Earliest Human Fire Management in Tasmania Discovered

New research shows ancient Tasmanians used fire to shape their environment 41,600 years ago.

Researchers found evidence of controlled burning in Tasmania dating back 41,600 years, 2,000 years earlier than previously believed.
The study analyzed charcoal and pollen from ancient mud, revealing a sharp increase in fire activity and subsequent vegetation changes.
Early Aboriginal Tasmanians used fire to clear dense forests, creating open spaces for subsistence and cultural activities.
The findings suggest sophisticated environmental management by early humans, using fire to adapt landscapes to their needs.
Understanding these ancient practices could inform modern landscape management and cultural burning techniques in Australia.