Vj. Neldner et al., THE NATURAL GRASSLANDS OF CAPE-YORK PENINSULA, AUSTRALIA - DESCRIPTION, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS, Biological Conservation, 81(1-2), 1997, pp. 121-136
The grasslands of Cape York Peninsula in monsoonal north Queensland, A
ustralia represent extensive examples of this formation that have been
relatively undisturbed by agricultural development. Fourteen grasslan
d units are mapped on the basis of their relationship to soils and lan
dforms. Nine grassland communities were derived from a floristic analy
sis of the site data, and are related to the mapping units. Half of th
e grassland map units have less than 10% of their area protected in co
nservation reserves. The annual forb sickle pod Senna obtusifolia is c
onsidered to be the most serious exotic weed at present, because it do
minates lar ge areas of unreserved Imperata cylindrica grassland, a co
mmunity that does not occur extensively elsewhere in Australia. Wetlan
d exotic grasses that are being actively promoted for agriculture pose
a potential threat to the Oryza grasslands that occur over large area
s of the seasonally flooded coastal plains. It is recommended that fur
ther exotic pasture species should not be grown on Cape York Peninsula
unless their containment can be assured. Same grasslands appear to be
maintained by fire. Data are provided that demonstrate the conversion
of some grassland types to woodlands in the last 30 years, and it see
ms probable that the change is a result of altered fire regimes. Even
if adequately reserved, appropriate fire management is required to mai
ntain the grasslands of Cape York Peninsula. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science
Ltd.