Download - Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013–2018...research and monitoring priorities for the period 2013 to 2018. A full review of the Management Plan is due to commence in 2013. It

Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks, Water and EnvironmentResource Management and Conser vation Divis ionDepar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks, Water and Environment

TA S M A N I A N W I L D E R N E S S WO R L D H E R I TAG E A R E A

Research and Monitoring Priorities

2013–2018

Resource Management and Conservation Division Review Steering Committee: Michael Comfort, Gary Davies, Michael Driessen, Rosemary Gales, Micah Visoiu, Jennie Whinam.

Citation: DPIPWE (2013) Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013-2018. Resource Management and Conservation Division, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water & Environment, Hobart.

www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/TWWHA_Research

Cover: Falling Mountain. Photo by Tim Rudman. This page: Stephens Bay. Photo by Micah Visoiu.

TA S M A N I A N W I L D E R N E S S WO R L D H E R I TAG E A R E A

Research and Monitoring Priorities

2013–2018

GOAL

To improve knowledge and understanding of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, its natural values and threats, to enable effective conservation planning and management.

AIM

To review past and current research and monitoring programs within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (TWWHA) and to identify research and monitoring priorities for the period 2013 to 2018.

PROCESS

A DPIPWE Review Steering Committee was established to guide this review. Previous research strategies, management plans and documents were reviewed to inform the review process. Workshops with internal and external stakeholders were conducted to facilitate broad discussion and assessment of the priorities for research and monitoring in the TWWHA across the disciplines of biodiversity and geodiversity. The consultation process considered the state of our current understanding of TWWHA natural values, identified knowledge gaps, and assessed threats to natural values, and measures to build resilience to environmental change. The key areas were then prioritised by the Review Steering Committee in consultation with TWWHA program staff and external stakeholders.

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Areaii

KEY RESEARCH AND MONITORING INITIATIVES

The TWWHA research and monitoring priorities identified for the period 2013 - 2018 include the following actions:

• Develop a system for monitoring and reporting on TWWHA ecosystems that integrates biodiversity and geodiversity data to inform management of the status and trends of TWWHA values and the property condition.

• Systematically identify, assess and document biodiversity, geodiversity and conservation values in the TWWHA.

• Establish the World Heritage Ecosystem Baseline Study (WHEBS) as an integrated long-term monitoring program that focuses on research and monitoring questions important for sound management and understanding of ecosystem processes.

• A focus on the vulnerability of, and risk to, TWWHA natural values resulting from a changing climate and inappropriate fire regimes.

• A focus on knowledge gaps to ensure adequate understanding and monitoring of priority TWWHA natural values, species, and ecosystems.

• Identify threats to TWWHA natural values, including weeds, pests, diseases and anthropogenic impacts, and where possible investigate mitigation options, including strengthening biosecurity arrangements.

• Establish a TWWHA research hub to improve communication and collaboration with stakeholders; improve presentation of the TWWHA natural values to the public; and serve as a comprehensive data repository of TWWHA research and monitoring results.

These priorities will bring together existing research and monitoring programs which, when combined with new landscape level monitoring, will improve our capacity to report on TWWHA ecosystem health.

Developing World Heritage Ecosystem Baseline Study (WHEBS) sites will enhance collaborative research and monitoring outputs to inform management and understanding, and will focus on key threats, such as climate change and inappropriate fire regimes. Strengthening biosecurity, including measures to protect areas currently free of high impact invasive species, will continue to be an important focus. Measures to minimise the impact of invasive species and pathogens will also increase the resilience of natural values in the TWWHA to impacts such as climate change.

The research hub will underpin research, monitoring and enhanced communication and collaboration in the TWWHA by providing a framework for collating, storing and communicating information from past and future programs.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013–2018 iii

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii

1 .0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1.1 Overview of TWWHA Outstanding Universal Values. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

2 .0 REVIEW OF PREVIOUS AND CURRENT RESEARCH AND MONITORING IN THE TWWHA AND IDENTIFICATION OF KNOWLEDGE GAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

2.1 Review of Previous Research and Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

2.2 Strategic Context . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

2.3 Consultation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

2.4 Key Knowledge Gaps and Actions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

3 .0 RESEARCH AND MONITORING PRIORITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

4 .0 SCOPE AND CAVEATS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

5 .0 PARTNERSHIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

6 .0 KEY RESEARCH AND MONITORING INITIATIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

7 .0 IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

ANNEXES – KNOWLEDGE GAPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ANNEX I – Priority Geodiversity Themes for Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

ANNEX II – Poorly Known Taxa and Taxonomic Groups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ANNEX III - Ecosystems and Specialised Habitats to Target for Integrated Surveys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

CONTENTS

Dolerite boulder, Mount Rufus. Photo by Michael Comfort.

Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013–2018 1

The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage (TWWHA) was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1982, meeting all four natural world heritage criteria and three cultural criteria . The TWWHA covers ≈1 .5 million hectares of secure and well-managed parks and reserves in the Australian island State of Tasmania (Figure 1) . The area extends from one of the wildest and most beautiful coasts in the world to alpine plateaus and peaks of distinct character . Natural values include dramatic scenery, extensive coastal habitat, karst landscapes, glacial and periglacial features, patterned mires, wild rivers, lakes, estuaries, alpine vegetation, rainforests, tall eucalypt forests, moorlands, islands and many species of outstanding importance for science and conservation .

Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area2

The Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) is the land manager of the TWWHA with specialist and scientific advice and support provided by the Resource Management and Conservation Division (RMC) of the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE). RMC administers the research and monitoring programs that identify and assess natural values, threats and conservation requirements in the TWWHA. This work provides the foundation for managing the natural values of the area, and to inform stakeholders and the public of those values. An overview of the RMC research and monitoring programs are provided in Research and Monitoring in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (DPIPWE 2012).

The policy framework and management prescriptions that guide management of the TWWHA are documented within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan 1999 (PWS 1999). The Management Plan promotes research and monitoring in multiple disciplines but does not prioritise or provide a strategic approach to research and monitoring in the TWWHA. This review identifies research and monitoring priorities for the period 2013 to 2018. A full review of the Management Plan is due to commence in 2013. It is anticipated that the research and monitoring priorities developed here will also inform the review of the Management Plan by providing strategic direction for research and monitoring programs within the TWWHA.

Figure 1: Approximate location of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (shaded). It includes additional areas approved by the World Heritage Committee in June 2013.

1.0 INTRODUCTION


1.1 Overview of TWWHA Outstanding Universal Values

The following is an extract from the revised Statement of Outstanding Universal Value of the TWWHA prepared by the Tasmanian and Australian governments in 2013.1 The brief synthesis below provides an overview of the natural and cultural values of the TWWHA followed by an outline of how the TWWHA meets the four natural criteria for world heritage listing.

Brief Synthesis

The TWWHA is an extensive, wild, beautiful temperate land where early heritage of the Tasmanian Aboriginal people is preserved. The TWWHA extends from one of the wildest and most beautiful coasts in the world to alpine plateaus and peaks of distinct character. The property encompasses estuaries, wild rivers, lakes, dramatic and varied scenery, karst landscapes, rainforests, tall eucalypt forests, moorlands, glacial and periglacial features, patterned mires and alpine vegetation. This combination of features is expressed within an unusually maritime, nutrient-poor and rainy environment.

There are rocks from almost every geological period and diverse landforms that provide important evidence of the past interaction of glacial and karst processes. Many outstanding examples of ongoing tectonic, fluvial, lacustrine, karst, periglacial, mire and coastal processes all occur with minimal human interference. There are globally outstanding examples of natural ecological processes that are relatively undisturbed. The property is a refuge for many threatened species, including an assemblage of marsupial carnivores that is best characterised by

the Tasmanian Devil. There is an important array of Tasmanian endemic species, including many plants and animals descended from the biota of Gondwana and some of the longest-lived trees and shrubs in the world.

Tasmanian Aboriginal people harnessed landscapes at the edge of the Antarctic ice-cap, where extreme climatic conditions were no barrier to the longevity of cultural practices framed within hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Approximately 35,000 to 12,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age, Tasmanian Aboriginal people developed a unique cultural tradition in the south-west based on a specialised stone and bone toolkit that enabled the hunting of one wallaby species.

With over 40 known Pleistocene caves and hundreds of open sites, the south-west is home to rich archaeological deposits and rock art which provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyles and cultural practices of Tasmanian Aboriginal people during this time. The occupation sites are thought to be evidence of the most southerly human occupation at the time.

1 At the time of writing this revised statement had been submitted for assessment by the World Heritage Committee.


Natural criteria

Criterion (vii) – contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance.

