CHANGES IN POST-WORLD-WAR-II DISTRIBUTION AND STATUS OF MONSOON RAIN-FORESTS IN THE DARWIN AREA

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.