This content is Subscriber-Exclusive
You must have a National Geographic subscription to explore this article.
How Australia’s Aboriginal people fight fire—with fire
They’ve revived the ancient practice of planned burning to renew and preserve their homelands, and help support their communities.
Conrad Maralngurra starts a low-intensity blaze to protect his community in Mamadawerre, an outstation along the northern border of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area. In summer, lightning strikes routinely spark fires in the tropical savanna.
Go Further
Animals
- They’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacredThey’re destructive, they number 5 million—and they’re sacred
- Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.Not just a mascot: The real owls of FAU are underdogs too.
- What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
- They ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found troubleThey ripped through a wilderness for oil—and found trouble
- Mexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlifeMexico slapped with sanctions for failure to protect wildlife
- Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.Rare 'blonde' penguin spotted in Antarctica. See the photo.
Environment
- From Radar to AI: The future of conservation
- Paid Content for Advertiser
From Radar to AI: The future of conservation - Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?Is the edge of a desert the right place to plant a forest?
- Cliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realmCliff art reveals the majesty of the Amazon’s aquatic realm
History & Culture
- How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?How did England’s ‘lost king’ end up beneath a parking lot?
- Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.Meet Mexico's 'forgotten panda.' She's the last of her kind.
- These 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in IslamThese 5 destinations are among the holiest sites in Islam
- Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.Was the ‘Colorado Cannibal’ a villain or a victim? You decide.
Science
- T. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture imageT. rex had lips, upending its enduring pop culture image
- Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics. What’s the difference?
- See a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too lateSee a rare planetary alignment—before it’s too late
- How your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharpHow your senses change as you age—and how to keep them sharp
- Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.Why do some love to exercise? It might be their microbiome.
Travel
- Explore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxesExplore 6 of history’s most infamous scams and hoaxes
- Untangling the new national park reservation systemUntangling the new national park reservation system
- How a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradiseHow a brutal POW camp became an idyllic island paradise
- Paganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditionsPaganism is on the rise—here’s where to discover its traditions