'Ecologically complex carbon' - linking biodiversity values, carbon storage and habitat structure in some austral temperate forests'
- Authors: Weston, Narelle , Wright, Wendy , Loyn, Richard , Macnally, Ralph
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Global Ecology and Biogeography Vol.20, no. 11 (2011), p.260-271
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Aim We assessed how avian biodiversity and above-ground carbon storage were related in different forest age-classes, including mature stands (> 100 years), in a managed, mixed-species eucalypt forest. Location Gippsland, south-eastern Australia. Methods In 50 2-ha stands ranging in age from ≤ 5 years to mature stands > 100 years, we undertook repeated avian surveys, performed detailed habitat measurements and estimated amounts of above-ground carbon. Extensive wildfire reduced the number of sites to 28 (seven in each of four age classes) upon which analyses and inferences were made. We also analysed data on carbon storage and some bird responses from previously published studies. Results Mature vegetation (> 100 years) had the greatest richness, abundance and biomass of birds. Key ecological resources, such as tree-hollows for nesting, generally occurred mostly in stands > 60 years. Avian richness per unit of above-ground carbon storage was relatively low for stands of 20–60 years. While above-ground carbon storage appeared to increase in a monotonic fashion as stands age and mature, there were quantum increases in all measures of avian biodiversity in mature stands (> 100 years). Main conclusions Our results suggest that carbon is organized in a different way, with substantially greater biodiversity benefits, in very old stands. Mature vegetation simultaneously maximizes both avian biodiversity and above-ground carbon storage. These results bolster arguments for allocating highest priorities to the preservation of old-growth forest stands rather than alternative investments (e.g. reafforestation for carbon sequestration).
A DNA toolbox for non-invasive genetic studies of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor)
- Authors: Davies, Chris , Wright, Wendy , Wedrowicz, Faye , Hogan, Fiona
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Mammalogy Vol. 42, no. 1 (2020), p. 58-66
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Invasive sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are having significant detrimental impacts on natural environments in south-eastern Australia. Little, however, is known about their ecology, limiting evidence-based management strategies directed at reducing deer impacts. Genetic data, generated from DNA isolated from deer scats, can be used to fill ecological knowledge gaps. This study outlines a non-invasive genetic sampling strategy by which good-quality DNA from a single deer scat can be used to determine (1) species of origin, (2) sex and (3) a unique DNA profile. DNA from deer tissue and sambar deer scat samples were used to develop and optimise molecular methods to collect reliable genetic information. A DNA toolbox is presented that describes how to find, collect and store scat samples, isolate DNA and use molecular markers to generate informative genetic data. Generating genetic data using this approach will support studies aimed at acquiring ecological knowledge about sambar deer. Such knowledge will be critical for developing evidence-based recommendations to improve on-ground management decisions for sambar deer.
A non-invasive tool for assessing pathogen prevalence in koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) populations: detection of Chlamydia pecorum and koala retrovirus (KoRV) DNA in genetic material sourced from scats
- Authors: Wedrowicz, Faye , Saxton, Tom , Mosse, Jennifer , Wright, Wendy , Hogan, Fiona
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Conservation Genetics Resources Vol. 8, no. 4 (2016), p. 511-521
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Pathogenic diseases may threaten the viability of wild animal populations, especially when already vulnerable. The mitigation of risks associated with pathogenic infections in populations is an important factor in conservation strategies. Koalas are of conservation concern across the north of their range and are affected by two main pathogens; Chlamydia pecorum and the koala retrovirus (KoRV). This study tested whether DNA from C. pecorum and KoRV could be detected in genetic material isolated from koala scats. Detection of C. pecorum in scat isolated DNA samples was compared with results obtained from urogenital swabs collected from the same individuals as part of an independent study. The ability to detect KoRV in scats from both northern and southern regions of the koala’s range was also assessed. There was a high level of concordance (5/6) between the detection of C. pecorum in DNA isolated from scats and urogenital swabs from the same individual. In positive samples, C. pecorumompA genotypes were identical between DNA from scats and urogenital swabs in two out of three cases. In samples from the south of the koala’s range, KoRV copy number was higher in DNA isolated from scats compared to DNA isolated from ear tissue, potentially indicating the detection of horizontally acquired infections. Our results demonstrate the ability to detect C. pecorum and KoRV in DNA isolated from koala scats. This method will be useful for studying the prevalence, transmission and impact of these pathogens in wild populations which may subsequently inform conservation management strategies. © 2016, Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
A survey of early-career researchers in Australia
- Authors: Christian, Katherine , Johnstone, Carolyn , Larkins, Jo-ann , Wright, Wendy , Doran, Michael
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: eLife Vol. 10, no. (2021), p. 1-19
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Early-career researchers (ECRs) make up a large portion of the academic workforce and their experiences often reflect the wider culture of the research system. Here we surveyed 658 ECRs working in Australia to better understand the needs and challenges faced by this community. Although most respondents indicated a ‘love of science’, many also expressed an intention to leave their research position. The responses highlight how job insecurity, workplace culture, mentorship and ‘questionable research practices’ are impacting the job satisfaction of ECRs and potentially compromising science in Australia. We also make recommendations for addressing some of these concerns. © Christian et al.
