Aurochs International

Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve; Australia
Set within the savannas of North Queensland, the Reserve, known locally as the Mareeba Wetlands, protects nearly 6,000 acres (2,200 hectares) of savannas and wetland; providing a sanctuary for much of tropical Australia's savanna and wetland flora and fauna, as well as its cultural heritage.

The Mareeba Tropical Savanna and Wetland Reserve ( www.mareebawetlands.org) is a unique habitat creation project combining valuable conservation work with environmental education and nature based tourism.

Ongoing monitoring of biodiversity takes place alongside the development of tourism, recreation and educational infrastructure. This has revealed phenomenal increases in wildlife, with a bird list approching 220 species (one of the longest in Australia) and becoming one of the most important Brolga (Grus rubicundus) and Sarus Crane (Grus antigone) roosts in North Queensland.

As a result of this demonstrable increase in biodiversity, the tourism sector has wholeheartedly embraced the project ( www.jabirusafarilodge.com.au), providing a suitable income stream to support its ongoing management and future development.