Grass, Fire, and Ecological Engineering
Metastable Ecosystems
Australia's tropical savannas are dynamic systems where tree canopies and grasslands compete. With little disturbance, tree canopies close over, eliminating grasslands. Conversely, too much disturbance allows grasslands to dominate. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for managing savanna environments.
The Grass-Fire Cycle
Recent studies in northern Australia reveal that contemporary fire regimes and the spread of African grasses are causing hotter, more frequent fires. This grass-fire cycle is detrimental to Australia's eucalypt savannas. Management strategies include:
- Chemical and mechanical control
- Grazing management
- Preventing the spread of African grasses
Protecting Platysace
What it Looks Like
Platysace is a multi-stemmed shrub, up to 1.5 meters tall, with narrow, fragrant leaves and clusters of white flowers producing fennel-like seeds.
Habitat
This rare species grows on sandstone cliff faces in the Victoria Bonaparte bioregion, straddling the Northern Territory and Western Australia border, notably in Keep River National Park.
Importance as an Indicator
Platysace’s distribution in naturally fire-protected areas suggests it requires fire exclusion for survival. To protect it, implement a fire regime that ensures patches of long-unburnt land. Use early-season fires, natural fire breaks, and avoid burning areas with fire-sensitive plants.
Conserving Mertens' Water Monitor
What it Looks Like
Mertens' Water Monitor is a semi-aquatic goanna, up to 1 meter long, with a dark brown back and numerous small yellow spots. Its flattened tail aids swimming.
Habitat
This species inhabits coastal and inland waters across northern Australia, from the Kimberley to Cape York Peninsula, rarely straying far from water.
Importance as an Indicator
The presence of Mertens' Water Monitor indicates abundant prey and suitable nesting sites. It has declined due to the cane toad's toxin but shows recovery in areas where it adapts locally. Protect it by controlling pests, avoiding toad transportation, and preserving riparian habitats.
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Australia now has 13 exotic ant species, 11 of which are found across the northern tropics. Six of these species are of particular concern: the red imported Fire ant ( Solenopsis invicta ), Yellow crazy ant ( Anoplolepis gracilipes )...
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The tropical savannas of northern Australia are important for many reasons, but one of the most notable may not be obvious to the casual visitor: the savannas are a refuge for biodiversity of world significance...
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Introduction of feral animals
Over the past 200 years, colonising peoples have brought to Australia a huge number of animals that did not evolve here. This has resulted in dramatic changes to the environment. Over the past 200 years, colonising peoples have brought to Australia a huge number of animals—mainly mammals—that...
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Nomadic Bird Surveys
Our online survey to help track two of Australia's most elusive birds—the flock bronzewing pigeon and the Australian bustard—is currently complete. Thank you to those who filled out our survey form. Most responses came from mail-out surveys; results can be found at the end of the page.
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Diplodactylus occultus
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Exploring Australia's Unique Biodiversity Exotic ants threaten Indigenous lands Biodiversity of world significance Introduction of feral animals Nomadic Bird SurveysFlock bronzewing pigeon
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Exotic invasive ants
Red imported fire ant