Acquisition of laboratory skills by on-campus and distance education students
- Authors: Mosse, Jennifer , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Accessible Elements p. 109-129
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Assessing the conservation and enhancement value of revegetated strips on arthropod assemblages in a pasture landscape
- Authors: O'Donnell, Peter , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2021
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Journal of Environmental Management Vol. 278, no. (2021), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Examining population dynamics of arthropod communities in habitats neighboring arable lands is essential to understanding how agroecosystems can be engineered to enhance ecosystem services and contribute to sustainable intensification. Arthropods comprise the bulk of faunal biomass on farms, are taxonomically diverse, and are the main drivers of many ecosystem functions. This study aimed to compare arthropod assemblages in revegetated strips of native plants and exotic pastures, and examine taxa of beneficial arthropods in revegetated strips and adjacent pasture in early spring (September 2009) and mid-summer (December 2009–January 2010) on two farms in southeastern Gippsland, Victoria, Australia. Arthropod community assemblages were distinctly different between revegetated strips and adjacent pasture with the exception of functional groups in early spring. Several taxa of beneficial arthropods including Carabidae (ground beetles) and Syrphidae (hoverflies) were of similar abundance in the two habitats. Only Formicidae (ants) were of higher abundances in revegetated strips compared to adjacent pasture in both seasons. Five of the 10 ant genera present, seven spider families and Dolichopodidae flies (long-legged flies) were found exclusively in revegetated strips. Apidae (bees) and Tachinidae (tachinid flies) had higher abundances in revegetated strips compared to 80 m into the adjacent pasture in mid-summer. Lycosidae (wolf spiders) were more abundant along the edge of revegetated strips and 20 m into adjacent pasture compared to the center (core) of revegetated strips and 80 m into pasture. These results illustrate that beneficial arthropods use revegetated strips as refugia and that revegetated strips clearly enhanced biological conservation of arthropods in pasturelands. Relevance of findings to enhanced biological control is also discussed. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd
Boola Boola Forest bird study
- Authors: Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2006-2008
- Type: Text , Technical report
- Full Text: false
- Description: This study assessed differences in avian biodiversity across different forest age-classes, including mature stands (> 100 years), in a managed, mixed-species eucalypt forest located in Gippsland, south-eastern Australia. Avian surveys and detailed habitat measurements were initially carried out in 50 two hectare stands ranging in age from 100 years. Extensive wildfire which occurred during the study reduced the number of sites to 28 (seven in each of four age classes) upon which analyses and inferences were made. Mature vegetation (> 100 years) had the greatest richness, abundance and biomass of birds. Key ecological resources, such as tree-hollows for nesting, generally occurred mostly in stands > 60 years. There were quantum increases in all measures of avian biodiversity in mature stands (> 100 years). The visualisation of the survey data is part of an interoperable web-GIS maintained by the Centre for eResearch and Digital Innovation(CeRDI) at Federation University Australia (FedUni).
