Climate change is killing the plants of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa. Aṉangu traditional owners are concerned

In Australia's heart, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is home to a diverse range of unique plants and animals. This week marks the 41st anniversary of Aṉangu, the traditional custodians, officially handing back Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa to their own people. As joint managers with Parks Australia, Aṉangu contribute their extensive knowledge to caring for the land. However, recent plant mortality has sparked concern among Aṉangu.

During a drought workshop, Aṉangu Muṯitjulu Mala Ranger Natalie Ray noted that they see the plant populations declining. While there have been previous severe droughts, temperatures are currently much higher, leading to longer, hotter, and more frequent heatwaves. This poses a serious threat to the plants, causing mass mortality of typically robust species like kurkaṟa or desert oak, Acacia aneura, and pukaṟa or desert heath myrtle.

In response, Aṉangu have been working with scientists from Parks Australia, CSIRO, and several universities to determine how climate change is affecting the park's plants. Using 360-degree imaging, researchers discovered that plant dieback covered hundreds of square kilometers within Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park alone. Some species, such as kurkaṟa, survived better than others, like pukaṟa.

Through on-Country surveys, it was found that plant species had different death rates during the hot drought. Species that slowed their growth and conserved water in their tissues were more likely to survive. Species that continued to use water for growth during summer were more likely to die. These findings suggest that how plants use water during drought might explain why some desert species are more likely to die than others.

Aṉangu are worried about the consequences of plant death, as it can clear the way for invasive species like buffel grass, which threatens the native plants and animals. Aṉangu are collaborating with scientists and governments to manage Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa under increasing climate extremes. They emphasize the urgency of addressing air pollution to ensure the health and resilience of the land for future generations.