Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions

Diversity and Distributions, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 28(3), P. 571 - 591

Published: Oct. 21, 2021

Abstract Aim The incidence of major fires is increasing globally, creating extraordinary challenges for governments, managers and conservation scientists. In 2019–2020, Australia experienced precedent‐setting that burned over several months, affecting seven states territories causing massive biodiversity loss. Whilst the were still burning, Australian Government convened a Expert Panel to guide its bushfire response. A pressing need was target emergency investment management reduce chance extinctions maximise chances longer‐term recovery. We describe approach taken rapidly prioritise fire‐affected animal species. use experience consider organisational data requirements evidence‐based responses future ecological disasters. Location Forested biomes subtropical temperate Australia, with lessons other regions. Methods developed assessment frameworks screen species based on their pre‐fire status, proportion distribution overlapping fires, behavioural/ecological traits relating fire vulnerability. Using formal informal networks scientists, government non‐government staff managers, we collated expert input from multiple sources, undertook analyses, completed assessments in 3 weeks vertebrates 8 invertebrates. Results prioritised 92 vertebrate 213 invertebrate urgent response; another 147 placed watchlist requiring further information. Conclusions priority lists helped focus investment, research effort, communication public. allowed be using best information available. However, highlighted substantial gaps availability access, deficiencies statutory threatened listings, capacity‐building across science sectors. outline flexible template evidence effectively

Language: Английский

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Why We Need to Invest in Large-Scale, Long-Term Monitoring Programs in Landscape Ecology and Conservation Biology

Current Landscape Ecology Reports, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 7(4), P. 137 - 146

Published: Oct. 12, 2022

Abstract Purpose of Review Large-scale and/or long-term monitoring has many important roles in landscape ecology and conservation biology. We explore some these this review. also briefly discuss the key design issues that need to be considered when developing long-term, large-scale ensure it is effective. Recent Findings Much been written on importance ecological monitoring, but record remains generally poor. For populations species for environmental management interventions, rarely done, or done well. This review outlines reasons critical invest well-designed, implemented, maintained monitoring. New ways using data, such as accounting mandated reporting, might provide avenues garnering greater support programs future. Summary seven most These are (1) documenting responses change, (2) answering questions, (3) testing existing theory new theory, (4) quantifying effectiveness (5) informing prediction systems, (6) engaging citizen scientists general public, (7) contributing data other insights initiatives. illustrate with examples, drawn from large-scale, work a range environments Australia. argue functions can only realized if program well designed, maintained.

Language: Английский

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Stand age related differences in forest microclimate

Forest Ecology and Management, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 510, P. 120101 - 120101

Published: Feb. 24, 2022

Language: Английский

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Long-unburnt habitat is critical for the conservation of threatened vertebrates across Australia

Landscape Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 37(6), P. 1469 - 1482

Published: March 9, 2022

Abstract Context Increases in fire frequency, intensity and extent are occurring globally. Relative to historical, Indigenous managed conditions, contemporary landscapes often characterised by younger age classes of vegetation a much smaller representation long-unburnt habitat. Objectives We argue that, conserve many threatened vertebrate species Australia, landscape management should emphasise the protection existing patches from fire, as well facilitate recruitment additional habitat, while maintaining historically relevant distributions more recently burned patches. Methods use range case studies ecosystem types illustrate three lines evidence: (1) that depend on mid- late-successional attributes; (2) disturbance habitat tends increase risk future collapse; (3) exhibit characteristics differ historical conditions require context-specific management. Conclusions It is crucial we adequately consider implications altered for activities aim vertebrates. Contemporary lack critical structural compositional components typical required persistence need shift towards strategic, objective-driven approaches identify protect habitats promote their enable recovery declining species.