The TWWHA contains varied landscapes of exceptional natural beauty, including rugged mountain ranges scattered with picturesque tarns; wide, dark harbours and wild coasts; delicate alpine and subalpine flora and sweeping buttongrass moorlands; mossy rainforests with ancient southern pines; spectacularly ornamented cave systems including superlative light displays by glow-worms; exposed, windswept plateaux and peaks; wild rivers churning through gorges and serene Huon pine reflections on the gentle lower reaches. There are examples of the world’s tallest forests dominated by flowering plants. The eucalypts tower above rainforest trees of substantial stature, forming awe-inspiring forests of truly exceptional beauty on a landscape and individual scale. Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour represents one of the world’s most anomalous estuarine systems comprising beautiful and unusual organisms concealed within its tannin-stained waters, including deep-sea species present at unusually shallow depths. Geological and glacial events, climatic patterns and Aboriginal occupation have combined to produce an exceptional landscape, renowned for its high wilderness qualities.

Criterion (viii) – be outstanding examples representing major stages of the earth’s history, including the record of life, significant ongoing geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features.

The property has a complex geological history with a wide range of ages represented, including rock fragments which are 3 billion years old. The glacial legacy is impressive with deposits from three major periods: Late Cenozoic, Permo-Carboniferous and Precambrian. The Late Cenozoic deposits and landforms in particular provide one of the best available global records of southern temperate glacial processes. Primitive relictual floral and faunal groups with strong New Zealand and Patagonian affinities provide living evidence of the previous existence of Gondwana, corroborating geological evidence within the same area.

A variety of rock formations, glacial deposits, extra-glacial processes and glacio-karst landforms provide a valuable record of major stages in the earth’s evolutionary history. The area contains important information on changing global sea levels during the Quaternary, whilst the palynological records from the Darwin Crater give a superb record of the Pleistocene flora. The property also contains an excellent diversity of undisturbed karst processes, including palaeokarst development up to 400 million years old.

The degree of natural integrity of the landforms and soils within a temperate zone area this size is exceptional. The property exhibits one of the longest undisturbed stretches of temperate, high-energy rocky and sandy coastline in the southern hemisphere. Organic soils mantle the landscape at a scale which is unusual globally.


Criterion (ix) – be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals.

The wide variety of undisturbed environments shaped by geological processes allows for the continuation of long-ongoing ecological processes, including speciation. This has resulted in an unusually high proportion of endemic flora and fauna species, including a diversity of ancient taxa, such as Anaspididae (mountain shrimps) and Cupressaceae (conifers). Fossil and pollen evidence shows that evolution of some flora genera within Tasmania has been ongoing for more than 60 million years.

The temperate rainforest, eucalypt forest, buttongrass moorland and alpine communities form a unique mosaic of Antarctic and Australian elements. The property’s lowland and montane ecosystems best exemplify an ongoing ecological process of reciprocal interaction between vegetation type, environment and fire regimes. Buttongrass moorlands have developed as a result of long ongoing ecological processes allowing the development of highly distinct faunal assemblages such as burrowing crayfish and localised ecological communities including alkaline pans. In the absence of fire, ecological succession from moorland to rainforest, with the penultimate stage the tallest flowering plant forest in the world, is a significant process of outstanding importance. The unusual character of the freshwater and estuarine ecosystems of the property has resulted in the evolution of highly diverse biota and ecological communities. The wind-controlled patterning and the associated cyclic succession of Sphagnum mires on the southern Central Plateau are very distinctive and unique internationally.

Criterion (x) – contains the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.

The extensive, largely undisturbed property provides a diversity of secure habitats which contains very few pathogens, weeds or pests. There are very high levels of Tasmanian endemism, more than 65% for many invertebrate groups, and a high proportion of species endemic to the property. Also, there is important secure habitat, including off-shore islands, for many rare species, as well as a large number of threatened species that are significant for conservation and science, notably the Tasmanian Devil. The temperate alpine ecosystems are among the most diverse in the world and have a globally outstanding number of biotic communities. Other important communities for the conservation of biological diversity include wet eucalypt forests (important for their cryptogamic flora), temperate rainforests, the estuarine communities of the Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour, meromictic lakes on the Gordon River and cave fauna.

Tasmanian Devil. Photo by Save the Tasmanian Devil Program.


An RMC Steering Committee was established to guide the review process that included the following assessments:

• Areviewofpreviousresearchand monitoring in the TWWHA (Section 2 .1) .

• Asummaryofkeyrecommendations in a number of strategic documents (Section 2 .2) .

• ConsultationwithinDPIPWE(primarily RMC and PWS staff) and with external stakeholders and experts (Section 2 .3) .

• Identificationofkeyknowledgegaps and actions (Section 2 .4) .

The results of these assessments are summarised in the following sections and then incorporated into a prioritised list of actions (Section 3) .


2.1 Review of Previous Research and Monitoring

The review of previous research and monitoring in the TWWHA is presented to reflect the overarching management objectives of the Management Plan which are: to identify, protect, conserve, present and where appropriate, rehabilitate the world heritage and other natural values of the property.

Identification

In the late 1980s and early 1990s the main focus for research was to identify natural values in the TWWHA. Scientists from around Australia were encouraged to undertake surveys throughout the property. This was known as the Directed Wildlife Research (DWR) program. This was followed by the Wilderness Ecosystem Baseline Studies (WEBS) program which focussed survey attention at Melaleuca and Pelion Plains. One of the goals of WEBS was to establish long term biodiversity monitoring programs that could be repeated – unfortunately this was not fully achieved. The culmination of the DWR and WEBS programs was a symposium of TWWHA values in 1990 and publication of Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Values in 1993 (Smith and Banks 1993) and Wilderness Ecosystem Baseline Studies: Pelion Plains-Mt Ossa (Driessen et al. 1998). Many new species were described and values identified from the DWR and WEBS programs.

Since the mid-1990s identification of new values and knowledge of fauna has continued largely as a supplement to management-focussed research programs or as result of externally (to DPIPWE) driven research. Flora and fauna postgraduate student grants between 1994 and 2006 encouraged research in the TWWHA. Identification of geoconservation values in the TWWHA initially centred around work on areas being adversely impacted by anthropogenic processes, such as bank erosion from cruise boat

operations on the Gordon River and damage to karst values from quarrying at Ida Bay (Bradbury et al. 1995; Houshold and Spate 1990; Kiernan 1993). Some inventory work was undertaken and preliminary mapping of coastal landforms on the TWWHA coast also occurred during the later 1980s and early 1990s (Baynes 1990; Dixon 1991).

Between 2003 and 2005 reviews of TWWHA geodiversity (Sharples 2003) and biodiversity values (Driessen and Mallick 2003; Balmer et al. 2004; Mallick and Driessen 2005) were published. These reviews identified knowledge gaps, including:

• Priorities for geoconservation research (Annex I).

• Information on poorly known taxa and taxonomic groups, especially invertebrates and non-vascular plant species (Annex II).

• Ecosystems and specialised habitats that should be targeted for integrated surveys (Annex III).

Conservation and Protection

Since the late 1990s the focus of TWWHA geodiversity and biodiversity research and monitoring programs has been on conservation and protection, specifically the impacts of fire (a key focus area of the Management Plan), visitor impacts and tourism development, impacts of weeds, pests and diseases, surveys for rare and threatened species, and more recently climate change.

Fire

Fire is a key environmental process and management tool in the TWWHA. In recent years there has been a move towards landscape scale burns in buttongrass moorlands to both protect fire sensitive vegetation and to benefit biodiversity. Despite this, there has been little research on the impacts of fire in buttongrass moorlands, particularly for fauna and

2 .0 REVIEW OF PREVIOUS AND CURRENT RESEARCH AND MONITORING IN THE TWWHA AND IDENTIF IC ATION OF KNOWLEDGE GAPS


geodiversity values. A large interdisciplinary study investigating impacts of fire on flora, fauna, and earth science has been undertaken and is still ongoing (Driessen 1999; Greenslade and Driessen 1999; Bridle et al. 2003; Driessen and Greenslade 2004; Green 2009; Chaudhry 2010; Storey and Balmer 2010; Driessen et al. 2013). Long term studies investigating impacts of fire on organic soils, stream geomorphology and stream hydrology are also ongoing, and erosion mapping on the Central Plateau has been undertaken where land degradation is strongly linked to past fire history (Cullen 1995).

Despite this research, key knowledge gaps remain including:

• Life history attributes of species impacted and benefitted by fire;

• The cumulative impact of repeated fires;

• The impact of fire on bryophytes

• The impact of fire on reptiles and amphibians;

• The minimum unburnt patch size required for recolonisation;

• The response of flora and fauna in moorland and grasslands to fire; and

• The impact of fire on soils, streams and geomorphology.

