bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disturbance effects from fire and mining produce different lizard communities in eastern Australian forests
Authors: Taylor Jennifer E. , Fox Barry J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe lizard fauna of sand‐mined dunes of the central coast of New South Wales, Australia has been shown to be dominated by Ctenotus robustus and Ctenotus taeniolatus (Scincidae), with relative abundance changing with time since mining. However, there is little published information on how this lizard fauna compares to that of the undisturbed open forest that previously grew on these sites. Here, existing data are added to in order to produce a longer chronosequence of times since sand‐mining (4, 8, 14 and 20 years) than has been examined previously. The new data are compared to those from unmined forests. Ctenotus robustus and C. taeniolatus dominated lizard captures on mined areas, with peak abundances at 8 and 14 years, respectively. Lampropholis guichenoti (Scincidae) was at low abundance until 20 years post‐mining and L. delicata was present only at 20 years post‐mining. Unmined forest burned 4, 8 or 14 years ago had a significantly different lizard community from that of sand‐mined areas. Ctenotus robustus and C. taeniolatus were absent from unmined forest at all post‐fire periods. Lampropholis guichenoti and Lampropholis delicata were numerically dominant in forest, with increasing abundance of L. guichenoti with time since fire. Thus the composition of the lizard community on these coastal dunes is not solely determined by time since disturbance per se. Comparisons of sites on the basis of accumulated leaf litter showed a significant relationship between Lampropholis abundance and litter density. On sand‐mined sites and forested sites with similar leaf litter densities, the abundances of L. guichenoti were similar. As Ctenotus were absent from unmined forest, we could not compare their distribution in unmined and mined areas. However, negative correlations of Ctenotus abundance with canopy cover and understorey vegetation density offer a possible explanation for the absence of these species from forest.
Defence, growth and nutrient allocation in the tropical shrub Bauhinia brevipes (Leguminosae)
Authors: Cornelissen Tatiana G. , Fernandes G. Wilson 
Published: March 2003

AbstractHerbivory in natural communities can be high, reducing the growth and reproduction of individual plants. To diminish the impact of herbivores, plants use a variety of defensive mechanisms. It is now recognized that the plant world is characterized by a proliferation of secondary metabolites, but models of the evolution of defence strategies assume that plants are constrained by finite resources, and that defences are costly. In the present study, the relationships between defence, growth and nutrient concentration in Bauhinia brevipes Vog. (Leguminosae) in south‐eastern Brazil were investigated. Patterns of herbivory and defence were examined for 170 B. brevipes individuals in 1997 and 1998. Leaf age influenced tannin concentration and herbivore attack on B. brevipes. Mature leaves had higher concentrations of tannins than young leaves, and young leaves were approximately 60% more likely to be attacked than mature leaves. Carbon and nitrogen content explained 36% of the variation in the percentage of attacked leaves in B. brevipes (y = 16.29 – 0.31 C + 0.25 N; r2 = 0.36; F = 9.56; P < 0.0001). Tannins acted as defensive compounds on B. brevipes leaves against free‐feeding herbivores, but no clear pattern was observed against galling herbivores. The amounts of nitrogen, carbon, potassium, and aluminium explained approximately 69% of the variation in tannin concentration on B. brevipes leaves (y = 0.62 – 0.16 N – 0.36 K – 0.26 Al + 0.74 C; r2 = 0.69; F = 21.18; P < 0.0001). We found an inverse relationship between shoot growth rates and tannin concentration in B. brevipes, indicating that the production of tannins may be costly, therefore offering some evidence for the trade‐off hypothesis. Nevertheless, the weak relationship observed between herbivore damage and tannin concentration indicates that other factors are also involved with herbivore pressure.
Seed rain of fleshy and dry propagules in different habitats in the temperate rainforests of Chiloé Island, Chile
Authors: Armesto Juan J. , Díaz Iván , Papic Claudia , Willson Mary F. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn temperate rainforests on Chiloé Island in southern Chile (42°S), most canopy trees bear fleshy, avian‐dispersed propagules, whereas emergent tree species have dry, wind‐borne propagules. In the present study, the following hypothesis was tested: regardless of species, fleshy propagules are deposited in greater numbers in canopy gaps and in forest margins and hence have a more heterogeneous seed shadow than wind‐dispersed propagules. To test this hypothesis, the seed rains of these two types of propagules were compared in the following forest habitats: (i) tree‐fall gaps (edges and centre); (ii) forest margins with adjacent pastures; and (iii) under closed canopy (forest interior). Seed collectors (30‐cm diameter) were placed in two (15 and 100 ha) remnant forest patches (n = 60–100 seed collectors per patch) distributed in the four habitats. Seeds were retrieved monthly from each collector during two reproductive seasons (1996, 1997). In both years, the seed rain was numerically dominated by two species with dry propagules (Laureliopsis philippiana and Nothofagus nitida) and three species with fleshy fruits (Drimys winteri, Amomyrtus luma, and Amomyrtus meli). The seed shadows of the two species with dry, wind‐dispersed seeds differed markedly. Seeds of L. philippiana were deposited predominantly in canopy openings, whereas N. nitida seeds fell almost entirely in the forest interior. The fleshy‐fruited species, Drimys and Amomyrtus spp., had similar seed deposition patterns in the various habitats studied, but the between‐year differences in seed rain were greater in Drimys winteri than in Amomyrtus spp. Although no more than 10% of fleshy‐fruited propagules reached the margins of the patch, approximately 7% of these were carried there by birds. Every year, canopy gaps (pooling data from edges and centres) concentrated approximately 60% of the total seed rain of both propagule types in both forest patches. Forest margins received less than 20% of the total seed rain, which was largely dominated by fleshy‐fruited species. Seed shadows were a species‐specific attribute rather than a trait associated with propagule type and dispersal mode.
