bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community preferences for tree species for household wood products in Vanuatu: A summary of four surveys
Authors: Siwatibau S. , J. Boland D.
Published: May 2016

Four surveys which gathered information from rural communities on useful tree species in Vanuatu have been reviewed and summarized. The surveys were undertaken from 1990 to 1993 and concentrated on species used for fuelwood and local construction. One survey also reported tree species useful for other purposes, such as fruit and nuts, edible foliage and customary uses. There were regional differences in species choices that could be related to the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the country. Popular fuelwood species included Macaranga spp., Hibiscus tiliaceus, Kleinhovia hospita, Dysoxylon spp. and the introduced Leucaena leucocephala. In general, people did not perceive any shortage of fuelwood. There were differences in preferences for fuelwood, depending on whether wood was required for open-fire pot cooking, open-fire roasting, or laplap (a kind of earth oven). Popular species for ground poles included Hibiscus tiliaceus, Flueggia flexuosa, Macaranga spp., Pterocarpus indicus, Bischofia javanica and lntsia bijuga, with some variations in preference between regions. Preferred species for aerial timbers for house construction included Macaranga spp., Flueggia flexuosa, Ficus spp., Kleinhovia hospita and Alphitonia zizyphoides. Species providing commercial timbers, such as Endospermum medullosum, Santalum austro-caledonicum and lntsia bijuga, are valued and are being planted, or wildlings cared for, on-farm. Important fruit and nut trees included Barringtonia edulis, Canarium spp., Syzygium malaccense, Pometia pinnata, lnocarpus fagifer, Burckella obovata and Dracontomelon vitiense. Tree species having multiple importance in customary use, such as Hibiscus tiliaceus, Macaranga spp., lntsia bijuga, Casuarina equisetifolia, Flueggia flexuosa, Kleinhovia hospita, Leucaena leucocephala, Barringtonia edulis and Acacia spp., are ranked highly.
Bryophytes and the morphospecies concept: a comparison of novice and expert sorting
Authors: J. Pharo Emma
Published: May 2016

THE exclusion of bryophytes (mosses, liverworts and hornworts) from the majority of impact assessment and monitoring studies is probably due to key characters being microscopic and difficult to work with given limited resources. Coarse morphological groups have been used in rangeland monitoring where a level of identification accessible to amateurs successfully separated different soil crust groups (Eldridge and Rosentreter 1999). However, there has been only one study of the feasibility of using a morphospecies approach for bryophytes. Oliver and Beattie (1993) included mosses in their study of the comparison of the results of "biodiversity technicians" and expert taxonomists. They found that novices split and lump many moss species. The bryoflora they investigated was species-rich with 86 species found in 220 specimens. In this study, I investigate a different environment with a level of species richness that is more typical of many dry sclerophyll forests (Pharo and Beattie 1997). Novices collected the specimens as well as sorted, which is a realistic replication of the task facing biologists when undertaking biodiversity surveys or establishing monitoring studies. Here I compare the efforts of 65 novices (second-year biogeography students) and myself in sampling an area of sub-alpine Tasmania. I was interested quantifying the abilities of this group rather than a smaller, more experienced group because a range of interests and abilities were represented. The results are informative as to the feasibility of including bryophytes in monitoring projects where the focus of the project may be on other groups and the field officer has little experience with bryophytes.
Toolibin Lake: working together
Authors: J. Wallace K.
Published: May 2016

TOOLIBIN LAKE is the most important remaining representative of a once widespread natural community. However, without intense management the lake will become highly saline early in the 21 st Century.
Integrated land management in the Kalannie-Goodlands district
Authors: Read V. , Stanley D.
Published: May 2016

IN 1992, after being in existence for just four years, the Kalannie-Goodlands Land Conservation District was the winner of the National Landcare Award for Community Groups. The enthusiasm of approximately 100 farming families within the District to take control of the environmental problems with which they were faced is both encouraging and demonstrative of achievements made possible by co-operative actions within an integrated management process.
Distribution and population structure of the vulnerable riparian palm Livistona lanuginose A. N. Rodd (Arecaceae) in the Burdekin River catchment, north Queensland
Authors: E. Pettit N. , L. Dowe J.
Published: May 2016

This study investigated the distribution and population structure of Livistona lanuginosa, a vulnerable palm that is mainly restricted to riparian areas in the Burdekin River catchment. The known population, though dispersed, is composed of small and isolated sub-populations which are located entirely on pastoral leases. Mapping of the occurrence of L. lanuginosa indicates that distribution is primarily linear in the riparian zone along first and second order streams, as well as associated flood zones. A total of 510 adult plants, recorded at the eight sites surveyed, suggests that the overall population size is limited. The population structures at four sites indicate a stable population at those sites, whilst the population structures at the other four sites indicate unstable and senescent populations. The greatest proportion of individuals is in the seedling stage, thus indicating that sufficient viable seed is being produced and that conditions for germination and the development of seedlings are favourable. However, prominent gaps in life stage classes at some sites suggest that recruitment is limited or is not taking place at those sites, and this situation is reflected in high numbers of intermediate life stage classes and adult palms compared to seedlings and lower life stage classes. Livistona lanuginosa remains largely unprotected from livestock and fire, and other exogenous disturbances throughout its limited range, and the small total population size makes it vulnerable to rapid decline given unfavourable natural conditions.
Developing landscape frameworks for regional conservation planning; an approach integrating fauna spatial distributions and ecological principles
Authors: Scotts David , R. Fulton Graham , Drielsma Michael
Published: May 2016

Habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation are heavily implicated in the decline of biodiversity throughout the world. Numerous conservation programmes have emerged in the attempt to deal with these primary threats but they are often isolated and disparate, foregoing opportunities for integrated, cumulative approaches and benefits. This paper describes an approach that, through the integration of species' modelled distributions, and the application of landscape ecology principles, systematically considers the spatial requirements of priority forest fauna as surrogates for biodiversity across the landscape. With the aid of innovative Geographic Information System analysis tools, key habitats and corridors for priority faunal assemblages are delineated across north-east New South Wales. The mapped outputs from this study provide spatially complete, data-driven, systematically derived conservation frameworks for the region. The frameworks provide an explicit basis for regional protected area networks and a landscape context for regional conservation planning. As predicted high conservation value habitats, the mapped key habitats and corridors are also focus areas for the protection, enhancement and restoration of native vegetation. The Geographic Information System-referenced key habitats and corridors conservation frameworks have been adopted for conservation planning in north-east New South Wales, including "off-reserve" planning (e.g., government and community-based programmes at regional, catchment and local levels), and "on-reserve" planning (e.g., national park and nature reserve management planning). The approach is applicable to other regions, wherever Geographic Information System-based spatial mapping, describing habitat quality for fauna species, can be collated.
The role of connectivity in Australian conservation
Authors: E. Soulé M. , G. Mackey B. , F. Recher H. , E. Williams J. , C. Z. Woinarski J. , Driscoll Don , C. Dennison W. , E. Jones M.
Published: May 2016

The existing system of nature reserves in Australia is inadequate for the long-term conservation and restoration of native biological diversity because it fails to accommodate, among other elements, large scale and long-term ecological processes and change, including physical and biotic transport in the landscape. This paper is an overview of the connectivity elements that inform a scientific framework for significantly improving the prospects for the long-term conservation of Australia's biodiversity. The framework forms the basis for the WildCountry programme. This programme has identified connectivity at landscape, regional and continental scales as a critical component of an effective conservation system. Seven categories of ecological phenomena are reviewed that require landscape permeability and that must be considered when planning for the maintenance of biological diversity and ecological resilience in Australia: (1) trophic relations at regional scales; (2) animal migration, dispersal, and other large scale movements of individuals and propagules; (3) fire and other forms of disturbance at regional scales; (4) climate variability in space and time and human forced rapid climate change; (5) hydroecological relations and flows at all scales; (6) coastal zone fluxes of organisms, matter, and energy; and, (7) spatially-dependent evolutionary processes at all scales. Finally, we mention eight cross-cutting themes that further illuminate the interactions and implications of the seven connectivity-related phenomena for conservation assessment, planning, research, and management, and we suggest how the results might be applied by analysts, planners, scientists, and community conservationists.
Birds of remnant vegetation on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia: the role of interiors, edges and roadsides
Authors: J. Antos Mark , G. White John
Published: May 2016

Habitat loss and fragmentation on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, Australia, has resulted in a mosaic of forest patches, forest edges abutted by agricultural land and linear habitat strips amidst a human-modified land matrix. To examine the use of forest elements by the avifauna in this landscape, bird populations were sampled along fixed transects established within forest interiors, on forest edges and along forested roadsides. A total of 60 species was recorded during this study, five of which were introduced. Species richness and diversity did not differ significantly between the three habitat elements, but avifaunal composition varied considerably. The species assemblages of all habitat elements differed significantly, with forest interiors and roadsides showing the greatest difference and forest interiors and forest edges showing the least degree of difference. Forest-dependent bird species used both interiors and edges. Interiors differed from edges and roadsides in having lower abundances of open country species, predatory species and introduced species, A clear gradient of change in bird communities from forest interiors to roadside vegetation was observed. This study suggests that the interiors of medium-sized (<1 000 ha) patches may play an important role in conserving bird biodiversity on a local level as they provide refuge for forest-dependent native species in extensively cleared landscapes.
First record of Blainville's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon densirostris in Fiji
Authors: S. Leslie Matthew , Batibasaga Aisake , S. Weber Diana , Olson David , C. Rosenbaum Howard
Published: May 2016

