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:

ARNHEM LAND

Nominated by:

Not recorded

Location:

Not recorded

Size
For size and tenure information contact the Colong Foundation.

DESCRIPTION

An extensive plateau of Proterozoic sandstone forms the bulk of this area.
Proterozoic basic intrusives and Mesozoic sediments occur over significant
areas. High points of the plateau are towards the south-west and reach to over
400 metres. The area includes many river gorges and spectacular waterfalls.
Lowlands and tidal flats occur extensively at the coast. [1]

Vegetation in the area is dominated by grasslands and open eucalypt forest.
Semi-evergreen vine forests or sandstone rainforests are well developed in the
area. [2]

Little information is available about the fauna of the area, although it should
be typical of northern Australia. [3]

STATE FORESTS

ENDANGERED SPECIES

LAND USE HISTORY


The area has long been inhabited by Aboriginal people. The extensive development
of grasslands in the area is probably due to Aboriginal burning. Whilst there
are few permanent developments or structures in the area it may be incorrect to
view it, or at least some parts of it, as generally undisturbed by man.

Aboriginal cave paintings are widespread in the area and are a most valuable
archaeological and spiritual resource. Aboriginal settlements exist at Waraga
and the Walter River.

Access to much of this area is restricted for non-Aboriginals due to its
Aboriginal freehold status. The exception is Kakadu National Park, which has
been leased to the Commonwealth by the Aboriginal owners.
[4]

CONSERVATION HISTORY

THREATS

MINING
Mining operations on the Gove Peninsula prevent that area from being included.
Mining exploration applications affect much of the Arnhem Land area. [5]

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.

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