bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distribution of the amphibian chytrid Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis and keratin during tadpole development
Authors: Marantelli Gerry , Berger Lee , Speare Rick , Keegan Leigh
Published: May 2016

A large outbreak of chytridiomycosis occurred in captive metamorphs of Mixophyes fasciolatus that died between 9 and 25 days post metamorphosis. The mortality rate in infected tubs was 100% and more than 500 frogs died. Examination of the husbandry records suggested that tadpoles had been infected before two weeks of age. However, a sample of tadpoles separated before hatching remained uninfected. We studied the changes in distribution of keratin and sporangia of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in tadpoles during development, by examination of histology sections stained with Ayoub-Shklar stain. Keratin occurred only on the mouthparts during most of tadpole life, and appeared onthe feet shortly before metamorphosis. At metamorphosis the keratinized mouthparts are shed before keratin forms on the skin of the body, B. dendrobatidis only occurred on keratinized, stratified epidermis and followed the changes in distribution. There is a rapid redistribution of B. dendrobatidis at metamorphosis leading to fatal infection in M. fasciolatus. These findings are useful considerations when translocating tadpoles as well as for diagnosis and treatment.
Critical review of threatened species collections in the New South Wales Seedbank: implications for ex situ conservation of biodiversity
Authors: A. Offord C. , L. McKensy M. , V. Cuneo P.
Published: May 2016

This article reviews the germinability and viability of seeds of threatened species collections in the New South Wales (NSW) Seedbank with the manifold aims of: ensuring that existing storage treatments and conditions provide effective ex situ storage of threatened species seed; providing baseline viability and seed storage life data on threatened species; and, identifying research gaps in seed germination and storage protocols for threatened species and communities. The germinability and viability of a range of seed accessions, of various ages and stored under different (although mainly identifiable) conditions in the NSW Seedbank, was determined through germination and cut-tests. The results indicated that many of the Fabaceae, Myrtaceae and Proteaceae species tested are orthodox and can be stored at 5 to 10% moisture content at 5�C for up to ten years without significant loss of viability (short- to medium-term storage). The best results were obtained in the lower seed moisture content range (2 to 9%), which appeared to be especially critical for long-term storage of many Proteaceae accessions, reinforcing the need to attain the correct seed moisture content for long-term storage. Around 10% of accessions exhibited some degree of dormancy even after long storage periods. Storage of the widest range of species, for periods greater than ten years for long-term conservation purposes, is generally best conducted by storing at sub-zero temperatures. Freezing at -18�C had little effect on the germinability of a range of seeds tested and is recommended over storage at 5�C. Collection and seed banking procedures for the NSW Seedbank will be regularly reviewed and procedures modified in order to identify the best long-term storage conditions for species within this and other seedbanks. Seed collection strategies to maximize diversity and uses of seedbanks in conservation are discussed.
The New Nature: winners and losers in wild Australia
Authors: Jackson Jennifer
Published: May 2016

NATURE is not as it used to be. Changes in ecosystems instituted by people have led to a reshuffiing of the ecological pack, throwing species together in unpredictable new combinations. In The New Nature, Low discusses this concept and how it relates to ecology in Australia. The book is the latest offering from biologist Tim Low, it follows his successful book Feral Future, but in no way replicates it. The New Nature examines the winners and losers in wild Australia, regardless of their origin. Winners are classified as those species which flourish in our constructed world, while the losers are those failing to survive. The challenge lies in helping the losers, not the winners when managing natural systems.
The status of hollow-bearing trees required for the conservation of arboreal marsupials in the dry sderophyll forests of south-east Queensland, Australia
Authors: Ray Wormington Kevin , Lamb David , Ian McCallum Hamish , John Moloney Damien
Published: May 2016

At 38 sites in the dry sclerophylJ forests of south-east Queensland, Australia, hollow-bearing trees were studied to determine the effects of past forestry practices on their density, size and spatial distribution. The density of hollow-bearing trees was reduced at sites that had been altered by poisoning and ringbarking of unmerchantable trees. This was especially the case for living hollow-bearing trees that were now at densities too low to support the full range of arboreal marsupials. Although there are presently enough hollow-bearing stags (i.e., dead hollow-bearing trees) to provide additional denning and nesting opportunities, the standing life of these hollow-bearing stags is lower than the living counterparts which means denning and nesting sites may be limited in the near future. The mean diameter at breast height (DBH) of hollow-bearing stags was significantly less than that of living hollow-bearing trees. This indicated that many large hollow-bearing stags may have a shorter standing life than smaller hollow-bearing stags. Hollow-bearing trees appear to be randomly distributed throughout the forest in both silviculturally treated and untreated areas. This finding is at odds with the suggestion by some forest managers that hollow-bearing trees should have a clumped distribution in dry sclerophyll forests of south-east Queensland.
Native vegetation of coastal floodplains ? a diagnosis of the major plant communities in New South Wales
Authors: A. Keith David , Scott Judith
Published: May 2016

