An alpine ash forest is a sight to behold. Alpine ash (Eucalyptus delegatensis) is a tall eucalypt species that grows in the cool, wet mountains of southeastern Australia.
These forests store large amounts of carbon in their wood and soils. They help regulate water flows into major rivers and dams and provide habitat for a wide range of birds, mammals and insects.
Mainland alpine ash forests are now formally listed as endangered. This is because bushfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, which threatens to wipe out some of these forests.
In our new study, we examined how alpine ash forests would change under different climate scenarios and found that difficult choices likely lie ahead.
Is it still possible to protect this unique species? We think so.
