EFFECTS OF FIRES ON VEGETATION IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY

Abstract

SUMMARY Annual burning is practised over nearly the whole of that part of the Northern Territory which has an annual rainfall of more than thirty-five inches. The remainder of the Territory is burnt at greater intervals. Before the arrival of aboriginals fires would have been lit by natural agencies, especially lightning. The aboriginals used fires extensively for hunting and access clearing. Europeans have adopted a burning regime similar to that established by the aboriginals, for fire has been found to be a cheap and valuable tool in the management of much of the Territory's range lands. The vegetation of the Territory in the area of annual or frequent burning appears well suited to regular burning, and is probably dependent upon fire for its maintenance. The vegetation in arid and semi-arid areas is more fire-sensitive. The interval between fires in these areas may be considerable because unusually heavy rainfalls are required to produce enough grass to carry a fire. Fires rarely occur in the small areas of monsoon forest.