Atherton Tablelands,  Queensland - Upland Rainforests

 

Australia’s tropical and sub-tropical rainforests are recognized as being especially vulnerable to the impacts of climate change despite their level of protection within the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and outside the WTWHA under Queensland’s vegetation protection legislation. 

 

Mountainous habitats are predicted to be among the most seriously affected areas because they are often refugia for cool-adapted endemic species. Habitat suitable for species such as the Herbert River ringtail possum may decline dramatically with only small increases in temperature and rainfall variability.  Refugial areas may exist only on the highest ranges, or may disappear completely with even moderate increases. Extinction is a real possibility for some species. 

 

It is possible that climate change may actually see tropical rainforest establish in what is now the subtropics, but low, dry geographic barriers virtually rule out the potential for Wet Tropics’ species to migrate southward.

 

Shell EcoVolunteers aim to provide more and better habitat for upland tropical rainforest fauna.

 

To revegetate cleared land with rainforest species

Promoting Nature Refuges on private land is one of the Queensland Government’s key strategies for protecting biodiversity.  Many properties include a mix of rainforest and pasture and would provide greater biodiversity benefits if returned entirely to rainforest. 

 

Work with Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service to identify strategically located properties on the Southern Atherton tablelands with the opportunity to improve the condition of existing critical habitat and/or re-establish linkages between critical habitats.

 

15,000 seedlings will be planted on 6 hectares over 3 years.  Maintenance is vital to their survival and needs to be undertaken for at least 2 years after planting. 

 

To improve the condition existing upland rainforest through strategic weed control.

Buffering existing rainforest from the impacts of climate change by boosting its “eco-resilience”.  This involves the removal/control of a host of exotic species including giant bramble, lantana and wild tobacco, which in turn will stimulate the natural regeneration of rainforest pioneer species. Volunteers will implement weed management measures on 10 hectares of key habitat.

To measure changes in habitat quality and extent

Maintaining detailed records of all our activities.  The Toolkit Monitoring Revegetation Projects For Biodiversity In Rainforest Landscapes uses forest structure as a representative measure of biodiversity.  Revegetation sites will be monitored using this toolkit.  Develop a research project at the Masters or PhD level to assess the effectiveness of our activities with specific reference to climate change.

To enhance community support for Climate Change Adaptation

Through establishing a regular program of practical activities we will provide opportunities for the Tablelands community to build the eco-resilience of their local environment.

 

For more information about the new CVA and Shell initiative: