bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive Effects of Wildlife Tourism on Wildlife
Authors: R. Fulton Graham
Published: May 2016

These reviewed reports below are three of 23 in the CRC's Wildlife Tourism's Report Series, edited by Dr Karen Higginbottom and targeted to industry, government users, and tourism researchers. The primary aim of the report series is knowledge transference. The reports are principally focused to the application of knowledge, but it is hoped that they will advance methodology and tourism theory. A fourth report from the series was reviewed in the previous edition.
Future dilemmas for argumentative conservation biologists
Authors: Lunney Daniel
Published: May 2016

PACIFIC, meaning tending to make peace or conciliatory, is hardly a word that one associates with Harry Recher, the editor of Pacific Conservation Biology. Argumentative is far nearer the mark, and for good reason. He is tired, as he said forcefully to many friends in July this year, of the absolute futility of trying to get people and governments to wake up and change. At the time he uttered those words in July 2002 he had just returned from a trip to north-west Australia. Once you reach the cattle country, he said, it is clear that the intent of pastoralists is to convert the entire landscape into a vast paddock void of shrubs and other life forms bar introduced grass species and cattle. He also declared that what is happening to the Western Australian pastoral zone equals the destruction occurring in Queensland through land clearing. Thus in a few sentences Recher has put his finger on the central issues of environmental degradation in Australia as identified in both the Biodiversity State of the Environment Report 2001 (Williams et al. 2001) and the CSIRO Report Future Dilemmas: Options to 2050 for Australia's population, technology, resources and environment by Barney Foran and Franzi Poldy, which was launched by the Immigration Minister on 6 November 2002 (www.cse.csiro.au/futuredilemmas).
Biodiversity and the Re-introduction of native fauna at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Proceedings of the Cross-cultural Workshop on Fauna Re-introduction, Yulara, N. T.
Authors: Hardman Blair
Published: May 2016

ULURU-Kata Tjuta National Park (UKTNP) is World Heritage listed for both its cultural landscape and biological values, as well as being a Biosphere Reserve. However, introduced predators and competitors, and a reduction in traditional Aboriginal land management practices have had a significant impact on much of the original fauna. A cross-cultural workshop was held in September 1999 to discuss the re-introduction of native animal species to the National Park. Presentations were given by specialist scientists, involving their programmes from arid and semi-arid environments in South Australia, Northern Territory and Western Australia. In addition, presentations were held by the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, who expressed many of their concerns and reservations relating to the reintroduction project. This book details the material presented, and although the workshop transpired three years ago, the information is still relevant to reintroductions occurring today.
The wheatbelt of Western Australia
Authors: J. Hobbs Richard
Published: May 2016

DEVELOPMENT for broadscale wheat and sheep farming in Western Australia has produced a seemingly uniform landscape over much of the southwest of Western Australia. However, this area, commonly called the wheatbelt (Fig. 1), consists of at least four of the biogeographic regions designated on the basis of physical and biological measures (such as climate, geology, landform landuse, flora and fauna) in the Interim Biogeographic Regionalization of Australia (Thackway and Cresswell 1994). The four Interim Biogeographic Regionalization of Australia regions making up the wheatbelt are the Geraldton Sandplains, Avon Wheatbelt, Mallee and Esperance Plains, a total area of 24 766 406 ha.
WildCountry
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

REGARDLESS of the merits and values of individual national parks and nature reserves, Australia's conservation reserves do not ensure the survival of the continent's biota. There are many reasons for this. Reserves, even the largest, are too small and vulnerable to broad area disturbance. Consider that, in January 2003, fires burnt more than two-thirds of Kosciuszko National Park, which at 690 000 ha is the largest park in New South Wales and one of the largest in Australia. This shows how even the largest conservation reserves are at risk of catastrophic disturbance. The much smaller Nadgee Nature Reserve (21 000 ha) in southeastern New South Wales has burnt almost in its entirety twice in the 35 years I have worked there. The Nadgee fires and those in Kosciuszko were started by lightning and were the result of prolonged drought, events common across the continent. When small size is coupled with isolation, the long-term survival of populations and the exchange of propagules within the reserve system becomes problematical. Small size and isolation do not leave much scope for plants and animals to adapt to long-term climate change, either through dispersal or by evolution. Even reserving 10 or 15% of land for nature conservation, as recommended by some international conservation agencies, will be inadequate; a target of 30% would have better ecological credentials, but even this could prove inadequate unless the nature conservation reserve system was designed to allow for long-term evolutionary change, which it is not (see Archer 2002; Recher 2002a,b).
Conserving Forest Biodiversity: A Comprehensive, Multiscaled Approach
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

OVER several years Lindenmayer and Franklin have developed a position that the long-term conservation of many forest animals relies on both an expanded, representative reserve system and management of production forest to assist in the conservation of biodiversity (e.g., Gibbons and Lindenmayer 1997; Lindenmayer and Franklin 1997, 2000; Lindenmayer and Pope 2000). In this book they present a detailed explication of that position, organized into four broad sections:
The Botany of Desire: A Plant's Eye View of the World
Authors: Oldfield Olivia
Published: May 2016

