local artist Jeanné Browne detail the composition and form of these
groups" said Tim Willing of the Broome Botanical Society.
"Containing
151 plant species, almost a quarter of all Peninsula plants, this
coastal rainforest ecosystem is an important refuge for birds, bats and
other animals. MVT's work as an ecological network with the loss of a
single patch affecting all other patches. Conservation and management
must treat the network as a whole in order to keep them connected" Ms
Black said
"We
identified priority conservation management actions, further studies
required and listed priority conservation species including, Declared
Rare Flora - Pittosporum moluccanum which, restricted to two sites on the Peninsula could become locally extinct if not conserved" Mr Willing said.
"Six
unusually large MVT patches were identified as high conservation
priorities and together, represent all four MVT groupings. These are:
Patch 5 from Quondong to James Price Point; Patch 20 & 22 within the
proposed Borda Nature Reserve, Patch 39 near Riddel Point/Mission Bay
and Patch 47 & 71 at One Arm Point and Gallen." Ms Black said.
"Throughout
the world, rainforests, our biologically richest ecosystems, are under
serious threat and the Dampier Peninsula MVT's are no different. This
information establishes a baseline for future study and emphasises how
little we know. The government should now be investing in substantial
surveys of MVT's, working to protect rainforest networks and keeping
them connected and viable." Mr Dureau said.
Copies
of the booklet are available at the Bardi Jawi Ranger base in One Arm
Point, the Nyul Nyul Ranger base in Beagle Bay, the EK Market Stall.
They are also available online, and on loan at the Broome Library, A community presentation about the findings is planned for early 2013.
He says the application to build an 850-person workers' camp just north of Broome is a promising sign, as long as the benefits flow back into the town.
Photo Damian Kelly
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