Evidence from monitoring shows that australias biodiversity is declining and pressure on biodiversity is increasing. Revegetation in agricultural areas is compared with minesite rehabilitation, where the redevelopment of functioning ecosystems and faunal habitat appears to be possible. Adopting less intensive methods of agricultural production can enhance biodiversity by enabling native species to coexist alongside farming and forestry. The book describes the unique features of australias species and focuses on solutions. An introduction to the book including its aims, intended readership and options for. To protect biodiversity, small habitats matter cosmos. Action plan for australian mammals 2012, csiro publishing. Csiro publishing has an international reputation for quality educational and reference books and cdroms in the subject areas of agriculture, biology. Biodiversity by steve morton, andy sheppard, mark lonsdale published july 2014.
Indigenous peoples are aware of changes to australias biodiversity through longterm observations, sustained residence and oral history. Science and solutions for australia provides the latest scientific. It outlines tools for management and planning, highlights indigenous perspectives on biodiversity and looks at how australias biodiversity interacts with agriculture, the resources sector, cities and our changing global environment. The book describes the ancient origins and unique features of australias species, as well as the current status of our biodiversity. The book considers the range of ecological and agricultural issues that determine what native biodiversity occurs in farmland and how it can be secured. Download the chapter or the whole book pdf and epub versions available chapter authors. Given the economic, ecological and social importance of biodiversity to our nation, csiro has been conducting research into australias biodiversity for nearly 90 years. Ala helps bring csiros new biodiversity book to life atlas of.
Many aboriginal and torres strait islander people today rely upon australias biodiversity because bush foods, medicines and materials are components of their economies, personal identity and culture. Latest biodiversity information captured in new csiro book. Australias biodiversity and climate change csiro publishing. With the planets biodiversity crisis putting up to half a million species at risk of extinction, conservationists arent sure whether to focus efforts and resources on. Working to halt the decline in australias biodiversity. Csiro publishing has an international reputation for quality educational and reference books and cdroms in the subject areas of agriculture, biology, botany, forestry, ornithology, zoology, marine science, freshwater science, plant science, soil science, natural history, ecology, environment, fire and environmental management. Australias biodiversity and climate change is an important reference for policy makers, researchers, educators, students, journalists, environmental and conservation ngos, nrm managers, and private landholders with an interest in biodiversity conservation in a rapidly changing world. This chapter discusses the importance of scientific monitoring to inform biodiversity management into the future. In turn, enhanced biodiversity can benefit agricultural production, such as by recycling nutrients in the soil. Australian agriculture provides food and fibre for millions of people in australia and around the world but it has had a dramatic impact on australias biodiversity. In addition, revegetation will help retain biodiversity indirectly if it helps stabilize an otherwise degrading agricultural landscape.