Fire responses by bird guilds and species in heathy dry forests in central Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Kuchinke, Diana , di Stefano, Julian , Loyn, Richard , Gell, Peter , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Forest Ecology and Management Vol. 535, no. (2023), p.
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- Description: Predicted increases in fire frequency and extent are being realised across Australia, bringing changes to the fire regime which may influence the availability of essential resources required by birds. However, few studies have examined either the impacts of fire frequency on birds or the impacts from both wildfire and planned burns, com bined. Birds were surveyed eight times across 84 sites in heathy dry forests in central Victoria, south-east Australia, from 2012 to 2014. Fire history records were retrieved from the 1970’s onwards, the time from which accurate planned burn records were kept. We developed mixed models to investigate how birds responded to time-since-fire and fire frequency, analysing total bird abundance, ten foraging guilds and 30 individual species. We found distinct responses by all modelled guilds and species to time-since-fire, along with evidence for responses to fire frequency. The greatest shifts in species’ abundances occurred during the first ten years post fire, with bird species commonly present across the stages greater than ten years since fire. For total bird abundance there was no statistically detectible difference between recently burnt forest (0-6 months) and other age classes. However, some guilds showed a significant drop in abundance in newly burnt vegetation (e.g. bark foragers, damp ground insectivores, those that feed on seeds close to the ground, tall shrub foragers). It is with guild and species’ responses that more differences across vegetation age classes became apparent. Significant increases in abundance were apparent in both the regrowth and new growth vegetation age classes, compared with older habitat (e.g. canopy foragers, damp ground insectivores, tall shrub foragers); open ground foragers were especially common in post-fire regrowth but then significantly declined. Other responses were more complex, with species’ preferences reflecting their foraging ecology. Some birds showed preferences across two age classes: sites that were young post-fire regrowth (6 months–2.5 years since fire) along with sites of old habitat (>35 years since fire), (e.g. Crimson Rosella, Scarlet Robin, Sulphur-crested Cockatoo), while some ground-foraging species became scarce in dense new-growth vegetation that appears 2.5–10 years post fire (e.g. Australian Magpie, Laughing Kookaburra and White-winged Chough). Such species may deserve specific management strategies to maintain populations in forests where substantial areas are burnt by wildfire or planned burns, over short periods of time. The model for total bird abundance showed a significant fire frequency response with birds preferring sites twice burnt within 35 years (e.g. bark and canopy-foraging guilds). Four guilds demonstrated a preference for sites frequently burnt, increasing in abundance as number of burns increased (nectarivores, open-ground foragers, seeds in trees foragers, tall shrub foragers). In contrast, two species appeared to prefer sites that had experienced low fire frequencies, a response not common to their guilds. Laughing Kookaburra (carnivore) and White-winged Chough (forages on open ground among trees) generally declined in abundance with increasing fire frequency. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Perceptions of birds by urban residents in an Australian regional city and implications for conservation
- 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.
Spatial prioritisation of survey and management efforts for a threatened pygopodid in south-western New South Wales
- Authors: Waudby, Helen , Turak, Eren , Callister, Kate , Florentine, Singarayer , Westbrooke, Martin , Palmer, Grant , Dayman, Ray
- Date: 2023
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Journal of Zoology Vol. 71, no. 1 (2023), p.
