Impact on the Environment
The Great Barrier Reef, before and after (Katec1, 2013)Cyclone Yasi passed over the Great Barrier Reef, causing serous damage to some parts. Approximately 13% of the reef were exposed to Cyclone Yasi, from Cairns to Townsville (ABC, 2011). Marine specialists from the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA) initial damage assessments found that Cyclone Yasi had left varying levels of destruction to 300km of 2400km-long reef (ABC, 2011).
The strong storm surge also washed toxic chemicals and unhealthy debris into the ocean around the Great Barrier Reef. Experts predict that it will take up to 20 years for the Reef to fully recover (Katec1, 2013).
Cyclone Yasi stripped leaves off the canopies of trees although the tropical trees have learned to adapt to this environmental disaster by having dormant shoots ready to grow quickly to fill the holes in the destroyed canopy (Katec1, 2013).
The strong storm surge also washed toxic chemicals and unhealthy debris into the ocean around the Great Barrier Reef. Experts predict that it will take up to 20 years for the Reef to fully recover (Katec1, 2013).
Cyclone Yasi stripped leaves off the canopies of trees although the tropical trees have learned to adapt to this environmental disaster by having dormant shoots ready to grow quickly to fill the holes in the destroyed canopy (Katec1, 2013).
The Southern Cassowary and the Mahogany Glider (Katec1, 2013)
The most worrying impact on the natural environment, however, is the effect the cyclone had on two endangered species, the Southern Cassowary and the Mahogany Glider and their critically endangered habitat, the Littoral Rainforest (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
Initial assessments showed that about 50% of the Southern Cassowary habitat were severely affected by destructive winds. What was learnt from Cyclone Larry was put into action with supplementary feeding placed in key locations that would last up to 12-18 months or until the Littoral Rainforest had recovered enough to produce native fruits to fully support the species (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
The Mahogany Glider is found in the Littoral Rainforest around Townsville, one of the towns severely effected by Cyclone Yasi, and relies on nectar and insects for food and hollow trees for shelter. Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland reported that 80% of the Glider's original habitat has already been previously cleared and Cyclone Yasi's impact causing the loss of food and shelter resources raised concern of the welfare of the endangered species. Although DERM (Department of Environmental Resources and Management) have responded with a Mahogany Glider Response Program, the species numbers were expected to drop for the next 3 years (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
Overall, Cyclone Yasi has caused major impact to the coast environment of Queensland. Over 300km of the Great Barrier Reef had been damaged, hungry and wandering wildlife found, loss of vegetation and the spread of weeds from clean-up equipment (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
Initial assessments showed that about 50% of the Southern Cassowary habitat were severely affected by destructive winds. What was learnt from Cyclone Larry was put into action with supplementary feeding placed in key locations that would last up to 12-18 months or until the Littoral Rainforest had recovered enough to produce native fruits to fully support the species (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
The Mahogany Glider is found in the Littoral Rainforest around Townsville, one of the towns severely effected by Cyclone Yasi, and relies on nectar and insects for food and hollow trees for shelter. Wildlife Preservation Society of Queensland reported that 80% of the Glider's original habitat has already been previously cleared and Cyclone Yasi's impact causing the loss of food and shelter resources raised concern of the welfare of the endangered species. Although DERM (Department of Environmental Resources and Management) have responded with a Mahogany Glider Response Program, the species numbers were expected to drop for the next 3 years (Natural Resource Management, 2012).
Overall, Cyclone Yasi has caused major impact to the coast environment of Queensland. Over 300km of the Great Barrier Reef had been damaged, hungry and wandering wildlife found, loss of vegetation and the spread of weeds from clean-up equipment (Natural Resource Management, 2012).