Page 44 - Microsoft Word - geo class task.docx

• Major water pollution occurred in 2010 when millions of litres of radioactive
water flowed into the park from the nearby Ranger Uranium mine.
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/mine-fears-grow-as-
pollutants-flow-to-kakadu-20100523-w3z0.html

Explain why this ecosystem needs protection (refer to linkages, biodiversity,
location and/or extent).

• Home to more than 75 threatened species
• Archaeological sites surround wetlands- record the skills and way of life of the
region’s inhabitants. Include cave paintings, rock carvings
• Has been home to Aboriginal people for more than 50 000 years
• Vast expanse of wetlands to the north of the park extends over tens of
kilometres and provides habitat for millions of water birds.
• BIODIVERSITY: Home to over one third of Australia’s bird species, one
quarter of Australia’s land mammals and high numbers of reptiles, frog and
fish.
• Needs protection from introduced species such as cane toads.

Important vocations (jobs) related to managing your selected environment
- Person who monitors the number of introduced species e.g. cane toads
- Someone who researches the interactions between flora and fauna in the
wetland and how humans impact these linkages.

Management Strategies:
• Rangers can set out traps that can safely catch introduced species such as
wild pigs and cane toads. These animals that are significantly affecting the
native flora and fauna can then be relocated in area that is outside of the
national park.
• Ensure someone is frequently testing water for contamination. This means
that contamination (e.g. from nearby mines or rubbish) will be detected
quickly before it affects the marine life in the wetlands and majorly affects
the linkages in the ecosystem.

Bibliography
https://parksaustralia.gov.au/kakadu/people/plants-and-animals.html
http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/index.php/
https://www.environment.gov.au/topics/national-parks/kakadu-national-
park/management-and-conservation
https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/1f88c5a3-409c-4ed9-
9129-ea0aaddd4f33/files/kakadu-management-plan-2016-2026.pdf
https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/places/world/kakadu/values