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- Description: Determining species’ distributions is challenging for cryptic species that are difficult to detect using standard techniques. The mallee worm-lizard (Aprasia inaurita Kluge, 1974) is a cryptic reptile in the family Pygopodidae, listed as Endangered in New South Wales. We modelled the species’ potential distribution (Maxent) to improve understanding of the species’ distribution and surveyed potential habitat in the Scotia Mallee region (an area with suitable habitat) from 2018 to 2022, with pitfall traps and artificial refuges (terracotta roof tiles). We completed 11 587 pitfall trap-nights and 3200 tile checks over eight monitoring sessions. Over this period, we detected six vertebrate species (all lizards) using roof tiles and 40 species with pitfall traps, but no mallee worm-lizards. Evaluation of existing records of the mallee worm-lizard from NSW suggested that the state constitutes the north-eastern edge of its continental range, with the species apparently present in low numbers across a wide swathe of south-western NSW. Most records were located within or near to spinifex or porcupine grass (Triodia spp.) communities, on private land. Species distribution modelling provided outputs that are useful for spatial prioritisation of conservation efforts for the species, with region-wide maps showing that much of the Scotia Mallee study area contains potentially suitable habitat for the mallee worm-lizard. However, habitat suitability scores for individual cells in this area were low, in some instances, because of high maximum summer temperatures and soil available water capacity. We anticipate that increasing temperatures associated with climate change may further reduce the suitability of habitat in this area in the future. © 2023 The Author(s)
Density, diversity, and seasonal fluctuations in soil Collembola in three differenmanaged ecosystems in North Khorasan, Iran
- Authors: Mehrafrooz Mayvan, Mahmood , Sadeghi-Namaghi, Hussein , Shayanmehr, Masoumeh , Greenslade, Penelope , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Turkish Journal of Zoology Vol. 46, no. 1 (2022), p. 115-128
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- Description: We examined the density, diversity, and seasonal fluctuation of soil inhabiting Collembola in different ecosystems: agricultural, rangeland, and forest ecosystems in the North Khorasan province of Iran from June 2018 to May 2019. The sampling program was conducted monthly on the three sites. Density was measured on the number of individuals per square meter. Species diversity was calculated using Shannon–Wiener index, Simpson’s diversity, and species richness by Rarefaction method. Fifty-three species belonging to 42 genera and 17 families were collected and identified. The density of Collembola in the forest was higher than in either rangeland or agroecosystem. Highest densities were recorded during October and April in the forest. A similar seasonal trend was observed in the rangeland and in the agroecosystem. The lowest densities in agroecosystem and rangeland were recorded during June and from forest in January. PERMANOVA analysis showed that the soil Collembola community differed between the three ecosystems. The SIMPER analysis revealed that the agriculture sites show the highest similarity (68.3), followed by pasture (51.8), and then forest (49.7). Indices of diversity and species richness values are discussed in light of land use. We found that forest harboured a higher density and diversity of Collembola compared to rangeland and agroecosystems. © TÜBİTAK.
Breeding home range movements of pre-fledged brolga chicks, Antigone rubicunda (Gruidae) in Victoria, Australia - Implications for wind farm planning and conservation
- Authors: Veltheim, Inka , Cook, Simon , Palmer, Grant , Hill, F.A. Richard , McCarthy, Michael
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Ecology and Conservation Vol. 20, no. (Oct 2019), p. 17
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- Description: Built infrastructure, such as wind farms and power lines, can impair wildlife movement. These barriers may displace individuals from important habitats due to direct mortality or disturbance. Understanding animal movement patterns can help avoid such impacts and manage population level effects. Avoiding impacts and implementing mitigation strategies is difficult when movement and home range information is lacking. Impact at breeding sites may negatively affect population recruitment. The number of wind farm developments is increasing in southern Australia within the core range of the south-eastern brolga (Antigone rubicunda) population. The main threats to this wetland bird include habitat loss, chick predation and collisions with power lines and fences. Wind farms may increase collision and mortality risk, and habitat displacement but the impact is difficult to assess or mitigate, as movement patterns and home range size are unknown. We deployed 11 GPS transmitters on pre-fledged brolga chicks at breeding sites in 2010-2012, including one at a wind farm, to investigate movement and home range use of brolga chicks. Brolga chicks moved 442m on average, to and from night roost wetlands (range: 0m-1964 m). The average breeding home range was 232 ha, estimated with a Brownian bridge movement model at 95% UD, but varied greatly between individuals (70 ha-523 ha). Brolgas used either single or multiple wetlands, and those using multiple wetlands either switched between them or relocated permanently. Information from this study can be used to design turbine-free buffers at brolga breeding sites and to manage breeding wetlands. (c) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).
Nectarivory in the Rockwarbler 'Origma solitaria'
- 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.
