Wj. Panton, CHANGES IN POST-WORLD-WAR-II DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS OF MONSOON RAIN-FORESTS IN THE DARWIN AREA, Australian Geographer, 24(2), 1993, pp. 50-59
Monsoon rainforests in the Darwin area occur as isolated patches rangi
ng in size from 2 to 112 ha. Aerial photographic records over a 45 yea
r period indicate a 60 per cent reduction in the cover of pre-1945 rai
nforest. Urban development, cyclone damage, weed invasion and wildfire
were identified as the major causes of this contraction. Urban develo
pment contributed 40 per cent of the total rainforest loss during this
period. Rainforests occurring on dry substrates have been most affect
ed by urban development. Cyclonic storm damage, and indirect human aff
ects such as weed invasion and anthropogenic fires continue to disturb
the remaining rainforest patches. Although the largest expanses of ra
inforest presently occur within parks and reserves, providing adequate
protection from further urban encroachment, smaller remnants occurrin
g on vacant crown land are vulnerable to changes in land use. As well
as the introduction of appropriate legislation, the control of fire an
d weeds should be given the highest priority by land managers to ensur
e the stability and long-term maintenance of this remnant vegetation.