Signs of Change 2020
UPDATE: we have now launched the Atlas Fire Recovery Project, building upon the earlier announcements in this post. For all the latest information ….
We are all reeling from the impact of these fires. The devastation of our forests is shocking and even unburnt areas are suffering the effects of prolonged drought.
We will see profound changes over the coming months. Many plants will reshoot and animals reappear. But there will also be changes in ecological communities and species distributions.
There will be many opportunities for us all to take part in mapping and monitoring these changes
1: Report unusual sightings
Many animals have been displaced by the fires. Birds are turning up in places they’ve rarely been seen before. Help us document these changes by reporting your sightings on NatureMapr.
2: Mapping Glossy Blacks
The Mapping Glossy Blacks project has been underway for a while, but it is suddenly more urgent than ever. Loss of crucial feeding and nesting habitat is certain to impact heavily on these iconic birds. Some birds will have been lost to the fires but – with luck – others may have taken refuge in unburnt country. Please look out for their distinctive red tails and report all sightings. Full details on the project page here.
3: Share your stories of nature recovery
We could all use some good news right now. If you see signs of post-fire nature recover, please share your stories with us. Simply send a short description along with a photo or two, if possible. We’ll publish these on the Atlas of Life website for everyone to enjoy.
Please email Kerri-Lee Harris (kerrilee.harris@gmail.com)
4: Fire Fungi
Late in 2019 we launched the ‘Fire Fungi’ project. Fungi are some of the first signs of life to return to the forest after intense fire. And some of these species are quite special, appearing only for a short time after such fire. Learn more here
More projects coming soon
Planning is underway for a range of post-fire biodiversity and nature mapping projects. Various agencies are involved, including National Parks and Council. The Atlas of Life in the Coastal Wilderness and related projects (e.g. Budawang Coast Nature Map, Canberra Nature Map) will be instrumental, taking full advantage of our shared NatureMapr platform. More details on these as they become available …
Photos above taken within 3 weeks of the intense fire (Kerri-Lee Harris, Wonboyn … the ‘Border Fire’ completely razed this forest at 2am, 5th January 2020)