Lesson 4

Are the rainforests of the Illawarra at threat?

Different perceptions of the rainforest in both places has led to widespread deforestation. Less than 15% of the Illawarra rainforest remains since European settlement, mainly due to agriculture.

In this lesson you will:

Read information and complete some games/activities on this website.

You will need:

Internet/computer

What was the Illawarra rainforest once like?

200 years ago, the area now known as the Illawarra was covered by thick, dense sub tropical rainforest.

It had been this way for thousands of years, and was home to the indigenous Dharawal People, along with many plants and animals. The paintings to the left show just how big and special the forest was like at this time.

However, European settlment to the area in the early 1800's quickly began to change this environment.

Changes to the rainforests of the Illawarra

Cedar Logging

The first impact to the Illawarra Rainforest was from the logging, or cutting down, of a special tree called a Red Cedar. This tree was chosen as it had soft timber which was easily cut, and was light enough to be carried away by horses or large animals called Bullocks.

This timber was very valuable and was sold for high prices, to be used as furniture and household items.

Take the challenge to learn why the loggers wanted a soft and light timber.

Dairy Farming

To make way for grassy paddocks, farmers first had to remove the thick forest using simple tools like axes, saws, picks and shovels. This was hard work and took many years, however, over time the forest was removed to make way for farms to grow grass for animals like cows, horses and sheep and plants such as wheat. potatoes and other vegetables.

Coal Mining

Beneath the ground of the Illawarra lies a special type of rock called coal. This rock is special as it burns very hot, and was need by the early settlers to power steam trains boats and steam engines. Unfortunately, the mines caused much damage to the rainforests, as space was cleared for roads and railway tracks, and timber was needed to support the inside of the mine shaft. As a result, even more of the forest was damaged or destroyed.

Introduced Species

Today, the plant and animals of the Illawarra Rainforest are threatened by introduced, or feral, plants and animals. Animals like deer eat many of the special native plants that grow in the rainforest, foxes and cats kill many native animals and weeds such as Lantana smother the natural forest. It is a big job to control these feral animals and weed plants but it must be done to make sure that the rainforest will continue to survive.

Check your knowledge

Take this quiz to see what you have learnt about threats to the Illawarra's Rainforest

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