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:

CARNARVON RANGE

Nominated by:

Not recorded

Location:

Not recorded

Size
For size and tenure information contact the Colong Foundation.

DESCRIPTION

This area is located in the Central Highlands of Queensland. Its geology is
reminiscent of parts of the Sydney Region, with Permian and Triassic sandstones
capped in places by Tertiary basalts. Weathering of the sandstone plateau by
streams has produced a dissected landscape with spectacular clifflines and
gorges. [1]

In sheltered gorges, vegetation verges on rainforest with rare species of fetn
and Cabbate Tree Palms (Livistona australis). Plateau areas support open
eucalypt forests or woodland or acacia shrubland. Vine thickets may be found on
the basalt caps. Lowland areas support eucalypt woodlands or brigalow (Acacia
harpophylla) woodlands. [2]

The occurrnece of moist habitat sites surrounded by drier areas means that the
area supports an interesting group of animals. Outlying populations of species
from coastal areas may be found here. The area supports a number of freshwater
fish and platypus are common in the streams. [3]

STATE FORESTS

ENDANGERED SPECIES

LAND USE HISTORY


The rocky sandstone gorges have prevented development, however plateau areas and
flat plains between outcrops have been used in the past for grazing. [4]

CONSERVATION HISTORY

THREATS

DEVELOPMENT
The Carnarvon Gorge is a very popular touris attraction and consequently under
pressure from the level of use it receives. Unsympathetic tourist developments
could threaten the quality of the adjacent wilderness areas. [5]

CONTACTS

No contacts are recorded from that area.
ENDNOTES
1
Prineas, P., Lembit, R., Fisher, N., 1098, "Australia's Wilderness An Inventory"

2
Prineas, 1986.

3
Prineas, 1986.

4
Prineas, 1986.

5
Prineas, 1986.

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