Palmgrove is a national park in south-central Queensland, Australia. It lies about 185 km north-north-east of Roma and 458 km north-west of Brisbane. It is listed as a National Park (Scientific) under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, so giving it the highest level of protection possible under the Act. It was established in order to protect species and ecosystems of exceptional scientific value.[1] It is located within the Dawson River catchment area.[2]

Palmgrove National Park Queensland
IUCN category Ia (strict nature reserve)
The park is an important site for black-breasted buttonquails
Palmgrove National Park
Nearest town or city	Moura
Coordinates	24°55′35″S 149°24′56″E
Established	1991
Area	256 km2 (98.8 sq mi)
Managing authorities	Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service
See also	Protected areas of Queensland

Description

Palmgrove lies in moderately dry, dissected sandstone country. The vegetation includes a variety of eucalypt woodland and forest communities as well as vine and Acacia thickets. The area is rugged and isolated; access is difficult and the park is not open to the general public.[1]

Flora and fauna

Threatened ecosystems present in the park include:[1]

• Acacia harpophylla - Eucalyptus cambageana open forest to woodland on fine-grained sedimentary rocks
• Semi-evergreen vine thicket on fine grained sedimentary rocks
• Acacia harpophylla and/or Casuarina cristata open forest on fine-grained sedimentary rocks
• Macropteranthes leichhardtii thicket on fine grained sedimentary rocks
• Semi-evergreen vine thicket in sheltered habitats on medium to coarse-grained sedimentary rocks

Northern quolls have been recorded in the park.[1]

Important Bird Area

The park has been identified by BirdLife International as an Important Bird Area (IBA) because it supports an isolated, and the westernmost, population (over 10 pairs) of black-breasted buttonquails, listed as vulnerable. The rare and threatened ecosystems contained in the park are buttonquail habitat.[3] Glossy black cockatoos, also considered to be vulnerable, are present.[1]

See also

• Protected areas of Queensland

References