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Bergstrom BJ, Scruggs SB, Vieira EM. Tropical savanna small mammals respond to loss of cover following disturbance: A global review of field studies. Front Ecol Evol 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2023.1017361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Small-mammal faunas of tropical savannas consist of endemic assemblages of murid rodents, small marsupials, and insectivores on four continents. Small mammals in tropical savannas are understudied compared to other tropical habitats and other taxonomic groups (e.g., Afrotropical megafauna or Neotropical rainforest mammals). Their importance as prey, ecosystem engineers, disease reservoirs, and declining members of endemic biodiversity in tropical savannas compels us to understand the factors that regulate their abundance and diversity. We reviewed field studies published in the last 35 years that examined, mostly experimentally, the effects of varying three primary endogenous disturbances in tropical savanna ecosystems—fire, large mammalian herbivory (LMH), and drought—on abundance and diversity of non-volant small mammals. These disturbances are most likely to affect habitat structure (cover or concealment), food availability, or both, for ground-dwelling small mammalian herbivores, omnivores, and insectivores. Of 63 studies (included in 55 published papers) meeting these criteria from the Afrotropics, Neotropics, and northern Australia (none was found from southern Asia), 29 studies concluded that small mammals responded (mostly negatively) to a loss of cover (mostly from LMH and fire); four found evidence of increased predation on small mammals in lower-cover treatments (e.g., grazed or burned). Eighteen studies concluded a combination of food- and cover-limitation explained small-mammal responses to endogenous disturbances. Only two studies concluded small-mammal declines in response to habitat-altering disturbance were caused by food limitation and not related to cover reduction. Evidence to date indicates that abundance and richness of small savanna mammals, in general (with important exceptions), is enhanced by vegetative cover (especially tall grass, but sometimes shrub cover) as refugia for these prey species amid a “landscape of fear,” particularly for diurnal, non-cursorial, and non-fossorial species. These species have been called “decreasers” in response to cover reduction, whereas a minority of small-mammal species have been shown to be “increasers” or disturbance-tolerant. Complex relationships between endogenous disturbances and small-mammal food resources are important secondary factors, but only six studies manipulated or measured food resources simultaneous to habitat manipulations. While more such studies are needed, designing effective ones for cryptic consumer communities of omnivorous dietary opportunists is a significant challenge.
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Pocknee CA, Legge SM, McDonald J, Fisher DO. Modeling mammal response to fire based on species' traits. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2023:e14062. [PMID: 36704894 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Fire has shaped ecological communities worldwide for millennia, but impacts of fire on individual species are often poorly understood. We performed a meta-analysis to predict which traits, habitat, or study variables and fire characteristics affect how mammal species respond to fire. We modeled effect sizes of measures of population abundance or occupancy as a function of various combinations of these traits and variables with phylogenetic least squares regression. Nine of 115 modeled species (7.83%) returned statistically significant effect sizes, suggesting most mammals are resilient to fire. The top-ranked model predicted a negative impact of fire on species with lower reproductive rates, regardless of fire type (estimate = -0.68), a positive impact of burrowing in prescribed fires (estimate = 1.46) but not wildfires, and a positive impact of average fire return interval for wildfires (estimate = 0.93) but not prescribed fires. If a species' International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List assessment includes fire as a known or possible threat, the species was predicted to respond negatively to wildfire relative to prescribed fire (estimate = -2.84). These findings provide evidence of experts' abilities to predict whether fire is a threat to a mammal species and the ability of managers to meet the needs of fire-threatened species through prescribed fire. Where empirical data are lacking, our methods provide a basis for predicting mammal responses to fire and thus can guide conservation actions or interventions in species or communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Pocknee
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
| | - Sarah M Legge
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
- Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Jane McDonald
- Institute for Future Environments, Centre for the Environment, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Diana O Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia
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3
