Australia ecology

How did the original Australians relate to the land? How have the later arrivals related to the land? Some of the facts make for unpleasant reading.

One of the interesting facts about Australia is that Australia is not just a country but almost a whole continent. By all means discover Australia and explore the coastline, but also discover Australia interior also, for there you will find some facts about Australia that show a land as different from the east coast as anything to be found anywhere in the world - and just as beautiful in its own way. 

European settlement began in Australia in the late 18th century. Indigenous Australians lived here for tens of thousands of years before that. But since European settlement many species of plants and animals have become extinct or are in danger of becoming so. Many of our river systems are dying or in danger of dying. Vast tracts of land has been cleared for farming and, as a result, salt levels have risen and turned the soil into a wasteland.

The Australia fishing industry has in many places died out or been reduced alarmingly. The damming of some of our rivers has stopped the natural flooding of river flats causing thousands of trees to die.

The introduction of such creatures as rabbits, cane toads and carp has polluted our lands and waterways. Industrial waste let into our rivers and streams has damaged the eco-system. Global warming has added to the woes of such natural beauty spots as the Great Barrier Reef.

Only now does it appear that action is being taken albeit slowly. Urban buildings reluctantly take to installing solar panels and water tanks. State and federal governments argue over who should take responsibility for the Murray-Darling basin. Forestry practices may remove habitats of endangered species of flora and f au na. Removing trees and grasses exposes vast tracts of valuable topsoil much of which has been blown away and resultant rains have c au sed enormous soil erosion.