MICHAEL Pollan is an environmental journalist for The New York Times Magazine. He has also written two other books - Second Nature: A Gardener's Education and A Plnce of My Own: The Education of an Amateur Builder. Pollan was awarded the first "Reuters-World Conservation Union Global Award for Excellence in Environmental Journalism".
Musings on Biodiversity by a Retired Park Manager
Authors: e. Fox Robert
Published: May 2016

Biodiversity continues to decline in Australia despite significant effort by government, industry and concerned citizens. In this essay the author draws upon his >30 years of experience at the sharp end of natural resource management to consider some factors that may be contributing to the relative lack of progress. While national parks and reserves form a small part of the overall Australian landscape their importance in the battle to retain biodiversity is undeniable. However, rigidity of thinking on the part of park managers has limited the support base for parks and thus their potential in leading integrated landscape management at the all-important local level. The rise of animal libertarianism is further impacting on the ability of parks and wildlife managers to make rational decisions based on the best scientific advice. Animal libertarianism, influential in our western, primarily urban-based society, causes significant problems in wildlife conservation. Anthropomorphic concepts of rights have little application in the animal world and contribute even less to the conservation of species.
Inverting the paradigm
Authors: Nix Henry
Published: May 2016

Consider. Yet another major new development is proposed that will, inevitably, disturb, damage and degrade existing landscape processes. But not to worry, we now have laws that protect the environment. Not only that, but whatever the development it must be sustainable. Since the proponent of this major new development is legally obliged to carry out an environmental impact assessment a swift, but ever so thorough, site survey is commissioned and executed. The competence and integrity of the consultants is unquestioned, yet they know that a single snapshot cannot show the seasonal cycles of complex interactions and key flows of materials, energy and information that sustain the natural systems. But hey, that is too much to ask when time is of the essence and time means money. Besides, we cannot predict, with absolute certainty, that the development will cause irretrievable damage, so let us just get on with it.
The Speciation and Biogeography of Birds
Authors: A. Cousin Jarrad
Published: May 2016

Birds are an ecologically important and conspicuous component of the fauna throughout the world, with more than 9 700 species inhabiting a diverse range of habitats from the tropics and deserts to the Arctic tundra and Antarctic. Bird species are not distributed evenly throughout the world. Species richness is greatest in tropical habitats (especially in South America), decreasing toward the poles. Furthermore, the distribution of birds varies from species with a global distribution (for example, the Peregrine Falcon) to species, such as the Sydney Rock Warbler, which are restricted to a relatively small geographic area.
The Economics of Marine Resources and Conservation Policy The Pacific Halibut Case Study with Commentary
Authors: Petersen Elizabeth
Published: May 2016

PART I of this two-part volume is a reprint of Crutchfield and Zellner's pioneering work on the economic theory of regulation in marine resources (with special reference to the Pacific Halibut fishery), first published in 1962 by the U.S. Department of the Interior. The original publication quickly went out of print and, although some individual analyses from the study were published in academic journals, the volume in its entirety was not reprinted, and thus has been unavailable to most people. The reprint of the original study is followed in Part 2 with a commentary, where leading contemporary resource and environmental economists comment on the original study's relation to general developments in the field since. Commentaries are made by David Zilberman (University of California, Berkeley), Anthony Scott (University of British Columbia), James E. Wilen (University of California, Davis) and Frances R. Homans (University of Minnesota). The volume concludes with a recent history of the International Pacific Halibut Conservation Program by Donald McCaughran, which includes the current impact of conservation measures and policy recommendations originally made by Crutchfield and Zellner.
Truth, Reality, Belief, Faith: Science in Public Debate
Authors: T. Hunter J.
Published: May 2016

Truth, reality, belief and faith are some of the tools we take with us into any negotiation process even those involving science. For me a truth is something we can all agree on, whether it is something undeniable or not; reality is something that is undeniable and has presence despite our definition; belief is something that we individually have evidence for, but which we have not established as a truth; and faith is something for which we have no evidence, but we feel is right. Although these tools of thought are used equally, most scientists would find it hard to admit how often we are unsure which one we are using. Unfortunately science and its methods are not easily understood by the uninitiated. Despite our insistence on scientific rigour, too few of us are willing to acknowledge that many of the methods we use to condense and express our ideas still revert to intuition, feelings, personal biases and misinformation. This is no more so than when we attempt to develop policy, act as members of committees or are called upon to consult on environmental issues.
News from the Australasian Section of the Society for Conservation Biology
Authors: Silberbauer Tish , Firestone Karen
Published: May 2016

