Discussion about vegetation densification is increasing bushfire risk and reducing biodiversity.
During this webinar recording you’ll learn:
- how vegetation densification is increasing bushfire risk and reducing biodiversity;
- the role of introduced species like Lantana camara and Ligustrum spp. in changing structure and fuel loads;
- what low-intensity burns mean for recruitment in fire-adapted species, including Proteaceae;
- why mesic shift, ie. changes in ecosystem moisture balance, is transforming open forests into closed, fire-sensitive systems;
- where fire-dependent vegetation in NSW is now overdue for ecological burning; and
- practical ecological restoration responses, from cultural fire to assisted regeneration and targeted thinning of native vegetation.
Speakers highlight a key principle from the National Restoration Standards: restoring ecosystem function means working with disturbance regimes, not against them.
Key takeaway: When fire is excluded or intensified beyond its natural range, ecosystems shift resulting in structure changes, species composition shifts, and declining resilience. This session unpacks how to respond, thoughtfully, practically, and with the long-term recovery of native ecological systems in mind.
