Burning is an important part of conservation in Australia. Here the dry undergrowth is set alight and destroyed, leaving the actual forest charred but essentially untouched except for old and hollow trees. The Australian eucalypt forest has evolved to survive such fires, which is done each year encourage new grass and general growth in the wet season that follows. In fact, it has recently been discovered that the smoke of the forest fire has a chemical component that triggers seeds into germination.
If the burn is not done, the amount of material that builds up will boost next years fire to temperatures dangerous to all the vegetation. Use your BACK button to return to previous screen and frames 