The enigma of arrival: Movements of the mimosa bush and the baobab across the Indian Ocean into pre-British Australia [ 2010 - 2012 ]

Research Grant

Researchers A/Prof CA Kull; Dr H Rangan; Dr DJ Murphy

Brief description This project will provide new insights into northern Australia's historical place in Indian Ocean networks of trade, cultural, and biological exchanges. By seeking to solve the enigmas of arrival of the mimosa bush and baobab our project will create new knowledge about the pre-British environmental history of Australia. Its integrative approach will generate significant public interest and richer discussion on the question of native versus introduced plants, helping environmental practitioners make informed decisions about alien plants and develop a more balanced perspective on biodiversity management. Finally, it will increase international collaboration across the Indian Ocean and train two postgraduate students.

Funding Amount $452,000

Funding Scheme Discovery Projects