EnviroNorth Home
Tropical Savannas CRC
Teach Savannas Learn Savannas Savannas Windows

Your Comments

We invite your feedback and comments about these resources. For example, how you have used them; or how we might improve them.

Please let us know: julie.crough@cdu.edu.au and/or louise.fogg@nt.gov.au

N.B. This feedback section will be available in 2009 as a forum (similar to a blog for your comments). 

Resources

Casuarina Coastal Reserve Plants
This guide identifies the more common and distinctive plants of the Casuarina Coastal Reserve which is the most frequently visited protected area in the Northern Territory. [pdf 1.4 Mb]

EnviroNorth > Teach Savannas > Savanna Walkabout Teaching Guide

Savanna Walkabout Learning Module

This section includes the overarching questions and concepts.

JointhelpLeanne Coleman2

Collaborative research helps to conserve biodiversity.
Photo: Leanne Coleman

Why is biodiversity important in Australia’s tropical savannas?

  • Biodiversity is linked to the quality of the environment and the health of all living things. Dependent interactions exist between the living (biotic) components of ecosystems — plants and animals, and the non-living (abiotic) components — the provision of clean air, water, soils and climate regulation.
  • People value biodiversity for many reasons including aesthetic, moral, spiritual, educational, economic and recreational purposes.

    

How do we conserve biodiversity in Australia's savannas?

  • Conserving regional biodiversity often helps to protect cultural integrity and values.
  • Collaborative research incorporating Indigenous Knowledge and Western Scientific Knowledge is crucial in ensuring well-informed decisions are made to create a sustainable future with healthy ecosystems.
  • Deliberate action can be taken at all levels to conserve biodiversity and ensure successive generations will have their needs met.

Looking after large landscapes with few people is the key challenge for conservation [in Northern Australia]. One of the most hopeful signs is the development of Aboriginal ranger schemes. These are a remarkable blending of traditional and scientific land management.

Dr John Woinarski - Principal Research Scientist, Department of Natural Resources, Environment and the Arts NT

Key Questions

  • What are the characteristics of the Tropical Savannas biome?

  • What is the social structure of termite colonies?

  • Why are termites considered the life-blood of savanna ecosystems?

  • How do weeds, feral animals and wildfire threaten savanna ecosystems?

  • Who are some of the people researching biodiversity issues in Australia's tropical savannas?

  • What's happening to the northern quoll in Kakadu National Park?

  • What benefits do healthy ecosystems provide us for life?

  • What opportunities exist to conserve our biodiversity?