Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01354:body:0:p34
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021L01354
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 96732–99740

species being recorded in the park. No other comparably sized area in the Australian semi-arid zone is known be as rich in reptiles (Reid et al. 1993). One species, the Tjakuṟa or great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei) is listed as vulnerable under the EPBC Act (see Appendix H).

   Four frog species have been recorded in the park and may be seen in abundance and heard after heavy rain.

   The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa landscape is representative of Central Australian arid ecosystems. Many of the species found in this region have suffered a general decline in distribution and abundance. Some species that formerly occurred in the park have now become extinct in the Northern Territory, and others have become extinct on mainland Australia. To Aṉangu, a decrease in the population or extinction of a species has implications for the condition and health of the landscape and for the ongoing maintenance of Tjukurpa. As such, Aṉangu have supported moves to reintroduce locally extinct animals such as the mala.

   All native flora and fauna species are protected by the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, which prohibit moving, taking, trading, killing or injuring native species. The EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations also prohibit bringing in animals and plants, or cultivating plants in the park, except in accordance with the prescriptions in this section.

   Section 3.2 Protecting and enriching culture and country provides information in relation to invasive fauna and flora species.
 Research, monitoring and knowledge management

 Research and monitoring provide essential information about the park's plant and animal life, its natural and cultural resources and its visitor use. This information assists the Director, the Board and Parks Australia to make good decisions about managing the park. It also assists in the adaptive management of the park and provides useful information for regional conservation programs, local Aboriginal enterprises, and the tourism industry. Research and monitoring can be done by park staff, consultants, government agencies, research organisations and individuals.

 Flora and fauna monitoring reveals how conditions change over time, and helps in assessing the effectiveness of management programs to make better management decisions. The episodic fluctuations in the abundance and distribution of many central Australian animals and their habitats mean that long-term monitoring programs are essential to identify trends. Examining species at an ecosystem level also assists in identifying key pressures, vulnerabilities and potential flow-on effects to other species and habitats.

 Undertaking visitor surveys and monitoring helps to develop better understanding of who visits the park, how visitors use the park, what visitors expect, and how satisfied they are.

 Research and monitoring activities are subject to the EPBC Act and EPBC Regulations, including those that involve native species, those conducted for commercial purposes, and those that require access