Visitor Impacts and Tourism Development

There have been several research and monitoring projects addressing threats associated with tourism and visitor usage including:

• Potential impacts of large cruise boats on Bathurst Channel marine communities (Ellis et al. 2005).

• Potential impacts of wave wake within the Port Davey ria estuary complex (Bradbury 2011).

• Potential impacts of caving and cave tourism on cave fauna (Eberhard 1999, 2000; Driessen 2009, 2010) and on cave geomorphological values.

• Monitoring of Port Davey-Bathurst Channel marine communities in relation to current and potential impacts (boating, development, cruise boats and, diving) (Edgar et al. 2007, 2009; Barrett et al. 2004, 2010).

• Water quality monitoring at key locations subject to high levels of visitor use (i.e. Overland track, Walls of Jerusalem and Melaleuca) (Davies and Driessen 1997, 1999).

• Impacts of recreational walkers and walker carrying capacities of different vegetation communities in the TWWHA (Central Plateau, Western Arthurs) (Whinam and Chilcott 1999, 2003; Whinam et al. 2003).

• Impacts of recreational horse riding on the Central Plateau (Whinam et al. 1994) and commercial horse riding at Cradle Mountain (Whinam and Comfort 1996).

• Impacts of cruise boat wake on the banks of the Gordon River (Bradbury 2005) where research and monitoring has determined appropriate management regimes.

• Visitor attitudes to feeding of wildlife and the efficacy of existing management measures to prevent feeding of wildlife (Mallick and Driessen 2003).


Weeds, Pests and Diseases

Overall, the TWWHA is characterised by a low diversity and abundance of introduced weeds, pests and diseases. Reviews and risk assessments of introduced animals and animal diseases in the TWWHA have been completed (Philips and Driessen 2008; Mallick and Driessen 2010). These studies used risk analyses to rank introduced animals and diseases based on potential impacts in order to prioritise management in the TWWHA. Amphibian Chytridiomycosis, Devil Facial Tumour Disease and Beak and Feather Disease in Orange-bellied Parrots were ranked as the highest risk diseases. European Red Fox, Brown Trout, Redfin Perch, New Zealand Screw Shell and a toxic dinoflagellate were ranked as the highest risk introduced animal species. A number of research and monitoring projects, including impact assessments, have been undertaken on commercial honey bees (Mallick 2001; Mallick and Driessen 2009), Brown Trout (Elvey 2002; Davies et al. 2009), Lyrebirds (Tanner 2000), Fallow Deer (Locke 2007) and marine pests (Aquenal 2003, 2011).

Most invasive weed species are currently restricted in extent in the TWWHA. The distribution, abundance and population dynamics of blackberry, marram grass and sea spurge in the TWWHA have all been surveyed. Studies on the impacts of marram grass on the TWWHA coastal geomorphology have also been completed. The major current disease risk to plant communities in the TWWHA is Phytophthora, and DPIPWE is conducting ongoing programs to monitor and research the disease (Schahinger et al. 2003).

A review of biosecurity management arrangements in the TWWHA has led to the development of an integrated biosecurity system to manage existing and potential threats. The system governs operational activities of the agency in the property and guides public use of the TWWHA. This work is ongoing and is being undertaken in collaboration with PWS and NRM (Natural Resource Management) South.

Threatened Species

Nearly 40 species of fauna and more than 80 species of flora listed under the Tasmanian Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 occur in the TWWHA. Most are naturally rare or threatened by processes outside the TWWHA (Driessen 1999). Key programs that have been undertaken include: Orange-bellied Parrot management (OBPRT 2006); translocation and monitoring of the Pedder Galaxias (Gaffney et al. 1992); and surveys for the Western Paragalaxias (Nelson 2004), seabirds (Skira et al. 1996; Brothers et al. 2001; Bunce et al. 2002; Wiltshire et al. 2004; Alderman et al. 2011), seals (Pemberton and Skira 1989; Brothers and Pemberton 1990; Kirkwood et al. 2010), Pedra Branca Skink (Rounsevell et al. 1985; Threatened Species Unit 2001; Brothers et al. 2003), cave fauna (Eberhard 1999, 2000), Hickman’s Pygmy Shrimp (Driessen et al. 2006; Driessen and Mallick 2007), caddisflies (Jackson 2000) and the Lake Pedder Earthworm (Blakemore 2000).

Flora extension surveys have been undertaken for Drooping Pine and Alpine Appleberry (Threatened Species Section 2009, 2010) as well as other endemic and iconic plant species in the TWWHA, such as the cryptic and rare moss Ambuchanania leucobryoides (Johnson et al. 2008).

The distribution and ecology of a number of threatened species remain poorly known, especially for invertebrates and non-vascular plant species, and even some vertebrates (e.g. Azure Kingfisher).

Climate Change

Climate change has recently become a focus for research, monitoring and management in the TWWHA, due to the potential for significant impacts on natural values. Reviews of climate change impacts on TWWHA values have been completed for geodiversity (Sharples 2011), flora (Brown 2009) and fauna (Mallick 2013). These reviews guide ongoing research, monitoring and management programs.


Prior to these reviews, a program of altitudinal monitoring was established in Warra and on Mt Weld to monitor possible changes in plant and animal communities in relation to climate change and other landscape scale changes (Doran et al. 2003). Similarly, monitoring of the marine invertebrate community of Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour may also detect changes due to changing climate (Edgar 2007, 2009; Barratt 2010). A major program to monitor the health of montane conifer communities in the light of climate change has also been established in the TWWHA (Fitzgerald 2011). Similarly, a program to monitor the effects of climate change at the alpine treeline ecotone is also ongoing within the TWWHA (Styger and Balmer 2009).

Rehabilitation

Most rehabilitation research has involved small scale trials on quarries, disused walking tracks and degraded campsites. A major rehabilitation program was undertaken at the Ida Bay limestone quarry above Exit Cave. The program involved a number of novel techniques and included monitoring the efficacy of the rehabilitation works on significant cave values (Gillieson 1996). Research into potential techniques to rehabilitate large scale degradation on the Central Plateau has also been undertaken (Storey and Comfort 2007), and there have been trials by Hydro Tasmania to restore the meromictic status of Lake Fidler (Tyler et al. 2001; Aquenal 2007).

Presentation

RMC does not conduct specific research in relation to presentation of TWWHA natural values. Presentation of TWWHA values is primarily provided by PWS through visitor centres, signage, track guides and websites. PWS conduct monitoring and research to determine how effective their awareness raising programs are through a number of techniques, such as conducting visitor surveys.

2.2 Strategic Context

This review has been informed by, and has strong links to, a number of strategic documents pertinent to the TWWHA including:

Management plans and strategies

• The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan (PWS 1999)

• Wildlife Monitoring Strategy (DPIW 2008)

• Strategy for Managing Wildlife Disease in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Philips and Driessen 2008)

• Review, Risk Assessment and Management of Introduced Animals in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Mallick and Driessen 2010)

• Vegetation Monitoring Strategy (DPIPWE 2012)

• DPIPWE Natural Heritage Strategy (DPIPWE 2013)

• Marine and Estuarine Ecosystems in the Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour Region: Biodiversity, Threats and Management Options (Edgar et al. 2007)

• Draft TWWHA Research Strategy 2004–2009; and

• Draft TWWHA Research Needs for Management 2007–2012.


Review of natural values documents

• A Review of the Geoconservation Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Sharples 2003)

• The Vertebrate Fauna of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Driessen and Mallick 2003)

• A Review of the Floristic Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Balmer et al. 2004); and

• An Inventory of the Invertebrates of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Mallick and Driessen 2005).

Climate change documents

• Monitoring the Impact of Climate Change on the Flora and Vegetation Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: a Review (Brown 2009)

• Potential Climate Change Impacts on Geodiversity in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: A Management Response Position Paper (Sharples 2011)

• Potential Impacts of Climate Change on the Fauna Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area (Mallick 2013)

• Vulnerability of Tasmania’s Natural Environment to Climate Change: an overview (DPIPWE 2010)

• Implementing Adaptation to Climate Change in Terrestrial and Freshwater Natural Environments in Tasmania (Gilfedder et al. 2012)

• Monitoring dry coastal vegetation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Part 1: Monitoring Priorities (Rudman et al. 2008); and

• Monitoring dry coastal vegetation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Part 2: Appraisal of Methods (Horton et al. 2008).

2.3 Consultation

This review was informed by workshops and discussions within DPIPWE (primarily with staff from RMC and PWS Divisions) and with external stakeholders and experts from other agencies. The workshops and consultation process provided forums for wide-ranging discussion and assessment of knowledge gaps, and provided valuable direction to determine priorities for biodiversity and geodiversity research and monitoring for the period 2013 - 2018.

