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 in Antarctic or Subantarctic latitudes. They require special management, because of significant and sometimes fragile attributes associated with cave geomorphology, geology, hydrology, atmospheres, soils, microbiology, flora, fauna, vertebrate palaeontology, archaeology and safety considerations. Use for recreation, tourism or science may pose serious impacts on these cave environments. Restricted access under the Heard Island Wilderness Reserve Management Plan would be an appropriate management response.