Wildlife of the Otways and Shipwreck Coast
- Authors: Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Book
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- Description: The Otways and Shipwreck Coast is known for its natural beauty and attracts millions of visitors each year, particularly along the Great Ocean Road. The value of the region's rich biodiversity is recognised at the national and global level and its wildlife is markedly different to other regions, including eastern Victoria which supports similar vegetation types. This is a photographic field guide to the vertebrate wildlife of Victoria's south-west. It covers all the mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs that occur in the region, including on land and in coastal waters. Each species profile includes a description and information on range, conservation status, habitat use and ecology and is complemented by an exquisite colour photograph and a detailed distribution map. It also includes chapters on habitat types, conservation and management and on 14 key spots in the region to view wildlife. This book will allow those interested in wildlife, including residents and visitors, to identify mammals, birds, reptiles and frogs found in the region. Readers will become more familiar with the region's remarkable wildlife and the distinct role the Otways region has in conserving Australia's biodiversity.
Fauna of a granite cave: first data from Britannia Creek Cave (3GP10-48), Wesburn, Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Iannello, Silvana , Greenslade, Penelope , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Helictite - Journal of Australasian Speleological Research Vol. 43, no. (2017), p. 1-13
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- Description: There are few studies in Australia on the fauna of granite caves. Britannia Creek Cave is a granite cave heavily used for recreation yet it has never been mapped nor has the cave fauna been documented. We present here the cave system showing eight ecological zones, A to H, which we mapped, each with different light and moisture characteristics. The faunal diversity and composition in each zone is reported using data recorded from three surveys conducted in April, August and October 2015. For all fauna observed, the zone in which it occurred was noted. Taxa were identified to species level or to genus or family where species was unknown. The composition of fauna assemblages was investigated using Multi-Dimensional Scaling (MDS). Three taxa, the Raphidophoridae (cave crickets), Keroplatidae (glowworms) and Araneae (spiders), were most abundant and occurred in all eight zones. Known cave dwellers, such as Arachnocampa (Campara) gippslandensis (glowworm) were observed in small isolated clusters in three zones, C, E and H. The highest number of taxa (7) were present in the transition zone B, followed by zone A (6) and a dark zone F (6). Fewest taxa (2) were present in transition zone D. Because there are few publications on the biology of granite caves in Australia, our data can contribute to determining future conservation and land management priorities, especially in regard to recreational use which we also recorded.
Integrative conservation of riparian zones
- Authors: González, Eduardo , Felipe-Lucia, Maria , Bourgeois, Berenger , Boz, Bruno , Nilsson, Christer , Palmer, Grant , Sher, Anna
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biological Conservation Vol. 211, no. (2017), p. 20-29
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- Description: Riparian zones are the interface between aquatic and terrestrial systems along inland watercourses. They have a disproportionate ecological role in the landscape considering their narrow extent, which makes them a good example of small natural features (sensu Hunter, 2017-inthisissue). Characteristically, riparian zones increase species richness in the landscape and provide key services to society, such as soil fertility, water purification, and recreation. Despite the recognized importance of riparian zones for ecological, economic and social reasons, and the vast amount of scientific literature exploring measures for their conservation, current management is still failing at enabling a proper ecological functioning of these areas. The best practices for conservation of riparian zones have mostly focused on manipulating biotic and physical components (e.g. renaturalizing flow regimes, improving channel mobility, and controlling invasions of exotic ecosystem engineer species). However, these strategies face important technical, socio-economic, and legal constraints that require a more integrative approach for effective conservation. In this paper we summarize the main problems affecting riparian zones and their current management challenges. Following Hunter et al. (2017-inthisissue), we review novel approaches to conservation of riparian zones, complementary to manipulating processes that reflect contemporary management and policy. These include (1) investing in environmental education for both local people and technical staff, (2) guaranteeing qualitative and long term inventories and monitoring, (3) establishing legislation and solutions to protect riparian zones, (4) framing economic activities in riparian zones under sustainable management, and (5) planning restoration of riparian zones at multiple and hierarchical spatio-temporal scales. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd
Influence of various environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence of a noxious environmental weed: Green Galenia (Galenia pubescens)
- Authors: Mahmood, Ako , Florentine, Singarayer , Chauhan, Bhagirath , McLaren, David , Palmer, Grant , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Weed Science Vol. 64, no. 3 (2016), p. 486-494
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- Description: Green galenia is a South African woody prostrate perennial that was first recorded in Australia in the early 1900s and has since become a serious threat to indigenous temperate grasslands and surrounding agricultural areas. Laboratory and field based experiments were conducted to examine the effect of environmental factors on the germination and viability of green galenia seed. It was shown that green galenia was able to germinate over a broad range of temperatures, but short bursts (5 min) of high temperatures (80 C to 120 C replicating possible exposures to a fire) reduced seed germination. Seed germination was positively favored by light, declined rapidly in darkness, and decreased by >80% at a depth of only 0.5 cm in soil. Water stress greatly reduced seed germination (45% germination at osmotic potentials below -0.2 MPa). Germination was completely inhibited at water potentials of -0.4 to -1.0 MPa. This species is moderately tolerant to salinity, with over 50% of seeds germinating at low levels of salinity (60 mM NaCl), and moderate germination (49%) occurring at 120 mM NaCl, it can germinate well in both alkaline (pH 10-83%) and acidic (pH 4-80%) conditions. The results of this study have contributed to our understanding of the germination and emergence of green galenia, and this will assist in developing tools and strategies for the long term management of this noxious weed in Victoria and other parts of Australia. Nomenclature: Green galenia, Galenia pubescens (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Druce.
