Protected Areas and World Heritage Programme

IUCN Management Category II (National Park)

Biogeographical Province 6.2.2 (Tasmanian)

Geographical Location 70km northwest of Hobart, Tasmania, 42°35'-35'S, 146°30'-42'E.

Date and History of Establishment 29 August 1916.

Area 16,257 ha.

Land Tenure State Reserve.

Altitude 168-1,436m.

Physical Features A dolerite plateau overlying Permian mudstones and Tertiary sandstones, In the west and south there is some Ordovician limestone and at Mount Bridges a small outcrop of Tertiary basalt. The landscape is dominated by glacial features including cirques, arête ridges, erratics and moraine-dammed lakes. The western side of Mount Field features some spectacular dolerite columns. Rainfall is 1,500-1,750 mm.

Climate No information

Vegetation Varying from tall closed lowland forest with Nothofagus cunninghamii and Eucalyptus forests with E. regnans, E, delegatensis through subalpone woodland (E. coccifera) and coniferous forest (Athrotaxis selaginoides, A. cupressoides) to subalpine and alpine scrub (Nothofagus gunnii, Leptospermum spp.), heath (Epacridaceae, Protaceae, Astraceae), wet bog (Astelia alpina) and bolster moor (Abrotanella forsterioides, Pteroygopappus lawrencei and Donatia novae-zelandiae. Seven of the eight Tasmanian endemic conifers occur within the park.

Fauna Both monotremes, the echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are relatively common. About 24 species of marsupials and rodents are present and include the red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus), rufous pademelon (Thylogale billardieri), potoroo (Potorous apicalis), two species of marsupial mice (Antechinus swainsonii and A. minimus), wombat (Vombatus ursinus), Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), native cat (Dasyurus viverrinus) and several species of native rodents, Mastacomys fuscus and Pseudomys higginsi. The park includes most of the bird, reptile and amphibian fauna of other alpine parks in the State.

Cultural Heritage No information

Local Human Population No information

Visitors and Visitor Facilities A popular wintersports area with facilities such as ski-tows and lodges. One chalet with catering facilities; caravan and picnic area.

Scientific Research and Facilities Projects on alpine flora and altitudinal vegetation successions undertaken by the Botany Department, University of Tasmania.

None.

Conservation Value No information

Conservation Management Total.

Development is restricted to the park entrance area and the Mount Mawson skifield.

Management Constraints In 1966, regeneration fires from neighbouring pulp and paper company's forests escaped into the park, severely damaging much of the alpine flora. Sport-fishing is permitted. Population of feral domestic cats threaten fauna.

Staff Senior ranger, ranger, 2 assistant rangers, 2 park assistants and secretary: total 7.

Budget A$ 159,640 (1979/80).

Local Addresses

Senior Ranger, Mount Field National Park, Tasmania 7465, Australia.

References

Specht, R.L. et al. (1974). Conservation of major plant communities in Australia and Papua New Guinea. Aust. J. of Botany Suppl. 7: 374-379.

Date No information