LIttle Is known about the conservation status and geographic range of beaked whales. This note provides the first record of a Blainville's Beaked Whale Mesoplodon densirostris in Fijian waters, and contributes to the available knowledge of a species poorly known in the South Pacific region. On 11 November 2003, a female beaked whale stranded near Viti Levu, Fiji. A lack of suitable references and unfamiliarity with diagnostic morphological characters inhibited species identification at the time of stranding. However, we were able to identify this specimen by using molecular genetic information and applying a diagnostic character approach. DNA sequences from the unknown specimen exhibited nucleotide character states that unambiguously identified it as a Blainville's Beaked Whale. Unfortunately, a lack of associated data collected in this particular event emphasizes a common situation around the world: untrained or poorly equipped personnel (municipalities, governmental agencies or local residents) must manage stranded marine mammals out of necessity. However, information from these events or opportunistic beach surveys assists In furthering research of conservation status and management needs.
News from the Australasian Section of the Society of Conservation Biology
Authors: Firestone Karen
Published: May 2016

Happy New Year to all and welcome to the Austral summer. If you have not already signed up for the Australasian Section, please do so! And if you have not already subscribed to Pacific Conservation Biology, please do so as well!
Marine mammals and Japanese long-line fishing vessels in Australian waters: operational interactions and sightings
Authors: Bell Catherine , Shaughnessy Peter , Morrice Margie , Stanley Bob
Published: May 2016

Observers from the Australian Fisheries Management Authority worked on randomly chosen Japanese long-line vessels in the Australian Fishing Zone (AFZ) between 1980 and 1997. Observer reports (n = 451) were inspected for interactions or sightings of marine mammals. An operational interaction was defined as an activity or behaviour that involved direct contact between a marine mammal and fishing gear, bait, target fish or bycatch, or indications that the marine mammal was feeding. A sighting was defined as the recording of marine mammals that passed the vessel without changing course and/or did not appear to interact with the vessel or its gear. Observers witnessed 23 interactions and made another 44 sightings of marine mammals. A further 24 interactions and sightings were relayed by crew members. Killer whales were reported most frequently: most incidences of fish being damaged, taken or frightened away were attributed to them. Eleven marine mammals were caught: two died, seven were released, and the fate of two others was not recorded. Between 1991 and 1996, when observer coverage was 11.5% overall in the AFZ, the incidence of interactions was 1.71 per million hooks set. The estimated number of interactions in that seven-year period was 157 in the AFZ. Since 1997, the long-line fishery has been conducted by Australian vessels, primarily off the east coast of mainland Australia in warm-temperate waters. A higher proportion of interactions can be expected with killer whales and short-finned pilot whales in these waters, and fewer with seals.
SCB-A Newsletter December 2006
Authors: F. Recher Harry
Published: May 2016

It is now just a bit more than six months to the inaugural meeting of the Australasian region of SCB ?The Biodiversity Extinction Crisis, a Pacific and Australasian Response?, which will be held July 10?12 2007 at the University of New South Wales, Sydney. This conference faces the major problems for biodiversity conservation in our region, existing and potential solutions and links to the global biodiversity initiatives. There will be five major themes: (I) Regional challenges (particular issues for our part of the world); (2) Managing threatening processess of universal importance; (3) Case studies of conservation in action, including biodiversity monitoring and assessment; (4) Conservation science and policy; and, (5) Conservation science and the community (non-government organizations, indigenous people). With Australian governments finally awakening to the reality of global warming and its consequences for Australasia, this meeting has the potential to make a significant impact on regional conservation. Not only is your attendance important to the success of the conference, but it is your opportunity to be heard on issues as important as water allocation for environmental flows in Australia, biodiversity conservation in the Southern Oceans, climate change and the allocation of resources to threatened species management.
The conservation challenge of sustaining spatially dependent evolution
Authors: A. Driscoll Don
Published: May 2016

Maintaining evolutionary processes is a fundamental tenet of biodiversity conservation. Dispersal in the guise of range expansion may take place over many generations and is a key evolutionary process. Range expansion enables evolutionarily novel gene combinations in single populations to become widespread taxonomic units, it enables homogeneous populations to reach refuges which may later become isolated and diverge, and range expansion may enable species to track their environmental niche as climates change. Land management practices that impede permeability also inhibit range expansion. Land clearing, grazing, inappropriate fire regimes and introduced species have the potential to block dispersal, preventing range expansion and eliminating spatially-dependent evolutionary processes. To achieve the goal of maintaining natural processes of evolution, landscape permeability needs to be understood and re-established in the many places where it has likely been lost.
Lessons from the Looming Extinction of the Tasmanian Devil
Authors: Lunney D. , Jones M. , McCullum H.
Published: May 2016

