Australian intact wilderness needs to be preserved

About 40 percent of Australia can be identified as the largest intact wilderness on earth. This vast area of some three million square kilometres is almost as rich with biodiversity as the Amazon, having the highest number of endemic mammal and reptile species but unfortunately also the worst rate of species extinction.

Not many Australians are aware of the extent and quality of their own wilderness, taking this for granted and not realizing the importance of its preservation. Such wilderness, with so much different and unique ecosystems is really something that should be treasured and remain intact but unfortunately there is also the danger of threatening human impact, and not only because of the global warming phenomenon. There is also the threat from feral animals such as pigs, buffaloes and noxious weeds that could endanger rich biodiversity in these areas.

This data was gathered in the "Wild Australia Program Study", and it involved work of international conservation organizations Pew Environment Group and Nature Conservancy. Dr Traill, lead author of the study cited the work of Djelk indigenous rangers based in the Northern Territory community of Maningrida that are employed full-time to manage and care for the land. He also added that "over 50,000 years Aborigines managed the land in a sustainable way and if the land is left empty, it will degrade over time. That's why one of our focuses is to encourage the employment of indigenous rangers."

This really sounds like a good solution, because many indigenous people are unemployed in Australia, so there would be double benefit from this idea: job to indigenous people, and preservation of Australian wilderness.

Australian wilderness - The largest intact wilderness on earth