Perceptions of birds by urban residents in an Australian regional city and implications for conservation
- Champness, Brendan, Fitzsimons, James, Kendal, Dave, Palmer, Grant
- Authors: Champness, Brendan , Fitzsimons, James , Kendal, Dave , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Birds Vol. 4, no. 3 (2023), p. 262-276
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- Description: Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas. © 2023 by the authors.
- Authors: Champness, Brendan , Fitzsimons, James , Kendal, Dave , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Birds Vol. 4, no. 3 (2023), p. 262-276
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas. © 2023 by the authors.
Equitable and effective area‐based conservation : towards the conserved areas paradigm
- Jonas, Harry, Ahmadia, Gabby, Bingham, Heather, Briggs, Johnny, Butchart, Stuart, Cariño, Joji, Chassot, Olivier, Chaudhary, Sunita, Darling, Emily, Degemmis, Alfred, Dudley, Nigel, Fa, Julia, Fitzsimons, James, Garnett, Stephen, Geldmann, Jonas, Golden Kroner, Rachel, Gurney, Georgina, Harrington, Alexandra, Himes‐cornell, Amber, Hockings, Marc, Jonas, Holly, Jupiter, Stacy, Kingston, Naomi, Lee, Emma, Lieberman, Susan, Mangubhai, Sangeeta, Marnewick, Daniel, Matallana‐tobón, Clara, Maxwell, Sean, Nelson, Fred, Parrish, Jeffrey, Ranaivoson, Ravaka, Rao, Madhu, Santamaría, Marcela, Venter, Oscar, Visconti, Piero, Waithaka, James, Painemilla, Kristen, Watson, James, von Weizsäcker, Christine
- Authors: Jonas, Harry , Ahmadia, Gabby , Bingham, Heather , Briggs, Johnny , Butchart, Stuart , Cariño, Joji , Chassot, Olivier , Chaudhary, Sunita , Darling, Emily , Degemmis, Alfred , Dudley, Nigel , Fa, Julia , Fitzsimons, James , Garnett, Stephen , Geldmann, Jonas , Golden Kroner, Rachel , Gurney, Georgina , Harrington, Alexandra , Himes‐cornell, Amber , Hockings, Marc , Jonas, Holly , Jupiter, Stacy , Kingston, Naomi , Lee, Emma , Lieberman, Susan , Mangubhai, Sangeeta , Marnewick, Daniel , Matallana‐tobón, Clara , Maxwell, Sean , Nelson, Fred , Parrish, Jeffrey , Ranaivoson, Ravaka , Rao, Madhu , Santamaría, Marcela , Venter, Oscar , Visconti, Piero , Waithaka, James , Painemilla, Kristen , Watson, James , von Weizsäcker, Christine
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Parks Vol. 27, no. 1 (2021), p. 71-84
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- Description: In 2018, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a decision on protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). It contains the definition of an OECM and related scientific and technical advice that has broadened the scope of governance authorities and areas that can be engaged and recognised in global conservation efforts. The voluntary guidance on OECMs and protected areas, also included in the decision, promotes the use of diverse, effective and equitable governance models, the integration of protected areas and OECMs into wider landscapes and seascapes, and mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation across sectors. Taken as a whole, the advice and voluntary guidance provides further clarity about the CBD Parties’ understanding of what constitutes equitable and effective area-based conservation measures within and beyond protected areas and provides standardised criteria with which to measure and report areas’ attributes and performance. This policy perspective suggests that this CBD decision represents further evidence of the evolution from the ‘new paradigm for protected areas’ to a broader ‘conserved areas paradigm’ that embodies good governance, equity and effective conservation outcomes and is inclusive of a diversity of contributions to conservation within and beyond protected areas. © 2021, IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature. All rights reserved.
