Morehead River


Site description (2008 baseline):

Site location and context
The Morehead River IBA is located in the south-east of Cape York. The IBA is defined as the properties supporting high numbers of Golden-shouldered Parrots but also supports many other savanna species. The land is mostly pastoral lease used for extensive cattle grazing, with a monsoonal climate. Low hills are covered with open savanna woodland and drained by largely ephemeral streams. Conservation agreements cover or are being negotiated over parts of the area.

Key biodiversity
The savanna woodlands support a range of woodland species through the Melaleucas, particularly when in flower. In the wet season Azure Kingfisher occurs along streams with the narrow strips of riparian forest supporting a small suite of rainforest birds like Fairy Gerygone and Pied Imperial-Pigeon. Wet grasslands are used by Latham's Snipe during the northern migration and by the Brolga for nesting. Raptors like Black-breasted Buzzard nest in some years and Red Goshawk has been seen on two occasions.

Non-bird biodiversity: The area falls surprisingly short in other significant fauna, although the Rufous Hare-wallaby has been recorded and several Macropus species occur at low densities.



Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Spell country during the early wet season to allow perennial grasses to flourish and provide seed for Golden-shouldered Parrots. Burn patchily after the first storm rains.

Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Long-term monitoring of Golden-shouldered Parrots (see Crowley et al. 2004)

Land ownership
Nature Refuge = Queensland State Government (QPWS); remainder leasehold property

Site access / Land-owner requests
Leaseholders as appropriate.

Acknowledgements
Sue and Tom Shephard, leaseholders of Artemis Station. The nomination was prepared by Stephen Garnett.


Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2025) Important Bird Area factsheet: Morehead River (Australia). Downloaded from https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/morehead-river-iba-australia on 13/01/2025.