'New ecosystem' found in Steve Irwin reserve


New discovery: The reserve is named after the late Steve Irwin (Getty Images: Ryan Pierse)


Researchers working on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve in far north Queensland say they think they have uncovered a new ecosystem.

The picturesque parcel of land in the surrounds of Cape York is home to hundreds of rare birds, fish, reptiles and plant life.

It is known as the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve, in memory of the conservation work the 'Crocodile Hunter' carried out there before his death in 2006.

But more recently the area has been in the headlines not for its environmental beauty, but because of plans to mine bauxite there.

Professor Craig Franklin from the University of Queensland met Steve Irwin nine years ago and now leads the research efforts in Cape York.

Last night he delivered the inaugural memorial lecture dedicated to his friend, and announced the discovery of what he thinks is a new ecosystem.

"It looks like we could have a new species of plant, but even more excitingly is that we are in the process, by the looks of it, of describing a new ecosystem," Professor Franklin said.

"So we've discovered an assemblage of plants that don't fit under any of the current ecosystem types. We may be in the process of describing a new ecosystem, which I think is fairly rare these days."

Terri Irwin has taken over the conservation work of her late husband, and says the two men were an intellectual match when it came to protecting the environment.

"I imagine within the month this discussion will be antiquated and that we will find even more new things, and quite literally every week new discoveries are being made," she said.

"So for Craig to be able to highlight not only what's being discovered, but the significance is so important.

"Steve loved crocs and this area was so special. So to recognise that and to honour Steve is very important, because he was such a patriotic Australian and loved this country so much.

"Then also the significance of the land of its own right; I'm just feeling very privileged to have the opportunity to be a steward and to protect and preserve this area for generations to come."

Both Terri Irwin and Professor Franklin were reluctant to talk about the bauxite mining last night, saying the event was about remembering their husband and friend.

But Professor Franklin did say the conservation of the reserve and the mining would not work together.

"They're mutually exclusive. If they were to mine the bauxite plateau the likelihood of the springs being destroyed is very high. So they don't sit well together," he said.

"I'm not opposed to mining, but I am opposed to affecting an environment which is so special and full of amazing animals and plants."

An Environmental Impact Statement on the mining proposal is due later this year.