Coastal floodplains are among the most modified landscapes in southeastern Australia. We used available vegetation survey data for coastal alluvium and other unconsolidated Quarternary sediments to construct a diagnosis of the major plant communities and document their flora. We used soil landscape maps and historical portion plans to gain an understanding of the distribution and environmental relationships of the communities. The flora of coastal floodplains includes more than 1 000 native vascular plant taxa and more than 200 introduced taxa. The introduced flora is likely to be considerably larger, given that sampling was biased toward the least disturbed sites. Six major plant communities were diagnosed including a rainforest found north from the Shoalhaven floodplain, a mixed forest of eucalypts and melaleucas found north from Jervis Bay, a casuarina forest (sometimes with melaleuca) found throughout the coast, one open eucalypt forest found principally south from the Hunter region, another open eucalypt forest found north of the Hunter region and a complex of treeless wetland assemblages scattered throughout the coast. The extent and spatial arrangement of these communities varies between floodplains, with landform, rainfall, water regime and soil properties including moisture, fertility and salinity thought to be important factors mediating their distribution patterns. All six assemblages are listed as Endangered Ecological Communities under Threatened Species legislation. The coastal floodplain communities continue to be threatened by land clearing and crop conversion, fragmentation, changes to water flows, flooding and drainage, input of polluted runoff, weed invasion, activation of acid sulphate soils, climate change and degradation through rubbish dumping and other physical disturbances.
The effect of causeway construction on seagrass meadows in the Western Pacific ? a lesson from the ancient city of Nan Madol, Madolenihmw, Pohnpei, FSM
Authors: Coles Rob , McKenzie Lel , Campbell Stuart , Yoshida Rudi , Edward Ahser , Short Fred
Published: May 2016

Two seagrass meadow sites were chosen at Nan Madal adjacent to the now permeable remnants of an ancient causeway constructed 500 to 700 years ago: one immedlately on the shoreward side of the causeway, and one immediately on the seaward side. The shoreward site had greater seagrass cover, canopy height, algal abundance, and epiphyte abundance and lower species diversity (both seagrass and macro-algae), as well as muddier sediments than the seaward site. The abundance of associated fauna did not appear to differ between sites, although the composition of the faunal communities was different. On the seaward site, average epiphyte cover was less than onetenth the epiphyte cover of that on the shoreward side. Halimeda species were the most common algae on the seaward side, while on the shoreward side Hypnea species were dominant. Cymodocea rotundata was the dominant seagrass species (54% of seagrass cover) on the seaward site, but was absent on the shoreward site, which was dominated by Thalassia hemprichii (84%) and Enhalus acoroides (16%). There was no difference in salinity between the two sites. Sediments had a higher proportion of fine mud shoreward. The beche-de-mer, Holothuria atra, was common on the seaward side of the causeway, but not on the shoreward side. The causeway is open to water flow at all tide heights and does not appear to influence water height in any way. The effects of even this simple permeable barrier on seagrass meadows are evident and include differences in seagrass species, algal species, and fauna. We discuss the management lesson from this historic location for present-day Pacific island causeway developments.
Wildlife Tourism: Impacts, Management, and Planning
Authors: Firestone Karen
Published: May 2016

The publishers of this edited volume rightly claim that it should be required reading for a varied audience interested in wildlife tourism including tourism professionals, wildlife managers, recreation managers, researchers, and general readers with an interest in the role of wildlife tourism. I volunteered to review this book, since I readily confess to being a wildlife tourist at times, and I was curious as to the inner workings of the industry. This volume provides an eye-opening viewpoint on wildlife tourism to someone outside the field
The Earth Charter and Conservation
Authors: Mackey Brendan
Published: May 2016

The Earth Charter is a declaration of values and principles for a more just, sustainable and peaceful world. Very nice you say, but ?what does such a document have to do with conservation and why is it of interest to the readers of Pacific Conservation Biology?? To answer these questions we must begin with a little history.
Abundance and habitat associations of parrots at a hillforest site in Papua New Guinea
Authors: J. Marsden Stuart , T. Symes Craig
Published: May 2016

Despite New Guinea's importance for parrot species, there is an almost total lack of quantitative data on abundances or habitat associations of parrots on the island. We present such data for 15 parrot species within the species-rich (21 species) Crater Mountain Wildlife Management Area, Papua New Guinea. The four most abundant parrot species made up 70% of all parrots recorded in primary forest and 76% in old gardens. Several species had estimated densities of 10?60 birds per km2 and we suggest that the most abundant species on New Guinea are at least as common as those on the surrounding islands. Two species of particular conservation importance, Palm Cockatoo Probosciger aterrimus and Pesquefs Parrot Psittrichas fulgidus had estimated densities of just one bird per km2, while several other notably rare species included Dusky Lory Pseudeos fuscata and the fig-parrots Cyclopsitta diopthalma and Psittaculirostris desmarestii. Most parrot species were strongly associated with the lower and flatter areas of the site, where mature secondary forest dominated. Again, this is a pattern shared with parrots on nearby islands, and the finding emphasizes the importance of protecting lower-altitude mature forests within the region.
A preliminary investigation into the potential impacts of fire on a forest dependent burrowing frog species
Authors: D. Penman T. , L. Lemckert F. , J. Mahony M.
Published: May 2016

