Get reliable rangeland science

Using repeat photography, or retaking photos at a later date from the same or similar locality, is a technique often used to illustrate changes particularly inbuilt environments. In rangelands and other natural environments, the technique in a general sense is often used to illustrate changes in rangelands measured or monitored by other means. The concept of a photographic monitoring point, or photopoint, is derived from this simple concept, and is commonly used to describe photo-sites taken from a fixed po int, either using posts, pegs or other markers, or by means of an accurately geo-positioned location. The project seeks to find out what ecological changes in the South Australian Rangeland area can be revealed simply by accurately re-locating sites where the original photo was taken 50-100 years ago. The original photos were sourced mainly from the record s of early pastoral inspectors and Pastoral Board members. A few were sourced from pastoralists, as well as other government officials. An appraisal of changes evident from 103 photo-pairs this year reveal almost ubiquitous improvement in site condition, and vegetation cover. However some areas, particularly with sandy soils show significant increases in less palatable shrubs and bushes.