Extinction in the wild is now regarded as likely for the Tasmanian Devil Sarcophilus harrissi. In 1996, a disease, Devil Facial Tumour Disease (DFTD), was seen in a Devil in the wild. By mid-2008, the population had declined by about 70%, and the disease was spreading rapidly from east to west across Tasmania. DFTD is an infectious cancer, passed from one Devil to another principally, or entirely, by biting. The bite implants the cancer cells; the low genetic diversity in the Tasmanian Devil population from previous population bottlenecks or selective sweeps means that those cancer cells are not recognized by the immune system and the cancer grows in the infected Devil. Estimates of the time to extinction in the wild range from about 20 to 35 years. If, however, there are resistant genotypes within the Devil population then extinction in the wild may be averted, with numbers augmented through captive breeding programmes and active management to spread these genotypes in the wild.
Influence of vitamin K-rich plant foods on anticoagulant baiting efficacy in wild House Mice, wild Norway Rats, and wild Black Rats
Authors: W. Witmer G. , W. Burke P.
Published: May 2016

Rodents introduced to islands have caused the extinction of many species of animals. Anticoagulant rodenticides are relied on to eradicate rodents from these islands, but if the rodents are eating plant materials that contain high amounts of vitamin K (the antidote to anticoagulants) anticoagulant rodenticides may not be effective. In a laboratory trial, individually caged Norway Rats Rattus norvegicus, Black Rats R. rattus and House Mice Mus musculus were fed fresh plant material high in vitamin K (Collards [0.62 mg vitamin K per 100 g] and Brussels Sprouts [0.19 mg vitamin K per 100 g]) for a period of 7 days. When presented later with anticoagulant rodenticides (0.0025% brodifacoum pellets or 0.005% diphacinone pellets) along with the diet of plant material, 94% of the rodents died. We conclude from this study that the presence of green feed rich in vitamin K does not reduce the effectiveness of anticoagulant rodenticides. However, we add a word of caution on one of the findings of our study. While we think the low efficacy
(75%) we found in the case of brodifacoum and Black Rats was probably an artifact of small sample size in that treatment group, the result warrants further investigation.
Coastal habitat connectivity ? implications for declared fish habitat networks in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Meynecke J.-O.
Published: May 2016

Estuaries are widely recognized as key habitats supporting nearshore secondary production and catch of commercial fisheries. In Queensland, some of these coastal marine habitats are protected by the declared fish habitat programme run by the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries. Expected environmental changes for Australian estuarine systems include reduced freshwater flow, increased sedimentation and with them, a loss of connectivity. At present, the relationship between the protected declared fish habitat and habitat connectivity remains unknown. By comparing long term coastal fish catch data with geomorphic characteristics of coastal habitats structural connectivity was previously identified as a potential driver of commercial fish catch in Queensland. An ecology landscape approach was used for this study to identify potential fish habitat hotspots along the coastline of Queensland thus allowing better defined networks of declared fish habitats. A comparison between this approach and the current declared fish habitats demonstrated potential deficits and provided important insights for fisheries management. Declared fish habitats should be placed in coastal habitats with high structural connectivity to ensure sustainability of fisheries in light of environmental changes.
Environmental Biology
Authors: E. Davis Jr. William
Published: May 2016

This is an introductory biology textbook that is tailored to the needs of students who will major or take courses in environmental science, conservation, sustainable development, or other areas that deal with anthropogenic problems of habitat degradation, extinction, and human over-population. It is an introductory text in that it presents all the paradigms of biology, including cell theory and evolution, as well as scientific method, field techniques, and problem solving, all with an environmental emphasis. Most of the focus of the numerous examples is on Australian subjects and problems. For example, three case studies presented in the introductory chapter deal with the conflict between timber production and the conservation of Leadbeater?s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri, whether humans caused the outbreak of Crown-of-thorns Starfish Acanthaster planci on Australian reefs, and the conservation of a rare plant species, Corrigin Grevillea Grevillea scapigera, after massive land clearing in Western Australia.
Selection of indicator species for State of the Environment reporting: A case study from New Zealand
Authors: M. Hoare Joanne , F. J. ODonnell Colin , F. Wright Elaine
Published: May 2016

Indicator species approaches are widely used in conservation as a shortcut to measuring attributes of species and ecosystems. A variety of indicator species concepts are in use and are applicable to a range of situations. Indicator species are increasingly being used in environmental reporting to evaluate trends in environmental attributes quantitatively. We use the most recent State of the Environment report from New Zealand as a case study to evaluate: (1) how indicator species concepts are being applied to environmental reporting and (2) the selection of individual species as indicators. At present indicator species used in environmental reporting in New Zealand reflect biases in national monitoring data towards forest-dwelling, terrestrial vertebrates that are vulnerable to predation by introduced mammals. Scientific literature generally supports links between selected taxa and the aspect of ecosystem health they are purported to indicate, but their roles as long-term indicators of environmental health have yet to be evaluated. A primary goal of State of the Environment reporting is to set a benchmark against which environmental outcomes can be monitored over time; thus it is recognized that taxa reported should represent a broader range of environmental attributes. However, selection of taxa for environmental reporting is severely constrained by limited national species monitoring data. A strategic approach to national measurement, storage and analysis of long-term monitoring data is required to support selection of representative species for environmental reporting. We support current initiatives to select taxa for future measurement and reporting in an objective, transparent manner and recommend that they encompass representation of: (1) taxonomic diversity, (2) ecosystem types, (3) key environmental pressures and (4) threat status.
Forest Pattern and Ecological Process: A Synthesis of 24 Years of Research.
Authors: Recher Harry F
Published: May 2016