The impact of fire on anurans is generally poorly understood and the response appears to vary between species, habitats and regions (Pilliod et al. 2003). Studies monitoring population size following fires have observed populations increasing (Kirkland et al. 1996; Roberts et al. 1999), remaining stable (Bamford 1992; deMaynadier and Hunter 1995; Lemckert et al. 2004) and decreasing (Bamford 1992; Driscoll and Roberts 1999; Papp and Papp 2000), with one study observing a localized extinction (Lemckert 2000). Therefore, when fire has a negative impact, it can be severe and present a serious management issue.
News from the Australasian Section of the Society of Conservation Biology
Authors: Nelson Nicola
Published: May 2016

Keep an eye out for information on the 1st SCB-A Regional Conference 10?13 July 2007. We will hold a four day conference, including three days of meetings, with a one day break in the middle for field trips.
Shore-based recreational angling in the Rottnest Island Reserve, Western Australia: Spatial and temporal distribution of catch and fishing effort
Authors: B. Smallwood C. , E. Beckley L. , R. Sumner N.
Published: May 2016

The Rottnest Island Reserve, located off southwestern Australia, is one of the most popular recreational fishing locations in Western Australia. In the reserve, standard Western Australian recreational fishing regulations apply and there are two small "no-take" conservation sanctuary areas. A roving creel survey of shore-based recreational angling in the reserve was conducted from January to December 2003. In total, 1 053 anglers were recorded which included individuals, families, school groups and angling club members. The total annual shore-based angling effort for Rottnest island was calculated to be 23 899 angler outings and the total catch estimated at 53 994 retained fish. Fishing effort was concentrated in the settlement area on the eastern side of the island and the highest levels of catch and effort were recorded in April, May and July. During the survey, 33 fish species were identified in the catch and the small, pelagic species Australian Herring dominated with 7.27 tonnes caught during the study. Shore-based anglers also caught and released a large number of non-target species. The survey has provided spatial and temporal
data that can be used as a benchmark and to support decision making by the Rottnest Island Authority with respect to biodiversity conservation and the Department of Fisheries with regard to management of shore-based recreational angling in the Rottnest Island Reserve.
Breeding-habitat and nest-site characteristics of Scarlet Robins and Eastern Yellow Robins near Armidale, New South Wales
Authors: J. S. Debus S.
Published: May 2016

I studied the selection of breeding habitat and nest microhabitat in Scarlet Robins Petroica multicolor and Eastern Yellow Robins Eopsaltria australis, in remnant woodland on the New England Tablelands of New South Wales in 2000?2002. Yellow Robins used breeding territories (n = 10) with significantly higher densities of rough-barked saplings, acacias and other (non-Acacia) shrubs than Scarlet Robin breeding territories (n = 10) and plots lacking Yellow Robins (n = 7). Yellow Robins nested mostly in gully and lower-slope positions, with a southerly aspect, >40 m from the woodland edge, whereas Scarlet Robins nested mostly on upper slopes and ridges, with no preferred minimum distance from the woodland edge. Most Yellow Robin nests (86% of 58) had overhead foliage within 1 m, shielding them from above, whereas over half (58% of 54) of Scarlet Robin nests were in unconcealed positions. Yellow Robin nests had significantly greater density of cover, and the surrounding habitat was more complex, than for Scarlet Robin nests, in 0.13-ha plots centred on the nest. Breeding success and fledgling survival in the Yellow Robin were positively related to the density of acacias, non-Acacia shrubs and rough-barked saplings (but not gum saplings) in breeding territories. Fledging success and juvenile survival in the Yellow Robin were also positively related to habitat complexity around nest-sites (but not distance to nearest cover, or items of cover within 20 m). Scarlet Robins had exposed nests and suffered high nest predation, with too few successful nests for comparison with unsuccessful nests. Habitat conservation for the Yellow Robin should address the complexity of the ground, shrub and sapling layer in woodland remnants; that for the Scarlet Robin may need to address foraging substrate and ecologically based control of nest predators.
Distribution of the introduced parasitic fly Philornis downsi (Diptera, Muscidae) in the Galapagos Islands
Authors: A. Wiedenfeld David , A. Jiménez U. Gustavo , Fessl Birgit , Kleindorfer Sonia , Carlos Valarezo Juan
Published: May 2016

The avifauna of the Galapagos islands is characterized by a small number of endemic species, including the 13 species of Darwin's finches. The introduced fly parasite Philornis downsi reduces nestling survival and growth rate of altricial birds, and can cause mortality and morbidity of the nestlings. We examined the occurrence of Philornis downsi among islands and at different elevations. The parasite was found in nests from 11 of 13 islands sampled. The two islands on which P. downsi was not found were Espa�ola and Genovesa, both arid islands with no humid highlands and distant from the centre of the archipelago. Parasite infection intensity was greater in nests at higher elevations, and on islands that have moist highlands, which may serve as a reservoir for the files. A full understanding of the fly's ecology may permit the development of eradication or control methods, or at least mitigation of its effects on the birds.
Ranking coral ecosystem "health and value" for the islands of the Hawaiian Archipelago
Authors: L. Jokiel Paul , S. Rodgers Ku'ulei
Published: May 2016

