Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1978, in Australia. The Fitzgerald Biosphere Reserve is located between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun on the south coast of Western Australia. It comprises upland plains and a marine plain that is deeply incised by several rivers, creating large valleys and tablelands. A chain of small, isolated peaks runs close to the coast, forming the distinctive Barren Ranges. The highest peak reaches 450 metres above sea level. Rugged coastal cliffs occur where the quartzite ranges meet the ocean. Sand dunes, inlets, rivers, swamps and lakes also occur on the gently sloping marine plain, and they dry up in summer. There is a rich diversity of plant species in the park and surrounding areas, including dry sclerophyllous woodland, coastal woodlands and heath. The reserve contains over 250 rare or geographically restricted plant and animal species, many of which are little known. Of the 2,000 vascular plant species native to this area, around 75 per cent are endemic. Human impacts within the reserve are mainly related to tourism and the development of visitor facilities.