Australian Tropical Research Foundation (Austrop)
Australia, Queensland
Cape Tribulation
Project Details: Ecosystem: Tropical lowland rainforest
Start Date: 1/1/1989
Significance: Global "hot spot" as part of the Australian Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This littoral rainforest contains many bird, mammal and plant species, some of which are highly restricted. Species include the cassowary, spectacled flying fox, northern quoll and pygmy possum. These remaining forests have an almost continuous connection with the upland forests of the coastal range, which is not the case for other fragments.
Description: The Daintree lowland tropical rainforests are of international importance, as they represent the last areas of tropical lowland forests that were once quite common in the far north of Queensland, but they have largely fallen to the incessant push for agricultural development (most of these forests have been converted into sugar cane fields and some urban development).
Course of action: Station property 25 Ac - totally cleared for cattle in 1970, and planted with exotic guinea grass (Panicum maximum). Aim is to regenerate 90% of block by 2010. The major weeds are the "Singapore Daisy" Weigelia sp, and coconuts with Lantana, Stachytarfetta, and Syngonium etc. There is also Annona glabra (pond apple). Station personnel and volunteers are active in control of these weeds.
Valued Skills: Must be prepared to work in conditions of high humidity (not that hot) - the work isn't terribly strenuous. Need real competency in English. Participation cost is $20 US/ day for food and board. People considering stays longer than 3 months should contact the Director to negotiate rates.
Achievements: 18 Acres regenerated on Research Station property, large amount of weed control on roadsides. S Cape Tribulation Beach now free of Wegelia. Emmagen Creek trail regenerating (seriously weed infested).
Goals: Regeneration of previously infested patches of rainforest and lowland forest on sand.
Sponsors: AUSTROP Foundation.
Part of Exchange Program: No
References: Information leaflet available for prospective volunteers, researchers, students or interns.
Related Projects: There is a local planting and nursery operation called the Cassowary Care Group (project not related).
Other Information: 1-3 volunteers at any one time usually for a minimum of 2 weeks, more if desired. The work is mainly planting and weed control, although volunteers can also spend time radio-tracking bats, constructing station buildings, digging holes and running the "Bat House" Environmental Centre.
For more details on the above programme and how you can volunteer or become a supporter, please fill in the following form:
Contact Details:
Dr Hugh Spencer
Cape Tribulation Tropical Research Station,
PMB 5
Cape Tribulation
Queensland
Australia
617 4098 0063
hugh (a) austrop.org.au (anti spam measure, type the at into your e-mail)
www.austrop.org.au
