Conservation PROJECT SNAPSHOT
Action: Supporting the planting and maintenance of 1,000 rainforest trees at Barrine Park Nature Refuge, Lake Barrine
Location: Lake Barrine, Atherton Tablelands, Queensland, Australia
Threatened species: Lumholtz's Tree-kangaroo
Habitat: Tropical Rainforest
Total project cost: $10,000
Why this project?
With your help, we will work with our partners and contractors to establish and maintain 1,000 trees on the Atherton Tablelands where clearing has occurred in the past to create a corridor between the Lake Barrine section of the Crater Lakes National Park and Wooroonooran National Park. The site where the trees will be established is the Barrine Park Nature Reserve.
Every $10 you donate will help establish and maintain one tree for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo.
Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo
The problem
The Atherton Tableland is a fertile plateau located in Far North Queensland that was once covered in tropical rainforest. Clearing for agriculture began in the late 19th century and has removed 50% of the rainforest. The remaining rainforest is broken up into small fragments, creating challenges for wildlife attempting to travel across the landscape.
The Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo spends most of its life in the rainforest canopy. They can travel across open ground but it is difficult and makes them vulnerable to attacks by domestic dogs.
Due to habitat loss and fragmentation, the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo is now listed under Queensland's Nature Conservation Act (1992) as Near Threatened.
Linking Lake Barrine (Crater Lakes National Park) and Wooroonooran National Park
THE SOLUTION
We will support the establishment of 1,000 rainforest trees to restore the rainforest at Barrine Park Nature Refuge as habitat for Lumholtz's tree-kangaroos.
Starting in November 2021 we will:
- Remove the weeds from the tree planting site
- Plant 1,000 rainforest trees
- Provide maintenance for trees for 3 years to ensure they all survive. This involves eliminating competition by removing weeds that germinate on the site.
Planting trees will provide a direct benefit to the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo as it is an arboreal folivore (browser) and eats the leaves of tropical rainforest plants.
Every $10 will help establish one tree for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo.
What type of trees are chosen?
The species of trees are chosen specifically for the tree planting site. Tree species selection is determined by an ecologist and botanist, who chooses the appropriate native trees based on the forest type in the area, availability of sunlight, existing plant competition and presence of animals and insects. A mixed selection of native rainforest trees will be planted that provide habitat for the Lumholtz's tree-kangaroo.
Why us?
We have been actively involved in the revegetation of the Atherton Tablelands with partner Rainforest Reserves Australia, and have completed many successful projects. A total of 30,000 trees have already been established at Barrine Park Nature Refuge.
Successful tree planting funded by generous donors
Thank you HalfCut
Nonprofit project partner HalfCut is joining us in restoring the rainforest on the Atherton Tablelands through the Rewild Challenge. Thanks to Jimmy and Jess and all the HalfCut supporters for their help.