Two workshops took place in December 2012 to identify research and monitoring priorities for flora and fauna for the next 5 - 10 years. Participants were from a range of agencies including RMC, PWS, University of Tasmania, Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, CSIRO, Forestry Tasmania, Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery, and the National Parks and Wildlife Advisory Council (NPWAC). Previous research and monitoring programs were summarised and known knowledge gaps were identified. The workshops considered the state of our knowledge on the condition of natural values within the TWWHA, the threats to natural values resulting from local and global processes, and the resilience of species and ecosystems to environmental change.

Similar discussions on future TWWHA research and monitoring priorities were held with experts in the field of geoconservation. Those consulted included members of the Tasmanian Geoconservation Database Reference Group, and geo-specialists from the University of Tasmania, Mineral Resources Tasmania, Forest Practice Authority and PWS. Those discussions resulted in identifying key knowledge gaps, and research and monitoring priorities to protect geodiversity within the TWWHA.

The key knowledge gaps and actions were then prioritised as high, medium or low by the Steering Committee in consultation with TWWHA program staff. Priorities that were identified as being medium or high are included in this review.


2.4 Key Knowledge Gaps and Actions

As a result of the review process the following key knowledge gaps and actions were identified:

• Integrated research and monitoring programs at key locations in the TWWHA

• The Central Plateau has been recognised as an area vulnerable to climate change but has been the focus of limited baseline research and monitoring

• Knowledge of Macquarie Harbour marine ecosystems

• Optimal fire regimes to maintain and enhance biodiversity without adverse impacts on organosols

• Holistic and integrated approach to biosecurity in the TWWHA

• The systematic identification, assessment and documentation of geodiversity and geoconservation values (see Annex I)

• Identification and assessment of poorly known taxa, ecosystems and specialised habitats (see Annexes II-III)

• Centralised repository for results from research and meta-data in the TWWHA; and

• A framework for enhanced communication and collaboration of integrated research in the TWWHA.

These gaps are addressed in the priority actions, together with monitoring and research that informs and improves management of the world heritage and other natural values of the TWWHA (Section 3).

Stephens Bay. Photo by Micah Visoiu.

14

The research and monitoring priorities outlined in this section are primarily based on the overarching management objectives of the Management Plan .

In order to assist evaluation and monitoring of the priority actions, and ensure the integration of the biodiversity and geodiversity actions where appropriate, the review has been structured to reflect the TWWHA natural values under four themes: 1. Identification2. Monitoring and Reporting3. Conservation, Protection and Rehabilitation4. Communication, Collaboration and Presentation.

A summary of the research and monitoring objectives under each of the four broad themes is provided in the table on the next page. Priority actions for each of the objectives are then listed within the four themes. In June 2013 the World Heritage Committee endorsed an addition of 170 000 hectares to the TWWHA and as a consequence additional research and monitoring priorities are likely to arise.

There is potential for actions listed under individual themes to overlap a number of the themes, however the report endeavours to allocate actions to discreet themes. For some themes and objectives, current knowledge is at a state where detailed actions can be prescribed, while for others, more overarching actions have had to be included. The duration field for the actions includes three classes: long-term; discrete and periodic. Long-term actions generally include large broad scale actions that cover the life of the plan. Implementation of long-term actions often requires that these long-term actions need subdividing into a number of discrete actions to complete specific components. Discrete actions would be expected to be completed within a single year or less. Periodic actions are those actions that require periodic activity and often include a number of episodic monitoring actions.


Summary of research and monitoring objectives within the overarching themes.

THEMES OBJECTIVES

1 . IDENTIFICATION – identify and increase understanding of natural values in the TWWHA and identify their state, national and international significance

1. Undertake systematic identification and assessment of biodiversity and geodiversity conservation values in the TWWHA

2 . MONITORING and REPORTING – monitor and report on TWWHA natural values, threats and ecosystem condition

2. Review existing monitoring programs and establish integrated baseline environmental monitoring programs to report on the status and trends of natural values and threats

3 . CONSERVATION, PROTECTION and REHABILITATION – identify and investigate adverse impacts on TWWHA natural values and processes, and where possible develop methods to mitigate impacts

3. Identify risks to natural values within the TWWHA from human activities and where possible develop options to mitigate impacts within and adjacent to the property

4. Enhance knowledge of the ecological role of fire in the TWWHA to improve fire management practices

5. Investigate and where possible implement options to build resilience of natural values to climate change

6. Investigate the impact of weeds, pests and diseases, and where possible identify methods to control or eradicate

7. Investigate requirements for rehabilitation and research rehabilitation techniques

4 . COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION and PRESENTATION – Communicate with stakeholders and potential collaborators

8. Establish a TWWHA research hub to facilitate communication, collaborative research work and easy access to past and future TWWHA research findings and data

9. Develop an effective TWWHA Research Communications Strategy

3 .0 RESEARCH AND MONITORING PRIORITIES


Priority Actions for Research and Monitoring

Theme 1: IDENTIFICATION – identify and increase understanding of natural values in the TWWHA and identify their state, national and international significance

•Objective1:Undertake systematic identification and assessment of biodiversity and geodiversity conservation values in the TWWHA

Actions Duration Priority

1.1 Systematically identify, assess and document geodiversity and geoconservation values in the TWWHA, prioritising outstanding universal values and those values most at risk of impacts from current and potential threats (Annex I provides potential target list to investigate).

Long-term

High

1.2 Identify, and improve knowledge of poorly known taxa and taxonomic groups within the TWWHA (currently identified targets are listed in Annex II).

Long-term

Medium

1.3 Facilitate and undertake surveys to document values of significant ecosystems and specialised habitats (priority ecosystems and habitats are listed in Annex III).

Long-term

Medium

Theme 2: MONITORING and REPORTING – monitor and report on TWWHA natural values, threats and ecosystem condition

•Objective2:Review existing monitoring programs and establish integrated baseline environmental monitoring programs to report on the status and trends of natural values and threats


2.1 Develop and implement a system of monitoring and reporting that integrates data from flora, fauna and earth sciences to inform management of the state and trends of TWWHA natural values and ecosystems.

Long-term

High

2.2 World Heritage Ecosystem Baseline Studies (WHEBS): establish integrated long-term monitoring of TWWHA natural values and processes focusing on research that informs management and improves understanding of ecosystem processes.

Long-term

High

2.3 Continue to identify and review knowledge gaps to ensure adequate monitoring of priority TWWHA natural values and threats.

Long-term

Medium

2.4 Characterise the current condition and monitor geodiversity values on a thematic basis (e.g. karst, coastal, fluvial, glacial).

Long-term

Medium

2.5 Identify and monitor areas free or relatively free of introduced weeds, pests and diseases.

Long-term

Medium


Theme 3: CONSERVATION, PROTECTION and REHABILITATION – identify and investigate impacts on TWWHA natural values and processes, and where possible develop methods to mitigate impacts

•Objective3:Identify risks to natural values within the TWWHA from human activities and where possible develop options to mitigate impacts within and adjacent to the property


3.1 Improve understanding of risks of increasing land and water-based tourism and recreation activities and infrastructure, and potential mitigation options and monitor impacted natural values.

Long-term

High

3.2 Increase knowledge of the natural values in Macquarie Harbour marine communities and establish baseline monitoring in order to assess potential impacts from possible development.

Discrete High

3.3 Monitor Port Davey marine invertebrate communities that are potentially vulnerable to boating, diving, cruise boats, or other activities and developments.

Periodic High

3.4 Document and monitor visitor impact in show and wild caves in the TWWHA, focussing on the effectiveness of the cave access policy in achieving sustainable visitation.

Periodic High

3.5 Monitor the impact of boat activities on the Gordon River and Port Davey estuaries.

Periodic Medium

3.6 Refine current soil classification systems to take into account unique soil properties of the TWWHA to inform the design and location of infrastructure, including grey water and footings within the TWWHA.

Discrete Medium

•Objective4:Enhance knowledge of the ecological role of fire in the TWWHA to improve fire management practices


4.1 Determine and review optimal fire regimes to better manage natural values based on present knowledge of soils, flora and fauna communities and the physical environment.

Discrete High

4.2 Assess the efficacy of planned burns in ecosystem management including maintaining biodiversity in montane grasslands and buttongrass moorlands, and enhancing Orange-bellied Parrot feeding habitat.

Long-term

High

4.3 Determine life history attributes of species that are impacted or benefitted by fire.

Long-term

High


4.4 Investigate and define environmental thresholds when fire sensitive communities become flammable.

Discrete High

4.5 Investigate the cumulative impact of fire on organic soils within the TWWHA in terms of soil losses (i.e. erosion) and changes to soil characteristics (e.g. hydrology, nutrient status, structure), and the relative importance of management responses during and post fire. Undertake dating to identify rates and timing of soil development and loss.

