Iruni Kalupahana Jadetimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Australia
Introduction
Lord Howe Island Group, a world renowned volcanic oceanic island chain, is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and endemic species. Located in the Tasman Sea, around 570 kilometers off Port Macquarie's east coast, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has the world's southernmost coral reef and supports a significant proportion of endemic and threatened species.
Biodiversity and Endemic Species
The island chain is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else. Amongst the most stunning species are the flightless Lord Howe Woodhen (Gallirallus sylvestris), considered one of the world's most threatened birds in the past, and the Lord Howe Island Phasmid (Dryococelus australis), the world's largest stick insect, rediscovered on Balls Pyramid after being extinct. The location also provides key breeding habitat for seabird colonies, including the Providence Petrel and Red tailed Tropicbird.
Geological and Ecological Importance
Formed from submarine volcanic material, the Lord Howe Island Group represents nearly the entire phase of the shield volcano's erosion. Its sensational scenery is composed of steep mountain sides, a hilly surrounded lagoon, and Balls Pyramid, an astonishing rock face abruptly rising out of the sea. The area is ecologically unique in that it represents a boundary zone between algal and coral reef ecosystems, with species at their ecological limits co-existing in a mixed assemblage of temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Management Efforts
Approximately 75% of the land surface is a Permanent Park Preserve, ensuring protection of its ecosystems. The Lord Howe Island Board, assisted by national and state government authorities, has stringent conservation measures, including the reintroduction of native habitats and eradication of feral pests such as pigs, cats, and goats. Development and tourism are also controlled to prevent damage to the World Heritage values of the island under laws contained in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
Future Conservation
Despite rigorous conservation efforts, the island is still under threat from climate change, invasive species, and tourism. Visitor numbers are controlled to protect the fragile environment, and introduced rodent control programs and invasive vegetation establishment prevention programs exist. Continued monitoring and adaptive management techniques will be crucial in preserving the ecological integrity of this outstanding collection of islands for future generations.
Comments