Improving Human Impacts

Improving Human Impacts

      The best way we can reduce negative human impact in the ecoregion is to combat destruction that results from agriculture. Australia has the least fertile soils of any continent on earth, so widespread farming in this region is not a responsible practice to continue. Globalization of the world markets can work to solve this issue; crops that can be cultivated more efficiently in other parts of the world should be imported to Australia rather than grown in these fragile and relatively non-fertile regions. For certain agricultural goods that cannot be easily imported, farmers should look to practice more sustainable farming techniques and to avoid further habitat destruction resulting from cleared lands. With these solution in mind, we must be wary of the consequences of globalization. Extra care should be taken to ensure that new non-native species are not allowed to colonize in the region.

(http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/l/10/107603-cattle-leave-the-land-train-alice-springs-australia.jpg)

Future Prospects

Future Prospects

          The Southwestern Australian scrublands will surely face ecological challenges in years to come. Future impacts for the Esperance Mallee look dismal if agricultural use of the region proceeds on its current path. The naturally non-fertile soils of the region will likely require increased use of fertilizers, which have a negative environmental impact. The continual tillage of land for fresh soil will be a persistent problem as current lands are exhausted and as human population in the region increases. Over-irrigation too will be a growing problem as the already arid region could potentially become drier as a result of climate change.

            The Nullarbor Plains’ flora vitality is most concerning when looking to the future. The Plains, which are the home to over 3000 native plants species, hosts 300 non-native plant species. While some of these alien plants’ impact are negligible, there is a potential for plants that pose greater threat to native plants to invade the area as global transit becomes more efficient and widespread. The over-grazing of vegetative growth from rabbits also falls under the category of destructive alien invaders. Unless we can find a pragmatic solution to curb the rabbit population that does not involve environmentally destructive chemicals or the introduction of additional alien species, the rabbits will continue to wreak havoc on native plant species.

Below is a table that shows the "differences between probable unmitigated and mitigated futures at 2100." The table makes clear that if steps are not taken to limit green house gas emissions, the ecoregion will face a dramatic decline in agricultural production. 

(http://www.garnautreview.org.au/pdf/Garnaut_Chapter6.pdf)

Human Impacts

Human Impacts on the Southwestern Australian Ecoregions

Current Human Impacts

      The semi-arid Mediterranean climate of Southwest Austrialia can be divided into two ecoregions, both of which are affected negatively as a result of human impact. The Nullarbor Plains is the more arid of the two, and it has been classified as vulnerable due to several factors. Overgrazing and an out-of-control rabbit population wreak havoc on the established plant assemblages. Additionally, alien plant species threaten this ecosystem’s vegetative stability. The most direct human impact on this ecosystem is off-road vehicle use, whose impact is marginal compared to the direct human impact found in the region to the west of the Plains.

       The Esparance Mallee is classified as critical/endangered. Part of the threat to this ecoregion is also caused by invasive species, but of the fauna variety. Specifically, foxes pose threats to native animal species. More damaging than alien species is heavy agricultural use (or abuse) in this region. Nearly 50% of the Esparance Mallee has been developed for farming purposes. This has led to widespread land clearance, habitat fragmentation, and over-irrigation. 

                          

(https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110905146515171690872/albums/5814536635845169825/5815212950200790146)

(https://plus.google.com/u/0/photos/110905146515171690872/albums/5814536635845169825/5815213316429808866)

Protected Areas and their Status

Protected Areas and their Status

The Nullarbor Regional Preserve and Nullarbor National Park are protected areas in this ecosystem.

C Michael Hogan (Lead Author);World Wildlife Fund (Contributing Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Nullarbor Plains xeric shrublands". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth July 1, 2012; Last revised Date August 20, 2012; Retrieved November 24, 2012 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Nullarbor_Plains_xeric_shrublands>



The  "Esperance mallee" region of Southwestwern Austrailia is designated as critical/endangered. The widespread development of this ecoregion for agricultural use has led to increasing threats of land clearance, habitat fragmentation,  and over-irragation. Below is a map of the region; lands being utilized for agriculture are shaded in yellow. 

C Michael Hogan (Lead Author);World Wildlife Fund (Contributing Author);Peter Saundry (Topic Editor) "Esperance mallee". In: Encyclopedia of Earth. Eds. Cutler J. Cleveland (Washington, D.C.: Environmental Information Coalition, National Council for Science and the Environment). [First published in the Encyclopedia of Earth July 1, 2012; Last revised Date October 7, 2012; Retrieved November 25, 2012 <http://www.eoearth.org/article/Esperance_mallee?topic=49597>