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Doherty TS, Geary WL, Jolly CJ, Macdonald KJ, Miritis V, Watchorn DJ, Cherry MJ, Conner LM, González TM, Legge SM, Ritchie EG, Stawski C, Dickman CR. Fire as a driver and mediator of predator-prey interactions. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2022; 97:1539-1558. [PMID: 35320881 PMCID: PMC9546118 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Both fire and predators have strong influences on the population dynamics and behaviour of animals, and the effects of predators may either be strengthened or weakened by fire. However, knowledge of how fire drives or mediates predator–prey interactions is fragmented and has not been synthesised. Here, we review and synthesise knowledge of how fire influences predator and prey behaviour and interactions. We develop a conceptual model based on predator–prey theory and empirical examples to address four key questions: (i) how and why do predators respond to fire; (ii) how and why does prey vulnerability change post‐fire; (iii) what mechanisms do prey use to reduce predation risk post‐fire; and (iv) what are the outcomes of predator–fire interactions for prey populations? We then discuss these findings in the context of wildlife conservation and ecosystem management before outlining priorities for future research. Fire‐induced changes in vegetation structure, resource availability, and animal behaviour influence predator–prey encounter rates, the amount of time prey are vulnerable during an encounter, and the conditional probability of prey death given an encounter. How a predator responds to fire depends on fire characteristics (e.g. season, severity), their hunting behaviour (ambush or pursuit predator), movement behaviour, territoriality, and intra‐guild dynamics. Prey species that rely on habitat structure for avoiding predation often experience increased predation rates and lower survival in recently burnt areas. By contrast, some prey species benefit from the opening up of habitat after fire because it makes it easier to detect predators and to modify their behaviour appropriately. Reduced prey body condition after fire can increase predation risk either through impaired ability to escape predators, or increased need to forage in risky areas due to being energetically stressed. To reduce risk of predation in the post‐fire environment, prey may change their habitat use, increase sheltering behaviour, change their movement behaviour, or use camouflage through cryptic colouring and background matching. Field experiments and population viability modelling show instances where fire either amplifies or does not amplify the impacts of predators on prey populations, and vice versa. In some instances, intense and sustained post‐fire predation may lead to local extinctions of prey populations. Human disruption of fire regimes is impacting faunal communities, with consequences for predator and prey behaviour and population dynamics. Key areas for future research include: capturing data continuously before, during and after fires; teasing out the relative importance of changes in visibility and shelter availability in different contexts; documenting changes in acoustic and olfactory cues for both predators and prey; addressing taxonomic and geographic biases in the literature; and predicting and testing how changes in fire‐regime characteristics reshape predator–prey interactions. Understanding and managing the consequences for predator–prey communities will be critical for effective ecosystem management and species conservation in this era of global change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim S Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - William L Geary
- Biodiversity Strategy and Knowledge Branch, Biodiversity Division, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia.,Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Chris J Jolly
- School of Agricultural, Environmental and Veterinary Sciences, Charles Sturt University, Gungalman Drive, Albury, NSW, 2640, Australia.,School of Natural Sciences, G17, Macquarie University, 205B Culloden Road, Macquarie Park, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Kristina J Macdonald
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Vivianna Miritis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Darcy J Watchorn
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Michael J Cherry
- Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, 700 University Boulevard, MSC 218, Kingsville, TX, 78363, U.S.A
| | - L Mike Conner
- The Jones Center at Ichauway, 3988 Jones Center Drive, Newton, GA, 39870, U.S.A
| | - Tania Marisol González
- Laboratorio de Ecología del Paisaje y Modelación de Ecosistemas ECOLMOD, Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Edificio 421, Bogotá, 111321, Colombia
| | - Sarah M Legge
- Fenner School of Environment & Society, The Australian National University, Linnaeus Way, Canberra, ACT, 2601, Australia.,Centre for Biodiversity Conservation Science, University of Queensland, Level 5 Goddard Building, St Lucia, QLD, 4072, Australia
| | - Euan G Ritchie
- Centre for Integrative Ecology, School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus), Deakin University, 75 Pigdons Road, Waurn Ponds, VIC, 3216, Australia
| | - Clare Stawski
- Department of Biology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, NO-7491, Norway.,School of Science, Technology and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, QLD, 4558, Australia
| | - Chris R Dickman
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Heydon-Laurence Building A08, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
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Wysong ML, Gregory P, Watson AWT, Woolley L, Parker CW, Country Managers Y, Rangers K, Mangala Rangers N. Cross‐cultural collaboration leads to greater understanding of the rare Spectacled Hare‐wallaby in the west Kimberley, Western Australia. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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5