Paddock‐scale patterns of seed production and dispersal in the invasive shrub Acacia nilotica (Mimosaceae) in northern Australian rangelands
Authors: Radford Ian J. , Nicholas D. Michael , Brown Joel R. , Kriticos Darren J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractPaddock‐scale Acacia nilotica L. Willd. ex Del. (prickly acacia) spatial distribution, seed production and dispersal patterns were investigated in the Astrebla (Mitchell) grasslands of northern Australia as a step toward predicting future patterns of invasion. A number of hypotheses were tested based on what we know of this species in both Australia and regions where it is native, for example South Africa. It was hypothesized that most A. nilotica seeds would be produced by trees in riparian habitats with access to permanent water. In addition, we predicted that seeds would be dispersed throughout the Astrebla grassland landscape by cattle, following observations that cattle readily ingest and pass seeds and that cattle have access to all areas within paddock boundary fences. Tree density, seed production and seed dispersal by cattle were measured along a series of transects from permanent watering points to paddock boundary fences. Trees associated with permanent watering points produced more seeds per unit area and occurred at higher density than their non‐riparian counterparts. The importance of riparian trees decreased in years with high rainfall and in paddocks with only small areas of riparian habitat. Cattle spread dung and seeds throughout paddocks, with peaks of deposition adjacent to permanent watering points. These results suggest that invasion patterns are likely to be uneven across the landscape and may be reactive to climate. High seedling recruitment and possible thicket formation is expected adjacent to permanent watering points and wherever cattle congregate. Patterns of recruitment in non‐riparian areas are likely to be relatively sparse. The importance of post‐dispersal factors in determining recruitment patterns is discussed.
Species richness and abundance of defoliating Lepidoptera associated with Eucalyptus grandis in Brazil and their response to plant age
Authors: Zanuncio J. C. , Guedes R. N. C. , Zanuncio T. V. , Fabres A. S. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe present paper documents patterns of species richness and abundance in Lepidoptera associated with a Eucalyptus grandis plantation, and how these patterns relate to plant age. The large number of species collected (1385), the lack of dominant species and the absence of pest outbreaks during the survey may be related to the high level of plant diversity of the native forest reserves in the area. There was no clear pattern of seasonal variation in species richness, but there were seasonal fluctuations in abundance, with minor defoliator species prevailing in October at the start of the rainy season. Species richness and abundance of Lepidoptera were positively correlated, with both variables decreasing in older plantations. However, the greatest numbers of major outbreak species and minor eucalypt defoliators were observed in plants after the mid‐point (6 years old) of their cutting cycle (7–10 years). This may be because of a larger amount of better‐quality plant leaves after this mid‐point or the reduction in silvicultural management interventions at this period of the Eucalyptus cutting cycle. The abundance of the main outbreak species observed in the survey, Stenalcidia grosica Schaus (Geometridae), was negatively correlated with plant age. Nonetheless, the effect was weak (r = – 0.21, P = 0.03) and we were not able to find further significant correlations between plant age and abundance of the other most frequent and constant species that were collected.
