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https://theconversation.com/the-top-ends-tropical-savannas-are-a-natural-wonder-but-weak-environment-laws-mean-their-future-is-uncertain-241893>
"The Top End of Australia’s Northern Territory contains an extensive,
awe-inspiring expanse of tropical savanna landscapes. It includes well-known
and much-loved regions such as Darwin, Kakadu National Park, Arnhem Land and
Nitmiluk Gorge.
These tropical savannas feature open forests and woodlands dominated by
eucalypts and a diverse grassy understorey. They experience an intense
monsoon-driven wet season and long dry season during which fire is common.
The area is home to a spectacular range of plants and animals, including
crocodiles, barramundi, speartooth sharks, the spectacularly coloured
Leichhardt’s grasshopper and flocks of magpie geese. Some groups are
extraordinarily diverse. Several thousand ant species are thought to live there
– compared to just 1,000 species in South America’s Amazon basin.
Yet, despite their immense ecological and cultural significance, the NT’s
tropical savannas face an uncertain future. The landscape is under increasing
pressure from invasive species, more frequent and severe fires, climate change,
mining, agriculture and development – including water extraction.
Our new report outlines what should be done to ensure conservation and
sustainable management of this unique and special region."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
