Threatened plant species, endangered southern cassowaries and flora with ancient lineages - all elements that have contributed to the exceptional conservation value of Lot 463 Black Bean Road.
When I first saw the tall old-growth rainforest on the property I knew it was special.
In August, this was confirmed by a survey undertaken in August 2024 by botanist Kristopher Kupsch, who identified 215 species of native plants, including 5 listed as significant by the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.
They are:
China camp laurel (Beilschmiedia castrisinensis)
This tree is listed as near-threatened under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. Its large fruit is dispersed by the southern cassowary. The species was observed as a fruiting specimen on Lot 463, and several seedlings across the site. The species is restricted to the area between the Bloomfield and Daintree River in lowland rainforest below 660m.
Gray’s walnut (Endiandra grayi)
This tree is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992. The species is restricted to the area between Cape Tribulation and the Daintree River, and grows at altitudes up to 40m. This tree was identified as a handful of seedlings on Lot 463.
Noah’s walnut (Endiandra microneura)
Listed as near-threatened, this tree’s large yellow fruit is also dispersed by the southern cassowary. The species is restricted to the Daintree River and Cape Tribulation areas below 250m. A number of juvenile specimens were noted across Lot 463.
The stunning climbing pandanus (Freycinetia percostata).
Climbing pandanus (Freycinetia percostata)
This climbing monocot, listed as vulnerable, was observed climbing a tree on the higher sites of Lot 463.
Queensland black-stem tassel-fern (Phlegmariurus ledermannii)
This prehistoric epiphyte was noted high in a canopy tree on Lot 463. It is listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
The tassel fern wasn't the only archaic species either - Lot 463 Black Bean Road is also home to cycads and flowering fungus (Balanophora fungosa).
A tasty meal - if you're a southern cassowary.
That's a lot of variety for a 1.34 hectare block of rainforest, but not surprising when you consider that the entirety of Lot 463 is remnant vegetation, with 2 distinct regional ecosystems.
About 68% of the property is classed as Regional Ecosystem 7.3.10a, which is classified as a mesophyll vine forest with moderately to poorly-drained
alluvial plains, of moderate fertility.
This vegetation type is listed as 'of concern' under the Vegetation Management Act 1999.
The upper portions of the property contain Regional Ecosystem 7.11.1a, owing to the differing in geology.
We're working hard to raise funds to purchase Lot 463 Black Bean Road so it can be protected for its exceptional conservation values. Find out more.
The Wet Tropics population of the southern cassowary is endangered.
Animals of Lot 463
A separate fauna survey, undertaken by ecologists, revealed the presence of the endangered southern cassowary, musky rat-kangaroo, red-necked crake and noisy pitta on the rainforest property.
The spectacled flying-fox was also recorded in the rainforest tree canopy. This species, endangered due to habitat loss and heat stress, plays an integral part in seed dispersal and rainforest regeneration. Securing this important habitat will make an important contribution in support of their long-term survival.
A spectacled flying-fox (Pteropus conspicilatus) photographed at Port Douglas, Far North Queensland, Australia.
We will work with the Queensland Government to have the rainforest protected as the Black Bean Rainforest Refuge. The Queensland Government’s Nature Refuge program works with landholders who have an interest in protecting and managing the significant conservation values of their land in perpetuity. A Nature Refuge is established through a voluntary, binding conservation agreement between the landholder and the Department of Environment and Science on behalf of the Queensland Government.
We're working hard to raise funds to purchase Lot 463 Black Bean Road so it can be protected for its exceptional conservation values. Can you help?
