Northern Territory’s Central Hay River and its

Environmental Significance
© A Duguid, 2010.

A Biodiversity Assessment for Policy Makers

SEE TIPS ON ALA (PANOPTO RECORDING)

1. ……………………………………………………………....

7.
 BACKGROUND

The Central Desert Region covers a relatively vast portion of the Northern Territory with proportions equal to
282,000 square kilometers, most of which is composed of arid land spreading over several thousands’ square
kilometers. The region, known for its strong connection to indigenous Australians, its spectacular landscapes
showcasing the authentic “outback”, rich biodiversity and ecosystem and for receiving increasing interest for
its coal, gas and coal seam-rich land (Territory Natural Resource Management, 2021).
South-east of this region, in the Atnetye Aboriginal Land Trust, lies the Hay River. Stretching for 210km
and crossing the northern part of the Simpson-Strzelecki deserts bioregion (figure 1), this seasonal stream and
its surrounding area has triggered biologists’ interest during the last 40 years due to its rich fauna and flora
diversity thriving in this arid subtropical climate (Duguid, 2011). In fact, as shown later on, recent surveys
have reported the existence of several species of birds, mammals, fungi, gastropods and plants. Nonetheless,
of greater relevance for the following parts of this assessment is the inclusion of endangered species in most
of the taxa listed above, including the Greater Bilby (Macrotis lagotis), the Night Parrot (Pezoporus
occidentalis), the Curlew Sandpipe (Calidris ferruginea) or the Birds Nest Wattle (Acacia pickardii)
(Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment [AWE], Protected Matter Search, 2022).
However, as we will see, despite being termed as a site of botanical significance by White et al. (2000),
detailed biological survey reports of the area are scarce - the most serious one, unavailable to the large
audience, dating from Gibson and Coles (1985). Multiple analyses and reports have been made in the region
but knowledge gaps (Northern Territory Government, 2005) and insufficient contemporary literature can be
observed, mirroring the policy implementations and conservation efforts which have taken place in this precise
location.
As discussed in this report, several factors are assumed to contribute in threatening the persistence of this
ecosystem. They include the introduction of herbivores and predators as well as the apparition of invasive
plant species (Ten Deserts Project, n.a., n.d.). Furthermore, the effects of climate change and chemical spillage
into the Hay River from future mining projects constitute some other highly pernicious threats.
By focusing on a specific 20km radius area situated mid-way between the northern and southern end of the
Hay River (as shown in figure 1), this report ought to provide, through biodiversity and ecosystem
observations, main threats inspection and sound policy propositions, sufficient elements to indicate the
importance of the Hay River and its bank for the stability of this portion of the Northern Territory’s
biodiversity.

Figure 1 – A spatial representation of the Simpson-Strzelecki deserts bioregion, the Hay River and the studied area using Google
Maps and QGIS.
The Simpson-Strzelecki bioregion is displayed in yellow in the map, while the Hay River is highlighted in blue and showed crossing the 20km radius colored in pale
grey.
 BIODIVERSITY AND ECOSYSTEM DESCRIPTION

FOCUS ON WEEK 1-5

CURRENT STATUS
- The studied region is located within the Rangeland North Subcluster - a climatic zone known for its
arid climate characterized by very low and variable rainfall patterns, with less than 300mm average
annual rainfall (Climate Change in Australia, n.a.; Baker et al., 2005). This will be linked to the
importance of this river and its bank for providing several essential ecosystem services,
including provisioning services (food, nutrient, fresh water), supporting services (provision of
habitat, water cycling), regulating services (water purification) and cultural services (spiritual
and religious values) (Department of the Environment, Water, Health and the Arts, 2009).

- Vegetation is predominantly dominated by of Triodia basedowii grassland with sparce acacia

shrublands as well as Acacia georginae low open woodland (Baker et al., 2015)

Then I plan on listing some of the most interesting information amongst the following lists:

- Significant threatened plant species in Sympson Strzelecki Bioregion (Baker et al., 2005):
• Acacia peuce (Endangered, endemic to the SSD bioregion in the NT, currently reserved – Mac
Clark reserve)
• Acacia pickardii (Vulnerable, endemic to the SSD bioregion in the Northern Territory, not
currently reserved – to confirm)
• Eleocharis papillosa (Vulnerable, Endemic to the NT, currently reserved), highly sensitive to
inundations.
• Minuria tridens (Vulnerable, endemic to NT, currently reserved)
• Several more species endemic to the bioregion not reserved

- Significant threatened vertebrate species in SSD bioregion (Lepage, 2022):

• Far Eastern Curlew (endangered)
• Great Knot (endangered)
• Grey Falcon (vulnerable)
• Night Parrot (endangered)
• Blue Billed Duck (Near-threatened)
• Black-necked Stork (NT)
• Black tailed gotwit (NT)
• Curlew Sandpiper (NT)
• Red-Necked Stint (NT)
• Letter-winged Kite (NT)
• Princess Parrot (NT)
• Short Tailed Grasswren (NT)