Heterogeneity in vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory and its consequences for New Zealand mistletoes
Authors: Sessions Laura A. , Kelly Dave 
Published: March 2003

AbstractVertebrate herbivores generally have greater effects than invertebrates on plants. However, few studies have investigated the effects of both invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores on a single plant species. In New Zealand, nationwide declines in mistletoe populations have often been attributed to possum herbivory, but never to insect herbivory. The main goal of the present study was to document levels of vertebrate and invertebrate herbivory on endemic New Zealand mistletoe plants to suggest whether herbivory is leading to mistletoe decline. In the present study, the annual amount of leaf loss from herbivory by the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula), insect herbivory and leaf abscission were measured in two populations each of three mistletoe species (Alepis flavida, Peraxilla colensoi, and Peraxilla tetrapetala, Loranthaceae). In two populations of each species from February 1997 to February 1998, abscission accounted for the most leaf loss (range 10–84% of total mean leaf area, mean 33%), whereas insects and possums usually removed small and similar amounts (less than 3%). Possum browse caused large amounts of abscission in only one population (A. flavida at Eglinton). Observed possum browse was more heterogeneous than insect browse among branches within a plant (possum coefficient of variation = 2.63, insect CV = 1.98, P < 0.001), among plants in a population (possum CV = 2.15, insect CV = 0.69, P < 0.001), and between populations (possum CV = 1.36, insect CV = 1.09). Moreover, insects damaged 100% of the study plants but never removed more than 16% of leaf area on a single plant, whereas possums only browsed 32% of the study plants but severely defoliated some plants. Thus, while the mean amount of biomass removed across a population may have important consequences for mistletoe survival, the effect of possums on mistletoe populations may also depend on the heterogeneity of browse among individuals in the population.
Life history and behavioural traits of Mnesampela privata that exacerbate population responses to eucalypt plantations: Comparisons with Australian and outbreak species of forest geometrid from the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J. , Mcquillan Peter B. , Young Catherine J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe larvae of the native Australian moth Mnesampela privata (Geometridae) sometimes defoliate plantation eucalypts, causing concern to industry. Typically, populations of M. privata maintain innocuous numbers in native forests, but outbreak populations can occur in plantations. Certain of the life history and behavioural traits of M. privata exacerbate population responses in simplified systems. Specifically, M. privata exhibits indiscriminate oviposition behaviour, for example, females oviposit upon leaves where conspecific egg clutches are already present. Combined with large egg clutches, this trait can lead to heavy exploitation of natal hosts. Complete defoliation of the natal tree necessitates that larvae disperse to undamaged hosts. In native forests, dispersing larvae would have a lower probability of locating a new host of suitable species and phenotype than they would in a plantation. Larval tolerance of a wide variety of species of Eucalyptus facilitates utilization of non‐natal eucalypts. A lower rate of encounter between larvae and natural enemies is achieved by means of leaf shelters and autumnal seasonal activity. Good dispersion by gravid females from plantations with large moth populations ensures that nearby plantations will be located. Given these characteristics, continued outbreaks of M. privata are likely in monospecific eucalypt plantations, especially when management practices reduce populations of natural enemies and overall vegetational complexity. However, because outbreaks only arise in plantations, population fluctuations of M. privata cannot be considered ‘self‐driven’. Hence, this moth is not a true eruptive species in the manner of other geometrids such as the autumnal moth (Epirrita autumnata autumnata) from Europe or the hemlock looper (Lambdina fiscellaria fiscellaria) from North America, but rather a gradient outbreak insect.
It’s the first bites that count: Survival of first‐instar monarchs on milkweeds
Authors: Zalucki Myron P. , Malcolm Stephen B. , Paine Timothy D. , Hanlon Christopher C. , Brower Lincoln P. , Clarke Anthony R. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMortality of first instars is generally very high, but variable, and is caused by many factors, including physical and chemical plant characters, weather and natural enemies. Here, a summary of detailed field‐based studies of the early‐stage survival of a specialist lepidopteran herbivore is presented. First‐instar larvae of the monarch butterfly, Danaus plexippus, a milkweed specialist, generally grew faster and survived better on leaves when latex flow was reduced by partial severance of the leaf petiole. The outcome depended on milkweed species, and was related to the amount of latex produced, as well as other plant characters, such as leaf hairs, microclimate and concentration of secondary metabolites. Even for a so‐called ‘milkweed specialist’, larval performance and survival appears to be related to the concentration of cardenolides produced by the plants (a potential chemical defence against herbivory). This case study of monarchs and milkweeds highlights the need for field‐based experiments to assess the effect of plant characters on the usually poor survival of early instar phytophagous insects. Few similar studies concerning the performance and survival of first‐instar, eucalypt‐specific herbivores have been conducted, but this type of study is considered essential based on the findings obtained using D. plexippus.
