The Queensland Government has declared a 229,000-hectare area south-west of Mount Isa a Special Wildlife Reserve.
The Pilungah Special Wildlife Reserve, owned by Bush Heritage Australia, becomes the third area of the state to be subject to this type of declaration.
The region supports migratory waterbirds, “long dormant” plant species, fossil sites and has one of the world’s most diverse reptile communities.
This declaration means the Special Wildlife Reserve, formally known as Cravens Peak Nature Refuge, is now protected forever from other land uses such as mining.
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said Queenslanders wanted to see important landscapes protected, but also that the land was being properly managed.
“Special Wildlife Reserves allow us to partner with conservation organisations and landholders to protect significant landscapes while ensuring active land management continues,” he said in a statement.
Bush Heritage Australia CEO Rachel Lowry said Pilungah Reserve was a remote, vast land of immense beauty, irreplaceable cultural heritage and extraordinary ecosystems.
“Pilungah deserves the highest level of protection possible, and we welcome this decision at a time when we need to work harder than ever to protect what we have left,” Ms Lowry said.
“Special Wildlife Reserve legislation is a powerful tool enabling us to work hand in hand with Traditional Custodians and the Government to achieve this together, on behalf of all Australians.”
Wangkamahdla Traditional Custodian Avelina Tarrago said that Special Wildlife status was the result of years of work advocating for Country against the threats posed by activities such as mining.
“There are a number of sites on Wangkamahdla Country, including at Pilungah Reserve, that contain the largest concentration and variety of Aboriginal petroglyphs in Queensland,” Ms Tarrago.
“It’s very significant for us that we’re able to achieve this Special Wildlife status to protect the integrity of these sites and stories and ensure they are preserved into the future.”
Other special wildlife reserves include Edgbaston Special Wildlife Reserve and Pullen Pullen Special Wildlife Reserve.
According to the Bush Heritage Australia website, the Pilungah is an important areas for the following:
The Woma, a rare desert python that has become extinct across a third of its former range.
Animals: Mulgara (nationally vulnerable), Grey Falcon, Painted Finch, Ridge-tailed Monitor, Inland Ningaui, Australian Bustard, Spinifex Pigeon, Ariadna’s Ctenotus (a rare skink).
Plants: Pituri, Mulga, Coolabah, Red-bud Mallee.
Vegetation communities: Hummock (spinifex) grassland, Mallee, Mitchell-grass plains, Gidgee woodland.
More details are available here.
