The cloud forest at the top of Lord Howe Island's highest peak is an otherworldly place alive with animals and plants not found anywhere else on Earth. But it's taken radical action to save it.
Mist hangs in the air, embracing the giant mosses and clusters of tree orchids that adorn the summit of the majestic Mount Gower on Lord Howe Island .
"Probably 85 per cent of the plants on Mt Gower are only found on Lord Howe Island, and many of those just on the very summit," he said. "They are responsible for five species of bird that became extinct, 13 invertebrates and a lot of critically endangered animals on the island. Surprisingly tame endemic currawongs watch on quietly from cliff-side trees, as Mr Shick leads a group up the mountain.The critically endangered little mountain palm — a species found only in the cloud forest in an area of less than 4 square kilometres — is thriving now that the rodents have been removed.
The Lord Howe Island Board says in recent years their breeding success has jumped from 2 per cent to 50 per cent.One of the most prominent signs of ecological recovery is the prevalence of cheeky, noisy Lord Howe Island woodhens. "Yet there it was! I found some on a palm … so that's very exciting, to think there's a beetle presumed extinct, but it did survive."
"Lord Howe Island, being this fairly intact ecosystem with 85 per cent of its forest still left, and fairly minimal impact, scientists can come here and study the real world in pretty pristine condition," Mr Hutton said.Professor Lesley Hughes, a climate scientist from the Australian Climate Council, said these rare and fragile environments were proving to be the "canary in the coal mine" for climate change.
"For about 15 years we have been putting temperature loggers at 100-metre intervals from sea level up, and a few across the summit," he said.Mr Hutton, an author and photographer, uses drone technology to document changes on the mountain summits photographically."When we have extreme dry years, and the cloud lifts off the mountain, we have seen a fairly significant impact on tree species, not just the small plants.
Professor Leggat said a "greener economy" and reducing other stressors on coral reefs would help preserve them for future generations. Former Lord Howe Island ranger Dean Hiscox now runs tours to the reef and regularly monitors water temperature in the lagoon.Former Lord Howe Island ranger turned reef tour operator Dean Hiscox said the island's reef had the distinction of being influenced by tropical, sub-tropical and temperate ocean currents.
"There's a good reason it remains so beautiful and unspoilt, and that is because the islanders themselves have taken a strong sense of pride and stewardship in the environment," he said.Lord Howe Island Brewery and Nursery owner Tim Maxwell said business operators also supported the ethos to put environmental protection ahead of profits.
Board chief executive Suzie Christensen said it provided a known quantity to all aspects of island life, including the number of daily flights, waste management, water and power provisions, freight considerations and built infrastructure."Mainly the island wants to retain the beauty of the place as a fairly unspoilt paradise."
Biosecurity team leader Darryl Birch was involved in implementing the rat eradication program, and now works to ensure the pests do not return.The dogs and their handlers carry out biosecurity checks when the island's supply ship leaves Port Macquarie every two weeks, and again when it docks.
Rodent Eradication Environment Recovery Jack Shick Ian Hutton Cloud Forest Mt Gower Little Palm Suzie Christensen Lord Howe Island Woodhen Climate Change Extinct Extinct Species Reef Bleaching Goodnews
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Eddie Howe tells Alexander Isak to ‘focus on football’ not a new dealEddie Howe has suggested that Newcastle ‘s hierarchy do not currently regard extending Alexander Isak’s contract as a priority
Read more »
José Mourinho wants Newcastle manager’s job if Eddie Howe leavesJosé Mourinho has unfinished business in the Premier League and the Fenerbahce coach is targeting the Newcastle job if Eddie Howe leaves
Read more »
Eddie Howe at Newcastle: how is the manager faring three years into job?Results have slipped since Champions League qualification in 2023, but the manager retains the support of fans
Read more »
Brisbane City Council Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner refuses to return power to two homeless campsBrisbane's lord mayor refuses to return power to two homeless camps and vows to crack down even harder on 'anti-social behaviour' at the tent cities.
Read more »
Lord Mayor says Victoria Park must be considered in Olympic venue reviewAdrian Schrinner wants the incoming LNP government to put all Olympic stadium options up for review, including a rebuild of the Gabba he believes “won’t stack up”.
Read more »
Arron Wood declares he’s lost lord mayor race after campaign flopThe former deputy mayor has failed for the second time to secure the keys to town hall, with a poor showing put down to a Liberal-endorsed candidate and questions over his choice of running mate.
Read more »