An evaluation of the "health" and "value" of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands (NWHI) in relation to the main eight Hawaiian Islands (MHI) was undertaken as part of the process for evaluating the NWHI for possible designation of this area as a National Marine Sanctuary. Biological information for the NWHI region is very limited due to its extreme Isolation, but sufficient data on five important biological Indicators were developed for both the NWHI and the MHI. These Include: reef fish biomass, reef fish endemics, total living coral cover, population of the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal Monachus schauinsandi, and the number of female Green Sea Turtles Chelonia mydas nesting annually on each island. These diverse data sets were used in a simple Integrated scoring and ranking scheme for all the islands of the archipelago. The resulting composite scoring is essentially an index of biological integrity. The final result graphically demonstrates the value of the NWHI in a manner easily understood by the public, government decision makers and managers. Further, the contrast of the NWHI to the MHI illustrates the diminished condition of reefs close to human population within the Hawaiian Archipelago. This approach proved to be very useful in the Integration of diverse data sets.
News from the Australasian Section of the Society of Conservation Biology: June 2007
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

The Australasian section of the Society for Conservation Biology welcomes you to its inaugural meeting ?The Biodiversity Extinction Crisis ? An Australasian and Pacific Response? at the University of New South Wales from July 10?12, 2007. Registration is now open. This will be the first meeting of its kind in the Australasian region and aims to draw together a range of conservation professionals from the greater Australian/Pacific region (including Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Island Nations). This meeting will be of interest to researchers, students, managers, policy makers, social scientists from governmental and non-governmental organizations. We hope that this meeting will become a regular event on the conference calendar in the Australasian region. Please join us.
Serum testosterone and estradiol-17ß levels during the peak period in a year-round Hawksbill Turtle Eretmochelys imbricata L. nesting population
Authors: A. Dobbs K. , D. Miller J. , W. Owens D. , M. Landry Jr. A.
Published: May 2016

Serum testosterone (T) and estradiol-17� (E2 ) concentrations were determined for 95 Hawksbill Turtles Eretmochelys imbricate nesting at Milman Island, northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia. This information describes gonadal hormone concentration during the Austral summer months for peak nesting in an E. imbricata population that nest year-round. A total of 173 samples was collected from 95 turtles, with 39 turtles sampled sequentially within their nesting cycle (n = 117 samples) and the remainder sampled at random. E2 -levels were measured from seven turtles sampled sequentially within their nesting cycle (n = 31 samples). T-Ievels ranged from 0 to 7 520 pg/ml; E2-Ieveis varied between 0.0 and 119.0 pg/ml. Peak T-Ievels in turtles sampled sequentially within their nesting cycle occurred after laying clutch number two or three while E2-levels peaked after clutch number one or two; levels of both hormones decreased thereafter. T- and E2-levels decreased monthly (December to March) within a nesting season. Based on T-Ievels, the greatest proportion (58%) of turtles began their nesting cycle in December. Turtles in the middle of their nesting cycle were found in equal proportions (27?35%) throughout the Austral summer months. Turtles at the end of their nesting cycle were most frequent (61%) in March. The implications of these results for future research and for managing access to islands with year-round marine turtle nesting are discussed.
Changes in bird abundance following Common Myna control on aNew Zealand island
Authors: David Tindall S. , John Ralph C. , N. Clout M.
Published: May 2016

We censused land bird populations on a small island during a year of intense trapping of the Common Myna Acridotheres tristis. We successfully removed mynas on Moturoa Island, Bay of Islands, with populations on the island decreasing In most areas, while holding steady on other, nearby islands where no trapping was conducted. The populations of many other bird species increased coincidently with the removal of mynas. This was most notable in the Tui Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae, Grey Warbler Gerygone igata, and Blackbird Turdus merula. Of 60 species-route comparisons, we found that 23 (38%) increased, 33 (55%) had no change, and only four (7%) decreased. The relative role of rats Rattus spp. and succession is also discussed. Tile historical decline of many species in the North Island of New Zealand may have been related to the concomitant increase of tile myna, and control of this species may be warranted in some cases, especially where restoration of the native fauna is the objective.
Herpetofauna, community education and logging on Choiseul Island, Solomon Islands: implications for conservation
Authors: Morrison Clare , Pikacha Patrick , Pitakia Tikai , Boseto David
Published: May 2016

