We’re on the verge of an exciting new era in biodiversity science that will allow the characterisation and monitoring of global biodiversity like never before.  An exciting new global observation system is being planned that would revolutionise ecosystem science.

New science using TERN finds Melaleuca forests—think tea trees and paperbarks—are more vulnerable to climate stresses than eucalypt forests.  Storing >5% of Australia’s forest carbon, the findings have implications for carbon accounting and highlight the vulnerability of melaleucas to projected hotter and drier future climates.

TERN, together with another NCRIS-enabled infrastructure, the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility, is significantly upgrading its nation-wide network of time-lapse cameras that monitor the timing of vegetation development, including flowering, fruiting, and leaf lifecycle—phenology—and provide vital information on our changing ecosystems and their services.

Highlighting some TERN-related activities at this year's ESA conference. Hone your ecological monitoring skills on our field trip, provide your input to the National Environmental Prediction System, or just drop by the joint TERN – ALA booth and say hi.

This month we jump the ditch to visit Landcare Research New Zealand for a look at their wide-ranging research aiming to find sustainable solutions to complex environmental problems faced by Australasia’s managed and natural ecosystems.

The National Environmental Prediction System (NEPS) Scoping Study is broadening its community consultations and we invite you to help shape the development of this key support system for Australia’s research and decision-making communities.