Program 7 'Threats to rainforest health'

Program 7 will have three projects addressing different threats to rainforest health. A generalised analytical toolkit will be developed for assessing vulnerability to extreme climatic events, particularly the sensitivity of Wet Tropics fauna to temperature extremes. The role of fire as a driver of rainforest distribution (particularly on the threatened ecosystem of the Mabi forest) will be determined.

The Program will also deliver maps of weed populations identifying sources of invasive propagules and rainforest areas that are particularly susceptible to invasion or re-invasion because of their connectivity to these source populations. This information is critical for invasive weed control programs, identifying high priority areas for control, and guiding surveillance.

The Program will also provide a qualitative and operational assessment of alternative management strategies for feral pig management.