This section is to share news and views from the Australasian section members, but it is proving a little difficult to extract articles from members. We would very much like to use this to exchange ideas and information among our members, so please don?t be shy and send me (tsilberb@bio.mq.edu.au) material for inclusion in the next issue (June 2005) by mid-April at the latest. In the mean time, there is exciting news about hosting the global SCB congress, positively glowing circulation figures for PCB, the second Bula Column from Fiji, and abstracts from student prize winners awarded at the recent (December 2004) Ecology Society of Australia conference.
The impact of recent logging and pond isolation on pond colonization by the frog Crinia signifera
Authors: Lauck B.
Published: May 2016

A colonization experiment was used to investigate landscape use of a commercially managed wet forest in southern Tasmania by the ground-dwelling frog, Crinia signifera. Replicated artificial ponds were placed at increasing distances (20, 100, 250 and 500 m) from nine permanent breeding sites to investigate the effect of pond isolation on colonization. Four of these permanent breeding sites were surrounded by coupes that had been logged within the previous five years and five permanent breeding sites were surrounded by unlogged forest to investigate the effect of recent logging on colonization. The rate of colonization, the frequency of colonization, male size and female size (inferred from clutch size) were monitored over two breeding seasons. No pond isolation effects were found, indicating that G. signifera is randomly distributed throughout the forest landscape for up to 500 m around each permanent breeding site. Such patterns of forest habitat use indicate that management prescriptions should not only take into account the habitat characteristics of breeding sites but should also consider the surrounding terrestrial landscape. Ponds surrounded by unlogged forest were colonized almost two times faster than ponds surrounded by logged forest indicatlng that landscape modtfication can significantly alter amphibian mobility. These findings have consequences for total reproductive output especially in landscapes where breeding sites are highly variable and for species that are slow to colonize new breeding sites.
Conservation of Australia's Forest Fauna (second edition).
Authors: E. Fox Robert
Published: May 2016

When I reviewed the first edition of this volume I expressed the hope that there would be a second edition. However, had I any inkling of the prodigious amount of work which the second edition must have caused the editor Dan Lunney, I may have been a little less forthright. The first edition of Conservation of Australia?s Forest Fauna published in 1991 created not only a treasure trove of relevant information but also a benchmark in Australian conservation. Forest Fauna 2nd ed. constitutes an updated and vastly expanded benchmark by presenting a snapshot of the contemporary state of forest conservation science in Australia.
A test of fluctuating asymmetry as a bioindicator of stress in antlered flies
Authors: Dodson Gary
Published: May 2016

Disturbances to the developmental processes of organisms produce phenotypic asymmetries. It has been hypothesized that populations subjected to sustained environmental stress will suffer greater developmental instability and, therefore, exhibit greater morphological asymmetry than healthy populations. Thus, sampling the average asymmetry of populations through time might be a useful indicator of the overall health of their corresponding habitat. This hypothesis was investigated using antler flies (Phytafmia spp.) in Papua New Guinea rainforests. The larval substrate of these flies is restricted to a few rainforest tree species found in primary forests. The prediction that fly populations in logging areas would exhibit greater asymmetry was tested by comparing fluctuating asymmetry (FA: small, random deviations from perfect symmetry) of fly populations in primary forest and logging areas, as well as from a single location across time. Only one (P. biarmala) of three species had significantly higher FA (according to a composite measure of wing venation) at logged sites than at intact forest sites, and the average FA decreased in a population of P. afcicornis over a 20-year period despite continuous logging in the area. Because some sample sizes were unavoidably small, a meta-analysis of combined effect sizes was performed and revealed a significant effect of habitat on FA across the species. Logging practices may impose stress on these flies as alleged, but if so the indication of the stress through FA levels was weak. Thus, reliance on this method as a monitoring tool for this environment should be considered with caution.
The Fauna of King Island A guide to identification and conservation management
Authors: Turner Lesia
Published: May 2016

The spread of European settlement across the Australian continent has affected not only the faunal and floristic components of the mainland, but has also influenced our island assemblages of native animals. The Fauna of King Island; a guide to identification and conservation management, provides an overview of the history, ecology and conservation management of the King Island fauna. The book discusses both vertebrate and invertebrate fauna for the terrestrial and freshwater habitats of the island and serves as a foundation for identification and management.
Three evolutionarily significant units for conservation in the iguanid genus Brachylophus
Authors: L. Burns Emma , H. Costello Brian , A. Houlden Bronwyn
Published: May 2016

