Vegetation, fire and climate change in Greater Blue Mountains Area
With its fire-prone dry sclerophyll forest, the World Heritage-listed Greater Blue Mountains Area is one of the most flammable environments on earth. Because of this, for management purposes, the area now has one of the most comprehensive fire regime analyses in the world.
Read more about Vegetation, fire and climate change in Greater Blue Mountains Area
Fire and climate change have been major drivers in the evolution of the diverse plants and animals in the Greater Blue Mountains area, producing a complex layering of different vegetation types. Fires play an important role in the health of this area. Indeed, intense fires offer a host of biodiversity benefits, including the breaking of hard seed pods and the clearing of dominant species. Similarly, smoke and charcoal can influence the dormancy of flowering plants.
Nevertheless, the severity and prevalence of major bushfires in Greater Blue Mountains Area means NPWS relies on research in order to manage the area effectively.
Parks related to this program
- Wollemi National Park
- Gardens of Stone National Park
- Jenolan Karst Conservation Reserve
- Yengo National Park
- Nattai National Park
- Kanangra-Boyd National Park
- Thirlmere Lakes National Park
- Blue Mountains National Park
- Blackheath area
- Katoomba area
- Glenbrook area
- Lower Grose Valley area
- Mount Wilson area
- Southern Blue Mountains area