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Radford IJ, Corey B, Carnes K, Shedley E, McCaw L, Woolley LA. Landscape-Scale Effects of Fire, Cats, and Feral Livestock on Threatened Savanna Mammals: Unburnt Habitat Matters More Than Pyrodiversity. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.739817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Northern Australia has undergone significant declines among threatened small and medium-sized mammals in recent decades. Conceptual models postulate that predation by feral cats is the primary driver, with changed disturbance regimes from fire and feral livestock in recent decades reducing habitat cover and exacerbating declines. However, there is little guidance on what scale habitat and disturbance attributes are most important for threatened mammals, and what elements and scale of fire mosaics actually support mammals. In this study, we test a series of hypotheses regarding the influence of site-scale (50 × 50 m) habitat and disturbance attributes, as well as local-scale (1 km radius), meta-local scale (3 km), landscape-scale (5 km) and meta-landscape scale (10 km) fire mosaic attributes on mammal abundance and richness. We found that habitat cover (rock, perennial grass, and shrub cover) at the site-scale had a positive effect, and disturbance factors (feral cats, fire, feral livestock) had a negative influence on mammal abundance and richness. Models supported site-scale habitat and disturbance factors as more important for mammals than broader-scale (local up to meta-landscape scale) fire mosaic attributes. Finally, we found that increasing the extent of ≥ 4 year unburnt habitat, and having an intermediate percentage (ca. 25%) of recently burnt (1-year burnt) habitat within the mosaic, were the most important functional elements of the fire mosaic at broad scales for mammals. Contrary to expectations, diversity of post-fire ages (‘pyrodiversity’) was negatively associated with mammal abundance and richness. These results highlight the need for management to promote retention of longer unburnt vegetation in sufficient patches across savanna landscapes (particularly of shrub and fruiting trees), maintain low-intensity patchy fire regimes, reduce the extent of intense late dry season wildfires, and to reduce the impact of feral livestock. This study provides further evidence for the role of feral cats in northern Australian mammal declines, and highlights the need for increased research into the efficacy of cat control methodologies in reducing biodiversity impacts in these extensive landscapes.
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Defaunation and changes in climate and fire frequency have synergistic effects on aboveground biomass loss in the brazilian savanna. Ecol Modell 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2021.109628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Edwards A, Archer R, De Bruyn P, Evans J, Lewis B, Vigilante T, Whyte S, Russell-Smith J. Transforming fire management in northern Australia through successful implementation of savanna burning emissions reductions projects. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2021; 290:112568. [PMID: 33887642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Savannas are the most fire-prone of Earth's biomes and currently account for most global burned area and associated carbon emissions. In Australia, over recent decades substantial development of savanna burning emissions accounting methods has been undertaken to incentivise more conservative savanna fire management and reduce the extent and severity of late dry season wildfires. Since inception of Australia's formal regulated savanna burning market in 2012, today 25% of the 1.2M km2 fire-prone northern savanna region is managed under such arrangements. Although savanna burning projects generate significant emissions reductions and associated financial benefits especially for Indigenous landowners, various biodiversity conservation considerations, including fine-scale management requirements for conservation of fire-vulnerable taxa, remain contentious. For the entire savanna burning region, here we compare outcomes achieved at 'with-project' vs 'non-project' sites over the period 2000-19, with respect to explicit ecologically defined fire regime metrics, and assembled fire history and spatial mapping coverages. We find that there has been little significant fire regime change at non-project sites, whereas, at with-project sites under all land uses, from 2013 there has been significant reduction in late season wildfire, increase in prescribed early season mitigation burning and patchiness metrics, and seasonally variable changes in extent of unburnt (>2, >5 years) habitat. Despite these achievements, it is acknowledged that savanna burning projects do not provide a fire management panacea for a variety of key regional conservation, production, and cultural management issues. Rather, savanna burning projects can provide an effective operational funded framework to assist with delivering various landscape-scale management objectives. With these caveats in mind, significant potential exists for implementing incentivised fire management approaches in other fire-prone international savanna settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Edwards
- Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT, 0909, Australia; Bushfire & Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, East Melbourne Vic, 3002, Australia
| | - Ricky Archer
- North Australian Land and Sea Management Alliance, PO Box 486 CDU NT 0815, Australia
| | - Phillip De Bruyn
- Western Australia Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, PO Box 65 Broome, WA, 6725, Australia
| | - Jay Evans
- Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT, 0909, Australia; Bushfire & Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, East Melbourne Vic, 3002, Australia
| | - Ben Lewis
- Fire Stick & Associates, PO Box 18 Pine Creek NT 0847, Australia
| | - Tom Vigilante
- Wunambal Gaambera Aboriginal Corporation, PMB 16 Kalumburu, WA, 6740, Australia
| | - Sandy Whyte
- APN (Aaak Puul Ngantam) Cape York, Level 1 18-20 Donaldson street, Cairns Qld, 4870, Australia
| | - Jeremy Russell-Smith
- Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin NT, 0909, Australia; Bushfire & Natural Hazards Cooperative Research Centre, East Melbourne Vic, 3002, Australia; North Australian Land and Sea Management Alliance, PO Box 486 CDU NT 0815, Australia
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8
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Jones GM, Tingley MW. Pyrodiversity and biodiversity: A history, synthesis, and outlook. DIVERS DISTRIB 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.13280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gavin M. Jones