Investigations into the effects of elevated carbon dioxide and drought on the growth and physiology of carpet weed (Galenia pubescens Eckl. & Zeyh.)
- Authors: Mahmood, Ako , Florentine, Singarayer , Fernando, Nimesha , Wright, Wendy , Palmer, Grant , McLaren, David , Sillitoe, Jim
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Conference proceedings
- Relation: 20th Australasian Weeds Conference 2016; Perth, Western Australia; 11th-15th September 2016 p. 347-350
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- Description: The present study aimed to examine the interactive effects of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration and drought stress on the growth and some of the physiological processes of Galenia pubescens. Photosynthetic rate of plants increased under elevated CO2 concentration, however drought caused significant reduction in net photosynthetic rate by (45% in 400 ppm CO2) and (27% in 700 ppm CO2) after five days simulating the drought treatment when compared with well-watered plants. Plants grown under elevated CO2 level and well-watered produced a greater biomass (17.5 ± 0.5 g per plant) compared to the plants which were grown under the ambient CO2 concentration.
Dietary characteristics of Emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in semi-arid New South Wales, Australia, and dispersal and germination of ingested seeds
- Authors: Dunstan, Heath , Florentine, Singarayer , Calvino-Cancela, Maria , Westbrooke, Martin , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Emu Vol. 113, no. 2 (2013), p. 168-176
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- Description: The Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) eats a wide range of seeds and other plant material but little is known of the seeds eaten and dispersed in arid Australia. This study aimed to determine the species of seed and fruits eaten by Emus through the year and investigate the effect of the passage of seeds through the Emu gut on seed germination. Emu scats were opportunistically collected in all seasons of 2005 at Nanya Research Station, western New South Wales. Seeds of 29 plant species were retrieved, identified and counted from 221 scats. Seeds of perennial species, such as Belah (Casuarina pauper), Ruby Saltbush (Enchylaena tomentosa), Common Emu-bush (Eremophila glabra) and Nitre-bush (Nitraria billardierei), predominated. Seed composition of scats was more diverse in summer than in winter, autumn and spring. Seeds of Common Emu-bush, Berrigan (Eremophila longifolia) and Sweet Quandong (Santalum acuminatum) showed no germination after passage through the gut. Ruby Saltbush and Nitre-bush showed very low germination rates. The Emu is a generalist feeder, capable of ingesting and dispersing large numbers of plant species. Through high seed consumption and long gut-retention time, Emus could potentially play a significant role in long-distance dispersal of seeds and, through such dispersal, in the vegetation dynamics of arid Australia. © 2013 Bird Life Australia.
- Description: 2003011097
Rails following snakes: Predator-response behaviour, potential prey, prey-flushing or curiosity?