Impact of fire on leaf nutrients, arthropod fauna and herbivory of native and exotic eucalypts in Kings Park, Perth, Western Australia
Authors: Radho‐Toly Siprianus , Majer Jonathan D. , Yates Colin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe vegetation of Kings Park, near the centre of Perth, Western Australia, once had an overstorey of Eucalyptus marginata (jarrah) or Eucalyptus gomphocephala (tuart), and many trees still remain in the bushland parts of the Park. Avenues and roadsides have been planted with eastern Australian species, including Eucalyptus cladocalyx (sugar gum) and Eucalyptus botryoides (southern mahogany), both of which have become invasive. The present study examined the effect of a recent burn on the level of herbivory on these native and exotic eucalypts. Leaf damage, shoot extension and number of new leaves were measured on tagged shoots of saplings of each tree species in unburnt and burnt areas over an 8‐month period. Leaf macronutrient levels were quantified and the number of arthropods on saplings was measured at the end of the recording period by chemical knockdown. Leaf macronutrients were mostly higher in all four species in the burnt area, and this was associated with generally higher numbers of canopy arthropods and greater levels of leaf damage. It is suggested that the pulse of soil nutrients after the fire resulted in more nutrient‐rich foliage, which in turn was more palatable to arthropods. The resulting high levels of herbivory possibly led to reduced shoot extension of E. gomphocephala, E. botryoides and, to a lesser extent, E. cladocalyx. This acts as a negative feedback mechanism that lessens the tendency for lush, post‐fire regrowth to outcompete other species of plants. There was no consistent difference in the levels of the various types of leaf damage or of arthropods on the native and the exotic eucalypts, suggesting that freedom from herbivory is not contributing to the invasiveness of the two exotic species.
Life history perspectives on pest insects: What’s the use?
Authors: Nylin Sören 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn his seminal 1954 paper on the ‘population consequences of life history phenomena’, Cole noted that ‘these computations may have practical value in dealing with valuable or noxious species’. In the present paper, the question is asked: ‘is research based on evolutionary perspectives in general, and life history theory specifically, really useful for dealing with insect pests?’ Perhaps such theory‐based research is rather a luxury: time and resources would be better spent on entirely applied aspects of the problem. The conclusion of the present discussion is that having an evolutionary perspective guiding research is actually a very cost‐effective way of dealing with applied problems, as it provides a clear basis for interpretations, generalizations and predictions. Life history theory is a very central and necessary part of both population ecology and general evolutionary theory, and its specific usefulness in pest forecasting and management are discussed. Nevertheless, our ability to predict insect population dynamics is still limited, and so is our ability to make use of an insect’s life history traits to predict its propensity to become a pest. I suggest that the former shortcoming is largely due to poor understanding of insect life history plasticity. This, in turn, may partly be due to a paucity of studies where reaction norms are investigated as putative adaptations. I suggest that the latter shortcoming is due to problems inherent with studying life history traits as adaptations, for example the lack of an independent fitness model and the fact that life histories tend to form syndromes of coadapted traits. These points are illustrated with examples from my own work on non‐pest butterflies and from insect–Eucalyptus systems.
Effect of fire on northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) foraging behaviour
Authors: Vernes Karl , Haydon Daniel T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAn examination of movement paths, foraging patterns and habitat use of an endangered mycophagous marsupial, the northern bettong (Bettongia tropica), was undertaken in fire‐prone forest in north‐eastern Australia before and after experimentally induced fires. Fungal biomass remaining at bettong foraging points was similar across the study area prior to burning, but increased significantly on burnt ground during the period after fire. After burning, significantly more bettongs chose to forage in burnt habitat and those that did experienced higher probabilities of truffle recovery. Using data from spool‐and‐line tracking, observed movement patterns of bettongs were compared with those expected from a simple null model of animal movement (a correlated random walk). Analysis of mean‐squared displacement revealed that 22% of observations fell beyond the model’s 95% prediction interval. Further analysis revealed the reasons for the model’s inadequacy: bettongs exhibited area‐restricted search behaviour by taking significantly more frequent and more acute turns immediately prior to and following recovery of hypogeous fungi (truffles), and by taking significantly more frequent and more acute turns following any other foraging activity. In general ecological terms, the results indicate a flexible response by the northern bettong to habitat alteration and increased food availability brought about by low intensity fires.
Insect pests of Tasmanian blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus globulus, in south‐western Australia: History, current perspectives and future prospects
Authors: Loch A. D. , Floyd R. B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractTrends in, and potential causes of, insect pest problems of the Tasmanian blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus globulus, in south‐western Australia are reviewed. Historical evidence suggests that insect pest problems of E. g. globulus in south‐western Australia have greatly increased in the last 10 years, which corresponds to a time of rapid expansion of the blue gum industry in the region. Current major establishment pests include the African black beetle, Heteronychus arator, spring beetles, Liparetrus spp. and Heteronyx spp., and the wingless grasshopper, Phaulacridium vittatum. Current major pests of established trees are the Eucalyptus weevil, Gonipterus scutellatus, and chrysomelid beetles, Chrysophtharta spp. and Cadmus excrementarius. The occurrence of these insects on an introduced eucalypt is not unexpected because insect‐rich native eucalypt forests dominate the landscape where E. g. globulus plantations are grown. Insect damage may also be exacerbated because E. g. globulus is grown as a monoculture.