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)