Issues
Science
A focus of the Great Eastern Ranges Initiative is to protect native species as well as the ecosystems they belong within. The plants, animals and ecosystems of the Great Eastern Ranges are facing the threat of climate change. Intense and more frequent bushfires, hotter, longer droughts, decreases in river flow and decreases in snowfall are just a few of the changes resulting from climate change, as are more severe weather events including increased rainfall, flash flooding and destructive winds coming with severe thunderstorms. Impacts could include the ignition of bushfires from lightning strikes.
The Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 have listed human-induced climate change as the greatest long term threat to biodiversity in the bioregions of the Great Eastern Ranges. That icon of Australian wildlife, the Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) could become extinct if atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations continue to rise. Research is showing that as the climate warms Eucalyptus leaves lose nutritional value. The food chain for the Koala is finely balanced. It may not be able to find a reliable food source if Eucalyptus leaves become inedible.
Pest plants and animals are a major threat to biodiversity in the Great Eastern Ranges. They survive in the absence of predators and diseases, and can often spread quickly and survive in harsh conditions. They can have a significant impact on native species by preying on them or competing with them for shelter and food. The brumbies of the Australian high country – descended from domesticated Horses – have become a pest. They selectively graze sensitive areas around alpine bogs and swamps, and cause slopes to become exposed to water erosion.
The long term survival of the native plants, animals and ecosystems of the Great Eastern Ranges depends on successful management of environmental issues. Climate change will present challenges, as will the management of pest plants and animals. These are not the only issues facing biodiversity in the Great Eastern Ranges. Water quantity and quality is essential for biodiversity, including the 37 migratory bird species visiting wetlands, rivers and watercourses. Decreases in water flow and availability increase the risk of losing significant bird breeding grounds, fish spawning areas and wetland areas, as well as the ecosystems they support.