- Authors: Jonas, Harry , Ahmadia, Gabby , Bingham, Heather , Briggs, Johnny , Butchart, Stuart , Cariño, Joji , Chassot, Olivier , Chaudhary, Sunita , Darling, Emily , Degemmis, Alfred , Dudley, Nigel , Fa, Julia , Fitzsimons, James , Garnett, Stephen , Geldmann, Jonas , Golden Kroner, Rachel , Gurney, Georgina , Harrington, Alexandra , Himes‐cornell, Amber , Hockings, Marc , Jonas, Holly , Jupiter, Stacy , Kingston, Naomi , Lee, Emma , Lieberman, Susan , Mangubhai, Sangeeta , Marnewick, Daniel , Matallana‐tobón, Clara , Maxwell, Sean , Nelson, Fred , Parrish, Jeffrey , Ranaivoson, Ravaka , Rao, Madhu , Santamaría, Marcela , Venter, Oscar , Visconti, Piero , Waithaka, James , Painemilla, Kristen , Watson, James , von Weizsäcker, Christine
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Parks Vol. 27, no. 1 (2021), p. 71-84
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: In 2018, the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) adopted a decision on protected areas and other effective area-based conservation measures (OECMs). It contains the definition of an OECM and related scientific and technical advice that has broadened the scope of governance authorities and areas that can be engaged and recognised in global conservation efforts. The voluntary guidance on OECMs and protected areas, also included in the decision, promotes the use of diverse, effective and equitable governance models, the integration of protected areas and OECMs into wider landscapes and seascapes, and mainstreaming of biodiversity conservation across sectors. Taken as a whole, the advice and voluntary guidance provides further clarity about the CBD Parties’ understanding of what constitutes equitable and effective area-based conservation measures within and beyond protected areas and provides standardised criteria with which to measure and report areas’ attributes and performance. This policy perspective suggests that this CBD decision represents further evidence of the evolution from the ‘new paradigm for protected areas’ to a broader ‘conserved areas paradigm’ that embodies good governance, equity and effective conservation outcomes and is inclusive of a diversity of contributions to conservation within and beyond protected areas. © 2021, IUCN - International Union for the Conservation of Nature. All rights reserved.
Nectarivory in the Rockwarbler 'Origma solitaria'
- Probets, Carol, Palmer, Grant, Fitzsimons, James
- Authors: Probets, Carol , Palmer, Grant , Fitzsimons, James
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian field ornithology Vol. 36, no. (2019), p. 34-35
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- Description: The Rockwarbler 'Origma solitaria' is restricted to the sedimentary-rock formations around the Sydney region of New South Wales and, like other species in the Acanthizidae, is mainly insectivorous, although its diet is considered poorly known. Here we report on two observations of nectarivory, a food source not previously reported for this species. They involved Rockwarblers feeding at flowers of Heath-leaved Banksia 'Banksia ericifolia' at two locations.
- Authors: Probets, Carol , Palmer, Grant , Fitzsimons, James
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian field ornithology Vol. 36, no. (2019), p. 34-35
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The Rockwarbler 'Origma solitaria' is restricted to the sedimentary-rock formations around the Sydney region of New South Wales and, like other species in the Acanthizidae, is mainly insectivorous, although its diet is considered poorly known. Here we report on two observations of nectarivory, a food source not previously reported for this species. They involved Rockwarblers feeding at flowers of Heath-leaved Banksia 'Banksia ericifolia' at two locations.
Rails following snakes: Predator-response behaviour, potential prey, prey-flushing or curiosity?
- Cutten, Dean, Goodyear, Gavin, Tarrant, Tom, Fitzsimons, James, Palmer, Grant
- Authors: Cutten, Dean , Goodyear, Gavin , Tarrant, Tom , Fitzsimons, James , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Field Ornithology Vol. 30, no. 2 (2013), p. 97-102
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Although snakes are both predators and prey of birds in the Rallidae family in other parts of the world, there are few documented observations of interactions between these groups in Australia. Here we describe four separate observations of Buff-banded Rails Gallirallus philippensis following snakes in a deliberate manner. Because of the large size of the different snake species encountered by the Buff-banded Rails during our observations, we consider that it is unlikely that the snakes were viewed as potential prey. The behaviours observed in our accounts, and of flufftails Sarothrura spp. in Africa, suggest that rails are aware of the predatory threat of snakes, and follow them to ensure that they move outside the rails- area of concern. We suggest that this behaviour is likely to be a deliberate response to encountering a potential (or perceived) terrestrial predator, such as a snake, or that the snake-s movements potentially flush prey suitable for Buff-banded Rails.