Community conservation in Nepal - opportunities and challenges for pangolin conservation
- Authors: Khatiwada, Ambika , Suwal, Tulshi , Wright, Wendy , Roe, Dily , Kaspal, Prativa
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Pangolins: Science, Society and Conservation. Chapter 25 p. 395-409
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This chapter highlights Nepal’s successful approach to conserving high-profile trafficked wildlife (e.g., rhinoceros) within protected areas and explains why a community-led approach to conservation is necessary for the protection of the country’s pangolin populations, which occur largely outside of the protected area network. Nepal’s pangolins occur primarily in forested areas, which are managed locally and not by government agencies. Key challenges for successful pangolin conservation in Nepal are presented, with examples of successful case studies from community-based conservation projects across the country. These case studies exemplify the key challenges to pangolin conservation in Nepal and demonstrate common themes related to success. © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. **Please note that there are multiple authors for this article therefore only the name of the first 5 including Federation University Australia affiliate “Wendy Wright” is provided in this record**
Conquests of the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve: A World Heritage Site at the edge of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (China)
- Authors: Lugli, Stefano , Wright, Wendy , Tang, Ya , Du, Jie
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: Conquering mountains: The History of an idea p. 207 pages
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
Cool temperate rainforest and adjacent forests classification using airborne LiDAR data
- Authors: Zhang, Zhenyu , Liu, Xiaoye , Peterson, James , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2011
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Area Vol. 43, no. 4 (2011), p. 438-448
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The traditional methods of forest classification, based on the interpretation of aerial photographs and processing of multi-spectral and/or hyper-spectral remote sensing data are limited in their ability to capture the structural complexity of the forests compared with analysis of airborne LiDAR (light detection and ranging) data. This is because of LiDAR's penetration of forest canopies such that detailed and three-dimensional forest structure descriptions can be derived. This study applied airborne LiDAR data for the classification of cool temperate rainforest and adjacent forests in the Strzelecki Ranges, Victoria, Australia. Using normalised LiDAR point data, the forest vertical structure was stratified into three layers. Variables characterising the height distribution and density of forest components were derived from LiDAR data within each of these layers. The statistical analyses, which included one-way analysis of variance with post hoc tests, identified effective variables for forest-type classifications. The results showed that using linear discriminant analysis, an overall classification accuracy of 91.4% (as verified by the cross-validation) was achieved in the study area.
Cultural ecosystem services of rattan garden : the hidden values
- Authors: Afentina, Afentina , McShane, Paul , Plahe, Jagjit , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: European journal of sustainable development Vol. 6, no. 3 (2017), p.
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Ecosystem Services (ES) are services provided to local communities by natural resources. Cultural Ecosystem Services (CES) are the nonmaterial benefits that people obtain from ecosystems. ES, and particularly CES are often omitted from cost-benefit analyses associated with development plans in favour of a focus on maximizing economic benefits. Consequently, economic development can lead to the disappearance of cultural values such as local knowledge, and cultural identity. This research attempts to understand and analyze CES and benefits provided by rattan gardens for local communities in Tumbang Runen village in Indonesia. Information about CES was obtained through in-depth interviews with key informants, focus group discussions with farmers, and observations of daily activities of local people. This research revealed that residents of Tumbang Runen village attach strong cultural importance to their rattan gardens, including spiritual, heritage and local knowledge values. The spiritual aspects of CES include the use of some plant species in rituals and healing ceremonies. Local people consider rattan to be historically important, intimately linking people with their ancestors and their belief system. Rattan gardens and rattan cultivation also serve as cultural symbols, facilitating the maintenance of practices, beliefs, and knowledge across generations. The importance of rattan gardens to the local community should be communicated to policy makers and included in sustainable development strategies
Delineating genetic management units of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in south-eastern Australia, using opportunistic tissue sampling and targeted scat collection
- Authors: Davies, Christopher , Wright, Wendy , Wedrowicz, Faye , Pacioni, Carlo , Hogan, Fiona
- Date: 2022
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Wildlife Research Vol. 49, no. 2 (2022), p. 147-157
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Context: Invasive species are major drivers of biodiversity loss, requiring management to reduce their ecological impacts. Population genetics can be applied to delineate management units, providing information that can help plan and improve control strategies. Aim: The present study aims to use a genetic approach to test the existence of three previously proposed sambar deer populations in south-eastern Australia. In doing so, the study aims to delineate management units of sambar deer in south-eastern Australia. Methods: Sambar deer DNA was sourced opportunistically from tissue samples and targeted scat collection. Samples were collected from three areas in Victoria, south-eastern Australia: Mt Cole (MC), French Island (FI) and eastern Victoria (EV). Contemporary population structure was assessed using a suite of 11 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The number of maternal sambar deer lineages in south-eastern Australia was investigated through sequencing of the mitochondrial (mt)DNA control region. Key results: Three distinct genetic clusters were identified. Differentiation among inferred clusters was found to be high, with FST ranging from 0.24 between EV and FI clusters and 0.48 between MC and FI clusters. Two mtDNA haplotypes were identified; R.u1 was found throughout EV and FI, and R.u2 was unique to MC. DNA isolated from scats provided reliable data and proved critical for sampling areas where hunting and culling of deer are not generally undertaken. Conclusions: Three genetically distinct sambar deer management units in south-eastern Australia are defined-MC, FI and EV. Sambar deer control strategies should be applied to each management unit independently. This may be difficult or infeasible for the EV management unit, which is large and geographically complex. Further research may help identify additional fine-scale genetic structure in EV, allowing smaller, more practicable management units to be identified. Implications: Genetic data can be used to identify management units for invasive species, which will be critical for the development of future management strategies and improving control operations. The approach outlined here could also be applied to improve the management of other introduced deer species in south-eastern Australia. © 2022 CSIRO Open Access.