FOR a biologist attaining his doctorate in 1990,
David Lindenmayer has been nothing less than
prolific. His web page at the Australian National
University (ANU) credits him with more than 520
scientific publications and 20 books. This book, Forest
Pattern and Ecological Process, brings together his 25
years of research experience in the montane ash
forests of Victoria’s Central Highlands. That research
began in 1983 with studies of the ecology of
Leadbeater’s Possum Gymnobelideus leadbeateri, an
iconic and endangered arboreal marsupial and led
to his doctorate from ANU entitled The Ecology and
Habitat Requirements of Leadbeater’s Possum. I remember
reading that dissertation and thinking how good it
was and the promise it held for the young biologist
who wrote it. I was not wrong.
Climate change, Variability and Conservation impacts in Australia.
Authors: Prowse Thomas A A , Brook Barry W
Published: May 2016

Australian conservation scientists, managers and decision makers must come to grips with anthropogenic climate
change, imposed upon an already variable regional climate system. Pre- and post-instrumental records and climate
proxies indicate that Australia has experienced wet and dry cycles over intra-decadal to millennial time scales.
Precipitation variation across Australia is correlated with different climate features but reliable tools for seasonal rainfall
prediction are still some years away. Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models predict a widening of the Hadley
circulation and strengthening of the Southern Annular Mode, which should result in reduced cool season rainfall over
southern Australia. Shifts in the Australian climate over the Holocene epoch, most notably increased ENSO variability
after 5 000 years ago, are associated with substantial vegetation change and indicate the speed at which ecosystems
may be altered. The CO2 fertilization of plant biomes may mitigate increasing aridity to some extent but, in general,
climate change is expected to negatively affect native vegetation and agricultural productivity. Sea-level rise is predicted
to be substantial over this century and, when coupled with increased storm intensity, poses threats in the form of
erosion, salinization and flooding. The best chance of building adaptable ecosystems and preserving ecosystem services
requires the extension, integration and possibly optimization of reserve systems, in concert with improved management
of other threatening processes (habitat loss, invasive species, overexploitation, pollution and disease). In addition, a
price on carbon dioxide emissions would provide incentives for privately funded reforestation schemes, but additional
incentives promoting mixed species over monoculture plantings would be required to assure maximum biodiversity
benefits.
Notes on the size structure of a population of the Jacky Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus in a small fragmented urban remnant
Authors: Hitchen Dennis , Burgin Shelley , Wotherspoon Danny
Published: May 2016

The Jacky Dragon Amphibolurus muricatus (White, ex Shaw) is a widespread and abundant species in eastern Australia. Its range overlaps some of the more heavily populated urban areas of Australia where natural habitat is being rapidly lost and/or fragmented. We collected Jacky Dragons over four years in extremely fragmented native remnant vegetation at the edge of an urban golf course in Sydney. The size structure of the population remained similar over the study period. However, there was a lack of large individuals, both male and female. The sex ratio of adult males and females was equivalent rather than conform to the expectation that there would be more females than males in this temperature-dependent sex determined species. Increased sexual aggression and loss during migration were the most likely causes for the loss of larger individuals and for the loss of female bias. These imbalances are predicted to threaten the longer term viability of this urban reptile population.
Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessments for Ecological Impact Assessment
Authors: J. Lappin Alan , M. Scammell Chloe , M. Carr Lauren , E. Meathrel Catherine
Published: May 2016

The growing realization that humanity?s wellbeing and longevity are directly related to the ecological health of our planet has led to an explosion of legislation and regulations in recent times. Ecological impact assessments (EcIAs) are an important part, and becoming an intrinsic step in future developments, especially during the planning process. In Terrestrial Vertebrate Fauna Assessments for Ecological Impact Assessment emphasis is placed on conducting vertebrate fauna assessments to support EcIAs in Western Australia. We congratulate Dr. Scott A Thompson and Dr. Graham G Thompson for writing this highly practical book. Dr. Scott Thompson is a Senior Environmental Scientist for an environmental consulting firm, with strong interest in vertebrate surveys. Dr. Graham Thompson is a member of the Centre of Ecosystem Management and a partner in Terrestrial Ecosystems. Together, they incorporate their knowledge to produce a book that effectively addresses a number of key issues associated with EcIAs.
Do temporary beach closures assist in the conservation of breeding shorebirds on recreational beaches?
Authors: Weston Michael A , Dodge Fiona , Bunce Ashley , Nimmo Dale G , Miller Kelly K
Published: May 2016