Biodiversity in the Solomon Islands Is extremely rich, and in the Pacific is second only to Papua New Guinea. Despite this high diversity there are only rough estimates for the biodiversity of most taxa in the Solomon Islands. As part of a terrestrial biodiversity survey, we conducted nocturnal surveys for frogs in a range of habitats from 10?1 060 m on Choiseul Island. This work was carried out between June 2005 and January 2006. In addition to the nocturnal surveys, we also conducted opportunistic diurnal searches for reptiles as well as community environmental education and awareness workshops. Fifteen frog species (65% of all Solomon Island frogs) including all five endemic species, were found during our surveys of Choiseul Island. Most of the species were fairly widespread and abundant, however, four species (Discodeles bufoniformis, Palmatorrapia solomonis, Brachylodes trossulus and B. wolfi) were fairly restricted in their distribution. In addition, we found 20 reptile species during opportunistic surveys (30% of all Solomon Island reptiles Including four endemics). Important habitats on Choiseul Island based on frog species richness and abundance are mid-altitude rainforest (500?600 m), primary lowland rainforest and lowland coastal forest. Unfortunately, it is these habitats that are most threatened by logging operations on the island. In order to aid biodiversity conservation on Choiseul Island we recommend a number of activities including additional biodiversity surveys, increased community awareness and education about biodiversity and the impacts of logging, and the drawing up of a management plan including all terrestrial taxa for Choiseul Island forests.
New abundance estimates suggest Doubtful Sound bottlenose dolphins are declining
Authors: J. C. Currey Rohan , M. Dawson Stephen , Slooten Elisabeth
Published: May 2016

The bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops sp.) of Doubtful Sound, Fiordland, New Zealand, live at the southern limit of the species' worldwide range. They are subject to impacts from tourism and habitat modification. Photographic resightings of individually distinctive dolphins were gathered from 19 225 dorsal fin photographs taken during systematic surveys of the fiord. Field effort spanned nine seasons from summer 2004/2005 to summer 2006/2007, including 142 days on the water. Both capture-recapture and census approaches were taken in analysis. A total of 71 individuals were observed over the study period (54 adults, sub-adults and calves more than one year old and 17 newborn calves). Births were seasonal, occurring in the Austral summer and autumn, with calf survival (9 survivors of 17 births) lower than observed for this population in the past. Individual dolphins were resighted frequently within and across seasons, confirming the group is resident within the fiord year-round. Fifty-six bottlenose dolphins (CV=1.0%) were resident in Doubtful Sound in summer 2006/2007. Comparison with prior abundance estimates (for adults and sub-adults) indicates an apparent population decline of 34?39% over the past 12 years. This apparent decline suggests that precautionary management of human impacts is vital for the dolphins' long-term survival.
Australia's Mammal Extinctions: A 50 000 year History
Authors: J. Fensham R.
Published: May 2016

Tim Flannery?s The Future Eaters holistic ecological history invigorated Australians and took ccoiohry to the dinner table and into the pub. It was a monumental achievement. The problem with The Future Eaters for many Australian ecologists was that despite the wonderful prose and apparently beautiful logic of the simple story many of the details did not seem to add up or were presented rhetorically. At the time of reading, I had just finished a survey of the dry rainforests along the eastern seaboard and there were many fcatures of these ecologically tantalizing environments that were incompatible with them as the ?relic? environments central to Flannery?s story (Fensham 1995). The contribution of The Future Eaters as a provocateur of debate was immense, but it had ultimate shortcomings because Flannery could not afford the forensic scrutiny required, in a book that was packaged as a popular best seller.
The presence and implications of viable seed in the faeces of invasive free-ranging European Rabbits and Red Foxes
Authors: E. Twigg Laurie , J. Lowe Tim , R. Martin Gary
Published: May 2016

Invasion by weeds and other undesirable plants threatens global biodiversity. However, the role of mammals in maintaining and spreading weeds is often overlooked. Here we confirm that two widely distributed and abundant Australian mammalian pests, the European Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), can spread viable seed. Our assessment mainly involved determining the number and viability of seeds recovered from faeces of free-ranging individuals inhabiting several areas within the Mediterranean region of south-western Australia, an internationally recognized biodiversity hotspot. In summer, viable seeds were recovered from 3?4% of the rabbit faecal pellets (n = 190) compared to 21?40% of pellets in autumn (n = 235). Ten (77%) of the 13 species of seed identified were weeds. Of the 1,136 seeds recovered, 16% germinated. In all, 13-30% of rabbits passed viable seeds in summer, increasing to 44?73% of rabbits in autumn. In captive wild rabbits, mean passage time of marked seed through the intestinal tract ranged from 4?7 h. This, together with the small home ranges of Australian European rabbits, suggests that they may generally disperse seeds over 1?2 km. Nine to 27% of foxes passed viable seed. Although 48% of scats (n = 62) contained whole seed, only 12.9% of all scats contained viable seed (range 9.1%?19.0%). Viable seeds (4/8) were also recovered from the hides of some shot foxes. In all, 63% (12/19) of seed species identified in the scats and pelts of foxes were weeds. Rabbits (primary dispersal) and foxes (primary, and secondary dispersal via seeds ingested with prey) may be important dispersers of viable seed, and may be essential for less common, but important, long-distance plant dispersal, particularly by some invasive species. Thus, suppression of weeds can be added to the benefits of reducing the abundance of rabbits and foxes to protect the unique biota and agricultural production in southwestern Australia.
The Conservation Hunting Con
Authors: Booth Carol , Low Tim
Published: May 2016