Long-term

High

4.6 Review the potential impact of fire on all soil types including the organic soils of rainforests and eucalypt forest, aeolian soils including sand dunes, fjaeldmark and mineral soils.

Discrete Medium

4.7 Establish a program to monitor peat dryness in buttongrass moorland with deep and skeletal soils to track changes in fire risk to allow adaptive management of planned burns.

Discrete Medium

4.8 Compile a complete long term fire history of the TWWHA utilising a range of data sources (e.g. peat and lake cores, regolith profiles, cave sediments).

Discrete Medium

4.9 Investigate the influence of fires on the spread of weeds, pests and diseases into and within the TWWHA.

Long-term

Medium

4.10 Measure the efficacy of hazard reduction burns in reducing fire risk, and the impact on geodiversity and biological systems to allow a clear analysis of net benefit or loss to natural values.

Long-term

Medium

•Objective5: Investigate and where possible implement options to build resilience of natural values to climate change


5.1 Increase understanding of geodiversity elements, taxa, taxonomic groups and ecosystems that are under immediate threat from climate change.

Long-term

High

5.2 Develop quantitative methods to assess the response of geodiversity to climate change and apply these to values at risk. Conduct targeted research to document geodiversity values likely to be destroyed or modified through climate change.

Long-term

High

5.3 Establish a long-term monitoring program to measure the condition (depth and temperature) of high-risk freshwater habitats in the TWWHA.

Discrete High

5.4 Monitor climate parameters at priority sites within the TWWHA (i.e. Mt Sprent and Cradle Plateau).

Periodic High


5.5 Maintain, and where appropriate expand the existing program of climate change vegetation monitoring in the TWWHA, including the alpine vegetation line monitoring, conifer health monitoring, fjaeldmark monitoring and coastal monitoring.

Periodic High

5.6 Undertake seed collection from a diverse range of species for germination testing and to model germination response groups.

Periodic Medium

5.7 Establish monitoring of key physical parameters, such as water temperature, salinity, oxygen concentration and nutrients, in the Port Davey-Bathurst Harbour estuary.

Discrete Medium

5.8 Undertake climate and or mechanistic modelling to predict the future distribution of taxa most at risk from climate change and establish long-term monitoring of those species.

Discrete High

5.9 Through modelling and field surveys, predict the impacts of pests, weeds and diseases on TWWHA natural values under climate change scenarios. Incorporate results into adaptive management strategies.

Long-term

Medium

5.10 Facilitate the establishment of appropriate research and monitoring to investigate changes in gene frequencies in species associated with climate change.

Long-term

Medium

5.11 Establish a more comprehensive and agreed risk management framework for monitoring and evaluation of the TWWHA flora.

Discrete Medium

•Objective6: Investigate the impact of weeds, pests and diseases, and where possible identify methods to control or eradicate


6.1 Investigate and develop biosecurity zones within the TWWHA to enhance protection of natural values from incursion or spread of existing and new pests, weeds and pathogens.

Discrete High

6.2 Monitor the status of frog species at risk from Chytridiomycosis and the spread of the disease, and develop appropriate response capabilities.

Long-term

High

6.3 Monitor the distribution and disease status of Tasmanian Devils in the TWWHA and identify potential pathways for disease spread, including into priority disease free areas.

Periodic High

6.4 Monitor the impacts and spread of Phytophthora and the effectiveness of biosecurity controls.

Periodic High

6.5 Monitor for incursions of new high risk weeds, pests and diseases (e.g. Didymo, Myrtle Rust, European Red Fox, New Zealand Screw Shell, Fallow Deer). Develop contingency plans for potential incursions of high risk species.

Periodic High


6.6 Monitor and investigate appropriate management strategies for control of invasive species that may impact on the survival of wild populations of Orange-bellied Parrots (e.g. Black Rat, Common Starling).

Periodic High

6.7 Monitor the spread and impact of Platypus Mucormycosis and Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease into and within the TWWHA. Develop mitigation strategies where appropriate.

Periodic Medium

6.8 Investigate impacts of priority introduced species (such as those identified in Mallick and Driessen 2010) and ecological interactions between native and introduced species (e.g. impact of cats should devils and or eastern quolls decline in the TWWHA) and specialised ecosystems (e.g. weeds in karst areas).

Long-term

Medium

6.9 Review and implement appropriate biological controls for limiting significant invasive species within or threatening the TWWHA.

Long-term

Medium

6.10 Investigate impact of lyrebirds on geodiversity, especially soil processes including erosion. Map population and identify high risk areas.

Discrete Medium

6.11 Identify pathways for spread of weeds, pests and diseases and develop strategies to prevent spread.

Discrete Medium

•Objective7:Investigate requirements for rehabilitation and research rehabilitation techniques


7.1 Undertake rehabilitation trials over a range of environments and impacts (e.g. small scale disturbances, Central Plateau, alpine, coastal, riparian).

Discrete Medium

7.2 Refine rehabilitation protocols and trial new techniques in areas in which success has been low, taking into account climate change (e.g. investigate the use of broader provenance seeds/species in rehabilitation).

Discrete Medium

7.3 Monitor existing rehabilitation areas to assess success (e.g. effectiveness of Ida Bay quarry rehabilitation on Exit Cave fauna and water quality).

Discrete Medium


Theme 4: COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION and PRESENTATION – Communicate with stakeholders and potential collaborators

•Objective8:Establish a TWWHA research hub to facilitate communication, collaborative research work and easy access to past and future TWWHA research findings and data


8.1 Scope a cost-effective model for a TWWHA research hub to act as a repository of TWWHA related research data and to facilitate collaboration between research programs.

Discrete High

8.2 Re-establish DPIPWE’s TWWHA Team as a means to communicate and collaborate within the Agency.

Periodic High

8.3 Develop and implement a comprehensive and accessible repository for TWWHA related research data through the TWWHA research hub by collating existing data and research in a compatible digital format, establishing data protocols and usage agreements.

Long-term

Medium

8.4 Through the TWWHA research hub develop a program to build a more collaborative approach to research in the TWWHA involving a wide range of researchers and research institutes.

Long-term

High

•Objective9: Develop an effective TWWHA Research Communications Strategy


9.1 Develop a Communications Strategy to identify key stakeholders, priority messages to be communicated, and the most effective communication tools.

Discrete High

9.2 Be proactive in the identification of aspects and areas of the TWWHA appropriate for presentation to stakeholders.

Periodic Medium


This report applies only to the TWWHA and not to other world heritage areas within Tasmanian jurisdiction (e .g . Macquarie Island) .

The focus is on research and monitoring to inform and improve management and not management per se which is more appropriately the focus of the Management Plan which largely determines the operations of the PWS in the property .

Whilst only natural values of the TWWHA are considered in this report, it is acknowledged that there aresignificantculturalvalueswithinthe property .

This report presents research and monitoring priorities for the TWWHA based on available knowledge and threats at the time of writing (June 2013). This should not preclude other priorities arising as a result of new identified threats or risks, new discoveries, and or new opportunities that may be identified as important in achieving the goal of improving understanding and effective management of the TWWHA. As an example, in June 2013 the World Heritage Committee endorsed an addition of 170 000 hectares to the TWWHA. This extension included Mt Field National Park, a number of other adjacent reserves and land previously used, or available for forestry operations. As a consequence additional research and monitoring priorities are likely to arise.

More research and monitoring priorities have been identified than can be realistically achieved given historic and expected future levels of resourcing. It is likely therefore that some priorities will not be addressed in the short to medium term. This document however provides guidance to assist the most effective prioritisation of resources by RMC and other stakeholders to monitoring and research within the TWWHA.

4 .0 SCOPE AND C AVEATS

Sharlands Peak. Photo by Tim Rudman.


Anumberofprioritiesidentifiedinthis document can only be achieved by effective collaboration with partners in other organisations . While RMC will be actively seeking external partnerships, we also encourage other organisations and individuals to approach RMC to develop programs of mutual interest andbenefit.Keyprioritiesidentifiedin this review underscore the importance of effective and extensive communication, networking and engagement with stakeholders to achievetheaimsoftheidentifiedpriorities .

5.0 PARTNERSHIPS

Pencil pine, Walls of Jerusalem National Park. Photo by Tim Rudman.


The priorities for research and monitoringidentifiedfortheperiod2013-2018 include the following actions:

• Develop a system for monitoring and reporting on TWWHA ecosystems that integrates biodiversity and geodiversity data to inform management of the status and trends of TWWHA values and the property condition.

• Systematically identify, assess and document biodiversity, geodiversity and conservation values in the TWWHA.

