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:

WESSEL ISLANDS

Nominated by:

Not recorded

Location:

This area consists of a chain of long, narrow islands in the Arafura Sea.

Size
For size and tenure information contact the Colong Foundation.

DESCRIPTION

This area consists of a chain of long, narrow islands in the Arafura Sea. The
highest point, at 130 metres, is to be found on Raragala Island. Cambrian
sediments form the underlying rocks of the islands. [1]

There is little biological information available concerning these islands.
Vegetation is diverse, including Triodia heathlands, Melaleuca woodlands and
patches of monsoon forest and vine thickets.
[2]

STATE FORESTS

ENDANGERED SPECIES

LAND USE HISTORY

CONSERVATION HISTORY

THREATS

DEVELOPMENT
The area is, as yt, virtually undisturbed. Various proposals for tourist
developments on the islands pose some threat to their wilderness character. [3]

MINING
Some islands are covered by mining exploration licence applications and most of
Marchinbar Island is a mining reserve. [4]

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.

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