We examined phylogenetic relationships within the genus Brachylophus, which comprises two endangered iguana species endemic to the South Pacific islands of Fiji and Tonga. Genetic variation among Fijian Crested Iguanas B. vitiensis and Fijian and Tongan Banded Iguanas B. fasciatus was analysed using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome b (cyt b) characterized from 35 individuals from island populations. Three distinct clades of Brachylophus were identified. The most divergent clade comprised B. fasciatus from Tonga, which supports the recognition of Tongan iguanas as a separate species. Molecular clock estimates suggested that the average sequence divergence (6.4%) between Tongan and Fijian B. fasciatus clades equated to 7 - 15.8 MY of separation, confirming that extant Brachylophus species have a long history of evolution in situ in the Fijian and Tongan archipelago. Phylogenetic analyses also revealed that Fijian B. fasciatus and B. vitiensis iguana populations were not reciprocally monophyletic. One clade comprised two mtDNA haplotypes from the Fijian islands of Monu, Monuriki, Devuilau, Waya and Yadua Taba. The other clade comprised B. fasciatus haplotypes from Kadavu and Gau, which was divergent from both the aforementioned Fijian clade (dA = 3.5%), and the Tongan clade (dA = 6.4%). In addition to mtDNA data, variation was assessed at microsatellite loci, and significant differentiation between iguana populations was detected. Based on both mtDNA and microsatellite analysis, the conservation priorities for these endangered lizards must be reassessed to protect iguanas as three distinct evolutionarily significant units.
Conservation aspects of geothermal vegetation
Authors: Muukkonen Petteri
Published: May 2016

Geothermally active areas provide unique, stressed environments characterized by unusual vegetation assemblages and rare plant species (Fig. 1). Natural vegetation associated with geothermal activity is a rare vegetation type globally. Exploitation of geothermal fluid can result in a lowering of deep system water tables, which in turn can lead to changes in the normal heat flow pattern of the surface systems. This may lead to a redistribution of heat at existing sites with some sites heating-up and some cooling-down with consequent changes in geothermal biota. Therefore, the indigenous ecosystems of geothermal areas possess high conservation and scientific values which may be increasingly threatened by the growing exploitation of geothermal energy.
SCB-A Newsletter March 2007
Authors: F. Recher Harry.
Published: May 2016

The Board of Australasian Section of the Society for Conservation Biology is very busy organizing the inaugral conference (see below).
Evidence for the presence of a second species of mongoose in the Fiji Islands
Authors: G. Morley Craig , A. McLenachan Patricia , J. Lockhart Peter
Published: May 2016

The small Indian Mongoose Herpestes javanicus was introduced in the late nineteenth centure into Fiji and is now found throughout the two main islands of Fiji (Viti Levu and Vanua Levu) and on another 11 small outsr islands. When trapping mongoose as part of an investigation into the spread of leptospirosis around Suva, six large red-coloured mongoose were also captured. The body measurements (weight, length and hind-foot size) of these red-coloured mongoose were significantly larger than a random sample of the grey-coloured mongoose H. javanicus normally seen. To clarify whether the red-coloured mongoose was a different species or just a different colour morph of H. javanicus, mitochondrial cytochrome B cytb DNA sequences were determined from muscle tissue of four red-coloured Individuals. Phylogenetic analyses using cytb sequences show that while the red-coloured mongoose belongs to an Asian clade, it is not H. javanicus or H. edwardsi. Further research is needed to determine the identity and origin of the red-coloured mongoose and to ascertain its prevalence in Fiji.
Heard Island: Southern Ocean Sentinel
Authors: E. Davis. Jr. William
Published: May 2016

Heard Island is one of the most remote places on earth. It is of volcanic origin (and currently volcanically active) on the submarine Kerguelen Plateau in the Southern Ocean, roughly 4 000 km south-west of Australia, 1 500 km from Antarctica, 3 750 km from Africa, and 7 500 km from India. The island is 367 km2 in area at latitude 53�S, south of the Antarctic Polar Front (Antarctic Convergence), is 70% covered with glaciers, and has a geologic, biologic and human history of substantial interest. Because of its remoteness, relative recent discovery (1853), and infrequent human visitation, it is pristine with no human-introduced plants or mammals.
Changes in the structure and species dominance in vegetation over 60 years in an urban bushland remnant
Authors: Crosti R. , W. Dixon K. , C. Ladd P. , J. Yates C.
Published: May 2016

Kings Park bushland is an urban remnant of predominantly mixed Eucalyptus-Allocasuarina--Banksia mediterranean climate-type woodland in southwestern Australia. This paper presents the results of one of the longest quantitative comparisons on multispecies temporal differences in the Southern Hemisphere. In 1939, the locations of individuals of 13 dominant native tree and shrub species were mapped in 126 transects in a 60 ha portion of the bushland. Observations of the same transects were undertaken in 1999, and the temporal differences in the presence of the same 13 species compared both with univariate and multivariate analyses. There have been substantial changes in vegetation structure and species dominance within the plant community in the 60 years period. In the woodland canopy, there has been an increase in Eucalyptus gomphocephala, E. marginata, Corymbia calophylla and Allocasuarina fraseriana and a decline in once dominant Banksia species. In the mid-storey there have been increases in the density of Dryandra sessilis and Acacia saligna. The changes in structure and species dominance may be considered as changes
between different community variants that all occur in the vegetation of the Swan Coastal Plain. The main factors that may be responsible for vegetation change are weed invasion, changed fire regime and seed predation of some species. Disturbances beyond the control of managers (such as wildfire) have altered the composition of the vegetation. However, changes in management procedures in the urban reserve, such as weed removal with herbicides and cessation of fuel reduction burning have also been successful in altering the prominence of some native plant species in the Park. The outcomes of this study indicate that in urban remnants of once natural ecosystems the relative dominance of species may change in response to changes in disturbance regime and hence recruitment cues and this may have important consequences in terms of managing and conserving fauna and flora assemblages, including rare species, in reserves.
Is there value in reviewing distribution models? A case study using critical weight range mammals in southeastern Australia
Authors: D. Penman Trent , P. Slade Christopher
Published: May 2016

