Habitat Recovery
Two months after the devastating December fires in the Upper Yango Valley and across the east coast, the climate took a major turn and the rains came pouring down. Whilst the creeks struggled to contain the run-off, the plants responded with unprecedented regrowth. What had been barren soil and ash, exploded in reborn vegetation. Seeds germinated and the seemingly dead shrubbery sprang into new life.
The abundance of foliage, grasses, vines and saplings was a welcome change after the dry brown landscape of the 2017-19 Tinderbox Drought. The vegetation was so thick, it became impossible to walk through the forest. The Black Wattles, nature’s colonisers, dominated much of the lower slopes. And while the change was welcomed, it raised concerns for the fuel that would be left when the next dry period returned. The devastating L.A. Fires of early 2025 became a stark example of the danger posed by an above average rainfall followed by drought. A timely reminder not to become complacent.
Rain, regrowth and a reinvigorated habitat
For the valley’s fauna, the revived landscape was the perfect antidote for a population decimated by the fires. In 2024 Dr Viyanna Leo, who had previously led the Australian Wildlife Conservancy team in 2020, returned to assess the post bushfire recovery and to see if the replenished habitat was supporting fauna recovery.
Having led the extensive scientific survey in 2020, Dr Leo had a comprehensive baseline to measure the recovery against. Her findings were welcome news.
What it means for the birds and animals
Passiflora herbertiana “Native passionfruit”
Acacia mearnsii “Black wattle”
Dr Leo’s Report
Following the Black Summer fires the community agreed a well.