Management considerations for the Heard Island lava tube caves

Abstract

Heard Island contains a system of lava tube caves in a largely pristine condition which are the best developed bedrock caves known inAntarctic or Subantarctic latitudes. They require special management, because of significant and sometimes fragile attributes associatedwith cave geomorphology, geology, hydrology, atmospheres, soils, microbiology, flora, fauna, vertebrate palaeontology, archaeology andsafety considerations. Use for recreation, tourism or science may pose serious impacts on these cave environments. Restricted access underthe Heard Island Wilderness Reserve Management Plan would be an appropriate management response.