South-west Tanami Desert - Department of Natural Resources ...

South-west Tanami Desert 

Location and Description 

The south-west Tanami Desert is characterised by a 

complex mosaic of landforms and habitats that are 

distinct from the surrounding country. The Site is 440 km 

north-west of Alice Springs, adjacent to the Western 

Australian border. It encompasses much of the 

extensive Central Tanami Desert paleodrainage system. 

Other habitats within the Site include alluvial plains, 

dunefields, sandplains, rocky hills and rises, freshwater 

and saline lakes, and claypans. This habitat diversity 

contributes to a rich flora and fauna and the persistence 

of many threatened species. Vegetation is varied and 

includes hummock grasslands, sparse shrublands and 

open woodland. 

Tenure and Land Use 

The Site is entirely Aboriginal freehold land held by five 

Aboriginal land trusts (Central Desert, Mangkururrpa, 

Yiningarra, Lake Mackay and Mt Frederick). The main 

land uses within the Site are Indigenous use, pastoral 

operations, and mining. Granites Goldmine and a number 

of smaller satellite mines are operating within the Site. The 

Tanami Road passes through the Site and Rabbit Flat 

Roadhouse is within it. The site sits within the proposed 

Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area. 

Significance Rating 

International Significance 

Ecological Values 

The South-west Tanami Desert provides habitat for 11 

threatened species. It supports populations of Bilby, 

Brush-tailed Mulgara, Australian Bustard and Great Desert 

Skink, and is considered a stronghold for these and other 

rare or declining species in the Northern Territory. 

Ephemeral wetlands within the Site support the vulnerable 

dwarf desert spike-rush. One plant species is known only 

from the Site and other species endemic either to the 

Tanami bioregion or to the Northern Territory are also 

found at the Site. 

Management Issues 

Major management issues within the Site include feral cat 

and fox, which prey on native wildlife, and fire. Mining and 

exploration activities are occurring within the Site and road 

works and other associated infrastructure may impact 

sensitive habitats. 

Condition 

Condition varies widely across the Site depending on the 

relative impacts of the factors listed above. 

Google Earth imagery 

Current Conservation Initiatives 

Biodiversity surveys are conducted annually at 

permanent sites within the Granites Goldmine lease as 

part of the Tanami Biodiversity Monitoring Program. Fire 

is being managed on Tanami Downs Station under a fire 

management plan and the lessees also plan to fence 

some waterbodies. Populations of threatened species 

are being monitored at Sangster’s Bore and a dingoproof 

fox baiting device is being trialled. The Site lies 

within the proposed Southern Tanami Indigenous 

Protected Area. The Central Land Council is supporting 

Aboriginal land owners and the Warlpiri Rangers to 

implement controlled burns within the Site for the 

protection of significant areas and to minimise the 

potential for wildfires.

SOUTH-WEST TANAMI DESERT - SITE OF CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE 

Department of Natural Resources, Environment, The Arts and Sport 269

LOCATION 

THREATENED SPECIES 

ENDEMIC SPECIES 

WILDLIFE 

AGGREGATION 

S 


SOCS Number 43 (NT Parks and Conservation Masterplan Map Number 66) 

Latitude/Longitude 20 º 37´ South, 129 º 51´ East (at centre) 

Bioregion Tanami (98%), Great Sandy Desert (2%) 

Description The boundary of this site is delineated based on seven Sites of Botanical Significance identified in White 

et al. (2000). These sites are aggregated and extended to include threatened species habitat. A 2 km 

buffer is applied to the site and it encompasses an area of 19443 km². 

Major vegetation communities within the site include soft spinifex Triodia pungens and feathertop spinifex 

T. schinzii hummock grassland with acacia tall sparse-shrubland overstorey between dunes; snappy gum 

Eucalyptus brevifolia low open-woodland with soft spinifex understorey; and neverfail Eragrostis 

xerophila open-grassland with scattered trees and shrubs (White et al. 2000). 

Vegetation at some wetland areas includes coolabah and bluebush at swamps, and bare pans of 

ephemeral lakes containing Ruppia sp. fringed by Melaleuca glomerata, or samphire and Acacia 

maconochieana fringing bare pans (Duguid 2005). 

Significance Rating International Significance 

Threatened plants 

and animals 

(Listings at 

National/NT level 

CR - Critically 

Endangered, 

EN - Endangered, 

VU - Vulnerable, 

NT - Near 

Threatened, 

LC - Least Concern, 

DD - Data Deficient) 

Significance Rating Regional Significance 

11 threatened species are recently reported from this site. 

