James Cook University, Townsville
Nicholas Cuff
Tropical heathland assemblages have been identified as a unique
feature of Cape York Peninsula. However, as with many of the
vegetation assemblages in this area, little is known of their
ecology. Such systems have developed primarily on large, siliceous
sand dunes close to the coast. One such extensive heathland mosaic
has developed between Capes Bedford and Flattery, on the eastern
side of Cape York.
This complex contains a number of recognisable vegetation
communities in close proximity to one another upon single dune
units, providing a simple and convenient situation in which the
nature of such vegetation pattern can be evaluated. My project aims
to assess the floristic and environmental differences that exist
between a number of these interrelated vegetation units. These
include exposed dwarf heath; sheltered dry heath; wet heath and
woodland/evergreen notophyll vine thicket.
Vegetation composition and structural data has been collected
from each of these communities and is in the process of being
analysed. It appears that distinct floristic differences exist
between the heath and forest elements, whilst structural
differences appear to be more significant in separating the
heathland elements of the flora.
Collection of environmental data, including soil samples for
physical and chemical analysis and weather data from automatic
climate monitoring stations aims to identify environmental
correlates most strongly related to the observed vegetation
patterns in the area. It is hypothesised that patterns will most
strongly correlate with the nature of prevailing winds in the area
and chemical properties of the soil associated with periods of
seasonal waterlogging.
The outcomes of this investigation are seen as twofold. Firstly,
the detailed study of the vegetation assemblages in this area will
provide useful insights into the ecological function of this little
known tropical vegetation assemblage. Detailed studies of
subtropical and temperate Australian heathlands have identified
specific parameters that appear to control vegetation patterning in
these systems. It will be interesting to see if similar processes
operate in a tropical setting. Secondly, the Cape Flattery area has
been the subject of a sand-mining lease for the past 30 years.
Rehabilitation of mined areas has to date been somewhat hindered
by the lack of detailed knowledge of this heathland system. Cape
Flattery Silica Mines Pty Ltd has expressed an interest in my
research, as it will need baseline data and an understanding of the
area's ecology to meet its rehabilitation objectives. I hope that
my work will provide Cape Flattery Silica Mines with information to
allow the more efficient and effective rehabilitation of this
unique area.
Supervisors:
A/Prof Betsy Jackes, JCU
A/Prof Ross Hynes, CRC/JCU
A/Prof Ross Coventry, JCU
