
Invasive native scrub cover in arid Australia has increased dramatically over the past century, coincident with declines of native mammal species in the critical weight range. Hypotheses to explain the increase in shrub cover and associated land degradation range from increased CO2 emissions to overgrazing, but none adequately explains all elements of invasive native scrub encroachment.
This project considers the role of declining native mammals in shrub encroachment, as recent experiments in our lab have suggested that these mammals may play an important role in inhibiting growth and spread of invasive native scrub species.
We have study sites throughout arid and semi-arid NSW and SA and are running field trips throughout the year. If you would like to know more about this project or to volunteer, please contact Charlotte Mills.
There are six species of Black-Cockatoo endemic to Australia. The Yellow-tailed Black-Cockatoo is one of the largest species and found from Central/South Eastern Queensland down to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.
Predation from introduced cats and foxes is the major factor responsible for the extinction of wild native mammal populations and the failure of reintroductions of endangered mammals in Australia.
Every year since 2007, the Centre for Ecosystem Science has been running field trips to Sturt National Park, Strzelecki Regional Reserve and nearby properties under the directive of Professor Mike Letnic.