Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Site 5. Mungalala – Mitchell Road (1) (Warrego Highway)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: P002
PRIORITY SPECIES: Plants:
ooline (Cadellia pentasylis).
RATING: BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT
SHIRE COUNCIL: MURWEH SHIRE
Although the ooline trees (Cadellia pentasylis) at this site are scattered along either
side of the highway, they do however consist of both mature and regenerating trees,
and so the site is valuable as a biodiversity hotspot.
THREATS: The major threats to this site are overgrazing by cattle, habitat
degradation by rabbits, wood collectors, inappropriate fire regime, gravel extraction,
road widening, and habitat degradation by weeds.
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: None. Although along the nearby section of the
Warrego Highway there is work being undertaken by Murweh Shire Council to
address weeds, especially harrisia cactus (Eriocereus sp.), which is part of the weed
control for Ooline Park (site 3, pp. 62-64).
RECOMMENDATIONS: As for Ooline Park, it is recommended that there needs to
be negotiations between Murweh Shire Council and DTMR to recognise this site as
an area of ‘no disturbance’, which would avoid accidental clearance or gravel
extraction. Inclusion of the site in the shire pest and weed management programme
is also recommended.
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