What problems does the rainforest face? What actions has the Australian government taken to preserve this fragile ecosystem?
The Australian rainforest has suffered the same fate as most other rainforests around the world. Agriculture, ranching, mining, and logging have destroyed and disrupted habitat. Unlike most tropical countries, however, Australia moved quickly to confront the threats to its rainforest. In 1988, most were declared protected under World Heritage designation. The decision was very controversial, and is still not accepted by some Queensland residents. How s the weather in the Australian rainforest? At 17 degrees south latitude, the area has two seasons: wet and hot, or cool and relatively dry. The Australian summer stretches from November to March, and can produce heavy rains and soggy roads. The dry season arrives in April, along with night temperatures that can sink as low as freezing. Who are the student researchers? What are they doing while living in the rainforest? The student researchers are college students selected by SFS who have come to the Australian rainforest to get involved i
