Another piece of the World Heritage value Daintree rainforest has been protected forever with a 14th property purchased by Rainforest Rescue. "Purchasing and protecting Lot 7 Milky Pine Road is a significant outcome for conservation and for the Cassowary," said Kelvin Davies, Rainforest Rescue CEO.

The not for profit organisation purchased the nearby Lot 10 Milky Pine Road in May 2010 and this latest acquisition extends their protection of critical Cassowary habitat in the Daintree. The property and the surrounding area have been classified as essential habitat for the endangered Cassowary by the Queensland Government (under the Vegetation Management Act of 1999).

"The purchase not only saves this precious rainforest, it also does away with one further development in the Daintree."

"Residential development brings with it a host of threats – clearing and fragmentation of the rainforest, introduction of domestic dogs that harass and kill wildlife, increased traffic and road kills and the introduction of weed species – all of which contribute to the degradation of the Daintree's rainforest ecosystems," he added.

Daintree resident, Allen Sheather, undertaking a survey on the property, which is now protected forever.

Daintree resident, Allen Sheather, undertaking a survey on the property, which is now protected forever.

The high conservation value of Lot 7 Milky Pine Road has been confirmed by an extensive list of plants recorded in a survey of the property undertaken by Daintree residents, Allen Sheather and Barbara Maslen.

"I recorded over 100 plant species on Lot 7 Milky Pine Road, including several rare plants, Haplostychanthus "Cooper Creek", Normanbya normanbyi (Black Palm), Endiandra microneura (Noah's Walnut), and Cleistanthus myrianthus," said Mr. Sheather.

"The fruit of several species known to be Cassowary food plants were also found growing on the property. They include Endiandra sankeyana and Antirhea tenuiflora. I was also happy to find a lot of Black Palms growing there, as they are significant food plants for the Cassowary during the food-scarce wet season."

In addition, Mr. Sheather and Ms. Maslen came across three reasonably fresh Cassowary droppings and several older droppings with germinating seeds during the survey.

"The Daintree is too precious to lose to creeping development. There are approximately 180 properties which still remain at risk within the Daintree Lowlands rainforest. Rainforest Rescue is committed to purchasing back every property we can through our Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project," said Mr. Davies.

"That our Daintree Buy Back and Protect Forever Project is fully funded by the community is a positive sign that people want to see the Daintree saved forever. We receive donations from individuals and businesses in Australia and internationally," he added.

Rainforest Rescue is committed to protecting rainforests forever. It is now seeking funds for the purchase and protection of its 15th Daintree property. To make a tax-deductible donation, visit www.rainforestrescue.org.au, or phone 1300 763 611.

Media release from Rainforest Rescue.