Current view: Text account
Site description (2008 baseline):
Site location and context
The IBA is almost identical to Stirling Range National Park, approximately 60 km north of Albany in south-western Western Australia. The IBA excludes some salt lakes on the south-east boundary of the National Park and includes some road corridors excluded from the park. Stirling Range National Park is a very large remnant of native vegetation situated around Stirling Range, a series of isolated peaks and hills which are mainly composed of metamorphosed sandstones and shales. The range experiences a warm Mediterranean climate, although cold temperatures, high rainfall and occasional snowfalls occur at the highest altitudes. The nutrient-poor soils of the national park support five major vegetation communities: (1) shrubland and (2) mallee-heathland at higher altitudes; and (3) woodland, (4) wetland and (5) salt lake communities on lower slopes and plains. The National Park is surrounded by cleared pastoral land but remnant large trees and patches of heathland may be important for Carnaby's Black-Cockatoos.
More than 140 species of birds have been recorded in Stirling Range National Park.
Non-bird biodiversity: Stirling Range National Park is one of the most biodiverse regions in Australia, particularly for flora. The park supports more than 1500 species of plants, including 87 species which are endemic to the park. It also supports a diverse range of endemic relict invertebrates, and is recognised as one of the most important sites in Australia for endemic mygalomorph spider species, and one of the richest areas for land snails. Twenty species of native mammals (including the re-introduced, nationally vulnerable Numbat Myrmecobius fasciatus) have been recorded in the park in recent decades. In total, at least 26 species of plants and nine species of animals that occur in Stirling Range National Park are listed as threatened under federal and/or state legislation.
Pressure/threats to key biodiversity
Contain or minimise spread of Phytophthora cinnamomi. Implement fire management practices that are sympathetic to the requirements of Carnaby's Black-Cockatoo.
Conservation responses/actions for key biodiversity
Stirling Range National Park is inscribed on the National Heritage List.
With some minor additions and exclusions, the Stirling Range National Park is the IBA. There is a small overlaps with the Camel Lake Nature Reserve.
Western Australian State Government with management the responsibility of the Department of Environment and Conservation.
Thanks to Cheryl Gole as compiler.
Recommended citation
BirdLife International (2024) Important Bird Area factsheet: Stirling Range (Australia). Downloaded from
https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/stirling-range-iba-australia on 22/11/2024.
