Early Human Fire Use in Tasmania: Shaping Landscapes Over 41,000 Years Ago
These early human communities, known as Palawa or Pakana, migrated from northern Australia, where humans had settled around 65,000 years ago. When they reached Tasmania, then connected to mainland Australia via a land bridge called the Bass Strait, they became the southernmost settlers of their time. Rising sea levels post-ice age severed this connection about 8,000 years ago.
Findings from ancient mud in the Bass Strait indicate a sharp increase in charcoal deposits around 41,600 years ago, coinciding with changes in vegetation. This suggests that Aboriginal communities used controlled burns to clear dense forests, creating open spaces for sustenance and cultural purposes. This practice promoted fire-adapted species, such as eucalyptus, particularly in wetter regions.
The study highlights that humans likely developed these fire techniques during migrations across Sahul, an ancient landmass that included Australia, Tasmania, and New Guinea. Today, Aboriginal Australians continue to use controlled burns for ecological and cultural purposes, although such practices remain controversial in managing modern wildfires. The research underscores the importance of incorporating Indigenous knowledge to protect and restore Tasmanian and Australian landscapes for future generations.
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