Australia's threatened species

Activity 2

Extinctions in Australia's arid zone

Write an essay explaining why most mammal extinctions have occurred in Australia's arid zone, even though that this is the area with the least human settlement.

Teachers notes

Most mammal extinctions have occurred in the arid zone. The main causes have been the removal of vegetation cover by overgrazing, changed patterns of burning and competition with introduced exotic species such as cattle, sheep, rabbits, foxes, goats, donkeys and camels. Fragmentation of habitats – brought about by clearing areas in patches for agriculture, roads and settlements – has also contributed.

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Posted April 1997.