PAWS
Newsletter for Parks and Wildlife Supporters
Issue 14 Autumn 2007

Warrumbungles rock formations

Mount Kaputar, Coolah Tops and the Warrumbungles National Park in northern NSW protect dramatic volcanic landscapes that are unique in the state.

The Warrumbungle volcano erupted 13 million years ago, ejecting ash and lava. The park’s rugged ridges and rocky outcrops are all that is left today, after wind, rain and ice smoothed the old volcano over that past millions of years.

The Gurianawa Track introduces visitors to the many features of the park. The 15 minute circuit walk starts at the Warrumbungles Visitors Centre and is accessible to all.

The track allows views of a variety of habitats and abundant wildlife in the area, and kangaroos are often seen.

Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby

The total numbers and range of the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby have drastically declined since European colonisation, and the species is listed as endangered in NSW.

Habitat degradation and foxes are the main reasons for recent local extinctions. Competition with goats, sheep and rabbits, diseases and inbreeding in the increasingly isolated colonies add to the pressure.

The Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies of the Warrumbungles currently exist within the western-most confine of the species’ range. To help prevent further decline of this endangered population, the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife funded fox monitoring and the success of fox control measures. Additional funds enabled a genetic survey to determine the genetic health of the populations.

In the past the Foundation has funded conservation projects for Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies in the Ettrema Wilderness, Wollemi and Oxley National Parks.

Grasstrees

One of the features of the volcanic mountain ranges are their grasstree groves towering several metres. These remarkable plants have a lifespan of 600 years but are very slow-growing, about 1-2cm per year.

One of the most impressive of these grasstree stands is in Coolah Tops National Park. You can help protect these trees and make them accessible to visitors at the same time with a donation.

You can help us improve the Warrumbungles experience for all! Your donation today can help upgrade the educational display at the visitor centre, bring information up to date and ensure that all visitors get the most out of their time at this amazing park.

To make a donation, simply give us a call on 02 9221 1949 or click here to donate online. Thank you!

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