According to the Game Council NSW (2008, 2009a), recreational hunters can feel very proud of their contribution to conservation: every time hunters kill a fox they allegedly conserve 26 native birds a year, and killing one rabbit rids the environment of dozens of future rabbits.
Old Fields: Dynamics and Restoration of Abandoned Farmland
Authors: J. Farmilo Brad
Published: May 2016

Land abandonment is increasing as human impacts on the globe intensify and various ecological, social, and economic factors conspire to halt agricultural processes and other forms of land management. The ?old fields? that result from abandonment have been studied extensively, yet few attempts have been made to investigate the new concepts for describing the dynamics of old fields. This volume presents a sound conceptual framework, with discussion of the socio-economic causes of land abandonment, skillfully linked with case studies from around the globe.
Twenty Years of Grazing Reduction in Semi-arid Woodlands
Authors: Cheal David
Published: May 2016

Twenty year old floristic data were reassessed to determine whether inclusion of remnant non-eucalypt semi-arid woodlands in national parks had enabled recovery from a degraded state, after decades of overgrazing. In Hattah- Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset National Parks (north-western Victoria), landscape condition had substantially improved by 2006. Formerly mobile dune systems in Hattah-Kulkyne are now stabilized by perennial field strata and increasingly dense shrubs (mostly Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustissima). In Murray-Sunset, chenopod shrubs now dominate and there are signs of regeneration of some of the formerly dominant trees. Semi-arid woodland condition has not (yet) fully recovered, but there are encouraging signs of partial recovery, and indications that further improvements in landscape condition will occur, as long as overgrazing (particularly by rabbits) can be reduced further or maintained at low levels. There are indications that rabbit numbers have greatly increased post-Rabbit Haemorrhagic Disease, threatening the recovery to date.
How should I revise my paper?
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

Many readers will have seen the YouTube parodies based on the movie Downfall in which new subtitles are substituted for the original ones to redirect Adolf Hitler?s rage to car thieves, computer software, entertainers and many other targets. For authors of scientific papers, the most popular parody of all is probably the attack on the peer review process (http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=VRBWLpYCPY). In this, Hitler (or Herr Professor as he is called in the subtitles) receives two favourable reviews on a submitted paper, but the third reviewer feels that the conclusions aren?t justified by the data and insists on additional experiments before publication. Hitler bursts into a furious diatribe against ignorant reviewers and the editors who select them. The peer review parody has attracted numerous comments, including many from people who claim to have received insensitive or inappropriate reviews.
Tropical Wet Sclerophyll Forest and Bird Diversity in North-east Queensland, Australia
Authors: Chapman Angela , P. Kofron Christopher
Published: May 2016

Wet sclerophyll forest (also called tall open forest) is unique to Australia, being dominated by tall trees of the genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). In this paper, we refer to the wet sclerophyll forest in north-east Queensland as tropical wet sclerophyll forest. Tropical wet sclerophyll forest is a threatened ecosystem which is maintained by fire. Our study describes the community, relative abundance and trophic structure of birds using the tropical wet sclerophyll forest. We surveyed the birds and recorded 100 taxa, of which = 29% (n = 29) are endemic to north-east Queensland. The community is comprised predominantly of insect-eaters (58% of the species) and nectar-feeders (26%), along with smaller guilds of fruit-eaters (11%) and seed-eaters (5%). Despite comprising only a small geographic area (82 800 ha), tropical wet sclerophyll forest supports a high diversity of birds. We believe it is essential that the tropical wet sclerophyll forest be conserved and managed to maintain the full range of its biodiversity. Because the tropical wet sclerophyll forest is fire-adapted and fire-dependent, the use of prescribed fire as a modern management tool is imperative. Unless fire has a central role in managing tropical wet sclerophyll forest, then this forest type and its dependent species will cease to exist.
Influence of prescribed burning on fruit production in Proteaceae
Authors: D. Penman T. , H. Penman S.
Published: May 2016

Prescribed burning is applied worldwide as a forest management tool. It is broadly accepted that altered fire regimes can directly impact upon community structure and composition, but little is known about the indirect effects of altered fire regimes on the mechanisms that produce community-level changes such as changes to the reproductive output of individual plants, hence populations. We examined the reproductive output of four species of Proteaceae within a long term study site where disturbance histories for the last twenty years have been accurately recorded on 216 plots. Frequent fire was found to increase woody fruit production in Banksia marginata, but had no apparent effect on B. serrata, Hakea eriantha or H. sericea. Results of this study vary from a similar study which examined the effect of wildfires. The differences observed are likely to reflect the differing impacts of fire intensity on these species. Indirect changes in fruit production may result in changes in reproductive success of species which in turn may affect vegetation community structure and faunal habitat.
Biodiversity: Integrating Conservation and Production: Case Studies from Australian Farms, Forests and Fisheries
Authors: Goodall David
Published: May 2016

