9th Property Saved in Daintree - April 2007

Exciting news. We are very pleased and excited to announce the purchase and protection of a 9th property through the Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project. Thank you to every one who has helped to achieve this wonderful outcome. With your support another piece of our wonderful World Heritage value rainforest heritage has been saved. Photo Slide Show of Ninth Property

Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation

Located just a few minutes from Cape Tribulation, the property is covered in the wonderful lowland tropical rainforest that has made this location an Australian conservation icon and renowned throughout the world. The 2.12 hectare property, in Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation lies within a "rainforest residential precinct" on the local government planning scheme.

This type of zoning meant that the property could have been developed for housing at any time. Now that we've made the purchase the property will be protected in perpetuity.

Cape Tribulation Coast

The new property lies just at the start of the slope leading up into the hills overlooking some outstanding coastal scenery with Tribulation Creek tumbling eastwards over a rocky bed towards the nearby sea.

The Regional Ecosystem mapping service provided on line by the Queensland Government's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), shows the majority of the block to be listed as "Of concern" ecosystem category 7.11.23 being described as "Complex mesophyll vine forest on fertile, well drained metamorphics of very wet and wet footslopes".

There is also an "Endangered" ecosystem 7.3.17 on the nearby lowlands and the general area is classified as essential habitat for the endangered Cassowary.

Fan Palms

A baseline vegetation survey was conducted prior to our confirming our offer to purchase the property. While its expected that many more species will be found on the property the initial survey of plants includes 14 species of ferns and allies, 7 palms (incl. three climbing palms), 23 shrubs and climbers, two cycads including an impressive specimen of Hope's Cycad standing 6 m in height, and 37 species of trees.

The canopy is closed over the majority of the block and many trees have large buttresses. Given the very significant height of the trees, there are probably a good number of species still to identify from flowers and fruit high up in the canopy. The largest tree found so far is an ancient strangler fig measuring over 11 metres circumference at chest height.

Tribulation Creek runs through the property

Alexandra palms dominate the canopy, particularly near the Tribulation Creek that runs through the property. The forest has many large buttressed trees and some significant lianes (large woody vines).

A very large Entada phaeseoloides (Matchbox Bean Vine) and several Tetracera nordtiana var nordtiana (Small-leafed Fire Vine) were present. The under canopy was dominated by Myristica insipida (Native Nutmeg).

An active Orange-footed Scrubfowl mound is located in the middle of the block and evidence of Striped Possum foraging on at least two dead trees has been noted.

Orange Footed Scrub Fowl incubation mound

We are soon to commence liaising with the EPA to have the property declared a Nature Refuge and so ensure it is protected forever by an Act of the Queensland Parliament.

Help Save the Daintree from Destruction

Here are your options for making your contribution.

Online: Make a tax-deductible donation or purchase a Daintree Gift Card online through our secure server.

Post or Fax: Complete the donation/order form and post or fax it with your credit card details or cheque/money order. Post it to Rainforest Rescue PO Box 1511 Toowong, Queensland Australia 4066 or fax us on 07 3870 8233.

Give as you earn - You can arrange for your employer to direct part of you regular pay to Rainforest Rescue. They can pay this amount directly into the Rainforest Rescue Fund Account. If you need assistance with establishing this process please email us.

Cycad-Bowenia-spectablis	Hope's Cycad leaf