Recreational use of beaches may threaten some beach-nesting shorebirds in southern Australia. Temporary Beach
Closures, comprized of a 50 x 25 m exclusion zone around a shorebird nest, represent a promising technique for
altering human behaviour by reducing both disturbance to birds and inadvertent crushing of eggs by beach visitors.
We assessed whether three commonly employed configurations of Temporary Beach Closures (sign, fence, and warden)
were effective at: (1) achieving compliance among beach visitors, and (2) reducing egg-crushing rates. Overall, 93.7%
of beach visitors complied with all Temporary Beach Closures, resulting in a reduction in egg-crushing rates within, as
opposed to adjacent to, Temporary Beach Closures. Levels of compliance were high in all Temporary Beach Closure
configurations (88.0–99.4%), and similar levels of compliance were achieved within the three configurations. Human
compliance was highest for females and when the density of beach-users was higher, while individuals aged <20 and
>61 years were less likely to comply with Temporary Beach Closures. Despite an increased probability of compliance
on high density beaches, this did not translate into a reduction in egg crushing rates on such beaches, because the
overall number of noncompliant individuals remained higher. We conclude any Temporary Beach Closure configuration
is meritorious, and that their use on high and low-use recreational beaches will benefit breeding shorebirds by reducing
the rate of egg-crushing. Targeting demographics that display lower levels of compliance, such as men, young people
(i.e. <21), and older people (i.e. >60), may further improve the effectiveness of Temporary Beach Closures in enhancing
the conservation of shorebirds.
Adapting to suburbia: bird ecology on an urban-bushland interface in Perth, Western Australia.
Authors: Davis R A , Wilcox J A
Published: May 2016

Birds in urban landscapes must contend with fragmented and degraded remnants of native vegetation and their
survival may be dependent on factors such as their ability to disperse through and/or utilize the urban matrix. We
examined the frequency of occurrence of birds in native bushland in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia, and in nine
adjacent suburban gardens. We quantified dispersal capacity by observing bird crossing frequency and height over a
major six-lane road separating the bushland from adjacent gardens. Finally we quantified matrix utilisation by recording
foraging behaviour in urban gardens and bushland. Native bushland had a higher species richness than urban gardens
(30 versus 17 species) and 18 species were associated more strongly with bushland. Of these 18 species, 61% were
never recorded in urban gardens. Gardens were typified by three generalist species, the Singing Honeyeater
Lichenostomus virescens and the introduced Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis and Spotted Dove S. chinensis.
Three generalist species, the Red Wattlebird Anthochaera carunculata, Rainbow Lorikeet Trichoglossus haematodus,
and Brown Honeyeater Lichmera indistincta were equally abundant in all habitats. Four of 18 bird species (Singing
Honeyeater Red Wattlebird, Rainbow Lorikeet, and Australian Ringneck Barnardius zonarius) accounted for the majority
of road crossing events. Urban gardens provided a rich resource for generalists and urban exploiters, all of which spent
significantly more time foraging on nectar in gardens and significantly more time foraging on insects in bushland. We
conclude that urban gardens provide habitat for some species that exploit nectar, but most species in bushland,
particularly insectivores, do not use gardens. Our results indicate the importance of retaining well-managed bushland
for supporting viable urban bird populations.
Invasive ungulate policy and conservation in Hawaii
Authors: Ikagawa Mary
Published: May 2016

Feral Cattle Bos taurus, Goats Capra hircus, Sheep Ovis aries, and Pigs Sus scrofa have been modifying Hawaii’s
native ecosystems since being introduced more than 200 years ago. Controlled rigorously in the early 1900s as pests,
the animals have been increasing in number and range since the 1950s, when the rise of sport hunting resulted in
take restrictions and the introduction of additional game species. Presently, free-roaming Pigs, Goats, Cattle, Sheep
(both O. aries and the more recently introduced Mouflon O. gmelini mouflon) and deer Axis axis, Odocoileus hemionus
are described in state reports and plans as high-threat invasive species, while simultaneously being protected under
the law as game mammals. This study examines the statutes, rules and management practices pertaining to invasive
ungulates in an island state with highly imperiled native ecosystems. This analysis reveals that Hawaii’s invasive-animal
policy and management framework does not support the ungulate control needed to further state plans and mandates
to preserve native species and watersheds. Lacking are laws that have been passed by other governments to reduce
the spread and impacts of invasive vertebrates, such as maintaining a comprehensive vertebrate pest list, facilitating
the control of such pests on all land ownerships, prohibiting the feeding and transport of vertebrate pests without a
permit, and prohibiting the release of introduced vertebrates into the wild.
Human community ecology: making connections for conservation
Authors: Dickman Chris R
Published: May 2016