• Establish the World Heritage Ecosystem Baseline Study (WHEBS) as an integrated long-term monitoring program that focuses on research and monitoring questions important for sound management and understanding of ecosystem processes.

• A focus on the vulnerability of, and risk to, TWWHA natural values resulting from a changing climate and inappropriate fire regimes.

• A focus on knowledge gaps to ensure adequate understanding and monitoring of priority TWWHA natural values, species, and ecosystems.

• Identify threats to TWWHA natural values, including weeds, pests, diseases and anthropogenic impacts, and where possible investigate mitigation options, including strengthening biosecurity arrangements.

• Establish a TWWHA research hub to improve communication and collaboration with stakeholders; improve presentation of the TWWHA natural values to the public; and serve as a comprehensive data repository of TWWHA research and monitoring results.

These priorities will bring together existing research and monitoring programs which, when combined with new landscape level monitoring, will improve our capacity to report on TWWHA ecosystem health.

Developing World Heritage Ecosystem Baseline Study (WHEBS) sites will enhance collaborative research and monitoring outputs to inform management and understanding, and will focus on key threats, such as climate change and inappropriate fire regimes. Strengthening biosecurity, including measures to protect areas currently free of high impact invasive species, will continue to be an important focus. Measures to minimise the impact of invasive species and pathogens will also increase the resilience of natural values in the TWWHA to impacts such as climate change.

The research hub will underpin research, monitoring and enhanced communication and collaboration in the TWWHA by providing a framework for collating, storing and communicating information from past and future programs.

6 .0 KEY RESEARCH AND MONITORING INITIATIVES

Mount Anne. Photo by Michael Comfort.


The timeframe for implementation of these research and monitoring prioritiesisalignedwiththefive-year implementation plan of the Natural Heritage Strategy . Starting in July 2013, the aim is to implement a program of priority actions as far as resources will permit . This implementation plan will include ongoing evaluation and performance monitoringduringthefiveyearlycycle . This timeframe is appropriate to progress and review research and monitoring priorities and set or renew future objectives and priorities for management .

Annual prioritised work programs will be documented and incorporated into DPIPWE’s Divisional and Branch business plans .

7.0 IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION


Many people are gratefully acknowledged for contributing their expertise and ideas during the development of this review . Specificallyweacknowledgeallparticipants of the workshops and discussion groups . In addition we gratefully acknowledge the valuable contributions by Mike Askey-Doran, Jason Bradbury, Rolan Eberhard, Craig Elliott, Mark Holdsworth, David Pemberton, Alice Morris, Tim O’Loughlin, Annie Philips, Tim Rudman, Alistair Scott, Kath Storey, Janet Tieman, Peter Voller and Erik Wapstra .

Photographs provided by Paul Black, Michael Comfort, Michael Driessen, Mark Holdsworth, Annie Philips, Tim Rudman and Micah Visoiu .

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Orange-bellied Parrot. Photo by Mark Holdsworth.

31

Alderman, R., Gales, R., Tuck, G.N. and Lebreton, J.B. (2011). Global population status of shy albatross and an assessment of colony-specific trends and drivers. Wildlife Research 38: 672-686.

Aquenal (2003). Exotic Marine Pests Survey, Small Ports, Tasmania, November 2003. Report prepared for the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania. Aquenal Pty Ltd, Kingston.

Aquenal (2007). Lake Fidler 1977-2006: A comprehensive summary of the project including current status assessments and scopes for future works. Unpublished report to Hydro Tasmania. Aquenal Pty Ltd, Kingston.

Aquenal (2011). Re-survey of Introduced Marine Pests in Port Davey. Report for the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (Tasmania). Aquenal Pty Ltd, Kingston.

Balmer, J., Whinam, J., Kirkpatrick, J.B. and Lazarus, E. (2004). A review of the floristic values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Nature Conservation Report 2004/3. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania. Australia.

Barrett, N., Oh, E., Meyer, L., Jones, D. and Edgar, G. (2010). A biological monitoring survey of reef biota within Bathurst Channel, southwest Tasmania 2010. IMAS, University of Tasmania, Hobart.

Barrett, N., Edgar, G., Lawler, M. and Halley, V. (2004). A quantitative video baseline survey of reef biota and survey of marine habitats within Bathurst Channel, SW Tasmania 2004. Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute Internal Report. 55 pp.

Baynes, F. (1990) A preliminary survey of the coastal geomorphology of the World Heritage Area, South West Tasmanian. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Tasmania.

Blakemore, R.J. (2000). The Taxonomic Status of the Earthworm Fauna of Lake Pedder, Western Tasmania World Heritage Area — with the description of three new genera and fourteen new species. Records of the Queen Victoria Museum 109: 1–36.

Bradbury, J. (2005). Managing Lower Gordon River erosion – geoconservation of landforms affected by tourism. Snapshot 14.3 in Worboys, G., Lockwood, M. and De Lacy, T. (eds.) Protected Area Management Principles and Practice, 2nd edition. Oxford University Press.

Bradbury, J. (2011). Eroding landforms within the Port Davey ria estuary complex: wave wake or sea level rise? Monitoring report for the decade 2000 – 2010. Department of Primary Industries Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Bradbury, J., Cullen, P., Dixon, G. and Pemberton, M. (1995). Streambank erosion, revegetation and management of the lower Gordon River, Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Environmental Management 19: 259 – 272.

Bridle, K., Cullen, P. and Russell, M. (2003). Peatland Hydrology, fire management and Holocene fire regimes in southwest Tasmanian blanket bogs. Nature Conservation Report Series 03/07. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.

Brothers, N. and Pemberton, D. (1990). Status of the Australian and New Zealand fur seals at Maatsuyker Island, Southwestern Tasmania. Australian Wildlife Research 17: 563-569.

Brothers, N., Pemberton, D., Pryor, H. and Halley, V. (2001). Tasmania’s offshore islands; seabirds and other natural features. Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery Publishing: 639 pp.

Brothers, N., Wiltshire, A., Pemberton, D., Mooney, N. and Green, B. (2003).The feeding ecology and field energetics of the Pedra Branca skink

REFERENCES AND SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION


(Niveoscincus palfreymani). Wildlife Research 30: 81-86.

Brown, M.J. (2009). Monitoring the impact of climate change on the flora and vegetation values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: a review. Unpublished report, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Bunce, A., Norman, F.I., Brothers, N. and Gales, R. (2002). Long-term trends in the Australasian gannet (Morus serrator) population in Australia: the effect of climate change and commercial fisheries. Marine Biology 141: 263-269.

Chaudhry, T. (2010). Avifaunal ecology and responses to post-fire succession of buttongrass moorlands in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Unpubished PhD Thesis, University of Tasmania.

Cullen, P. (1995). Land degradation on the Central Plateau, Tasmania: The legacy of 170 years of exploitation. Occasional paper no. 34, Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.

Davies, P.E. and Driessen, M.M. (1997). Surface water quality at three key locations in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Report on a pilot monitoring program. Wildlife Report, 97/2.

Davies, P.E. and Driessen, M.M. (1999). Condition of streams associated with selected visitor facilities on the Overland Track, Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park. Nature Conservation Report 99/2. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

Davies, P.E., Cook, L.S.J., Robinson, W.R. and Sloane, T. (2009). Status of Trout-free Waters in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Report to Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart. Freshwater Systems Aquatic Environmental Consulting Service.

Dixon, G. (1991). Earth resources of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area – a preliminary inventory of geological, geomorphological and soil features. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Hobart, Tasmania.

Doran, N.E., Balmer, J., Driessen, M., Bashford, R., Grove, S., Richardson, A.M.M., Griggs, J., and Ziegeler, D. (2003). Moving with the times: baseline data to gauge future shifts in vegetation and invertebrate altitudinal assemblages due to environmental changes. Organisms, Diversity and Evolution 3: 127-149.

DPIW (2008). Wildlife Monitoring Strategy. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart, Tasmania.

DPIPWE (2010). Vulnerability of Tasmania’s Natural Environment to Climate Change: an overview. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

DPIPWE (2011). Vulnerability of Tasmania’s Natural Environment to Climate Change: an Overview. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

DPIPWE (2012). Native Vegetation Monitoring Strategy, 2012. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

DPIPWE (2012). Research and Monitoring in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Unpublished report, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

DPIPWE (2013). DPIPWE Natural Heritage Strategy. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Driessen, M.M. (2009). Baseline monitoring of the Tasmanian Glow-worm and other cave fauna: Exit Cave and Mystery Creek Cave – Tasmania. Nature


Conservation Report 09/02. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania.

