K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area: evaluating change in plant species richness and composition over two decades

A two-decade study of K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area, the world's largest sand island, reveals that while most vegetation communities exhibit resilience to frequent bushfires and invasive species, some ecosystems face significant adverse effects. Analysis of 22 long-term monitoring sites resurveyed in 2021 found no statistically significant changes in plant species richness or composition compared to baseline data from 1995, though recently burnt areas showed the greatest dissimilarity. Notably, Casuarina equisetifolia subsp. incana communities on exposed frontal dunes and dry peat swamps were particularly vulnerable. The study also recorded six invasive plant species known as environmental weeds. These findings underscore the importance of targeted planned burning to mitigate severe bushfire risks and protect biodiversity in this UNESCO-listed landscape.

Ngugi, M. R., Neldner, V. J., Melzer, R., Behrendorff, L., & Dodt, W. G. (2023). K’gari (Fraser Island) World Heritage Area: evaluating change in plant species richness and composition over two decades. Pacific Conservation Biology, 30(1). https://doi.org/10.1071/pc22046