Tucked into the hinterland of Queensland's bustling Gold Coast lies Currumbin Valley Reserve, a tiny patch of regenerating rainforest protected from the nearby frenzy of development.
Long before human intervention reshaped this area, Currumbin Valley was part of the extensive rainforests of south-east Queensland.
A Regent Skipper Butterfly at Currumbin. Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix.
Now, together with the adjacent Nicoll Scrub National Park, it protects a rare remnant of forest cover.
It also plays an important role as a conservation buffer for the national park, which is known habitat for the vulnerable Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, and shows evidence of Long-nosed Bandicoots, Green Catbirds, Scrub Turkeys and a number of honeyeater species.
An environmental legacy
A Brush Turkey explores leaf litter at Currumbin. Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix.
We have a local beekeeper and flower grower to thank for Curumbin Valley Reserve.
Dr Alex Griffiths, who passed away in July 1998, is fondly remembered for his unwavering devotion to the welfare of birds and conservation of the environment. He bequeathed Currumbin Valley to Bush Heritage in his Will and founded the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, which he also donated to the people of Australia.
What Currumbin Reserve protects
Although there's evidence of past logging, Currumbin Reserve still harbours rare plants, such as the nationally endangered Sweet Myrtle and several nationally vulnerable species of macadamia. It protects the following significant species:
Stony Creek Frog on Currumbin. Photo Wayne Lawler / EcoPix.
Plants: Smooth-shelled Macadamia (naturally vulnerable), Rough-shelled Macadamia (nationally vulnerable), Black Walnut, Fine-leaved Tuckeroo, Smooth Scrub Turpentine.
Animals: Currumbin Reserve protects a list of species similar to that found in the adjoining Nicoll Scrub National Park, including the Richmond Birdwing Butterfly, Long-nosed Bandicoots, and Green Catbirds.