This book presents to a wider audience the papers read to a meeting in Tasmania, which brought people whose main interest was in biodiversity together with others who were concerned with economic production from the same areas. Introductory chapters, notably one by David Lindenmayer, set out general problems and principles in the management of land for competing purposes.
Urban edge effects in the Blue Mountains, New South Wales: implications for design of buffers to protect significant habitats
Authors: Smith Peter , Smith Judy
Published: May 2016

Urban edge effects can have an adverse impact on native flora and fauna in the adjoining bushland. We surveyed edge effects at sites in the Blue Mountains where the urban area is separated from bushland by a perimeter road. Common edge effects included weed invasion, physical disturbance of the vegetation and soil, incidental rubbish, dumped rubbish, dumped plant material, tree felling/lopping/ringbarking and visits from domestic dogs. Uncommon edge effects included recent hazard reduction burns, bushrock collection, and poor tree health (dieback not associated with fires). The maximum extent of obvious edge effects (all types combined) varied between sites, from 9 m to 60 m from the edge of the road. At most sites (77%), edge effects were restricted to distances of 40 m or less into the bushland, but a significant number of sites (23%) had more extensive edge effects. Sites with extensive weed invasion were associated with older housing, suggesting that weed invasion will increase over time at sites adjacent to younger housing. Weed invasion frequently extended further than 60 m into the bushland along drainage lines and tracks, especially the former, but these were not included in the measurements. Edge effects were more extensive on flatter topography than downslope of housing, apparently because the former is subject to more intensive use by local residents. The actions of local residents have a major influence on edge effects, and are responsible for much of the variability observed between sites. The findings of this study are consistent with previous studies of edge effects around Sydney and elsewhere. Based on the results of the study, we recommend that a buffer of native vegetation at least 60 m wide should be retained around significant flora and fauna habitats to protect them from edge effects. Additional management actions are required to control vegetation degradation along drainage lines.
Are pet cats bad for wildlife?
Authors: Lymbery Alan
Published: May 2016

Pet cats receive bad press from conservationists. This is partly because there is an obvious link between pet cats and feral cats, and predation by feral cats is widely regarded as a key threatening process for endangered species of small vertebrates in Australia. There is also a perception, however, that pet cats are directly responsible for declines in wildlife populations, particularly around urban areas. As a consequence, many local government authorities have introduced regulations aimed at controlling cats, ranging from night-time curfews and confinement to complete prohibition of cat ownership. Greenaway (2010) discusses the approaches taken by local and state governments to control pet cats throughout Australia.
Groundwater-dependent ecosystems and the dangers of groundwater overdraft: a review and an Australian perspective
Authors: C. Nevill Jon , J. Hancock Peter , R. Murray Brad , F. Ponder Winston , F. Humphreys William , L. Phillips Megan , K. Groom Philip
Published: May 2016

In many parts of the world, access to groundwater is needed for domestic, agricultural and industrial uses, and global groundwater exploitation continues to increase. The significance of groundwater in maintaining the health of rivers, streams, wetlands and associated vegetation is often underestimated or ignored, resulting in a lack of scrutiny of groundwater policy and management. It is essential that management of groundwater resources considers the needs of natural ecosystems, including subterranean. We review the limited Australian literature on the ecological impacts of groundwater overdraft and place Australian information within an international context, focusing on lentic, lotic, stygobitic and hyporheic communities as well as riparian and phreatophytic vegetation, and some coastal marine ecosystems. Groundwater overdraft, defined as abstracting groundwater at a rate which prejudices ecosystem or anthropocentric values, can substantially impact natural communities which depend, exclusively or seasonally, on groundwater. Overdraft damage is often underestimated, is sometimes irreversible, and may occur over time scales at variance to those used by water management agencies in modelling, planning and regulation. Given the dangers of groundwater overdraft, we discuss policy implications in the light of the precautionary principle, and make recommendations aimed at promoting the conservation of groundwater-dependent ecosystems within a sustainable use context.
No Room in the Ark? Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Pacific Islands of Oceania.
Authors: Duffy David Cameron
Published: May 2016

The islands of Pacific Oceania face unprecedented anthropogenic climate change within this century. Rising sea
levels, increasing ocean acidification, warming land and sea temperatures, increasing droughts, and changes in the
frequency and intensity of storms are likely to reorder or destroy ecosystems such as coral reefs, mangrove and
montane forests, and coastal wetlands. For the developed nations, an array of measures could ameliorate these effects.
Developing nations, whose economies may be significantly damaged by climate change, face major impacts on their
citizens, identifying conservation of biodiversity as a lesser priority. Conservation in these countries may not succeed
unless the rich nations are willing to pay for preservation of biodiversity hotspots or where preservation of biodiversity
satisfies the needs of local communities, often through traditional management and land tenure systems in rural areas.
These communities will need useable information, as well as technical advice on how to reduce stressors on changing
ecosystems such as wetlands, mangrove forests and coral reefs, if they are going to achieve conservation. The resulting
process if it involves local people may appear inefficient, relative to international expectations, but will be more effective
over a wide area in conserving biodiversity.
The impacts of Sambar Cervus unicolor on the threatened Shiny Nematolepis Nematolepis wilsonii
Authors: Bennett Ami , Coulson Graeme
Published: May 2016