Driessen, M.M., Comfort, M.D., Jackson, J., Balmer, J. Richardson, A.M.M. and McQuillan, P.B. (1997). Wilderness Ecosystems Baseline Studies: Pelion Plains - Mt Ossa. Wildlife Report 97/3. Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service.

Driessen, M.M. (1999). Effects of fire on the broad-toothed mouse, Mastacomys fuscus, and other small mammals in buttongrass moorlands of western Tasmania – preliminary findings. Pp 119-126 in The Proceedings of the Australian Bushfire Conference, Albury Australia 7-9 July 1999.

Driessen, M.M. (1999). Management of threatened invertebrates of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Pp 333-40 in The Other 99%. The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates ed by W. Ponder and D. Lunney. Transactions of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Driessen, M.M. (2010). Enhancing the conservation of the Tasmanian Glow-worm (Arachnocampa tasmaniensis) by monitoring seasonal changes in light displays and life stages. Journal of Insect Conservation 14: 65–75.

Driessen, M.M. and Greenslade, P. (2004). Effect of season, location and fire on Collembola communities in buttongrass moorlands, Tasmania. Pedobiologia 48: 631-642.

Driessen, M.M. and Mallick, S. A. (2007). The life history of Allanaspides hickmani Swain, Wilson and Ong, 1971 (Syncarida, Anaspididae). Crustaceana 80: 1171-1192.

Driessen, M.M. and Mallick, S.A. (2003). The vertebrate fauna of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Pacific Conservation Biology 9: 187-206.

Driessen, M.M., Kirkpatrick, J.B. and McQuillan, P.B. (2013). Shifts in Composition of Monthly

Invertebrate Assemblages in Moorland Differed between Lowland and Montane Locations but not Fire-Ages. Environmental Entomology 42: 58–73.

Driessen, M.M., Mallick, S.A., Lee, A., and Thurstans, S. (2006). Loss of habitat through inundation and the conservation status of two endemic Tasmanian Syncarid crustaceans: Allanaspides hickmani and A. helonomus. Oryx 40: 464-467.

Eberhard, S. (1999). Cave fauna management and monitoring at Ida Bay, Tasmania. Nature Conservation Report Series 99/1.

Eberhard, S. (2000). Reconnaissance survey of cave fauna and management issues in the Mole Creek Karst National Park. Nature Conservation Report Series 00/1.

Edgar, G.J., Last, P.R., Barrett, N.S., Gowlett-Holmes, K., Driessen, M. and Mooney, P. (2009). Conservation of natural wilderness values in the Port Davey marine and estuarine protected area, south-western Tasmania. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 20: 297–311.

Edgar, G.J., Last, P.R., Barrett, N.S., Gowlett-Holmes, K., Driessen, M. and Mooney, P. (2007). Marine and Estuarine Ecosystems in the Port Davey – Bathurst Harbour Region: Biodiversity, Threats and Management Options. A report by Aquenal Pty Ltd to the Department of Primary Industries and Water, Tasmania.

Ellis C., Barrett N., and Schmieman S. (2005). Wilderness Cruising: Turbulence, cruise ships and benthic communities. Tourism in Marine Environments 2: 1–12.

Elvey, W.F. (2002) The impacts of Brown Trout (Salmo trutta) in streams: the implications of prey identity and habitat. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart.

Fitzgerald, N. (2011). Establishment Report for the


Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Climate Change Monitoring Program – Montane Conifers. Nature Conservation Report Series 11/06.

Gaffney, R.F., Hamr, P. and Davies, P.E. (1992). The Pedder Galaxias Recovery Plan: Management Phase. Department of Parks, Wildlife and Heritage, Tasmania.

Gilfedder, L., Macgregor, N., Bridle, K., Carter, O. and Sprod, D. (2012). Implementing Adaptation to Climate Change in Terrestrial and Freshwater Natural Environments in Tasmania. Report on an expert workshop held in Hobart on 28-29 November 2011.

Gillieson, D.S. (1996). Caves: Processes, Development and Management. Blackwell Publishers, Oxford.

Green, D. (2009). The soil mites of buttongrass moorland (Tasmania) and their response to fire as a management tool In Sabelis, M.W. and Bruin, J. (eds) Trends in Acarology. Springer, Amsterdam, 179-183.

Greenslade, P., and Driessen, M.M. (1999). The effect of fire on epigaeic arthropods in buttongrass moorland in Tasmania. Pp 82-89 in The Other 99%. The Conservation and Biodiversity of Invertebrates ed by W. Ponder and D. Lunney. Transactions of the Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales.

Horton, B.M., Rudman, T., Balmer, J. and Houshold, I. (2008). Monitoring dry coastal vegetation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Part 2: Appraisal of Methods. Nature Conservation Report Series 2008/4. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Houshold, I. and Spate, A. (1990). Geomorphology and hydrology of the Ida Bay Karst Area, Department of Parks Wildlife and Heritage,

Hobart, Tasmania.

Jackson, J.E. (2000). Threatened Trichoptera (caddisflies) from the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania, 134: 55-62.

Johnson, K.A., Whinam, J. Buchanan, A.M. and Balmer, J. (2008). Ecological observations and new locations of a rare moss Ambuchanania leucobryoides (Ambuchananiaceae). Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 142: 79-84.

Kiernan, K. (1993). The Exit Cave quarry: tracing water flows and resource policy evaluation. Helictite 31: 27-42.

Kirkwood, R., Pemberton, D., Gales, R., Hoskins, A., Mitchell, T., Shaughnessy, P.D. and Arnould J.P.Y. (2010). Continued population recovery by Australian fur seals. Marine and Freshwater Science 61: 695-701.

Locke, S. (2007) The Distribution and Abundance of Fallow Deer in the Central Plateau Conservation Area and Adjacent Areas in Tasmania. Nature Conservation Report Series 07/02, Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart.

Mallick, S.A. (2001). Pollination ecology of Tasmanian leatherwood Eucryphia lucida, and the impacts of hive honeybees. Unpublished PhD thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart.

Mallick, S.A. (2013). Impacts of Climate Change on the Fauna Values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Unpublished report, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Mallick, S.A. and Driessen, M.M. (2003). Feeding of wildlife: How effective are the ‘Keep Wildlife Wild’ signs in Tasmania’s National Parks? Ecological Management and Restoration 4: 199-204.

Mallick, S.A. and Driessen, M.M. (2005). An inventory


of the invertebrates of the Tasmanian Wilderness World heritage Area. Pacific Conservation Biology 11: 198-211.

Mallick, S.A. and Driessen, M.M. (2010). Review, Risk Assessment and Management of Introduced Animals in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Department of Primary industries, Parks, Water and Environment Nature Conservation Report 10/01.

Mallick, S.M. and Driessen, M.M. (2009). Impacts of hive honeybees on Tasmanian leatherwood Eucryphia lucida Labill. (Eucryphiaceae). Austral Ecology 34: 185-195.

Nelson, M. 2004. Distribution of the western paragalaxias (Paragalaxias julianus) (Pisces: Galaxiidae) on the western Central Plateau, Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of the Royal Society of Tasmania 138: 61-65.

OBPRT (2006). Orange-bellied Parrot Recovery Team. National Recovery Plan for the Orange-bellied Parrot. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart.

Pemberton, D. and Skira, I. (1989). The elephant seal in Tasmania. Victorian Naturalist 106: 202-204.

Philips, A. and Driessen, M.M. (2008) Strategy for managing wildlife disease in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart, Tasmania.

PWS (1999). The Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Plan 1999. Parks and Wildlife Service Tasmania.

Rounsevell, D., Brothers, N. And Holdsworth, M. (1985). The status and ecology of the Pedra Branca skink Pseudemoia palfreymani. Pp 477-489 in: The Biology of Australasian Frogs and Reptiles. G. Grigg., R. Shine and Ehmann, H. (eds). Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales, Sydney.

Rudman, T., Horton, B.M. and Balmer, J. (2008). Monitoring dry coastal vegetation in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Part 1: Monitoring Priorities. Nature Conservation Report Series 2008/1. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart.

Schahinger, R. Rudman, T. and Wardlaw, T. (2003). Conservation of Tasmanian Plant Species and Communities Threatened by Phytophthora cinnamomi. Strategic Regional Plan for Tasmania. Nature Conservation Branch Technical Report 03/03. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment.

Sharples, C. (2003). A review of the geoconservation values of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Nature Conservation Report 03/06, Nature Conservation Branch, Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Sharples, C. (2011). Potential climate change impacts on geodiversity in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area: A management response position paper. Nature Conservation Report Series 11/04. Resource Management and Conservation Division, Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Skira, I, Brothers, N. and Pemberton, D. (1996). Distribution and abundance of short-tailed shearwaters in Tasmania. Marine Ornithology 24: 1-14.