Plants 

Dwarf desert spike-rush Eleocharis papillosa (VU/VU) 

Vertebrates 

Australian Bustard Ardeotis australis (-/VU) 

Australian Painted Snipe Rostratula australis (VU/VU) 

Emu Dromaius novaehollandiae (-/VU) 

Masked Owl Tyto novauhollandiae (EN/EN) 

Princess Parrot Polytelis alexandrae (VU/VU) 

Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus (VU/VU) 

Brush-tailed Mulgara Dasycercus blythi (VU/VU) 

Bilby Macrotis lagotis (VU/VU) 

Southern Marsupial Mole Notoryctes typhlops (EN/VU) 

Great Desert Skink Egernia kintorei (VU/VU) 

Eight threatened species recorded for the site are believed to now be locally extinct from the region 

(Black-footed Rock Wallaby Petrogale lateralis, Brush-tailed Bettong Bettongia penicillata, Common 

Brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula vulpecula, Central Rock-rat Zyzomys pedunculatus, Golden 

Bandicoot Isoodon auratus, Mala Lagorchestes hirsutus, Red-tailed Phascogale Phascogale calura and 

Western Quoll Dasyurus geoffroii). 

The site also supports populations of the Northern Nailtail Wallaby and the Spectacled Hare-wallaby, 

both of which are listed as near threatened in the NT. 

The high concentration of threatened species in this site is, at least partially, due to the presence of the 

Tanami Paleodrainage system, the Granites area providing greater habitat variety than the rest of the 

Tanami Desert (Southgate et al. 2006) and the relative absence of exotic competitors and predators 

(Morton et al. 1995). 

Notes Endemic to the site: One plant species (Marsilea latzii) is entirely restricted to this site and another 

(Spermacoce resinosula) is known only from the site and a record immediately adjacent to it. 

Endemic to the bioregion: Three plant species recorded from this site are endemic to the Tanami 

bioregion (Coleocoma centaurea, Marsilea latzii and Spermacoce resinosula). 

Endemic to the NT: Seven plant species recorded from this site are endemic to the NT (Acacia 

abbreviate, Bonamia deserticola, Eleocharis papillosa, Goodenia halophila, Marsilea latzii, Spermacoce 

resinosula and Trachymene inflata). 

Other: Seven plant species are restricted to the Tanami bioregion within the NT but also occur in other 

states (Acacia sabulosa, Acacia stellaticeps, Acacia synchronicia, Coleocoma centaurea, Corynotheca 

asperata, Indigofera ammobia and Pityrodia chorisepala). 

Significance Rating Not Significant 

Marine turtles Not applicable 

Seabirds None known 

Waterbirds None known 

Shorebirds None known 

Other aggregations None known 


WETLANDS 

FLORA 

OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL VALUES 

MANAGEMENT 

ISSUES 



Ramsar criteria met Not assessed 

DIWA criteria met Not assessed 

Notes The site encompasses ephemeral wetlands such as Lake Ruth and Sanctuary Swamp, which are filled 

by runoff from surrounding rises, and the Tanami paleodrainage system runs for some 50 km under the 

sandplain (Morton et al. 1995). 

Buffalo and Bullocks Head Lakes, Kilpatrick Swamp and Sanctuary Swamp occur within the site. It is 

thought that the lakes fill fairly regularly, Kilpatrick Swamp fills fairly infrequently, and Sanctuary Swamp 

is estimated to be filled every 5 years or so (Duguid 2005). Inundation can be quite long-lasting (>1 year) 

(A. Duguid, NRETAS, pers. comm.). 

Rivers No information located 


Notes Restricted range species: 15 plants reported from the site have restricted ranges within the NT (Acacia 

pachycarpa, Acacia wiseana, Bonamia alatisemina, Dampiera candicans, Eriachne flaccida, Eucalyptus 

cupularis, Glycine pullenii, Neobassia astrocarpa, Ptilotus calostachyus var. procerus, Sclerolaena 

muelleri, Sesbania cannabina var. sericea, Swainsona tanamiensis, Trianthema glossostigma, 

Trianthema turgidifolia and Triodia salina). 

Other: The site includes the healthiest (i.e. good recruitment and less fire impacted), and possibly the 

largest stands of Acacia maconochieana (D. Albrecht and P. Latz, NRETAS, pers. comm.). 

The higher reliability of water resources occurring in the paleodrainage system and run-on areas 

underlying the site result in habitats with relatively continuous production. Native mammalian herbivores 

and many invertebrate herbivores are often most abundant and diverse in such places (Morton 1990). 

The Tanami Drainage System is identified as a highly significant refuge ecological refuge by Morton et al. 

(1995). 

Southgate et al. (2006) found that areas like the South-west Tanami, with a variety of substrates or 

topographies, provide more reliability of resources and protection from some forms of disturbance, and 

act as significant points of refugia and for species radiation. This variety also increases the probability of 

a small-scale mosaic pattern of burning. 

The former Tanami Wildlife Sanctuary and West Tanami Area are listed on the Register of the National 

Estate for their natural values (Australian Heritage Council). 

Sanctuary Swamp is identified as being significant for biodiversity conservation by Duguid et al. (2005). 

Seven sites of Botanical Significance (Mongrel Downs, Bluebush Hills, Western Tanami Paleodrainage 

Systems, Dead Bullock Soak, Lake White, Tanami Paleodrainage system extension and the Tanami 

Range) identified in White et al. (2000), mostly occur within the boundaries of this site. 

This site does not support regular aggregations of waterbirds, however the wetlands provide important 

habitat and refuge for numerous waterbirds when inundated. Thirty one species of waterbird, 12 

shorebird species and two seabird species are recorded for the site. 

