|
 Rainforests
can be defined as forests growing in areas with heavy
rainfall. Rainforests are characterized by dense plant
growth, rich soil and abundant wildlife. Tropical rainforests
are found in warmer areas while temperate rainforests
are found in cooler areas. Rainforests are extremely
rich in biodiversity.
CSE's rainforest research focusses on the tropical
rainforests located in the northern parts of Australia
based at the CSIRO
Tropical Forest Research Centre.
CSE takes a unique approach to rainforest research
as we look at the social and economic aspects of tropical
rainforests as well as rainforest ecology. We seek to
find a balance between the conservation of tropical
rainforests and the effects of human activity in surrounding
areas.
Our rainforest research activities include:
- investigating seed dispersal in the wet tropics.
- understanding the growth and the dynamics of rainforest
trees.
- climate forecasting and and looking at the effects
of climate change on rainforests.
- developing conservation techniques and population
monitoring procedures for rainforest animals.
Read about an example of CSE's rainforest research
in the following article:
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Rainforest
more or less? - this article considers
how tropical forests might shape up in a warmer
world. ECOS 111, April-June 2002 (572 Kb)
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Sustainable Tropical
Ecosystem Processes - this area of research is investigating
the effects of climate change on forests, the re-growth
and ecology of secondary rainforests and the effect
of weeds on rainforest ecosytems.
Tropical
Biodiversity - CSE researchers are developing priorities
for regional biodiversity conservation, mechanisms of
seed dispersal in rainforests and the ecology of tropical
vertabrate species.
Rainforest seed dispersal: a threatened ecological process
Climate change and rainforest birds' vulnerability to mosquito-borne disease
Threatened species and ecosystems of coastal north Queensland
Related Links
>> CSE Research
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Research 
