Research scientist in the Daintree measures the weight of non-target species trapped in areas where feral pig baits have been laid.

Research scientist in the Daintree, Qld.

Healthy terrestrial ecosystems

CSIRO's Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems theme brings together multi-disciplinary teams to develop new technologies and approaches to promote ecosystem function and prediction to inform biodiversity management, planning and incentives.

  • 1 August 2008 | Updated 14 October 2011

Overview

CSIRO Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems work with government, industries and communities to find solutions to some of the most pressing environmental problems facing Australia today, including habitat destruction, invasive species and climate change.

Australia’s rich diversity of life is under increased pressure and the ecosystems we rely on for clean air, water and food must be carefully managed if they are to continue to provide these ecosystem services.

In Australia, complex natural ecosystems that have evolved over millions of years support a rich array of species, making our nation one of the world’s most 'megadiverse' countries.

Scientists are working within two broad disciplinary themes relating to key aspects of Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems.

We have:

  • more plants than 94 per cent of countries,
  • more mammals than 93 per cent of countries,
  • more birds than 79 per cent of countries, and
  • more reptiles than any other country on Earth.

More importantly, Australia has a very high number of endemic species (species that occur nowhere else). However, over the past century, Australia has developed the worst history of small mammal extinctions in the world and biodiversity is continuing to decline.

Our researchers are developing models, tools and technologies with the capacity to monitor biodiversity levels, develop predictive understanding of processes determining distribution and identify solutions to the long term management of biodiversity.

Research targets

Scientists are working within two broad research areas targeting key aspects of Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems.

  1. Ecosystem Function and Prediction:
    Through studying the origins and functioning of Australia’s species and ecosystems, develop predictive understanding of the processes determining the distribution, status and dynamics of populations and ecosystems, and the services they provide, in the mosaic landscapes of modern Australia.
  2. Biodiversity Management, Planning and Incentives:
    Develop, test and evaluate management and policy options, and planning and economic instruments, for conserving biodiversity and supporting healthy ecosystems at local, regional and national scales.

These research areas delve into new fields, including genomics, remote-sensing technologies and isotope research, to deliver accurate findings.

Current research activities include finding answers to these questions:

  • what is Australia’s biodiversity?
  • where do species occur and why?
  • how do ecosystems and biodiversity function?
  • what are the values of our biodiversity and ecosystems?
  • what is changing and why?
  • what are the management risks and options?
  • what policies and tools do we need?

To ensure the research is relevant, scientists collaborate with government departments, private bodies, community groups and private land holders, including Indigenous owners. This can lead to the successful implementation of conservation incentives and market-based instruments.

Research locations

CSIRO’s Healthy Terrestrial Ecosystems research programs are based in:

  • Townsville, Queensland, Australia
  • Atherton, Queensland
  • Cairns, Queensland
  • Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
  • Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
  • Perth, Western Australia
  • Adelaide, South Australia
  • Brisbane, Queensland.

Partnerships

CSIRO has a significant record in delivering innovative biodiversity research results and a major national presence with research collaborations including:

Natural Resources Management (NRM) and Cooperative Research Centres (CRC)

  • Bushfire CRC
  • Burdekin NRM
  • Cotton CRC.

Indigenous research and Management Centres

  • Northern land Council
  • Northeast Arnhem Land Crazy Ant Management Group.

Universities and other institutions:

  • University of Queensland
  • James Cook University
  • Australian Institute of Marine Science
  • Earthwatch
  • Environment Trust, NSW.

Find out more about our work in CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences.