Eco Page

Australia is a large island continent and is one of the most biologically diverse countries in the world, with a large portion of its plants and animals and ecosystems found nowhere else. About five percent of Australia is national parks that provide excellent places from which to experience such diverse habitats as rainforests, deserts, coral reefs and woodlands, and the plants and animals that inhabit them.

Australia in brief

Australia is between latitudes 10oS and 44oS and longitudes 113oE and 154oE. It is 4,000 kilometres from east to west and over 3,000 kilometres from north to south. There are two major landmasses, the mainland and Tasmania, and many smaller islands. The total land area is 7,682,300 square kilometres with about 20,000 kilometres of coastline.

Australia is the driest inhabited continent (Antarctica is drier) and two-thirds of it is arid or semi-arid with inland rivers flowing only after rare rainfall. In northern Australia weather is affected by tropical patterns with heavy rain from November to April. South-eastern Australia has a temperate climate while southern Australia has a Mediterranean climate with dry hot summers over November to April and cool, wet winters. A mountain range, the Great Dividing Range, extends down the length of the east of Australia with Mount Kosciusko in the south its highest peak (2,228 metres), with snow falling in this area in winter.

Much of Australia is under agriculture and there are major urban centres developed, particularly in the south-east. Universities and research institutions are located in various cities and towns across Australia. Australia is divided politically into states and territories and both the national and state / territory governments manage environmental and nature conservation issues.

Eco Studies in Oz

While Australia has a unique and fascinating ecology, it faces many challenges. Many native species are threatened by extinction. Development from a growing human population, agriculture and industry creates many environmental management issues, requiring on-going research and new ways of managing the issues that come up. SEE STUDY / Eco Studies

Studies in Ecology and Environment in Australia

There are many universities, colleges and other institutions from which to study biology, ecology and environmental studies. Courses range from short courses to certificate and degree courses, Bachelors, Masters and Doctorates.
Courses offered include those in:

• Chemistry
• Earth Sciences (Geology)
• Ecosystem Management
• Environmental Science and Engineering
• Zoology

Eco Activities

Australia provides many opportunities for experiencing nature. These include:

• National Parks
• Guided Eco Tours
• Scuba Diving
• Zoos
• Eco News
• Interesting Topics