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Cause for concern in Australasia
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
New Britain-New Ireland lowland rain forests
Much of this ecoregion has been logged and converted to palm
plantations for the production of copra (the source of coconut oil) and oil palm.
Primary forest remains in only a few parts of the ecoregion. Hunting
threatens some of the unique flying foxes in this ecoregion.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
New Britain-New Ireland montane rain forests
The ecoregion is largely intact, probably because of its steep slopes
and small trees. Logging operations are a threat to the region. Logging
also increases the spread of non-native species in an area.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
New Caledonia rain forests
Rain forest once covered 70 percent of the land area of New Caledonia.
Today, that figure is only a little more than 20 percent. Logging,
mining, and hunting pose the most persistent threats, although logging and
mining are on the decline. Deforestation and large-scale open mines
have, however, led to severe erosion. Introduced species -- including
pigs, goats, cats, dogs, rats, and ants -- are threatening native animals
and habitat alike.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Norfolk Island subtropical forests
Although the forest protected in the national park is fairly intact,
the island has been overgrown with non-native plant species. By the
1960s, 244 non-native plant species had been introduced here. The two
smaller islands in the group have been even harder hit by introduced species,
including animals. Non-native goats, pigs, and rabbits have virtually
erased the native rain forest, including some of the last remaining
stands of Norfolk Island pines on these two islands. However, the
Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service is leading efforts to restore
native habitats throughout the island chain.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Northern New Guinea lowland rain and freshwater swamp forests
This ecoregion is still relatively undisturbed, with 18 percent of the
region in formally protected areas. However, a proposed dam, a highway,
and agricultural activities pose a threat to the ecoregion's
biodiversity in the future. And hunting of tree kangaroos has the potential to
quickly eliminate them from all but the most remote areas.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Northern New Guinea montane rain forests
This ecoregion remains relatively safe due to its inaccessibility and
isolation. However, the Cyclops Mountains--one of the isolated parts of
this ecoregion--are close to population centers, which threaten to push
development into formerly pristine areas. Furthermore, the conservation
of New Guinea's fruit-eating species, especially birds, is essential.
By consuming fruit, these species disperse seeds in their droppings,
thus helping to maintain the lush tropical evergreen forests they depend
on.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Queensland tropical rain forests
The clearing of lowland forests for agricultural (mostly sugar cane)
and residential development, drainage schemes, and telecommunications
installations are all threats here. Stock-grazing, mining, feral animals,
invasive plants, and tourism combine to increase incredible pressure on
the natural resources in this ecoregion.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Seram rain forests
Nearly a fifth of this ecoregion's native forests has been cleared,
with logging continuing to pose a serious threat. The local commercial
wildlife trade, which targets parrots in particular, poses another risk to
Seram's biodiversity. The island's remoteness, while promoting
conservation in many ways, also prohibits conservation employees from
conducting biological surveys and protecting the boundaries of protected areas.
These threats aside, this ecoregion still contains large areas of
contiguous, intact forest.
Australasia
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Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Solomon Islands rain forests
Large areas of this ecoregion's lowland forests have been logged or are
scheduled for logging. Native mammals are especially at risk from
introduced cats. Birds are vulnerable simply because their natural ranges
are small. And they are becoming confined to even smaller patches of
habitat as timber operations and agricultural development fragment and
destroy the forests.
Australasia
•
Tropical and Subtropical Moist Broadleaf Forests
Southeastern Papuan rain forests
Threats to this ecoregion are currently low, but potential habitat loss
could occur as a result of logging, nickel exploitation, and
traditional agriculture. The extension of a highway from the capital of Port
Moresby inland to Milne Bay would also open extensive tracts of forests to
exploitation.
