Enhancing Biodiversity Hotspots Along Western Queensland Stock ...

Sites of high nature conservation and geological
values
Site 22. Oak Swamp (Charleville Adavale Road)
STOCK ROUTE NUMBER: M503
PRIORITY SPECIES: Unknown
RATING: HIGH NATURE CONSERVATION VALUE
SHIRE COUNCIL: MURWEH SHIRE
Oak Swamp (Plate 54) is periodically inundated when Lake Dartmouth overflows (last
believed to have occurred in 1989), and appears to be in-excess of a square
kilometre in size. The active stock route here traverses a dense, attractive swamp of
belah trees (Casuarina cristata), which is believed to be at the extremity of this
species’ western distribution. The site is worth further investigation, as it may support
priority species, and belah is a favourite food source of red-tailed black-cockatoos
(Calyptorhynchus banksii).
Plate 54. Oak Swamp (Photo: B. Walsh).
THREATS: The major threats to this site are inappropriate fire regime. Road
widening is a minor threat
CURRENT MANAGEMENT: There is no current management of this site, but it is
recognised by DTMR as a significant site.
RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that Oak Swamp be recognised as being
of high nature conservation value and left undisturbed, and that a closer survey be
made to determine the flora and fauna values.
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