Conservation biologists carry out research of fundamental importance and frequently propose and publish clever
solutions about how we might slow the erosion of biological diversity. But, while publication is an essential first step
towards this goal, it is not sufficient. I contend here that, as a second step, conservation biologists need to be more
proactive in engaging with the broader human community to ensure that their research findings reach a wide audience.
This in turn should help in the uptake of research results and provide a solid evidence base to inform effective policy
and management practices. I identify three broad groups within the global human community who view and use biological
resources in different ways, and suggest that methods of engagement will need to be tailored to each. Although
connecting with the community takes time and resources, the work of conservation biologists is likely to remain underappreciated
unless, and until, this effort is made.
Internal macrobioerosion on five species of Acropora following the 1998 bleaching event: Implications for the long-term impact of
bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Hutchings Pat , Peyrot-Clausade Mireille , Stuken Anke
Published: May 2016

While bleaching events have received wide public attention, little attention has been given to the follow on effects
on coral reefs. Bleached colonies of five species of Acropora of known age were sampled to study rates and agents
of internal bioerosion at two sites on the southern Great Barrier Reef. The dominant erosion agents were worms and
sponges and up to 23% of branches were eroded after 37 months. Significant differences were exhibited between species
and between sites in terms of the animals responsible for internal erosion. The significance of bleaching and subsequent
death of coral colonies is discussed with regard to their increased susceptibility storm damage and the loss of associated
fish and invertebrates dependent on these habitat forming corals.
Evidence is required to address potential albatross mortality in the New South Wales Ocean Trawl fishery.
Authors: Gallo-Cajiao Eduardo
Published: May 2016

To examine the current management of trawl fisheries is important to ensure albatross mortality is not being
overlooked. By-catch of albatrosses in trawl fisheries occurs cryptically, which has hindered the development of
conservation policy. The implementation of tasked seabird observer programmes in trawl fisheries, nevertheless, has
shown that albatross mortality can happen at threatening levels. Consequently, mitigation measures have been
developed and adopted in some trawl fisheries. Despite this, some trawl fisheries lack clear policy in relation to
albatross mortality. In this context, I investigated the management of potential albatross mortality in a state trawl
fishery, the New South Wales Ocean Trawl, in Australia. I conducted a literature search and addressed a set of
questions to the responsible management agency through questions on notice at the State Parliament of New South
Wales to understand albatross interactions from a policy standpoint. My results indicate that current policy neither
encompasses albatross mortality nor is evidence-based. However, the combination of characteristics of this fishery
and its overlap with albatross occurrence, along with the reported albatross mortality from other trawl fisheries, may
warrant the need to collect empirical evidence on potential albatross interactions. Hence, the responsible management
agency should take action according to legal obligations. In this scenario, I recommend the implementation of a tasked
seabird observer programme, collection of baseline data, and adoption of adaptive management by the examined
fishery. As uncertainty can hamper conservation efforts because management actions require evidence, it is imperative
to fill current information gaps in this fishery. Additionally, an improved understanding of albatross mortality from
individual trawl fisheries across different fisheries management jurisdictions will enable the prioritization of conservation
efforts of this avian taxon in an international and multi-gear fishing context.
Landscape heterogeneity indices: problems of scale and applicability, with particular reference to animal habitat description
Authors: G. Cale P. , J. Hobbs R.
Published: May 2016

Efforts to quantify landscape heterogeneity have resulted in the production of a large number of indices based on the number and proportions of different types of landscape (usually vegetation) patches. In this paper we question whether these indices provide useful tools with which to examine functional aspects of landscape heterogeneity. In particular, we consider faunal use of the landscape, focussing on the case of birds in vegetation remnants in the Western Australian wheatbelt. We argue that attempting to describe landscape heterogeneity by a single heterogeneity index is inappropriate, because the qualitative differences between patch types and their spatial relationships frequently cannot both be described by a single value. Also, scales of study have to match the scale of the processes in which we are interested, or the scale at which particular organisms perceive their environment. Generalized indices of landscape heterogeneity may therefore have little predictive capacity for detailed process or habitat studies.
The Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research
Authors: West Judy
Published: May 2016

The critical importance of advancing knowledge for management of Australia's plant biodiversity has been recognized by two of the country's prominent research and conservation organizations. In 1993 the Centre for Plant Biodiversity Research was established in Canberra. This is a joint venture between the CSIRO Division of Plant Industry and the Australian Nature Conservation Agency (ANCA), through the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG), which ANCA administers. The national perspective of the Centre combines the programmes and activities of the two herbaria and the native plant research of both institutions.
The influence of plant diversity on the resilience of harvester termites to fire
Authors: Abensperg-Traun Max , Steven Dion , Atkins Lyn
Published: May 2016

