‘Catastrophic wildfire loop’ created after colonisation left parts of Australia more at risk from bushfires, study finds
A study published in Nature suggests that the removal of Indigenous land management practices after 1788 led to denser forests and a 'catastrophic wildfire loop' in Australia. Researchers worked with the Gunaikurnai people to reconstruct historical fire patterns and vegetation changes.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of colonial history, Indigenous knowledge, and modern climate change mitigation strategies.
Researchers worked with traditional owners to reconstruct 1,000 years of vegetation and fire history in Croajingolong national park in Gippsland, Victoria. Pictured: bushfires in east Gippsland in January 2020. Researchers worked with traditional owners to reconstruct 1,000 years of vegetation and fire history in Croajingolong national park in Gippsland, Victoria. Pictured: bushfires in east Gippsland in January 2020. Australian climate and environmental reporting Environment ‘Catastrophic wildfire loop’ created after colonisation left parts of Australia more at risk from bushfires, study finds Researchers found the shift from open woodland to dense forest after 1788 led to more intense fires, consistent with loss of cultural burning practices
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