NATIONAL WILDERNESS RED INDEX

Published by the Colong Foundation for Wilderness Ltd. 30/09/94
Level 2, 332 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000.
Ph (02) 9261 2400; Fax (02) 9261 2144.

Name:

ALLIGATOR

Nominated by:

Not recorded

Location:

Not recorded

Size
For size and tenure information contact the Colong Foundation.

DESCRIPTION

Extensive coastal lowlands, floodplains and tidal flats make up a large part of
this area. Outliers of Proterozoic sediments, notably sandstone, and typical of
Arnhem Land, are found in the south-east of the area. Mesozoic sediments
underlie the lowland country and occasional areas of Proterozoic volcanics
exist. [1]

Eucalypt woodlands and tall open forests dominate lowland areas with melaleuca
scrub, screw pines and mangroves occurring on tidal flats. Escarpment areas
support heath-spinifex associations and eucalypt woodlands. Rainforest stands
are also found in the escarpment country. [2]

Fauna is abundant, with several species being endemic to the Alligator Rivers
region. The area is renowned forits waterbirds such as Magpie Geese, Jabiru and
Egrets. Significant numbers of freshwater crocodiles inhabit the area. [3]

STATE FORESTS

ENDANGERED SPECIES

LAND USE HISTORY


Cattle grazing was attempted on lands between the South and East Alligator
Rivers, but proved not to be viable. [4]


The area was much used by Aboriginal people prior to the arrival of Europeans.
These people retain their tribal association with the land and many of them
continue to practice traditional methods of hunting.

Aboriginal mission stations on the Cobourg Peninsula were established in 1838
but abandoned shortly afterwards. The major settlement is at Oenpelli near the
East Alligator River. [5]

CONSERVATION HISTORY

THREATS




DEVELOPMENT
The region's expanding tourist industry is imposing development pressures on the
area. [6]

FERAL ANIMALS
Water buffalo, an introduced species, has caused extensive damage to swamp
habitats in the area. Balinese cattle have also run wild in the area. [7]

MINING
A major threat to the area's wilderness status is uranium mining in the
Alligator Rivers region, which could result in the contamination of streams.
Mining exploration licence applications cover the Aboriginal lands. [8]

OFF ROAD VEHICLES
Some damage has been caused by off-road vehicles. A road extends from Araru
Point to Smith Point, in the north west of the area. [9]

CONTACTS

No contacts are recorded from that area.
ENDNOTES
1
Prineas, P., Lembit, R., Fisher, N., 1986, "Australia's Wilderness An Inventory"

2
Prineas, 1986

3
Prineas, 1986.

4
Prineas, 1986.

5
Prineas, 1986.

6
Prineas, 1986.

7
Prineas, 1986.

8
Prineas, 1986.

9
Prineas, 1986.

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