Recent studies indicate that traditional cultural burning methods used by Indigenous Australians effectively reduced fuel availability and inhibited severe fires in southeastern Australia for millennia, as reported by researchers from The Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Nottingham.
The findings, published in Science, reveal a significant decrease in the intensity of wildfires in the fire-prone regions of southeastern Australia. This reduction correlates with the rise in Indigenous populations throughout the area.
Dr. Simon Connor from ANU emphasized that understanding the relationship between human-caused climate change and the anticipated increase in wildfire frequency and intensity will enhance Australia’s forest management and conservation efforts.
“While we often view forests and woodlands in terms of the trees, this study reveals that some of the most significant changes occurred not in the tree canopy but within the shrub layer, which was unexpected,” he pointed out.
“For tens of thousands of years, Indigenous peoples have influenced Australian landscapes through their cultural practices. This historical context is crucial to consider when determining sustainable ways to coexist with the Australian environment.”
Researchers utilized microscopic fossils embedded in ancient sediments to reconstruct the past landscapes of southeastern Australia, aiming to trace vegetation changes over time.
Focusing on the shrub layer was essential as it plays a pivotal role in enabling flames to ascend from the ground to the tree canopy, which results in intense fires.
The research team compared their findings with archaeological evidence to evaluate how human activities have affected shrub coverage in Australian ecosystems over time.
Lead researcher Dr. Michela Mariani from the University of Nottingham highlighted that the growth of Indigenous communities and their increased use of cultural burning practices resulted in a 50 percent reduction in shrub cover, which subsequently lowered the occurrence of severe fires.
“The shrub layer can often serve as a pathway for wildfires, allowing them to reach the tree canopy and spread,” explained Dr. Mariani.
“Post-British colonization, following extensive fire suppression, shrub cover in Australia has surged to unprecedented levels, posing a greater risk of intense fires in the future.”
“To manage Australia’s fire crisis, incorporating Indigenous fire management practices is vital. Reviving ancient cultural burning techniques alongside Traditional Owners is essential in mitigating the threat of devastating fires.”
This research also included contributions from the University of Melbourne, Monash University, and the University of Tasmania.