Models predicting species distributions have become a common tool for wildlife management. These models were used extensively in the development of regional forest agreements (RFAs) throughout Australia. Each RFA is reviewed after it has been active for five years and one component may be to review the distribution models. Over this time there has been an increase in the number of records for many species and improvements in statistical modelling techniques. Here we prepare updated distributional models for three critical weight range mammals in the Eden Management Region in southeastern New South Wales. These models are then used to examine the value of updating models for selected species during the RFA review process. All revised models predicted greater areas of habitat as suitable, largely due to the greater number of known localities. The relative value of many sites changed, thus highlighting areas which require further or more intensive survey work. This study suggests that there is value in preparing models for some species during the RFA review process. For many species updating models can also be valuable in the development of specific research objectives or species recovery planning.
Early and late colonizers in mine site rehabilitated waste dumps in the Goldfields of Western Australia
Authors: G. Thomson Graham , A. Thompson Scott
Published: May 2016

We examined the abundance of reptile and mammal species on five rehabilitated waste dumps in the early successional stages in the mined area around Ora Banda in Western Australia and compared these data with species richness and abundance in adjacent undisturbed areas. Mammal species common in the undisturbed areas were also found in relatively high abundance on waste dumps, with the exception of Pseudomys hermannsburgensis. In contrast, not all reptile species in the adjacent undisturbed areas had colonized waste dumps. However, a high proportion of those reptile species that were caught on rehabilitated waste dumps were at lower numbers than in the adjacent undisturbed areas, indicating that they were slow colonizers. Reptiles Underwoodisaurus milii, Heteronotia binoei and Pogona minor and mammals Mus musculus and Sminthopsis crassicauda are among the early colonizing species that flourish in the developing ecosystem on waste dumps. Species able to exploit a diverse range of niches, tolerate open spaces, have a generalist diet and good dispersal capabilities are the early colonizers. In contrast, species with a specialist diet or micro-habitat requirements are slow to colonize rehabilitated waste dumps and will initially be represented in low numbers. We encourage mining companies and regulators to change the size and shape of waste dumps, and to seed with species found in the adjacent undisturbed areas to hasten the colonization of vertebrate species on to waste dumps and the creation of functional ecosystems.
The application of intra-species fostering techniques to the southern hairy-nosed wombat, Lasiorhinus latifrons
Authors: R. Finlayson G. , A. Taggart D. , A. Shimmin G. , R. White C. , Steele V. , C . J. Paris M. , D. Temple-Smith P.
Published: May 2016

Cross-fostering in marsupials refers to the transfer of pouch young from a target species into the pouch of a foster mother of the same species (intra-species) or a closely related species (inter-species). This technique together with short-term isolation of pouch young can be a valuable tool for increasing the reproductive output of endangered marsupials. In this study We investigate the use of cross-fostering and pouch isolation techniques to assist with hairy-nosed wombat recovery efforts. As an initial step towards achieving this end we report on the first successful intra-species pouch young isolation and fostering studies in a vombatid marsupial. Fifteen pouch young were fostered between female southern hairy-nosed wombats in 1997 and 1998, ranging in age from 16 to 146 days. Six of these females were recaptured between four and eleven months later and all were either still carrying the cross-fostered young or showed evidence of late lactation on the same teat. Pouch young isolation studies in the southern hairy-nosed wombat demonstrated that young as small as 0.43 g can be successfully isolated from the pouch for up to 8 hours at 23
degrees and 100% humidity; however, until more tests are available, we recommend a minimum age and size of 10 days and 100 g respectively. Results of this study provide baseline information to assist with the future development of cross-fostering and pouch young isolation techniques in hairy-nosed wombats to enhance breeding in wild and/or captive colonies.
Wildlife Tourism
Authors: Hulsman Kees
Published: May 2016

This book is the 24th in the series on Tourism, but only the second on wildlife tourism. Its focus is viewing vertebrates. Tourism based on plants or invertebrates is specifically excluded. The book?s audience are university and training programme students, tourist industry professionals, planners and managers, and government employees.
Baseline data for identifying potentially invasive plants in Puerto Ayora, Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos
Authors: M. Guerrero A. , Pozo P. , Chamorro S. , Guezou A. , E. Buddenhagen C.
Published: May 2016

