Ecological Resilience

Thorny Devil. Photo by Jiri Lochman/Lochman Transparencies

Long isolation from other landmasses is one factor that has resulted in the evolution of vast suites of plants, animals and other organisms that are distinct from those found elsewhere.

These living parts of our country are commonly adapted to harsh and variable conditions and have developed strategies to survive.  For example, a prey animal may use a hollow log to hide from a predator, while a seed may germinate in the moist and protected conditions under another plant.

Some animals move vast distances in search of food resources, while some plants remain dormant for years until favourable conditions allow them to flourish. 

Populations of animals and plants may move to more favourable locations, for instance, animals may take refuge in unburned areas after a fire, while changing climate may cause the distribution of populations of some plants to change.  

Furthermore, populations of plants and animals are always evolving to better survive the prevailing conditions.

To find out more, read WildCountry - A New Vision for Nature (1mb pdf)

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