Great Western Woodlands

Pre-European history and native title Archaeological evidence shows that Aboriginal people have had a direct and continuous role in the maintenance and use of locations in the Great Western Woodlands region for at least 22,000 years. Land use by the Aboriginal people over so many years has directly influenced the characteristics of the environment that are observed today. These include, for example, the changes resulting from implementing different fire regimes across the landscape and specialised hunting practices. Aboriginal survival in this region required an intimate understanding of the landscape and the biota that lived within it. As an essential part of their life, the Aboriginal people of this region also constructed and maintained deep wells in order to access water. Today, Indigenous communities with strong cultural and legal ties to country are located in many centres in the Great Western Woodlands. There are several native titles and land rights claims covering more than 95% of the landscape of the Great Western Woodlands area. Since 2014, two major Indigenous native title claims covering parts of the woodlands have been determined in favour of the traditional owners – the Ngadju and Esperance Nyungar claims. This formation contains some of the oldest mineral deposits ever recorded on the Earth's surface. The region also has a series of geological intrusions running parallel to the Earth's surface, known as the greenstone belts. These formations house large quantities of gold and nickel, and also provide very rich and mineralised soils, which have led in part to the evolution of locally distinctive flora. and the remaining granite outcrops are now significant landmarks. Salt lakes are found throughout the Great Western Woodlands. These are remnants of ancient drainage systems (such as rivers) from about 65 million years ago, and are valuable habitats supporting a variety of vertebrates and invertebrates. An appropriate Indigenous name is still being sought. Since 2004, The Wilderness Society has worked with a wide range of organisations and local groups to increase public awareness of the scale and ecological value of the woodlands, the threats to its value, and options for improved protection and management. Since 2005, other non-government environmental organisations and science organisations have become involved. They include Gondwana Link Inc, The Nature Conservancy and Pew Environmental Group, BirdLife Australia and CSIRO. ==Characteristics==

Boundary , part of the Great Western Woodlands region The Great Western Woodlands covers close to , an area larger than England and Wales combined. Prior to 2006, the northern part of the region was often known locally as the Goldfields, with many local names used in the southern part. Researchers at the Australian National University mapped the Great Western Woodlands boundary using satellite-derived Modis data. The boundary separates the eucalypt woodlands from the Acacia aneura complex dominated country to the north, the treeless Nullarbor Plain to the east, the higher rainfall coastal heath to the south east, and agricultural land to the west and south. Woodlands therefore resemble forests with greater distances between the trees, and more open canopies. Likewise, the understorey in woodlands is often very spacious compared to that of forests. Fauna in the Great Western Woodlands , endemic to south-western Australia The Western Australian Museum and BirdLife Australia have recorded that within the Great Western Woodlands there are 49 species of mammals, 14 species of frogs, 138 species of reptiles, and 215 species of birds. As more biological surveys are done in the area it is expected that these numbers will grow. The region's high number of reptiles stands out as exceptional compared to other reptile communities around the world. ==Key ecological processes and threats==

Climate change Natural climate change has played a role over time to influence species evolution and distribution around Australia, including in the Great Western Woodlands. Post-industrial humans have contributed to climate change through increased carbon dioxide emissions and deforestation. Human-induced climate change is occurring rapidly and it is affecting the ecosystems and species of the Great Western Woodlands. Scientists estimate that this region will be exposed to more frequent extreme weather events, as a result of climate change. Excessive fire Fire significantly affects the landscapes and biodiversity of the Great Western Woodlands. Humans have played a role in managing fire for thousands of years in the Great Western Woodlands. Although there is very little published information that describes how Aboriginal people used fire in this region historically, these fire regimes are believed to have changed significantly since the 19th century. Evidence published in 2006 that uses natural clues for past fire regimes (for example, the distribution and age of long-lived, fire-sensitive plants such as Callitris Pine) suggest that woodland habitats were disturbed by fire on average every 400 years, whereas shrubland habitats burnt as frequently as every 60 years. Nowadays, there is concern that the region is being excessively affected by large wildfires. For example, it is estimated that have been burnt in the last 36 years, of this in the last seven years. In recent times, most of the fires in the Great Western Woodlands are believed to have been started by lightning, although many are unintended consequences of human activity (for example, accidental ignition, or burning to protect property). A study conducted by the CSIRO and Ngadju traditional owners in 2013 documented Indigenous fire knowledge and use as part of a process of re-instating Indigenous fire management practices in the woodlands. Feral animals Introduced feral animals can seriously affect the natural ecosystems found in the Great Western Woodlands. Cats, foxes and wild dogs do this directly through predation, whereas camels, donkeys, goats and rabbits do it through foraging and grazing, competing for food and territory and spreading diseases. Weeds Throughout the Great Western Woodlands there are both native and exotic species of weeds. Weeds in the Great Western Woodlands have numerous environmental effects including resource competition, prevention of seedling recruitment, alteration to hydrological cycles, changes to soil nutrients, alteration of fire regimes, changes to the abundance and distribution of indigenous fauna, and genetic changes. There are several methods used to control weeds such as biological and/or manual control, herbicides, controlling ecosystem degradation processes that favour weeds, and fire management. Weed control strategies are commonly associated with revegetation efforts. ==Green carbon==

Scientific research done in the Great Western Woodlands has estimated that currently there are ~950 million tonnes of carbon stored in the vegetation and soils of the region. ==Tourist attractions==

The Great Western Woodlands attract tourists interested in experiencing four-wheel drive adventures, birdwatching, Indigenous heritage and camping in the Outback. Tourist destinations include the Karroun Hill Nature Reserve, Boorabbin National Park, Elachbutting Rock and surrounding reserves, Goldfields Woodlands National Park, Mount Palmer and Karalee Rock, Frank Hann National Park, Peak Charles National Park. ==Future management==

Biodiversity and Cultural Conservation Strategy 2010 Between 2008 and 2010 a Great Western Woodlands Stakeholder Reference Group representing the interests of Indigenous people, conservation, pastoralism, mining, tourism and local government was convened by the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC – now DPAW) to assist in the preparation of the first ever conservation strategy for the woodlands region. for the region including the Great Western Woodlands. The Blueprint acknowledges the significance of the woodlands and the opportunity they present for sustainable and diversified economic development in the region:“We reside in an ancient land, home to globally recognised biodiversity treasures such as the magnificent Great Western Woodlands, as well as rich, red deserts and the bright, white sandy beaches and aqua waters of the Southern Ocean. In a world of increasing urbanisation, our natural assets, wilderness areas and vast expanse of land are a rare commodity. The landscapes and features of our region present a unique marketing position that can be used to attract people and investment from across the continents.”The Blueprint recommends the preparation of a regional conservation plan covering the woodlands. This plan would involve regional stakeholders, traditional owners, scientists and conservationists. Indigenous land management Following successful native title claims over much of the woodlands, Indigenous groups are re-establishing Aboriginal land management practices such as fire management, as well as tackling feral animals and weeds, establishing tourism ventures and reviving traditional cultural practices. In 2020 Ngadju Indigenous Protected Area was established on Ngadju land, with the Ngadju serving as traditional custodians. The protected area covers , about a quarter of the Great Western Woodlands. Formal recognition Conservation groups and other community sectors continue to seek appropriate and agreed forms of long term recognition of the Great Western Woodlands – to aid in better planning and management and as a platform for increased promotion of the region. ==References==