- 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
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- 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
Recruitment and functionality traits as biondicators of ecological restoration success in the Lurg Hills district, Victoria, Australia
- Authors: Monie, Kristin , Florentine, Singarayer , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Ecological Processes Vol. 2, no. 27 (2013), p. 1-11
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- Description: Introduction The Regent Honeyeater Project commenced ecological restoration in the Lurg district in 1994, with an aim to restore habitats for the critically endangered Regent Honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia and a range of other threatened and declining species. Within this context, our study aimed to explore whether plant reproduction can be an effective measure of ecological restoration success. Methods Evaluation involved comparing attributes at unrestored, restored and remnant sites to establish whether sites displayed evidence of a clear restoration trajectory. Five age classes (unrestored, 4–6 years old, 8–10 years old, 12–14 years old and remnant areas) and two landforms (upper hills and lower hills) were considered. The diversity of woody plant species—which have easily recognisable reproductive material and which all recruit seedlings—provides easily measured parameters that have the potential to allow the determination of early establishment success and long-term ecological development of restored ecosystems. Results Restoration plantings developed in a hybrid state towards a benchmark in the lower hills; seedling species composition differed significantly among age classes, increasing in similarity with time since restoration, with some divergence from the target pathway. Composition of functional groups with reproductive outputs was also significantly different among age classes; however, a restoration trajectory was only evident in the upper hills where sites converged towards the target goal. Conclusions Divergence or deviation from the restoration trajectory was not deemed to be a restoration failure, as the variety of functional groups with fruits and diversity of seedlings recruiting indicated a potential increase in resilience in the future due to greater variability across the landscape. Plant recruitment was effective in detecting development trends towards a restoration target in this study and therefore may be a useful measure that contributes to determining ecological restoration success
To catch a starling : Testing the effectiveness of different trap and lure types
- Authors: Campbell, Susan , Cook, Simon , Mortimer, L. , Palmer, Grant , Sinclair, Ron , Woolnough, Andrew
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wildlife Research Vol. 39, no. 3 (2012), p. 183-191
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- Description: Context: Worldwide, invasive fauna species present one of the most intractable problems for agriculture and natural systems. Our ability to improve control techniques to combat the global invasive species predicament is constrained within the bounds of both economic and ethical considerations. In south-eastern Australia, the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an established invasive avian pest that is now making incursions into areas of Western Australia (WA) that are currently free of this species. The most cost-effective and widely implemented starling control tool is trapping with live-lure birds. In recent years, the use of live-lure birds has been questioned on both economic and ethical grounds, and consequently alternative lure methods need investigating. Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of different trap and lure combinations for the capture of starlings in western South Australia (SA). Methods: Modified Australian Crow (MAC) traps, used traditionally in WA to trap starlings, and Myna traps, originally designed for trapping common mynas (Sturnus tristis), were set during the peaks in starling flocking activity (Austral summer, 2007) using three different lure types: (1) live lure (live starlings); (2) moving water; and (3) acoustic lures. A trapping grid consisting of a single Myna trap with live lure and three MAC traps, each with one type of lure (live, water or acoustic) was established at five sites on the Eyre Peninsula in SA and monitored twice daily for 28 days. Key results: Live lures were significantly more effective at attracting starlings into traps compared with both water and sound lures. We also trapped at an additional three sites and showed that Myna traps caught ~1.5 times more starlings than MAC traps when both traps were fitted with live-lure birds. Conclusions: Neither moving water nor acoustic play-back lures proved suitable replacements for the use of live-lure birds to capture starlings. The efficacy of alternative lure types may depend on several factors and may include neophobic response(s) to novel signals and also the length of time that an invasive population has been established. Implications: We recommend that use of live lures is continued in ongoing starling control programs, and that MAC traps currently in use be modified to capitalise on known starling behaviour. Further research and development of traps that do not contain live lures will improve the welfare of invasive species control programs.
When more is less : Urban remnants support high bird abundance but diversity varies
- 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
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- 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.
Establishment of the Box-Ironbark ecological thinning trial in north central Victoria
- Authors: Pigott, Patrick , Palmer, Grant , Yen, Alan , Tolsma, Arn , Brown, Geoff , Gibson, Matthew , Wright, John
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria Vol. 122, no. 2 (2010), p. 111-122
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- Description: An ecological thinning trial was established in 2003 in north-central Victoria as part of the development of an ecological management strategy to support the newly created Box-Ironbark Parks and Reserves System. The objective of the trial was to restore diversity of habitat structure to declining Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands. Three ecological thinning techniques were designed around several principles: reducing total basal-area of trees and retaining levels of patchiness whilst retaining large trees. Thinning treatments were implemented in 30 ha plots at four conservation reserves south of Bendigo, Victoria. A range of ecosystem components were monitored before and after thinning. A woody-debris removal treatment was also set-up at a 1 ha scale within thinning treatments. Prior to thinning, plots were dominated by high numbers of coppice regenerated trees with few of the trees sampled considered large, resulting in low numbers of tree hollows and low loadings of coarse woody debris. It is anticipated that the establishment of the ecological thinning trial (Phase I), is the beginning of long-term monitoring, as effects of thinning on key habitat values may not be apparent for up to 50 years or more. The vision for restoration of Box-Ironbark forests and woodlands is one of a mosaic landscape with a greater diversity of habitat types including open areas and greater numbers of larger, hollow-bearing trees. This paper summarises the experimental design and the techniques adopted in Phase I of this project during 2003-2008.
