MANAGING TOURISM IN THE WET TROPICS WORLD HERITAGE AREA

Author(s):  
Gianna Moscardo ◽  
Barbara Woods
Zootaxa ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4652 (1) ◽  
pp. 113-125
Author(s):  
SATISH CHOY ◽  
TIMOTHY J. PAGE ◽  
VALENTIN DE MAZANCOURT ◽  
BENJAMIN MOS

Integrated molecular and morphological studies of newly collected and curated specimens of the genus Caridina from the Atherton Tablelands, Wet Tropics World Heritage Area in north–eastern Queensland, Australia indicated the presence of an undescribed species belonging to the Caridina zebra Short 1993 complex. This species is somewhat intermediate, although distinct on the basis of molecular data and morphology, from two known sympatric species, Caridina zebra and C. confusa Choy & Marshall 1997, and an allopatric species, C. spinula Choy & Marshall 1997, from the Cape York Peninsula, about 500 km north. It is described here as a new species, C. malanda sp. nov., and compared with similar congeners. A key for the identification of the species, as well as notes on its distribution, ecology, and conservation, are provided. 


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Edward Williams ◽  
Alejandro de la Fuente

Many authors have suggested that the vulnerability of montane biodiversity to climate change worldwide is significantly higher than in most other ecosystems. Despite the extensive variety of studies predicting severe impacts of climate change globally, few studies have empirically validated the predicted changes in distribution and population density . Here, we used 17 years of bird monitoring across latitudinal/elevational gradients in the rainforest of the Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area to assess changes in local abundance and distribution. We used relative abundance in 1977 surveys across 114 sites ranging from 0-1500m above sea level and utilised a trend analysis approach (TRIM) to investigate elevational shifts in abundance of 42 species between 2000 – 2016. The local abundance of most mid and high elevation species has declined at the lower edges of their distribution by >40% while lowland species increased by up to 190% into higher elevation areas. Upland-specialised species and regional endemics have undergone dramatic population declines of almost 50%. The “Outstanding Universal Value” of the Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area, one of the most irreplaceable biodiversity hotspots on Earth, is rapidly degrading. These observed impacts are likely to be similar in many tropical montane ecosystems globally.


1997 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 591 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Mitchell ◽  
R. Mayer

The association of ground-digging activity of feral pigs with a range of environmental variables was examined in the wet tropics World Heritage Area of north Queensland. Approximately 4% of the surveyed ground was disturbed by digging activity of feral pigs. Significant differences in diggings were detected between highland and lowland areas and between habitat types. Diggings were more prevalent in lowland areas and coastal swamp habitats. Diggings were positively associated with roads, tracks and moist drainage lines.


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