We recorded 502 introduced plant species during an inventory of all 2 334 private properties in Puerto Ayora, the largest town on Santa Cruz Island and the Galapagos Islands (population > 10,000) which accounts for about half of the Galapagos population. A third of these species were new records for the Galapagos Islands, 73% were found only in cultivation, 18% were naturalized and not cultivated (in Puerto Ayora), and 9% were found in cultivation and naturalized (escaped). Seventeen species previously known to occur only in cultivation in Galapagos are now considered escaped. A number of species known to be naturalized in the humid highlands of Santa Cruz do not appear to be able to reproduce in Puerto Ayora?s drier climate. To determine which introduced species should be a priority for control or eradication, the potential invasiveness of each species was assessed based on their distribution and behavior in Galapagos and elsewhere. At least 13 species were considered potentially serious invaders that could be feasible to eradicate.
The costs of single species programmes and the budget constraint
Authors: Moran Emma , Cullen Ross , F. D. Hughey Kenneth
Published: May 2016

Despite the scarcity of funding for species conservation programmes, estimation of the cost of threatened species programmes occurs in only a few countries. This paper examines the reasons for the lack of species programme cost estimates and the likely impacts of this on conservation management. We report methodology used to estimate cost for eleven New Zealand species programmes and their estimated costs over a ten year period. Differences between species in the costs of the programmes and the breakdown of the costs are highlighted. The estimated costs are compared with expected levels of expenditure on each species to illustrate the existence of a budget constraint for threatened species. The likely effects of cost of species conservation exceeding expenditures on species conservation are examined. Annual cost data is used together with information on rate of conservation progress to estimate time and total cost for each species to reach Not Threatened status.
Can seed-eating birds spread viable canola seed?
Authors: E. Twigg Laurie , M. Taylor Catherine , J. Lowe Tim , C. Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

The potential for seed-eating birds to disperse viable canola (Brassicaceae: Brassica napus) seeds and establish feral populations or disperse genetically modified cultivars was investigated in captive feeding trials determining the: 1) acceptability of canola as food, 2) passage time of canola through the gut (PT), and 3) viability of passed seed. Four dove/pigeon, one finch, and two duck species were tested. Only Crested Pigeons Ocyphaps lophotes and some Wood Ducks Chenonetta jubata ate canola seed in significant amounts in the presence of other food. Over 460 faecal pellets were examined for the presence of whole/viable seed, but only seven pellets (~1.5%), all from Wood Ducks, contained whole seed. Of the 11 passed seeds (represents <0.01% of seed ingested by these ducks), only five germinated successfully (cf. 50 of 50 control seeds). Mean passage time of seed was quick for most species, ranging from 0.5 h in Senegal Doves, Streptopelia senegalensis, 1.3 h in Bronzewing Pigeons, to 2-3 h in the ducks C. jubata, and Anas superciliosa. This suggests that potential seed dispersal distances via these birds may generally be short (<10 km). Although the passage of viable diaspores was rare, the large number of birds likely to be feeding on canola seed in agricultural fields or at spillages on roadsides and loading zones suggests there is the potential for birds to disperse viable canola seed, including viable seed from genetically modified canola crops. Management options such as avoiding large piles of spilt seed or storing canola seed near watercourses would minimize this risk. However, the eradication of any established feral herbicide-resistant GM-canola plants could remain problematical.
Conservation of Wildlife Populations: Demography, Genetics and Management
Authors: Watson Simon
Published: May 2016

Effective wildlife management needs to be based on the application of sound scientific principles and concepts. Both of these books provide a framework for the application of concepts and principles to wildlife management problems and attempt to bridge the gap between research and its application in management. Conservation of Wildlife Populations, by L. Scott Mills, explains theories, concepts and principles developed in the field of population biology, and their management applications. It encompasses population ecology, demography and population genetics. Wildlife Damage Control, by Jim Hone, identifies and explains the application of principles involved in assessing and controlling damage caused by wildlife.
People, Sheep and Nature Conservation: The Tasmanian Experience
Authors: E. Davis JR. William
Published: May 2016

This book focuses on the interaction among people, sheep, and the environment in the run country of Tasmania (runs are areas of largely native vegetation where sheep graze or shelter). The major question addressed is: ?Can nature conservation be integrated with wool production?? This book deals with the pressing issues of conservation on privately owned or leased land. One of the purposes of the book was stated in the Preface as a ?search for potentially effective pathways to maintain conservation values in a production context . . .? To approach this problem, the authors employed research in the ?classic hypothesis-testing mode, in descriptive scientific mode, in the mode of normative social science, and in qualitative mode.? The details of methodology and statistical treatment have been relegated to end notes to make the text more readable. To help deal with the jargon of the sheep industry, a Glossary is provided.
Key Role for Geoscientists in Providing ?Early Warning System? on Environmental Crises
Authors: Cawood Peter
Published: May 2016

Most would agree that it is much better to be warned about an impending tsunami when it is many kilometres offshore ? and have time to take life-saving action ? than to find out about it once it looms large on the horizon.
Communication and the Publication Process
Authors: F. Recher Harry , C. Calver Mike , A. Saunders Denis
Published: May 2016