- Protected and endangered Species definitely occurring in the studied area (Australian Department of
Agriculture, Water and Environment [AWE], Protected Matter Search, 2022):

• Curlew Sandpiper
• Grey Falcon
• Night Parrot
• Australian Painted Snipe
• Greater Bilby
• Acacia Pickardii
 - Example of species extinct in Northern Territory bioregions (Baker 2005) – to confirm since date of
publication:
• Desert Bandicoot
• Dusky Hopping-mouse
• Lesser Bilby
• Pig-footed Bandicoot
• Western Quoll

- Threatened species list will be back up by finding from the UICN red list
(https://www.iucnredlist.org/)

Red listing criteria by IUCN:

A. Population size reduction

B. Geographic range
C. Small population size and decline
D. Very small or restricted population
E. Quantitative analysis of the probability of extinction

- Precise info on each species: https://www.awe.gov.au/search?search_api_fulltext=cgi

VALUES

- Situated within the Atnetye Aboriginal Land Trust – site of religious relevance.

- GEO BON may be included (1.https://geobon.org/; 2. https://geobon.org/ebvs/what-are-ebvs/)

concerning valuing biodiversity and the essential biodiversity variables.
SEE INTERCTIVE SEMINAR WEEK 5 FOR MORE (also Sedon et al. paper at the end of slides)
TRENDS

Figure X – Land Cover Evolution within the studied area between 2002 and 2015, using QGIS.
Each sub-figure depicts land cover from January of the first year to December of the second year (e.g., January 2002 to December 2003).
The legend on the top right displays the main land-cover elements observed.

QGIS for trends across different years – CAN USE AS A TRANSITION TO THE THREATS AND
DRIVERS OF CHANGE SECTION

Instrument used is a dynamic land cover dataset presenting land cover information for every 250 x 250m
from Jan 2002 to Dec 2015, through QGIS (more info on link below)
Land cover change introduction (Geoscience Australia https://cmi.ga.gov.au/data-
products/dea/131/geoscience-australia-land-cover-terra-modis#basics) :

Land cover is the observed biophysical cover on the Earth's surface including trees, shrubs, grasses,
soils, exposed rocks and water bodies, as well as anthropogenic elements such as plantations, crops
and built environments.
Land cover changes for many reasons, including seasonal weather, severe weather events such as
cyclones, floods and fires, and human activities such as mining, agriculture and urbanisation.
Remote sensing data recorded over a period of time allows the observation of land cover dynamics.
Classifying these responses provides a robust and repeatable way of characterising land cover types.

KNOWLEDGE SHORTFALLS IN THE AREA

- Lack of scientific work in the area despite its botanical significance.

THREATS AND DRIVERS OF CHANGE

FOCUS ON WEEK 6
SPECIES INTRODUCTION
Introduced predators such as red foxes and feral cats have been a primary cause of the extinction of small-
to medium-sized mammals across Australia’s arid inland. Along with wild dogs, they continue to pose
significant threats to mammals, reptiles and ground-dwelling birds across all of Australia’s desert
ecosystems.

Burbidge et al. (1988) discuss the correlation between aboriginal people leaving the region and the
appearance of feral cats and foxes. Dingos are not very present in the area, although they could pressure the
cats and foxe populations.

Introduced herbivores such as camels, donkeys, horses and rabbits cause significant damage to desert
ecosystems through overgrazing, particularly around water sources where they tend to congregate in dry
times. For instance, Camels foul waterholes and have significant impacts upon fragile salt lake and
freshwater ecosystems. The Simpson Desert has a high density of camels, particularly in the Northern
Territory and South Australian sections.

Invasive plants, in particular buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) poses the greatest threat to Australia’s desert
ecosystems as it can quickly come to dominate the ground layer of vegetation. It burns hotter and more
quickly than the native grasses it replaces. Buffel grass invasion in combination with larger and more intense
wildfires driven by climate change have the potential to devastate the biodiversity of arid ecosystems.

Assessments of the main threats will be implemented within the report.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate projections for the following years expect an increase in average temperatures as well as an
increased intensity of extreme rainfalls, with high confidence (Climate Change in Australia, n.a.).

MINING AND WATER EXTRACTION PROJECTS

The Central Desert shire region has a long history of mining, beginning in 1887 with the discovery of gold,
rubies and garnet in Arltunga. This has since then sparked the interest of several developers, who, despite
generating social and economic benefits, may contribute significantly to biodiversity loss and degradation.

Source: document on interconnectedness approach to conservation

I will back this argument by the introduction of the Jervois Base Metal Project, situated approximately
100km above the studied area and close to the Hay river.

Extraction and diversion of water from inland river systems reduces the water these areas receive and
store, leading to the reduced health of waterholes, riverine and floodplain vegetation and the habitat they
provide for fauna.