- Description: C1
When more is less : Urban remnants support high bird abundance but diversity varies
- Fitzsimons, James, Antos, Mark, Palmer, Grant
- Authors: Fitzsimons, James , Antos, Mark , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Pacific Conservation Biology Vol. 17, no. 1 (2011), p. 97-109
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Urban remnant vegetation, especially where it occurs in public parks, allows for relatively easy access for ongoing biodiversity monitoring. However, relatively little baseline information on bird species distribution and abundance across a range of identifiable urban remnants appears in the published literature. We surveyed the relative abundance and distribution of birds across urban and suburban remnant vegetation in Melbourne, Australia. One hundred and six species were recorded, of which 98 were indigenous. Red wattlebirds had the highest mean relative abundance with 2.94 birds/ha, followed by rainbow lorikeets (2.51), noisy miners (1.93), brown thornbills (1.75) and spotted doves (0.96). There was no obvious trend between overall relative abundance and the size of the remnant, in contrast to species richness which was positively correlated with remnant size. The data revealed that some species were either totally restricted to, or more abundant in, larger remnants and generally absent from smaller remnants. Some of the more common birds (crimson rosella, superb fairy-wren, spotted pardalote and black-faced cuckoo-shrike) recorded during this study were detected at similar densities to those found in comparable vegetation to the east of Melbourne within a largely forested landscape. Other species occurred at much lower densities (e.g., white-browed scrubwren, brown thornbill, eastern yellow robin and grey fantail) or had habitat requirements or ecological characteristics that could place them at risk of further decline or local extinction in the urban area. We identify a suite of bird species of potential conservation concern within Melbourne's urban landscape. The establishment of repeatable, fixed-point, and long-term monitoring sites will allow for repeat surveying over time and provide an early warning of population declines, or conversely an indication of population increase for other species.
Surviving urbanisation : Maintaining bird species diversity in urban Melbourne
- White, John, Fitzsimons, James, Palmer, Grant, Antos, Mark
- Authors: White, John , Fitzsimons, James , Palmer, Grant , Antos, Mark
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Victorian Naturalist Vol. 126, no. 3 (2009), p. 73-78
- Full Text:
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- Description: The relationships between vegetation and bird communities within an urban landscape are synthetised, based on a series of studies we conducted. Our studies indicate that streetscape vegetation plays an important role in influencing urban bird communities, with streetscapes dominated by native plants supporting communities with high native species richness and abundance, while exotic and newly-developed streetscapes support more introduced bird species and fewer native bird species. Native streetscapes can also provide important resources for certain groups of birds, such as nectarivores. Our research has also revealed that urban remnants are likely to support more native bird species if they are larger and if they contain components of riparian vegetation. Vegetation structure and quality does not appear to be as important a driver as remnant size in determining the richness of native bird communities. Introduced birds were shown to occur in remnants at low densities, irrespective of remnant size, when compared to densities found in streetscapes dominated by exotic vegetation. We discuss our results in terms of practical planning and management options to increase and maintain urban avian diversity and conclude by offering suggestions for future fields of research in terms of urban bird communities.
- Authors: White, John , Fitzsimons, James , Palmer, Grant , Antos, Mark
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Victorian Naturalist Vol. 126, no. 3 (2009), p. 73-78
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: The relationships between vegetation and bird communities within an urban landscape are synthetised, based on a series of studies we conducted. Our studies indicate that streetscape vegetation plays an important role in influencing urban bird communities, with streetscapes dominated by native plants supporting communities with high native species richness and abundance, while exotic and newly-developed streetscapes support more introduced bird species and fewer native bird species. Native streetscapes can also provide important resources for certain groups of birds, such as nectarivores. Our research has also revealed that urban remnants are likely to support more native bird species if they are larger and if they contain components of riparian vegetation. Vegetation structure and quality does not appear to be as important a driver as remnant size in determining the richness of native bird communities. Introduced birds were shown to occur in remnants at low densities, irrespective of remnant size, when compared to densities found in streetscapes dominated by exotic vegetation. We discuss our results in terms of practical planning and management options to increase and maintain urban avian diversity and conclude by offering suggestions for future fields of research in terms of urban bird communities.
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