By the time you read this editorial, Pacific Conservation Biology may be fully online (http://www.informit.com.au/ ? see access instructions at the end of this article, or check for a link on the journal web site at http://pcb.murdoch.edu.au/). With support from the Oceania Section of the Society for Conservation Biology (http://www.conbio.org/Sections/Oceania), all back issues of Pacific Conservation Biology, not already in pdf format, have been scanned and made electronically friendly. Researchers, students and anyone interested in conservation biology in the Pacific Region will now be able to access Pacific Conservation Biology archives through subscribing libraries, by purchasing a specific article on-line or consulting an article for a pay per view fee. For most of us, online access to journals has made the literature easier and faster to use than at any time in the past. It will be a while yet before visits to a library or opening a book are no longer essential to good research, but the day is coming.
The feasibility of applying a cost-effective approach for assigning priorities for threatened species recovery with a case study from New South Wales, Australia
Authors: K. Szabo Judit , V. Briggs Sue , Lonie Rachel , Bell Linda , Maloney Richard , N. Joseph Liana , Hunter Ian , P. Possingham Hugh
Published: May 2016

May (2002) estimated that the current rate of extinction of species globally is 100?1000 times background rates. Hence a primary goal of biodiversity management is to bring the rate of extinction back to normal levels. Conservation managers face two interrelated problems: limited time and money, and how to allocate the finite available resources (Bottrill et al. 2008, 2009). In this paper we tackle the second of these problems. Definitions of key terms are in Appendix 1.
The effect of different Rice Oryza sativa cultivation methods on nest-site location and nesting success in Black-winged Stilts Himantopus himantopus in reclaimed areas of South Korea
Authors: Kim Jeong-Hoon , R. Fulton Graham , Kim Hyun-Tae , Cho Sam-Rae
Published: May 2016

Rice Oryza sativa fields are important surrogate habitats for many organisms. We monitored a colony of Black-winged Stilt Himantopus himantopus in rice fields, in the Seosan reclamation area of South Korea, from 1998-2005. Two methods of rice cultivation were employed there 1: aerial seeding on a large scale using planes 2: the traditional method of rice replanting, where rice seedlings are replanted after ploughing. The latter method destroyed all nests and was increasingly used over time as farmland was sold off to private farmers. Most nests were destroyed because the timing of ploughing and replanting overlapped with the nesting period of the Black-winged Stilt. We monitored the break-up of the colony into sub-colonies and single nests, then eventually the failure of the colony. Flooding, during episodes of heavy precipitation resulted in more nest failures than predation. Predation at Black-winged Stilt nests was considered opportunistic with birds the most frequent consumers of eggs. Finally, we make suggestions for future research in reclaimed areas, particularly by using rice fields as more biodiverse habitats.
Habitat and post-fire selection of the Pilliga Mouse Pseudomys pilligaensis in Pilliga East State Forest
Authors: C. Paull David
Published: May 2016

The habitat selection of the Pilliga Mouse was studied within a variety of vegetation and post fire communities in the Pilliga East State Forest of northern NSW. Its selection was found to be similar to other Australian Pseudomys, but most similar to the New Holland Mouse P. novaehollandiae, preferring understoreys dominated by heathy, xeromorphic plants with sandy soils and litter cover. There was a significant correlation between numbers of Pilliga Mice, in particular breeding sites and a well-developed low shrub cover < 50 cm high. Habitats having this type of cover, in particular Broombush and Kurricabah/Bloodwood scrublands were the only habitats where burrows of this species were detected. Pilliga Mice showed a preference for early and late post-fire stages of vegetation and an avoidance of intermediate age habitats post fire (5-15 years old) probably due to an absence of suitable low shrub cover in this age class. A field methodology that identifies preferred habitat for this species based on the habitat selection preferences of the Pilliga Mouse is described.
Problem-Solving in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management, 2nd edition
Authors: A Cousin Jarrad
Published: May 2016

Effective dialogue between scientists and policy makers has been identified time and time again as one of the most important factors limiting objective conservation outcomes (e.g., Sutherland et al., 2006). Education is an important step in facilitating this dialogue, as all too often there appears to be a divide between the proponents of conservation biology (scientists, academics and students) and practitioners driving wildlife management (policy makers and politicians). Problem-solving in Conservation Biology and Wildlife Management represents a manual for the practical application of theoretical ideas and the means of communicating them, thus bridging the divide between theory and practice.
Conservation for a New Generation: Redefining Natural Resources Management
Authors: R. Gunawardene N.
Published: May 2016

Having studied environmental science and policy in the United States (US) during my undergraduate years, I was interested to read an overview of the legislative and administrative changes that have occurred in the US over the last 20 years. The first paragraph of the introduction thrust me into the position of the ?new generation? of natural resource practitioners that Professor Richard L. Knight?s generation has engendered. He put into perspective what my generation takes for granted- the cross-disciplinary nature of conservation biology and the effort that was required to get multi-disciplinary cooperation on environmental issues. The book is structured in three parts looking at current partners/stakeholders in land management, the tools that are available for conservation and land management and finally the middle ground, where the diverse parties involved in conservation of natural resources meet. Each part is supported by case studies, mainly from the US, written by people involved in each study.
Systematics and Taxonomy of Australian Birds
Authors: Cracraft Joel
Published: May 2016

