Ancient lake sediments from Kangaroo Island reveal a fascinating story about the environment over the last 5,000 years. Researchers from Adelaide University studied a sediment core from Lashmars Lagoon on the Dudley Peninsula. Their findings show that after humans left the island, around 5,000 years ago, the climate became drier and bushfires intensified without human management.
Associate Professor Jonathan Tyler, the study’s chief investigator, noted that the last signs of people on the island align with Indigenous oral histories about their departure following the island’s separation from the mainland. Once people left, the island saw a rise in denser, shrubby vegetation. Interestingly, fire was rare for the next 3,000 years, likely due to a wetter climate.
However, about 2,000 years ago, fire activity increased, coinciding with drier conditions. The peak of this fire activity was recorded between 1150 and 1350 CE. This research points to the resilience of Kangaroo Island’s unique flora, which has survived significant climate and fire changes over time.
“Biodiversity on Kangaroo Island has shown remarkable adaptability,” said Tyler. “Yet, it’s crucial to understand how periods of stability helped ecosystems recover. We also need to know if they can endure ongoing climate changes that lead to more intense fires and less water.”
The threat of fire is rising globally, and the authors of the study highlight the value of Indigenous land management practices. Tyler noted that mainland Australia saw reduced fire activity during the same drying period, suggesting that Indigenous stewardship may have played a role.
Combining Indigenous knowledge with modern science is essential for protecting ecosystems facing a rapidly changing climate. As Tyler said, “With climate change accelerating, we must work together to preserve Earth’s unique environments for future generations.”
For a deeper dive into this subject, you can read Tyler’s article in the journal Global and Planetary Change and find more insights in his Conversation article.
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