Design of synthetic impact response functions for flood vulnerability assessment under climate change conditions: case studies in two selected coastal zones in Australia and Japan
- Authors: Dutta, Dushmanta , Wright, Wendy , Nakayama, Keisuke , Sugawara, Yohei
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Natural Hazards Review Vol. 14, no. 1 (2013), p. 52-65
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Sustainable coastal zone management strategies are imperative to avoid extreme social upheaval in both developing and developed countries. There is an increasing concern that the current management practices for many coastal regions are unsustainable under changing environmental and climate conditions. Sea level rise is of particular concern in coastal regions, and few countries have planned to deal with the exacerbation of environmental decline in the face of sea level rise. It is therefore necessary to assess socioeconomic and environmental impacts of sea level rises to better understand the vulnerability of the coastal zones, as part of devising adaptive and integrated management principles. This paper presents a systematic approach in which relevant stakeholders in Australia and Japan were actively engaged in identifying and prioritizing issues relating to the impacts of inundation and reduced water quality associated with flooding. The extent to which these issues are likely to be affected by flooding is quantified using synthetic response functions, and the key issues of concern for flood impacts for coastal areas in Australia and Japan are compared. Synthetic response functions as developed in this study can be used to quantify the likely impacts of flood hazards of various magnitude
Detectability and activity patterns of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in Baw Baw National Park, Victoria
- Authors: Davies, Christopher , Wright, Wendy , Hogan, Fiona , Davies, Hugh
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Australian Mammalogy Vol. 42, no. 3 (2020), p. 312-320
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: Introduced sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) are increasing in abundance and distribution across much of south-eastern Australia and causing damage to native ecosystems. However, the current paucity of knowledge surrounding many aspects of sambar deer ecology is limiting our capacity to make informed management decisions, and properly gauge the extent of deer impacts. Here we investigate correlates of sambar deer detectability and describe activity patterns of sambar deer in Baw Baw National Park (BBNP) to inform control operations. Camera traps were deployed in BBNP between October and December 2016. We used an occupancy modelling framework to investigate sambar deer detectability and camera trap record time stamps to determine sambar deer activity patterns. Sambar deer were found to be significantly more detectable near roads and in areas of sparse tree density and displayed strong crepuscular activity patterns. Control operations carried out along roads at dawn and dusk could be effective, at least in the short term. Likewise, aerial culling could be an effective control option for sambar deer populations in BBNP. This study highlights the utility of camera trap data to inform the application of control operations for cryptic invasive species. © 2020 Australian Mammal Society.
Ethnobotany, rattan agroforestry, and conservation of ecosystem services in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
- Authors: Afentina , McShane, Paul , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: Agroforestry Systems Vol. 94, no. 2 (2020), p. 639-650
- Full Text:
- Reviewed:
- Description: Rattan agroforestry is an important land use system in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, providing a wide range of products for subsistence communities. The ethnobotanical importance of rattan includes heritage values reflecting traditional ecological knowledge. This traditional forestry practice is consistent with necessary conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services currently threatened by expansion of oil palm plantations. We examined species composition and morphology (including life stages) of vegetation associated with rattan agroforests in the Katingan district, Central Kalimantan. An examination of harvested rattan plots revealed 101 species of vegetation of which 90% are considered to be useful (food, construction materials, medicines) and most (97%) were native species, typical of lowland tropical forest vegetation. Vegetation in the rattan agroforests was dominated by trees (in terms of species richness). There were 80 species of trees, representing 79% of the plants surveyed. Vitex pubescens (kaluan) had the highest importance value as it occupied more space, was represented by more individuals and was most frequently found in rattan gardens. These trees in general have a relatively open canopy with strong branches; properties considered ideal to support rattan. Canopy forming species are actively managed to provide for growth of useful understory vegetation (including rattan) important in the livelihoods of village communities. Rattan agroforests also provide cultural services reflecting traditional use (e.g. a sense of belonging and ancestral linkages for local forest-dependent communities). The importance of ethnobotanical approaches to rattan cultivation includes the socio-economic evaluation of land use and the promotion of sustainable land use policies in Indonesia. This is important in the context of oil palm expansion which has a demonstrably adverse impact on ecosystem services. © 2019, Springer Nature B.V.