Language: Английский

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What did it used to look like? A case study from tall, wet mainland Mountain Ash forests prior to British invasion

Austral Ecology, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 49(4)

Published: April 1, 2024

Abstract There has been extensive commentary about historical First Nations' land management in Australia, including tall, wet forests, and therefore their condition at the time of British invasion 1788. Popular texts have interpreted records kept by early invaders to argue that areas forest were open through frequent burning Peoples. However, these interpretations conflict with ecological evidence, which is rarely acknowledged public discourse. Here, we present evidence what Victorian Mountain Ash ( Eucalyptus regnans ) forests like invasion. We show invasion, most mainland likely naturally dense wet, with: (1) overstorey trees spaced relatively widely; (2) an understorey consisting a cool temperate rainforest mesic layer. Ecological physiological suggests evolved under conditions where high‐severity wildfire was comparatively rare, leading patterns landscape‐level cover dominated mature forests. This broadly consistent reports from Peoples, accounts, paintings, photographs. These not or park‐like, as may case some other Australian vegetation types. wilderness , but places significance Understanding structure critically important establishing reference for guiding appropriate restoration programmes, especially reinstatement traditional knowledge, after long periods post‐British disturbance degradation. Notably, dense, characterizes should be recognized inherent entirely natural part dynamics this ecosystem, approaches thin, burn, remove it highly counterproductive range detrimental environmental effects.

Language: Английский

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Eight things you should never do in a monitoring program: an Australian perspective

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 194(10)

Published: Aug. 22, 2022

Abstract Monitoring is critical to gauge the effect of environmental management interventions as well measure effects human disturbances such climate change. Recognition need for monitoring means that, at irregular intervals, recommendations are made new government-instigated programs or revamp existing ones. Using insights from past well-intentioned (but sadly also often failed) attempts establish and maintain in Australia, we outline eight things that should never be done (if they aim useful). These following: (1) Never commence a initiative without committing program. (2) start program clear questions. (3) implement first doing proper experimental design. (4) ignore importance matching purpose objectives design (5) change way you monitor something ensuring methods can calibrated with old (6) try everything. (7) collect data planning curate report on it. (8) If possible, avoid starting necessary resources secured. To balance our “nevers”, provide checklist actions will increase chances actually effectiveness management. Scientists resource practitioners part stronger narrative for, key participants in, well-designed, implemented, maintained government-led programs. We argue mandated threatened species conservation all initiatives.

Language: Английский

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A review of the ecology and conservation of the yellow-bellied glider

Australian Mammalogy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 47(1)

Published: Feb. 20, 2025

The conservation of Australia’s wildlife requires detailed knowledge the ecology individual species. That needs to be synthesised from time so that a consistent understanding arises and gaps are identified. yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) is forest-dependent species eastern southern mainland Australia has been focal for research because it occurs in forest subject logging. In 2022, became listed by Australian government as threatened throughout its geographic range, highlighting need review requirements. I reviewed 161 articles, which showed most frequently covered topics were on diet foraging behaviour, habitat surveys distribution. A prominent item eucalypt sap, obtains small number trees (≤4% available trees), incised repeatedly, although periodically, over many years. Yellow-bellied gliders make frequent loud calls at night advertise territories defended family groups two six individuals. This calling behaviour forms basis population monitoring, including recently using audio-recorders. paradoxical aspect dependent tree hollows shelter, but occurrence generally not influenced abundance hollow-bearing trees, probably owing occupying large areas (30–80 ha). More important drivers appear availability certain favoured sap feeding, diversity (including winter-flowering) provide an array plant insect exudates, substrates arthropods included diet. Threats include fragmentation recent wildfires have caused decline populations. Climate change predicted lead widespread contraction range. These threats highlight identify multiple climate wildfire refuges range ensure long-term conservation. Long-term monitoring these other locations needed guide this

Language: Английский

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Is Australia’s environmental legislation protecting threatened species? A case study of the national listing of the greater glider

Pacific Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 28(3), P. 277 - 289

Published: Aug. 24, 2021

Effective environmental legislation that mitigates threats and strengthens protection are critical in arresting the decline of global biodiversity. We used national listing an Australian marsupial, greater glider (Petauroides spp.), vulnerable to extinction under Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC), as a case study evaluate effectiveness for protecting threatened species habitat. quantified extent habitat destroyed (or extensively modified) due deforestation logging Queensland New South Wales (NSW), Victoria, 2 years before (2014–2016) after (2016–2018) EPBC listing. burned 2019–2020 wildfires. Destruction increased NSW was listed (NSW: 7602 ha/annum c.f. 7945 ha/annum; Qld: 1501 5919 ha/annum). In amount logged remained relatively consistent pre- post-listing (4916.5 ha pre-listing 4758.5 post-listing). Australia-wide, we estimate 29% Fire severity severe or extreme 37% burnt, suggesting few gliders would persist these areas. demonstrate since listing, destruction population has continued result human activities, both directly (i.e. logging) indirectly wildfire facilitated by human-induced climate change). recommend state federal protections should be strengthened urgently better conserve environment.