- USDA Forest ServiceRocky Mountain Research Station Albuquerque NM USA
| | - Morgan W. Tingley
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology University of California Los Angeles CA USA
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Shaw RE, James AI, Tuft K, Legge S, Cary GJ, Peakall R, Banks SC. Unburnt habitat patches are critical for survival and in situ population recovery in a small mammal after fire. J Appl Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/1365-2664.13846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Robyn E. Shaw
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Alex I. James
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby WA Australia
| | | | - Sarah Legge
- Threatened Species Recovery Hub National Environmental Science Program Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science The University of Queensland St Lucia Qld Australia
- The Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Geoffrey J. Cary
- The Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Rod Peakall
- Research School of Biology The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- The Fenner School of Environment & Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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Moore HA, Dunlop JA, Jolly CJ, Kelly E, Woinarski JCZ, Ritchie EG, Burnett S, van Leeuwen S, Valentine LE, Cowan MA, Nimmo DG. A brief history of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus): a systematic review. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am21002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Radford IJ, Oliveira SLJ, Byrne B, Woolley LA. Tree hollow densities reduced by frequent late dry-season wildfires in threatened Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) breeding habitat. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/wr20108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Context. Tree hollows are a key habitat resource for hollow-nesting species, including the northern Australian Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). Certain fire and disturbance regimes limit tree hollow availability in the northern Australian savannas.
Aims. This study investigated the influence of fire regime and vegetation structure on the density of tree hollows at Gouldian finch breeding sites.
Methods. Fire scars were mapped across breeding sites by using LANDSAT images. Vegetation plots within sites were spatially stratified according to three fire-regime attributes, namely, fire frequency, late dry-season wildfire frequency and time since the last fire. Tree hollow and vegetation structural attributes were measured at each vegetation plot. We modelled the relationship among hollow density, fire and vegetation attributes by using general linear mixed models with site as the random factor.
Key results. We found that the highest tree-hollow density was found at plots with high eucalypt tree density and cover and with the lowest frequency of late dry-season wildfires (<1 wildfire over 5 years). Tree-hollow density declined after >2 years without fire. Hollow density was not directly related to total fire frequency.
Conclusions. This study adds to previous work on grass seed resources in highlighting the importance of fire in Gouldian finch ecology. This study particularly highlighted the importance of reducing the impacts of high-intensity late dry-season wildfires because of their negative impacts on tree-hollow density, which is a key resource for breeding Gouldian finches.
Implications. We recommend the use of a network of interconnected annual patchy early dry-season prescribed burns for protecting Gouldian breeding habitat from threat of high-intensity wildfires. We do NOT recommend fire exclusion from Gouldian finch breeding habitats. This is because fire risks to hollow-bearing trees, and grass seed resources, increase with the long-term accumulation of savanna litter fuels in the absence of fire.
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Moro D, Morris K, van Leeuwen S, Davie H. A framework of integrated research for managing introduced predators in the Pilbara bioregion, Western Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1071/am20025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The effective control of wild dogs, feral cats and foxes is of primary interest to land managers, both for biodiversity conservation and for the protection of livestock. Control programs primarily target single species within the context of biodiversity conservation or livestock practices, but their effectiveness in depressing predator densities is unclear because monitoring is limited or not conducted. Here, we review and discuss the outcomes of a workshop to identify research priorities for managing predation on native fauna by introduced predators in the Pilbara bioregion in Western Australia. We suggest that the control of introduced predators will be most effective if it is implemented at a landscape-scale comprising integrated predator management that considers interspecific (predator) interactions combined with standardised monitoring to measure the effectiveness and benefits of control. Four research themes were identified: (1) collation and collection of baseline data, (2) effective monitoring of introduced predators, (3) understanding functional (ecological) roles of introduced predators within the different ecosystem contexts, and (4) identifying novel complementary approaches to protect threatened species. These themes collectively include research areas that invest in foundational, ecological and alternative biological parameters in research to close knowledge gaps related to the functional roles of introduced predators in the landscape. Addressing these research themes will assist land managers to achieve outcomes that address the needs of both biodiversity conservation and pastoral production. This framework is timely given the ongoing investment in offset funding being mobilised in the region.
