Monitoring
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services (QPWS) monitors evidence to substantiate claims of small-scale disturbance and fossil removal by visitors.
QPWS management activities include:
- fossil health check monitoring
- periodic park surveillance
- signage to educate and remind visitors that fossil removal is illegal.
The QPWS activities will record and investigate any occurrence of theft.
Visitor education
Visitors have the opportunity at this site, the Lawn Hill Gorge (part of the Boodjamulla National Park) and the Riversleigh Fossil Discovery Centre located at Mount Isa to:
- learn about the site’s World Heritage values
be educated and reminded that fossil removal or site disturbance is illegal. Updated signage now gives visitors a better general understanding of:
- the importance of fossils
- the threat posed to the Riversleigh section’s Outstanding Universal Value if its fossils are illegally removed.
Threat Assessment
The assessment of threats is outlined in the Australian Fossil Mammal Sites (Riversleigh / Naracoorte) Conservation Outlook Assessment from 2014, 2017 and 2020. Reporting of Outlook Assessment has changed from every 3 years to every 5 years and the next report is due in 2025.
| Threat | 2014 Status | 2014 Location | 2017 Status | 2017 Location | 2020 Status | 2020 Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illegal access and fossil theft | Very low threat | Inside site | Very low threat | Inside site. Localised (<5%) | Low threat | Inside site, localised (<5%) |
The threat of fossil theft is considered low.
