Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 2. Birdsville/Bedourie
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: U465
PRIORITY SPECIES: Animals:
At this site the following priority species are known to
occur: common death adder (Acanthophis
antarcticus), woma (Aspidites ramsayi), and kowari
(Dasyuroides byrnei) (Steve Wilson, pers. comm.).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: DIAMANTINA SHIRE
This site is a biodiversity hotspot for common death adder (Acanthophis antarcticus),
woma (Aspidites ramsayi), and kowari (Dasyuroides byrnei). Apart from these priority
species this site is also known for western taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus), and
has a large stand of waddy tree (Acacia peuce) of which there are only three known
stands in Australia. As the trees are scattered over an area approximately 10
kilometres by 3 kilometres that is traversed by the stock route, and has extensive
habitat linkages with the adjoining landholder, this habitat is undoubtedly an
important site for bird breeding and feeding. The waddy tree is an important part of
local Aboriginal mythology and a dream time story is told at this site. The local
community is supportive of the site, and have erected a shade area and interpretive
information bay for tourists.
Plate 12. Waddy tree (Acacia peuce) damage where a branch has been removed
(Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threats to the kowari and juvenile womas are feral cats and
foxes, and the major threat to the habitat are collectors of waddy tree (for both
firewood, wood-turning and fence-posts), grazing of the regenerating trees, and a
lack of knowledge about the reproductive ecology of the trees.
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