There are 21 migratory species recorded for this site that are listed under international conventions or 

bilateral agreements protecting migratory animals. 

The site lies within the proposed Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area. 

Fire: In the period 1997-2005, most parts of the site (76%) were burnt fewer than two times and none of 

the site was burnt more than four times. The fire regime in the site has changed and there are now more 

frequent uncontrolled summer wildfires, which may be affecting threatened species such as the Greater 

Bilby (Pavey 2006) and the Great Desert Skink (McAlpin 2001). 

Feral animals: Cat and fox occur within the site and prey on native wildlife such as the Greater Bilby. 

Rabbit and camel also occur within the site. 

Weeds and invasive exotic plants: Mossman River Grass Cenchrus echinatus (category B weed), 

buffel grass Cenchrus ciliaris and Cyperus involucratus occur within the site. Couch grass Cynodon 

dactylon is also likely to be present and spreading. 

Other: Mining and exploration activities occur within the site and road works and other associated 

infrastructure may have some impacts on sensitive habitats. 


MANAGEMENT INFORMATION 

KEY REFERENCES 


NRM groups Walpiri Rangers. 

Protected areas The site lies largely within the proposed Southern Tanami Indigenous Protected Area (feasibility study 

phase). 

Current 

management plans 

Monitoring 

programs and 

research projects 

Management 

recommendations 

Site-specific plans: Tanami Downs Station fire management plan (Paltridge & Latz). 

National recovery plans for threatened species: Greater Bilby (Pavey 2006), Southern Marsupial 

Moles (Benshemesh 2004), Great Desert Skink/Tjakura (McAlpin 2001), Brush-tailed Mulgara (SA 

Department of Environment and Heritage in prep.). 

Other management plans: Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by the European Red Fox 

(Environment Australia 1999); Threat Abatement Plan for Predation by Feral Cats (Environment 

Australia, 1999); Australian Weeds Strategy (NRMMC 2007). 

Biodiversity surveys are conducted annually at 100 permanent sites within the Granites Goldmine lease 

by the Central Land Council and Newmont Tanami Pty Limited as part of the Tanami Biodiversity 

Monitoring Program (J. Young pers. comm.). Tree health is also monitored as part of the flora surveys in 

this program. 

Trials of a dingo-proof fox baiting device and monitoring of threatened species populations are ongoing in 

the Sangster’s Bore area. This work is being undertaken by the CLC-supported Warlpiri Ranger Group in 

conjunction with consultants and NRETAS Biodiversity Conservation. Predator and threatened species 

track counts are conducted along treatment (baited) and control transects. Elliott trapping and random 

plot-based tracking surveys are also undertaken as part of this work. 

The Central Land Council is supporting NRM board Indigenous Ecological Knowledge (IEK) projects in 

this area to inform ongoing management under an Indigenous Protected Area. 

The Central Land Council is supporting Aboriginal land owners and Warlpiri Rangers to implement 

controlled burns for the protection of significant areas and for wildfire mitigation (J. Young pers. comm.). 

Across the NT, fire is mapped continuously under the North Australia Fire Information Project 

http://www.firenorth.org.au/nafi/app/init.jsp 

Conduct a survey to identify significant wetlands within the site (NRETA 2005). 

Consider management requirements such as fencing to exclude cattle from sensitive areas (NRETA 

2005). 

Work with the Indigenous rangers and other Traditional Owners to develop appropriate management for 

the site. Develop comprehensive vegetation mapping to inform strategic fire management for the 

protection of threatened species habitats and fire sensitive vegetation communities. Develop an 

integrated natural and cultural resource management plan for the area under the Southern Tanami 

Indigenous Protected Area (J. Young pers. comm.). 

Continue actions to have the site proclaimed an Indigenous Protected Area. 

Papers and reports Duguid, A., Barnetson, J., Clifford, B., Pavey, C., Albrecht, D., Risler, J. and McNellie, M. (2005). 

Wetlands in the arid Northern Territory. A report to the Australian Government Department of the 

Environment and Heritage on the inventory and significance of wetlands in the arid NT. Northern Territory 

Government Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts. Alice Springs. 

Gibson, D.F. (1986) A Biological Survey of the Tanami Desert in the Northern Territory. Conservation 

Commission of the Northern Territory. Technical report 30. Alice Springs, NT. 

White, M., Albrecht, D., Duguid, A., Latz, P. and Hamilton, M. (2000). Plant species and sites of botanical 

significance in the southern bioregions of the Northern Territory; volume 2: significant sites. A report to 

the Australian Heritage Commission from the Arid Lands Environment Centre. Alice Springs, NT. 

Contributors Theresa Nano, Biodiversity Conservation, NRETAS, Alice Springs. 

David Albrecht, Alice Springs Herbarium, NRETAS, Alice Springs 

James Young, Central Land Council, Alice Springs. 

Spinifex country, Sangster’s Bore, South-west Tanami Desert (Photo: Jeff Cole)

South-west Tanami Desert - Department of Natural Resources ...

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