Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 4. Gregory River Crossing (2) (Burketown - Borroloola Road)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: U124
PRIORITY SPECIES: Plants:
Pandanaus aquaticus.
Animals:
purple-crowned fairy-wren (Malurus coronatus).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: BURKE SHIRE
As with the Gregory River Crossing at Riversleigh Station, this site has multiple
priority species including Pandanaus aquaticus and purple-crowned fairy-wren
(Malurus coronatus) (Plate 6). In addition there is an abundance of other species
such as white-bellied sea-eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster), white-browed robin
(Poecilodryas superciliosa), Australian freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus johnsoni),
and northern saratoga (Scleropages leichardti).
Plate 6. Purple-crowned fairy-wren in Pandanus aquaticus (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The greatest threat to this site is overgrazing of the riparian area. Other
major threats are habitat degradation by feral pigs and weeds, predation by feral
cats, and cane toads that are fatal to native fauna which ingest the toads (especially
crocodiles and goannas). Because this site is on a busy road during the dry season,
garbage is also an issue.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: The Burke Shire Council has a management regime in
place, including the provision of garbage bins.
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