The harvester termites in floristically rich mallee-heath of southern Western Australia appear resilient to high-intensity fire. This contrasts with the temporary extinction of harvesters occupying a narrow food niche in floristically simple, intensely burnt spinifex Triodia angusta grassland in tropical Western Australia. The present study examines the effects of high-intensity fire on harvester termites Drepanotermes tamminensis in vegetation of intermediate floristic diversity and compares its findings with these earlier studies. We sampled 20 mounds (termitaria) in both an unburnt and (adjacent) burnt stand of Allocasuarina campestris shrubland. Although partially regenerated three years after the fire, 40% of mounds in the burnt area were abandoned, contrasting with 10% in the unburnt stand. No harvested chaff was found in any of the abandoned mounds. The extent of mound occupation by D. tamminensis was considerably lower, and ant invasion higher, in the burnt stand. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that high floristic diversity enhances the resilience of harvester termites to fire. The most likely mechanism is the availability of a range of plant (food) species with different regenerative responses to high-intensity fire. The death of spinifex and the associated harvester termites after fire may be atypical. We argue, however, that temporary extinction of harvester populations in arid Australia may not be exceptional, particularly where fire coincides with drought and high livestock grazing pressure. Rigorous experimental studies are necessary to enhance our understanding of the long-term effects of fire on harvester termite populations in different vegetation types and climatic zones.
Threats on Pacific islands: the spread of the Tramp Ant Wasmannia auropunctata (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Jourdan Hervé
Published: May 2016

Since Elton (1958) highlighted the problem of biological invasions, numerous studies have established their importance in the structural evolution of natural communities, in particular insular communities. Because of their isolation, islands are regarded as natural evolution laboratories which are characteristically very fragile once the boundary is disturbed (McArthur and Wilson 1967; Williamson 1981; McDonald and Cooper 1995). This fragility is illustrated by the high proportion of species extinctions observed in islands: since 1600, more than 75% of monitored disappearances have been registered in islands (Goombridge 1992). Invasions are not an abnormality in the evolutionary process, but an increase in their rate could lead to a dramatic homogenization of fauna and flora.
Distribution and response of rats Rattus rattus, R. exulans to seedfall in New Zealand beech forests
Authors: M. King Carolyn , Moller Henrik
Published: May 2016

Ship Rats Rattus rattus were much more abundant in Silver Beech-dominated Nothofagus menziesii forest in the Hollyford Valley than in Red Beech-dominated Nothofagus fusca forest of the Eglinton Valley, northern Fiordland National Park, in 1974?78. The Hollyford also supported a small population of Kiore (Pacific Rat) R. exulans, but no Norway Rats R. norvegicus. A moderate beech seedfall in 1976 was followed by a short-lived, six to seven fold increase in a relative index of abundance of Ship Rats in both valleys. This increase, not matched by Kiore, showed up more clearly in long lines of Fenn traps set for Stoats Mustela erminea than in standard rodent snap-trap lines. Analysis of 122 carcases showed a significant upward shift in age structure of Ship Rats after the seedfall, consistent with overwinter breeding. Conservation management programmes already aiming to protect threatened species in beech forests from post-seedfall irruptions of Stoats might need to be extended to include Ship Rats. Elsewhere in New Zealand, Ship Rats were much more abundant in mixed podocarp-hardwood forests than in pure beech or pine forests.
Use of remnant forest habitat by birds during winter in subtropical Australia: patterns and processes
Authors: P. Catterall Carla , B. Kingston Mark , Park Kate
Published: May 2016

The south-east Queensland region of subtropical Australia supports a high diversity of landbird species, many of which are migrants which visit lowland areas during winter. However, lowland habitats have been impacted by clearing and fragmentation of native forest types within the past 170 years. This paper considers the implications of loss and fragmentation of lowland eucalypt forests for birds in winter, by comparing the proportionate density of twelve selected species across 49 different cases representing a variety of structural habitat differences. There was little fragmentation effect on forest-dependant winter immigrant species down to about 10 ha. The smallest remnants had reduced proportionate abundances of forest-dependent species together with elevated abundances of two other species: Noisy Miner and Australian Magpie. Similar shifts in species composition occurred in association with a variety of types of change in native eucalypt forest, all involving alteration to physical structure incorporating reduction of foliage cover (at forest edges, in areas without understorey, in regenerating forest, on slopes and ridges, and after fires). We consider the ecological processes that might underlie these patterns, and suggest that: (1) habitat selection, possibly mediated and/or reinforced by interference competition from Noisy Miners, is a key process in the study system in winter; (2) habitat loss, rather than fragmentation, is likely to be the main cause of regional declines in forest-dependent winter migrants; and (3) the management of habitat for winter migrant birds within lowland eucalypt forests of this region should focus on maintaining and improving: (a) the overall percentage of lowland area covered by native forest, and (b) factors associated with the structural integrity (canopy and understorey cover, fire frequency, retention of complete microtopographic gradients) of remnant forest areas irrespective of their size, at least down to about 10 ha.