Management

As Carnarvon Station is not affected by salinity or significant weed infestations, the management focus will be on fire management and feral animal control.

With Carnarvon came horses, pigs, dogs, and some wild cattle, rabbits and cats. The removal of cattle has reduced the grazing pressure on the grasslands and the competition for water, but allowed the populations of horses and pigs in particular to grow.  Each of these species is having a significant, but different, impact.

The horses graze heavily in some parts of the property, destroying the food source and shelter for ground nesting birds and other native wildlife. Extensive 'pads', created by herds moving through the woodlands, allow erosion to take hold on the steep slopes. Horses destroy freshwater springs and water courses, decimating the habitat of turtles and frogs.  Horses are also damaging aboriginal cultural sites in the region, which include the ochre pits, artworks and sacred burial sites of the Bidjara people.

The impact of pigs is greatest around the 36 springs and many semi-permanent waterholes. The land looks mechanically ploughed after the pigs have paid a visit. Pig damage to these important waters impacts on the native animals and destroys native plants. Both pigs and horses exacerbate the spread of weeds.

Horses and stock have been fenced out of two-thirds of the reserve, and fences have also been placed around a number of springs and water points.  This combined with fire management and feral animal control has resulted in a spectacular response in the wildlife.  New species of small mammals are being detected every year, and birds of prey such as the barking owl are returning. 

The removal of feral animals, particularly horses, can be a difficult and emotive issue to address. Bush Heritage has established stringent guidelines to ensure that feral animal control is carried out according to the strictest animal welfare requirements.  Bush Heritage supports the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service in their five year program to control pest animals causing serious damage to Carnarvon National Park and surrounding properties.

Critical to the property’s future management is the implementation of a broadly-based research and maintenance program. This involves a range of individuals and agencies including volunteers in Bush Heritage’s Conservation Partners program.

Bush Heritage also works with the indigenous custodians of the land in the management of the Aboriginal cultural sites on Carnarvon Station.