Language: Английский

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Critical Ecological Roles, Structural Attributes and Conservation of Old Growth Forest: Lessons From a Case Study of Australian Mountain Ash Forests

Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 5

Published: May 12, 2022

Old growth is a critical stage in many forest types globally. It has key ecological roles including biodiversity conservation, carbon storage and the provision of services such as water production. The extent old been declining ecosystems around world, with major ecosystem service consequences. Important insights about declines, well structure, function conservation forest, can be gained from detailed cross-sectional longitudinal studies different age cohorts within given ecosystem. In this review article, we outline into characteristics of, threats to forests, using Mountain Ash ( Eucalyptus regnans ) forests Central Highlands Victoria, south-eastern Australia case study. These are dominated by tallest flowering plants on earth have subject several decades intense show that characterized (among other features): giant trees (approaching 100 m tall sometimes exceeding 20 circumference), numerous hollows, an understorey Acacia rainforest trees, range plant animal species rare or absent younger aged stands, moist, nutrient-rich soils. area declined 1.16% ∼141,000 ha occupied ash-type region. This up 60 times less than it was at time European colonization ∼220 years ago. loss implications for bird, mammal biodiversity, production human consumption. main drivers decline recurrent wildfire, widespread clearcutting, logging-fire interaction which cut then regenerated become more flammable significantly elevated risk burning high (stand replacing) severity. Climate change also driver both through elevating mortality large living underpinning increase frequency severity wildfire. interacting mean restoring will policy challenge. We argue first step must cease all commercial logging allow new recruited thereby expand estate. addition, Government Victoria should revert past definition made easier qualify protection. Given there risks high-severity wildfire existing estate highly young regrowth technologies (such use drones satellites) needed rapidly detect suppress ignitions before fires difficult control. provided important natural laboratory understanding dynamics, management forest. They helped generate some valuable general perspectives likely relevant include: (1) value multi-facetted quantifying attributes to, (2) need carefully crafted typically ecosystem-specific based required develop (e.g., trees), (3) importance rigorous protection measures because poor decisions result now take prolonged periods rectify, (4) setting levels relative spatial coverage remaining impacts stressors driving decline.

Language: Английский

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Hostile environments, terminal habitat, and tomb trees: the impact of systemic failures to survey for mature-forest dependent species in the State forests of New South Wales

Pacific Conservation Biology, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 31(1)

Published: Jan. 9, 2025

Context The Coastal Integrated Forestry Approval (CIFOA) areas of New South Wales (NSW), Australia include most populations at least two threatened species glider Petaurus australis (Yellow-bellied Glider [south-eastern]) and Petauroides volans (Greater [Southern Central]). NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) administers protocols to conserve gliders within forest compartments intensively managed for timber production by Forests Corporation (FCNSW). These pre-logging surveys retention hollow-bearing trees (HBTs), den trees, associated buffers. Citizen scientists have ground-truthed these in some compartments. Aims We assessed the effectiveness FCNSW outcomes context planned logging operations. Methods used publicly available EPA Native map viewer data this analysis. Key results Although been detected abundant HBTs retained 10 State forests, no were identified any ‘active’ compartment (as December 2023). Thus, isolated or tomb without Several phases not improved conservation logged compartments, even when complied with FCNSW. Conclusions Based on citizen science, implemented under CIFOA result poor other mature dependent species. Wholesale changes process are likely required effective conservation. Implications approaches monitoring research commitment, administration, oversight halt increasingly rapid decline gliders, as well local communities forests NSW.

Language: Английский

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