THE INVASION OF LANTANA-CAMARA L IN FORTY-MILE-SCRUB-NATIONAL-PARK, NORTH QUEENSLAND

Seventy-three per cent of dry rainforest in Forty Mire Scrub National Park and large areas in adjacent savanna woodland have more than 5000 individuals per ha of lantana (Lantana camara L.). Transect studies in dry rainforest and savanna woodland across varying intensities of lan tana infestation show a negative correlation between the density of la ntana and tree cover in rainforest. The density of pig rooting is very high in areas of the dry rainforest on deep soil that was not heavily infested with lantana. It is suggested that the digging activities of these animals may cause tree death and subsequent increased light pen etration, which favours lantana. The species richness of the dry rainf orest declines as the density of lantana increases. However, the sapli ngs and seedlings and the soil seed bank of dry rainforest and savanna woodland tree species have comparable densities in heavy and light la ntana infestations. The proliferation of lantana results in the build up of heavy fuel loads across the boundary of dry rainforest and savan na woodland. Recent fires have killed the canopy trees in a large area of dry rainforest within the Park. Active management of Forty Mile Sc rub National Park is urgent and some initiatives are suggested.