The Big Scrub was once the largest expanse of subtropical
rainforest in Australia, less than 1 percent remains today as fragmented
remnants scattered across 75,000 hectares.
The remnants contain a rich diversity of flora and fauna, supporting
more than 300 species of trees and shrubs. At least 28 threatened
species of flora and 22 species of fauna are found in the remnants.
Their high conservation value is reflected in the inclusion of the
thirty-two largest remnants in the Register of the National Estate,
"the places we should keep".
It is of vital concern that the remaining Big Scrub remnants be nurtured
and cared for. The Booyong Remnant has especially high conservation
value. Its vegetation is floodplain lowland subtropical rainforest,
which is also listed as an Endangered Ecological Community under the
NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act.
The Threat to Big Scrub Remnants
The Big Scrub Rainforest Remnants requires active care and maintenance.
Their condition has steadily deteriorated over the years due to
the impact of many damaging weed species that spread rapidly throughout
the remnant. These vigorously growing weeds smother native plants,
seriously degrading the forest structure and arrest natural regeneration.
Without effective weed control the remnant's health and viability
will decline and future regeneration works will increase exponentially.
Many weed species are responsible for the degradation of the Big
Scrub remnants. The most troublesome are Madiera Vine (Anredera
cordifolia), Large- and Small-Leaved Privet (Ligustrum lucidum,
Ligustrum sinense), Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea) and Wanderer
(Tradescantia fluminensis). Madiera Vine is the most destructive
due to its extremely efficient reproductive system, very rapid growth,
heavy weight and capacity to blanket even large trees. It can reduce
healthy rainforest to a stand of vine-draped poles within one to
two decades. Privet effectively invades the understorey, dominates
the midstorey, and covers the forest floor, displacing native species.
Wanderer forms a thick mat, effectively inhibiting the germination
of rainforest seedlings.
Rainforest Rescue Responds
Rainforest Rescue has been working with project partners, The Big
Scrub Rainforest Landcare Group to restore the Big Scrub since 1999.
The initial focus of the restoration works was on the Booyong Flora
reserve. In June 2002 Rainforest Rescue announced the completion
of the primary works required to restore Booyong. Now at a "care
and maintenance level" Booyong will require follow up work
to ensure weeds do not return.
Hundreds of tax-deductible donations and support from Thursday Plantation
Laboratories, Southern Cross Credit Union, The Beach Hotel (Byron
Bay) and the Byron Yoga Centre have funded Rainforest Rescue's involvement
in this important project.
Work is now underway to restore all of the Big Scrub Remnants. Funding
is required so why not make a donationand save our rainforests for
current and future generations.
Established in 1999 Big Scrub Rainforest
Day is the annual celebration of the Big Scrub. Come along and
learn about our rainforest their conservation and restoration.
Please contact us if your business would like to join Rainforest
rescue in a community/business partnershipinfo@rainforestrescue.org.au
The
Big Scrub (past)
The
Big Scrub (present)
Booyong
Flora Reserve Map (Approx 25k)
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