Shiny Nematolepis Nematolepis wilsonii is a small understorey tree endemic to Victoria, south east Australia. The species is listed as threatened due to its limited distribution and low abundance. The sole known population, of approximately 400 metres individuals, is located in the Yarra Ranges National Park, Victoria. Paired exclusion plots were erected to investigate the impact of antler rubbing and thrashing activities of Sambar Cervus unicolor on Shiny Nematolepis. Sambar rubbing activities removed, on average, over half the circumference of bark down to the cambium of mature trees. Rubbing damage covered a range of tree sizes, with rubbed individuals in significantly poorer health and exhibiting 19% less relative foliage cover than non-rubbed individuals. Saplings selected by Sambar for thrashing had a significantly greater stem diameter and were most commonly situated beside the road. Other forms of damage to Shiny Nematolepis included storm events and biting by Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo Calyptorhynchus funereus, but Sambar pose an added threat, which is likely to result in further decline of this threatened population.
A Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes, Crayfish and Mussels of South-Western Australia.
Authors: Blake Tim
Published: May 2016

MORGAN et al. have filled a significant gap in the
library of pictorial guides to the fauna of South-
Western Australia with this publication. This pocketsized
edition is a must for anyone who has any
interest in the natural history of the South West as
well as schools, community groups and anyone who
wishes to start investigating the fauna of our rivers.
Not only will this guide help anyone with
identification, but it will alert them to the very
existence of so many native species. Perhaps any
small fish will no longer be written off as a “mosquito
fish” and elicit a more detailed look. It is quite
surprising that there are only 11 native species of
fish in the whole south-west province but impressive
that 9 are endemic – the highest ratio in any part
of Australia. The presence of as many crayfish species
(11), many of very limited distribution, is also of
note. However, it is quite disturbing that 12 (and
likely more) introduced fish species are also listed for
identification. A further reflection is that only 1 fish
and 3 crayfish in the whole of Australia are on the
Critically Endangered list under the Environmental
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 –
all of these are in the area covered by the guide.
The North West Cape, Western Australia: A Potential Hotspot for Indo-Pacific Humpback
Dolphins Sousa chinensis?
Authors: Brown Alex , Bejder Lars , Cagnazzi Daniele , Parra Guido J , Allen Simon J
Published: May 2016

Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphins Sousa chinensis (Humpback Dolphins hereafter) are listed as ‘near threatened’
on an international level and ‘migratory’ in Australian waters. There is limited information on Humpback Dolphins in
Western Australian State waters, where the species remains unlisted. This lack of knowledge hinders the management
and conservation of the species in a region of rapidly increasing coastal development. We conducted opportunistic
boat-based surveys in April 2010 and present data on the location, size and composition of Humpback Dolphin groups
encountered in the near-shore waters around the North West Cape, Western Australia. A total of 42 groups were
encountered in a variety of habitats during 145 h on the water over ca. 80 km coastline. Group size ranged from 1 to
15, with a mean (± SE) of 5.3 (± 0.48) individuals. A total of 54 Humpback Dolphins were identified from photographs
of the unique markings on their dorsal fins. The lack of a plateau in the cumulative discovery curve of identified
individuals over the duration of the study suggests that only a subset of dolphins in the area was identified. This
region is close to the south-western limit of the species’ Australian distribution and appears to represent an important
location for Western Australian Humpback Dolphins. In light of increasing anthropogenic activity around the North
West Cape and Exmouth Gulf, these preliminary findings from a limited survey effort indicate that further research
into this population is required.
Temperate woodland conservation and management.
Authors: Masters Bernie
Published: May 2016

AS excellent as this book is, its title is something
of a misnomer. Because the book contains 40 short
chapters summarising the key findings and
recommendations of many of Australia’s leading
woodland researchers and managers, the words
‘Principles of . . . ’ should precede the existing title.
While the book provides readers with a very good
understanding of the major issues to be addressed
in conserving and managing woodland habitat, as
well as in producing effective and much-needed
government policy, further reading is required from
each chapter’s extensive list of references to obtain
the detail of how to conserve and manage woodlands.

Temperate Woodland Conservation and Management
The biodiversity value of woodlands in southern
Australia is significant, particularly for bird and bat
conservation. Because woodlands soils were suitable
for agriculture, between 80 and 90% have been
cleared (Thackway, Chapter 31). The remainder is
subject to many serious threats including grazing,
weeds, fertilizer drift, fragmentation effects and
altered fire regimes. This book is a timely summary
of relevant research, much of which has been carried
out in the last 10 to 15 years.