Examining Nepalese forestry governance from gender perspectives
- Authors: Wagle, Radha , Pillay, Soma , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2017
- Type: Text , Journal article
- Relation: International Journal of Public Administration Vol. 40, no. 3 (2017), p. 205-225
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This article examines Nepalese forestry governance from gender perspectives. We argue that gendered institutional norms and values are associated with forest-governing institutions, such as forest bureaucracies, shaping the nature, and extent of women’s involvement in decision-making processes in the Nepalese forest bureaucracy. Studies on Nepalese forestry reveal that substantial progress has been made in forming policies and initiating activities for including women in forestry governance of Nepal; however despite this, gendered dynamics create difficulties for women to enter and progress in the forestry profession, thereby creating gendered employment territories through institutional, legislative, normative, and infrastructural measures. © 2017 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Exchange on the maritime frontier of southern Australia
- Authors: Cahir, David (Fred) , Clark, Ian , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2019
- Type: Text , Book chapter
- Relation: The First Wave: Exploring coastal contact history in Australia Chapter 12 p. 174-192
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The intimate cross-cultural narratives that ocure when British and other European mariners maded early contacts with Australian Aboriginal people have been investigated in a number of influential historical works, including Reynolds's "The other side of the frontier", Shellam's SHaking hand on the fringe', and Clendinnen's Dancing with strangers, This chapter will draw onfrom the concepts established in these workks and explore three facets of early interculturla exchange on the maritime frontier of south-eastern Australia (1790s-1840s) through written narratives focusing on food, tools and story-telling. "From chapter".
Feature assessment in object-based forest classification using airborne LiDAR data and high spatial resolution satellite imagery
- Authors: Zhang, Zhenyu , Liu, Xiaoye , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: 2014 3rd International Workshop on Earth Observation and Remote Sensing Applications (EORSA) p. 393-397
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: The last decade has witnessed an increase in interest in the application of airborne LiDAR data and high spatial resolution satellite imagery for forest structure modelling, tree species identification and classification. The integration of LiDAR data and WorldView-2 satellite imagery produced different combinations of input data layers for image segmentations and a large number of variables derived from these data layers for object-based classifications. Assessment of different features (including the input data layers and subsequently derived variables) for object-based forest classification is important. In this study, five image segmentation schemes were explored to test the effectiveness of the different input data layers, in particular, the new WorldView-2 multispectral bands to object-based forest classification. Object-based variables derived from these data layers were assessed to rank their importance before inputting into decision trees for forest classifications. It demonstrated that, using methods developed in this study, the integration of airborne LiDAR and eight WorldView-2 bands can significantly improve the accuracy of forest classification in our study area. The variable importance was ranked, indicating how important a variable contributes to the classification in a particular decision tree. The results showed that using LiDAR data alone or four conventional bands only, the overall accuracies achieved were 61.39% and 61.42% respectively, but the overall accuracy increased to 82.35% when all eight bands and the LiDAR data were used.
Feminist institutionalism and gendered bureaucracies : forestry governance in Nepal
- Authors: Wagle, Radha , Pillay, Soma , Wright, Wendy
- Date: 2020
- Type: Text , Book
- Relation: Feminist Institutionalism and Gendered Bureaucracies: Forestry Governance in Nepal
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed:
- Description: This book examines the processes for the inclusion of women, and the role of women employees in Nepal’s forestry bureaucracy. The book adopts a “gender lens” drawn from feminist institutionalism and is framed around the following four objectives: evaluating the effectiveness of current legislative and policy frameworks for the inclusion of women in the Nepalese forest bureaucracy; examining the dynamics of organizational culture, formal and informal institutions, and structure and agency in and around forest bureaucracy in Nepal; assessing power relations in forestry institutions focusing on influential participation of women forestry professionals in the bureaucratic structure; and gaining insights about the alternative space of feminist institutionalism in connection with women inclusive forest bureaucracy. Findings in the book inform and extend feminist institutionalism perspectives by applying it to a context which remains under explored, providing insights on the efficacy of public sector cultural change, especially as it relates to those areas within bureaucracies less in a position to adopt the changes mandated by society and principles of good governance. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2020.
Flood vulnerabillity analysis in coastal zones : a comparative analysis across five asia-pacific countries
- Authors: Wright, Wendy , Dutta, Dushmanta , Rayment, Philip
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Conference paper
- Relation: Proceedings of the International Symposium on Coastal Zones and Climate Change: Assessing the Impacts and Developing Adaptation Strategies
- Full Text: false
- Reviewed: