Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The Nightcap Range IBA consists of four protected areas in north-east New South Wales: Nightcap, Goonengerry and Mount Jerusalem National Parks, and Whian Whian State Conservation Area. The Nightcap Range IBA is located in very close proximity to the Scenic Rim IBA, which lies 10 km to the north-west, but is kept separate because it is located at a lower altitude and supports a slightly different suite of birds. Neighbouring forests could be added to the Nightcap Range IBA if the populations of Albert's Lyrebirds in these forests are considered to be of global significance. The IBA receives the highest volume of annual rainfall of any region in NSW (average 2351 mm per year at 380 m altitude, higher at higher altitudes); average summer temperatures are 17-27 Celsius and winter temperatures 7-17 Celsius at this altitude. Warm temperate rainforest is found throughout the park on soils with a rhyolitic base, while subtropical rainforest is supported by nutrient-rich basalt soils. Sixty-one percent of the IBA (or the extent of Nightcap NP in 1994) is included in the Gondwana Rainforests of Australia World Heritage Area.
One record each of Red Goshawk and Regent Honeyeater in Nightcap National Park and one record of Rufous Scrub-bird in Mount Jerusalem National Park (NSW NPWS 2008).
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Manage fire in a manner that sustains suitable habitat for key species. Eradicate or control introduced plants and animals. Encourage owners/managers of neighbouring properties to identify, manage and protect suitable habitat on adjoining land and ecological corridors to facilitate dispersal.
Goonengerry National Park
Mount Jerusalem National Park
Nightcap National Park
Whian Whian State Conservation Area
NSW State government with management the responsibility of NSW NPWS.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Nightcap Range (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/nightcap-range-iba-australia on 23/11/2024.
