
Hosnie's Spring
- Country:Australia
- Site number:512
- Area:202 ha
- Designation date:11-12-1990
- Coordinates:10°28'S 105°40'E
Overview
An area of permanent, shallow freshwater wetland, fed by a natural spring system located approximately 30 metres above sea level and 120 metres inland of the seaward cliff. The wetland is covered by a stand of mangroves (Bruguiera gymnorhiza) estimated to be 120,000 years old. The site includes surrounding terrestrial areas with rainforest grading to coastal scrub, and includes an area of shoreline and coral reef. It is significant for the age, location and size of the mangroves as well as for supporting large numbers of crabs including: red crabs (Gecarcoidea natalis), robber crabs (Birgus latro) and blue crabs (Discoplax hirtipes). Visitor access of small interest groups such as bird watchers or scientific teams is managed by Parks Australia to conserve the ecological character of the site. The greatest threat within the site comes from the formation of multi-queen super colonies of the invasive yellow crazy ant (Anoplolepis gracilipes), thought to have been introduced accidently to Christmas Island between 1915 and 1934. The site's area was extended in 2010 from 0.33 to 202 ha to conform to the National Park boundaries.
- National legal designation:
- national park
- Last publication date:01-01-2011
Downloads
Ramsar Information Sheet (RIS)
Archived RIS
Site map
Additional reports and documents
- A detailed Ecological Character Description (ECD)