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:

CAPE BARREN ISLAND

Nominated by:

Not recorded

Location:

Not recorded

Size
For size and tenure information contact the Colong Foundation.

DESCRIPTION

Flat or undulating lowlands and contrasting mountainous granite outcrops
dominate the landscape of this area. The underlying granites are of Devonian
age. Sand beaches and rocky headlands form the coastline, backed by dune systems
and wetlands in the east. Mountains rise 500 to 600 metres above sea level. [1]

Vegetation of the island is dominated by the extensive heathland which is
favoured by the frequent fires. [2]

The regularity of burning has favoured the Brush Wallaby. Other animals of the
area are mainly associated with the heath vegetation. [3]

ENDANGERED SPECIES

No endangered species information is recorded for this area.
LAND USE HISTORY


The island is subject to an Aboriginal land claim. [4]


An old vehicular track exists along the southern side of Cape Barren Island, but
is gradually becoming overgrown. Areas of the island outside the defined
wilderness boundary are used for grazing. [5]

CONSERVATION HISTORY

1979
The Centre for Environmental Studies, University of Tasmania publishes a report
to the Australian Heritage Commission describing thirteen wilderness areas in
Tasmania. Among these is a 27,300 ha Cape Barren Island wilderness.
[6]

THREATS

No threats are recorded for this area.
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
Jones, R., et. al., 1979, Centre for Environmental Studies, Occasional Paper 10,
University of Tasmania, "Wilderness in Tasmania: A Report to the Australian
Heritage Commission".

Return to Contents Page