Smith, S.J. and Banks, M.R. (eds) (1993). Tasmanian Wilderness – World Heritage Values. Royal Society of Tasmania, Hobart.

Storey, D. and Balmer, J. (2010). Buttongrass moorland vegetation recovery following fire. In Balmer, J. (ed.) Proceedings of the 2007 Buttongrass Moorland Management Workshop. Nature


Conservation Report Series 10/4. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania, pp 65–69.

Storey, K. and Comfort, M. (2007). A progress report on the development of rehabilitation priorities for broad scale erosion within the World Heritage Area on the Central Plateau Tasmania 2005-06. Nature Conservation Report Series 07/01. Resource Management and Conservation Division, Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart.

Styger, J. and Balmer, J. (2009). Alpine treeline ecotone monitoring program within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. Nature Conservation Report Series 09/4. Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Tanner, Z. (2000) Ecological Impacts of the Superb Lyrebird in Tasmania. Unpublished Honours Thesis, University of Tasmania, Hobart.

Threatened Species Section (2009). Listing Statement for Pherosphaera hookeriana (drooping pine). Department of Primary Industries and Water, Hobart, Tasmania.

Threatened Species Section (2010). Listing Statement for Rhytidosporum inconspicuum (alpine appleberry). Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Hobart, Tasmania.

Threatened Species Unit (2001). Pedra Branca Skink Recovery Plan. Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment, Tasmania.

Tyler, P., Terry, C. and Howland, M. (2001). Gordon River meromictic lakes assessment. In Basslink integrated impact assessment statement. Potential effects of changes to hydro power generation. Main Report Appendix 11. Victoria, Basslink National Grid Project. (Ed. H. Locher), Hydro Hobart.

Whinam, J. and Chilcott, N. (1999). Impacts of trampling on alpine environments in central Tasmania. Journal of Environmental Management 57, 205-220.

Whinam, J. and Chilcott, N. (2003). Impacts after four years of experimental trampling on alpine/sub-alpine environments in western Tasmania. Journal of Environmental Management 67, 339-351.

Whinam, J. and Comfort, M. (1996). The impact of commercial horse riding on sub-alpine environments at Cradle Mountain, Tasmania, Australia. Journal of Environmental Management 47, 61-70.

Whinam, J., Cannell, E. J., Kirkpatrick, J. B. and Comfort, M. (1994). Studies on the potential impact of recreational horseriding on some alpine environments of the Central Plateau, Tasmania. Journal of Environmental Management 40, 103-117.

Whinam, J., Chilcott, N., Wyatt, P. and Ling, R. (2003). Managing walking impacts in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. In: Buckley, R.C., Pickering, C. and Weaver, D. (eds.) Nature Tourism and the Environment, pp. 151-165. CABI, Wallingford.

Wiltshire, A., Hamilton, S. and Brothers, N. (2004). First record of Soft-plumaged Petrels, Pterodroma mollis, breeding in Australia. Emu 104: 363-368.


ANNEX I – Priority Geodiversity Themes for Assessment

Three concurrent projects that are currently undertaking gap analysis of geoconservation values in the TWWHA with final reports due at the end of June 2013 will be fundamental in helping determine priority themes for further detailed geodiversity assessments. It is likely that priority themes for the systematic identification and assessment of geodiversity values in the TWWHA will include in the first instance:

• Glacial• Periglacial• Coastal• Organic soils.


ANNEX II – Poorly Known Taxa and Taxonomic Groups

FAUNA

Most invertebrate groups require substantial further survey and taxonomic work to improve the current inventory of species in the TWWHA and major habitats in the TWWHA. Taxonomic expertise is a limitation that will affect priorities. Poorly known TWWHA invertebrate taxa identified by Mallick and Driessen (2005) are given below.

Groups with no described species in the TWWHA include:

• Bristletails (Archaeognatha)• Diplurans (Diplura)• Termites (Isoptera)• Nematodes (Nematoda)• Lacewings and antlions (Neuroptera)• Paurapods (Paurapoda)• Lice (Pthiraptera)• Proturans (Protura)• Fleas (Siphonoptera)• Symphylans (Symphyla)• Silverfish (Thysanura).

Groups which are poorly represented in the TWWHA but which are likely to have a diverse fauna include:

• Mites (Acarina)• Beetles (Coleoptera)• Flies (Diptera)• True bugs (Hemiptera)• Bees, wasp and ants (Hymenoptera).

In addition Edgar et al. (2007) recommended taxonomic studies of soft sediment and reef marine invertebrate communities of Port Davey–Bathurst Harbour.

Vertebrate groups are generally better surveyed than invertebrates. However, because access to most of the TWWHA is difficult survey coverage is patchy. Furthermore, there are a number of Tasmanian endemic vertebrate taxa that are largely restricted to the TWWHA that may contain cryptic species and/or little is known about their ecology:

• Alpine skinks (Niveoscincus spp.)• Bathurst Harbour skate (Zearaja maugeanais)• Broad-toothed mouse (Mastacomys fuscus)• Cusk Eel (Microbrotula sp.)• Galaxiid fishes (Galaxiidae)• Southern emu-wren (Stipiturus malachurus)• Ground parrot (Pezoporus wallicus)• Tasmanian frogs• Burrowing petrels.

There are a number of TWWHA fauna species listed under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 for which little is known about their distribution or ecology, including:

• Spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus)• Grey goshawk (Accipiter novaehollandiae)• Azure kingfisher (Alcedo azurea)• Wedge-tailed eagle (Aquila audax)• Masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae)• Soft-plumaged petrel (Pterodroma mollis)• Australian grayling (Prototroctes maraena)• McCubbin’s microcaddisfly (Taskiria mccubbini)• Lake Pedder microcaddisfly (Taskiropsyche

lacustris)• Spotted microcaddisfly (Orphninotrichia maculata)• Miena caddisfly (Oxethira mienica)• Pedra Branca skink (Niveoscincus palfreymani).

ANNEXES – KNOWLEDGE GAPS

39Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013–2018

FLORA

Under the general definition of flora there are numerous under-studied groups which have had limited survey work within the TWWHA. Non-vascular groups have been repeatedly identified as the group about which little is known in relation to their distribution or ecology. These non-vascular groups include:

• Freshwater aquatic alga• Hornworts• Lichen • Littoral and supralittoral marine alga• Liverworts• Macrofungi and fungi in general• Marine alga within TWWHA (Port Davey,

Macquarie Harbour) • Mosses• Terrestrial alga.

There are numerous species listed under the Threatened Species Protection Act 1995 and/or known only from a handful of records in the TWWHA which are candidates for extension surveys, potential targets include:

• Daisy pan moss (Ambucaniana leucobryoides)• Snow sedge (Carex cephalotes)• Dark fen sedge (Carex hypandra)• Sedge (Carex sp. Western Tasmania)• Pedder bristlewort (Centrolepis pedderensis)• Humble snow gentian (Gentianella demissa)• Sandstone fingerfern (Grammitis garrettii)• Slender pennywort (Hydrocotyle tripartita)• Limestone quillwort (Isoetes sp. Maxwell River)• Hill blowngrass (Lachnagrostis collicola)• Kings lomatia (Lomatia tasmanica)• Slender woodrush (Luzula atrata)• Shortleaf milligania (Milligania johnstonii)• Longleaf milligania (Milligania longifolia)• Limestone caraway (Oreomyrrhis gunnii)• Mountain poranthera (Oreoporanthera petalifera)• Lichen (Parmeliopsis ambigua)• Lichen (Parmeliopsis hyperopta)• Creeping geebung (Persoonia moscalii)• Leafy geebung (Persoonia muelleri subsp. densifolia)• Twinned buttercup (Ranunculus jugosus)• Tasmanian pearlwort (Sagina diemensis)• Showy alpine groundsel (Senecio primulaefolius)• Coast speedwell (Veronica novae-hollandiae).


ANNEX III - Ecosystems and Specialised Habitats to Target for Integrated Surveys

• Alkaline pans• Alpine environments• Alpine karst areas• Buttongrass moorland – rainforest mosaic• Central Plateau• Coastal areas, sandy coasts vulnerable to impacts

of climate change• Huon Pine swamp forest• Islands, both offshore and within lakes• Isolated alpine environments• Littoral and supralittoral environments• Macquarie Harbour• Meromictic lakes• Montane grasslands• Port Davey marine ecosystem• Ultramafic areas• Wetlands, particularly alpine and estuarine types.

41Research and Monitoring Priorities 2013–2018

Depar tment of Pr imar y Industr ies, Par ks, Water and Environment

Resource Management and Conser vation Divis ion134 Macquar ie Street Hobar tGPO Box 44 Hobar t TAS 7001www.dpipwe .tas.gov.au

BL10

797