The Australian avifauna is one of the most biologically important in the world. For its size, it has the highest diversity and endemism of any continent. Importantly, as a key piece of Gondwana, it was at a crossroads for the early history of modern birds (Neornithes). Indeed, it has phylogenetically deep lineages of palaeognaths, galliforms, anseriforms, caprimulgiforms, parrots, and songbirds. Moreover, patterns of endemism and diversity are well-marked and provide a natural laboratory for the study of speciation and diversification. All of this is why studies of the systematics and taxonomy of Australian birds are so important, for without a clear understanding of the taxonomic limits of taxa and their relationships we cannot hope to make progress toward answering critical evolutionary questions. Nor can we provide the systematic framework for comparative studies in the organismal sciences, especially behaviour, ecology, and conservation biology.
Conservation and utilization of threatened hardwood species through reforestation ? an example of Afzelia xylocarpa (Kruz.) Craib and Dalbergia cochinchinensis Pierre in Cambodia
Authors: So T. , Theilade I. , Dell B.
Published: May 2016

The leguminaceous rosewoods, Afzelia xylocarpa (Caesalpiniodeae) and Dalbergia cochinchinensis (Faboideae) are threatened by habitat loss and exploitation for their extremely highly-prized timber throughout their range. This paper examines the current conservation status of A. xylocarpa and D. cochinchinensis in Cambodia, draws together information on silviculture and trade, and summarizes current conservation measures in the country. Urgent measures are required to conserve and sustainably use the remaining genetic resources. Opportunities and challenges for achieving these goals, through use of the two threatened species in reforestation, are discussed. The suitability of the species for reforestation combined with increasing domestic and international prices for rosewood provide an opportunity for promotion of the species in planting programmes. This would not only alleviate the pressure on their natural habitats, but also bring about economic benefit. The paper outlines some important steps in the development of domestication strategies including testing and improving silvicultural practices, and increasing the supply of genetically superior seeds from seed production areas and/or seed orchards. As a first step, a network of in situ gene banks has been established in natural forests in Cambodia. A wide range of stakeholders need to participate in such programmes in order to address socio-economic development and poverty reduction. This is in line with the main objective of the National Forest Programme of Cambodia.
Large Scale Ecosystem Restoration: Five Case Studies from the United States
Authors: Paull David
Published: May 2016

?It all comes down to leadership. You need it at all levels ? We all think we?re good at fighting. We?re not always quite as good at collaborating?.
Obituary
Authors: Lim Leong
Published: May 2016

Dr. Ron Strahan died peacefully in the early morning of Saturday 3 July 2010 in Box Hill Hospital, Melbourne, aged 87. He is survived by his wife Pamela Strahan Conder, whom he married after his first wife, Helen Burns, died. He is also survived by two of his three children from his first marriage (Alison and Fiona), two grandchildren, (Tara and Minette) and one great grandchild (Saffron) - and three cats, Huxley, Sybill and Chui. His son, Kingsley, died in 2005.
Initial conservation outcomes of the Tetepare Island Protected Area
Authors: L. Read J. , Argument D. , E.  Moseby K.
Published: May 2016

Tetepare Island, the largest uninhabited island in the south Pacific Ocean, is an icon of Solomon Islands biodiversity and conservation management. In response to destructive logging threats, displaced landowners formed the Tetepare Descendants? Association with the core objective of conserving natural resources for the use of future generations. Local rangers enforce marine and terrestrial protected areas and monitor the response of key resource species. Within the first few years of protection, Coconut Crab Birgus latro and Trochus Trochus niloticus tended to be larger at protected sites than at sites where traditional artisanal, or subsistence-based, harvesting continued. Because larger crabs and gastropods are known to deposit more eggs than smaller conspecifics, these data confirmed to resource owners the value of prohibiting harvesting from regions to improve productivity of adjacent harvested regions. Tetepare Island is a valuable research location equipped with a field station, ecolodge, trained guides, and supported by regular environmental monitoring that can assist in the interpretation of monitoring results and fine-tuning of management.
Effective Ecological Monitoring
Authors: M. Hoare Joanne
Published: May 2016

In their book Effective Ecological Monitoring, David Lindenmayer and Gene Likens set out to demonstrate the importance of long-term ecological monitoring programmes, as well as presenting what they propose to be a new paradigm, ?adaptive monitoring?. In a brief introduction, they set up a framework for discussing ecological monitoring by arguing that monitoring can be categorized into one of three main types, curiosity-driven (passive) monitoring, mandated monitoring or question-driven monitoring, the latter of which they strongly suggest has the most merit. The book is then structured around three main chapters, ?Why monitoring fails?, ?What makes long-term monitoring effective?? and ?The problematic, the effective and the ugly ? some case studies?, and rounded off with a concluding chapter.