Bald Island

Bald Island is an island that is located in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. The island is convert|1.5|km|mi|0|lk=on offshore from Cheynes Beach and the island is a protected area and was declared a World Conservation Union Category IA nature reserve (A Class A Nature Reserve (No 25869) in 1964 [cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/nrs/capad/2000/wa/wa-list2.html/|title=Department of Environment - Terrestrial Protected Areas - Western Australia|year=1998|accessdate=2007-10-07] . With an area of convert|8.09|km2|acre|0|lk=on [cite web|url=http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/2980/1482/|title=Naturebase - Gilbert's Potoroo Research Activities|year=2007|accessdate=2007-10-07] the island is one of the largest off the South Coast.Composed almost entirely of granite the island rises steeply from the ocean to a maximum height of convert|310|m|ft|0.The island was isolated around 10,000 years ago by rising sea levels. [cite web|url=http://biology.byu.edu/faculty/kac/crandall_lab/docsdata/pdf_files/1998/quokka-1998.pdf|title=AustralianJournal of Zoology Vol 46|year=1998|accessdate=2007-10-07]

Flora

The Island contains 104 species of plant. [cite web|url=http://www.aussieheritage.com.au/listings/wa/Manypeaks/CapeVancouvertoBaldIslandMarineArea/19882|title=Aussie Heritage - Cape Vancouver to Bald Island Marine Area|year=2007|accessdate=2007-10-07] Large stands of Agonis flexuosa are found on the sheltered upper slopes of the island, forested stretches of Melaleuca lanceolata are also found on the lower slopes.The Bald Island Marlock (Eucalyptus lehmannii) also forms dense thickets on parts of the island.In more exposed areas are covered by open heath and tussock species and closed shrub mostly comprised of Melaleuca microphylla.

Fauna

The island supports a good population of reptiles - four skinks and one gecko. One of the species of skink, Ctenotus labillardieri , has evolved into a distintive insular race on the island. There are no snakes on the island.Bald Island acts as an important breeding ground for species such as the Great-winged Petrel and the little penguin. Marine mammals such as New Zealand Fur Seals and Australian Sea lions inhabit Bald Island.

Introduced Fauna

Due to its location and lack of easy landing places on the shores of the island, it is in almost pristine condition. The island was chosen in August 2005 as a site for the translocation of a Gilbert's Potoroo population [cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/wa/stories/s1462229.htm|title=ABC News - Endangered Potoroos doing fine in their new home|year=2005|accessdate=2007-10-07] from the Two Peoples Bay Nature Reserve. More of the rare species were sent in 2007 to bring the total population to seven. [cite web|url=http://www.naturebase.net/content/view/2901/770/|title=Bald Island home to two more Gilbert’s potoroos |year=2007|accessdate=2007-10-07] The island was chosen due to its lack of predators such as cats, foxes and snakes.Another endangered species that has been translocated to Bald Island is the Noisy scrub bird. In 1992 five males were taken from the Two Peoples Bay area and taken to Bald Island. In 1993 the area was surveyed to show that at least two had survived. In 1993 another three males and three females have been relocated to Bald Island. [cite web|url=http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/recovery/noisy-scrub-bird/measures.html#251|title=Department of Environment - Noisy Scrub-bird (Atrichornis clamosus) Recovery Plan|year=1994|accessdate=2007-10-07] The estimated population of calling male birds on Bald Island in 2004 is 59 individuals. [cite web|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/ebas/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=5164&m=0|title=Birdlife International - Noisy Scrub-bird - BirdLife Species Factsheet
year=2004|accessdate=2007-10-07]

References