A major focus will be made towards the cumulative effects of threats:

- Increased frequency and intensity of wildfires due to buffel grass invasion and climate change
- Increased soil erosion due to mining side effect, camels invasion, excess rainfall and overall lack of
soil management

POLICY, MANAGEMENT ISSUES AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

CURRENT SITUATION

- Current extent of protected areas in the Sympson Strzelecki Dunefield bioregion: 30.6km (0.03%) –
Mac Clark Conservation Reserve

- As shown by species spatial distribution (Atlas of Living Australia), this area is a biodiversity
hotspot, re-enforced by its proximity to Lake Caroline.

Three main policies will be examined:

 - International policy has impact on national policy, therefore investigation of Australia’s response to
the Convention on Biological Diversity (https://www.cbd.int/intro/) will be introduced.

- Australia’s previous biodiversity plans will be examined (i.e., Strategic Plan for Biodiversity 2011-
2020). https://www.cbd.int/doc/strategic-plan/2011-2020/Aichi-Targets-EN.pdf

- The EPBC Act 1999 will be introduced. https://www.awe.gov.au/environment/epbc/about

-
- Threatened species strategy 2021-2031

Various pieces of legislation that may be interesting to find some shortfalls or argue that they don’t include
the studied area:

• Environmental Assessment Act 1994 (Northern Territory)

• Environmental Protection Act 2012 (Northern Territory)
• Biological Control Act 2011 (Northern Territory)
• Territory Parks and Wildlife Conservation Act 2014 (Northern Territory); and
• Weeds Management Act 2001 (Northern Territory).

OPTIONS TO SECURE THE SUSTAINABILITY OF THE SOCIOECOLOGICAL SYSTEM

Multiple conservation and management models and methods will be investigated for recommendations (they
are still being explored at the moment):

- Management pricing model (doc in folder)

- Adaptive management model (week 9 ENS5010) – mainly used for large scale projects but includes
river management (should be implemented in every conservation approaches)

- The implementation of a socio-ecological approach to conservation

- The Inclusion of evolution into conservation planning

- The inclusion of a framework for prioritizing landscapes based on:

1) Landscape conservation capacity attributes
2) Vulnerability to climate change

- Ecosystem connectedness in Conservation planning (management considering the whole of the

system)
• Relates to the Description of an ecosystemic approach to conservation (Britanica): “a form of
governance that places ecosystemic dynamics at the heart of environmental policy making”. Such
approaches imply the consideration of the complex interdependences within an ecosystem in the
decision-making process.

- Conservation of mobile species (added info: https://www.cms.int/) –

1) Observe migratory routes of species and argue that the study area is an important point within the
route.
2) For nomad species, observe state-dependent management (slide week 9) – different management
methods depending on the state of the environment at the time it is being investigated.
 CONCLUSION AND KEY MESSAGES

REFERENCES AND SOURCES

APPENDICES

REFERENCES
- Australian Government, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (2022), Protected Matters Search Tool,
Accessed 10 March 2022.

- Box, J., Duguid, A., Read, R., Kimber, R., Knapton, A., Davis, J. and Bowland, A. (2008) ‘Central Australian
waterbodies: The importance of permanence in a desert landscape’, Journal of Arid Environments, 72(8): 1395-1413,
URL: https://researchprofiles.canberra.edu.au/en/publications/central-australian-waterbodies-the-importance-of-
permanence-in-a-

- Duguid, A., Barnetson, J., Clifford, B., Pavey, C., Albrecht, D., Risler, J., McNellie, M. (2005) ‘Wetlands in the Arid
Northern Territory’, A report to the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage, Accessed 20
March 2022, https://nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0018/262224/wetlands-in-the-arid-nt.pdf

- Duguid, A. (2011) ‘Wetlands of the Great Artesian Basin Water Control District (Northern Territory)’, Department of
Natural Resources, Environment, the Arts and Sports, Northern Territory Government, Accessed 20 March 2022, URL:
https://denr.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/254622/GABWCD_Wetlands_Report_FINAL-.pdf

- Gibson, D.F. and Cole, J.R. (1985, Unpublished Report) Wildlife Survey of the Hay River and Plenty River Regions of the
Simpson Desert, Conservation Commission of the Northern Territory, Alice Springs, NT.

- Territory Natural Resource Management, (2021) Northern Territory Natural Resource Management Plan 2021-2025,
Northern Territory Government, Accessed 17 March,
https://www.territorynrm.org.au/_files/ugd/da28f0_d82ca6f828a2409e9d530530b31cd8fa.pdf
- The Ten Desert Project (n.d.) Simpson Desert, Ten Desert Project, accessed 15 March 2022.
https://10deserts.org/desert/simpson-desert/

- White, M., Albrecht, A., Duguid, A., Latz, P., Hamilton, M. (2000) Plan Species and Sites of Botanical Significance in
the Southern Bioregions of the Northern Territory; Volume 2: Significant Sites, a report to the Australian Heritage
Commission from the Arid Lands Environmental Centre, assessed 17 March.
https://frackinginquiry.nt.gov.au/submission-library?a=433451