Bird responses to targeted revegetation : 40 years of habitat enhancement at Clarkesdale Bird sanctuary, central-western Victoria
- Authors: Loyn, Richard , Faragher, J. T. , Coutts, D. C. , Palmer, Grant
- Date: 2009
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Field Ornithology Vol. 26, no. 3 (2009), p. 53-75
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- Description: A program of planting Australian shrubs and trees has been conducted in degraded farmland at the Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary (central-western Victoria) since the 1960s, to address the issue of declining native birds, as perceived by the late landowner Gordon Clarke. The shrubs and trees were selected to attract birds, and included many species that were not native to the region. This form of management is often practised by private landholders (at various scales), but its effects are rarely documented. Bird surveys were conducted for this study between 1999 and 2001 at 27 sites: 11 in native eucalypt forest on ridges and slopes, 13 in planted areas on ridges and slopes, and three in planted areas on river-flats and a small gully (with three supplementary sites in a pine plantation). Total bird abundance and species per count were highest in the planted sites on river-flats and gully, and higher in the planted sites on ridges and slopes than in native forest on similar topography. Honeyeaters (Meliphagidae), Superb Fairy-wrens Malurus cyaneus, open-country birds, seed-eating birds and five insectivorous guilds reached their maximum abundance in planted sites. Barkforaging insectivores, canopy-foraging insectivores, frugivores and a generalist insectivore were marginally more common in native forest than in planted sites. Introduced birds were uncommon. Generalised linear modelling showed that total bird abundance was positively related to the cover of planted native vegetation, native low shrubs and young wattles Acacia spp. and to the presence of indigenous Cherry Ballart Exocarpos cupressiformis. Various guilds showed positive relationships with the cover of planted native vegetation, native low shrubs, young wattles, original old wattles, original old eucalypts and trees with small or large hollows. The planting program has provided new habitat for many native forest birds. A greater challenge is to address the needs of some uncommon species that have declined locally, such as the Brown Treecreeper Climacteris picumnus and Speckled Warbler Chthonicola sagittata.
Surviving urbanisation : Maintaining bird species diversity in urban Melbourne
- 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
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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.
Determinants of native avian richness in suburban remnant vegetation : Implications for conservation planning
- Authors: Palmer, Grant , Fitzsimons, John , Antos, Mark , White, John
- Date: 2008
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Biological Conservation Vol. 141, no. 9 (2008), p. 2329-2341
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- Description: While urban areas are increasingly recognized as having potential value for biodiversity conservation, the relationship between biodiversity and the structure and configuration of the urban landscape is poorly understood. In this study we surveyed birds in 39 remnant patches of native vegetation of various sizes (range 1-107 ha) embedded in the suburban matrix in Melbourne, Australia. The total richness of species within remnants was strongly associated with the size of remnants. Remnant-reliant species displayed a much stronger response to remnant area than matrix-tolerant species indicating the importance of large remnants in maintaining representative bird assemblages. Large remnants are important for other ecological groups of species including migratory species, ground foraging birds and canopy foraging birds. Other landscape (e.g. amount of riparian vegetation) and structural components (e.g. shrub cover) of remnants have a lesser role in determining the richness of individual remnants. This research provides conservation managers and planners with a hierarchical process to reserve design and management in order to conserve the highest richness of native species within urban areas. First of all, conservation efforts should preferentially focus on the retention of larger remnants of native vegetation. Second, where possible, riparian vegetation should be included within reserves or, where it is already present, should be carefully managed to ensure its integrity. Third, efforts should be focused at maintaining appropriate habitat and vegetation structure and complexity. © 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.