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Swan M, Christie F, Steel E, Sitters H, York A, Di Stefano J. Ground‐dwelling mammal diversity responds positively to productivity and habitat heterogeneity in a fire‐prone region. Ecosphere 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Swan
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
| | - Fiona Christie
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
| | - Erin Steel
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
| | - Holly Sitters
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
| | - Alan York
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
| | - Julian Di Stefano
- School of Ecosystem and Forest Sciences University of Melbourne 4 Water St Creswick Victoria3363Australia
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14
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Cowan MA, Dunlop JA, Turner JM, Moore HA, Nimmo DG. Artificial refuges to combat habitat loss for an endangered marsupial predator: How do they measure up? CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell A. Cowan
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Judy A. Dunlop
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Locked Bag 104 Bentley Delivery Centre Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - James M. Turner
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Harry A. Moore
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- Institute for Land, Water and Society, School of Environmental Sciences Charles Sturt University Albury New South Wales Australia
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15
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Radford IJ, Woolley LA, Dickman CR, Corey B, Trembath D, Fairman R. Invasive anuran driven trophic cascade: An alternative hypothesis for recent critical weight range mammal collapses across northern Australia. Biol Invasions 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10530-020-02226-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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16
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Woolley L, Geyle HM, Murphy BP, Legge SM, Palmer R, Dickman CR, Augusteyn J, Comer S, Doherty TS, Eager C, Edwards G, Harley DK, Leiper I, McDonald PJ, McGregor HW, Moseby KE, Myers C, Read JL, Riley J, Stokeld D, Turpin JM, Woinarski JC. Introduced catsFelis catuseating a continental fauna: inventory and traits of Australian mammal species killed. Mamm Rev 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/mam.12167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Leigh‐Ann Woolley
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Hayley M. Geyle
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Brett P. Murphy
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Sarah M. Legge
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science University of Queensland St Lucia Qld4072Australia
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT2602Australia
| | - Russell Palmer
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions Locked Bag 104, Bentley Delivery Centre WA 6983 Australia
| | - Christopher R. Dickman
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Desert Ecology Research Group School of Life and Environmental Sciences A08 University of Sydney NSW2006Australia
| | - John Augusteyn
- Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service PO Box 3130Red HillQld4701Australia
| | - Sarah Comer
- Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions South Coast Region Albany WA6330Australia
| | - Tim S. Doherty
- Centre for Integrative Ecology School of Life and Environmental Sciences (Burwood Campus) Deakin University Geelong Vic3220Australia
| | | | - Glenn Edwards
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesAlice Springs NT0871Australia
| | - Dan K.P. Harley
- Wildlife Conservation and Science Department Zoos Victoria PO Box 248 Healesville Vic.3777Australia
| | - Ian Leiper
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
| | - Peter J. McDonald
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesAlice Springs NT0871Australia
| | - Hugh W. McGregor
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub School of Biological Sciences University of Tasmania Private Bag 55 Hobart Tas7001Australia
| | | | - Cecilia Myers
- Dunkeld Pastoral Co Pty Ltd P.O. Box 50 Dunkeld Vic3294Australia
| | - John L. Read
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences University of Adelaide Adelaide SA5000Australia
| | - Joanna Riley
- School of Biological Sciences University of Bristol 24 Tyndall Ave BristolBS8 1TQUK
| | - Danielle Stokeld
- Department of Environment and Natural ResourcesBerrimah NT0828Australia
| | - Jeff M. Turpin
- Department of Terrestrial Zoology Western Australian Museum 49 Kew Street Welshpool WA6106Australia
| | - John C.Z. Woinarski
- NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Research Institute for the Environment and Livelihoods Charles Darwin University Casuarina NT0909Australia
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He T, Lamont BB, Pausas JG. Fire as a key driver of Earth's biodiversity. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2019; 94:1983-2010. [PMID: 31298472 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Many terrestrial ecosystems are fire prone, such that their composition and structure are largely due to their fire regime. Regions subject to regular fire have exceptionally high levels of species richness and endemism, and fire has been proposed as a major driver of their diversity, within the context of climate, resource availability and environmental heterogeneity. However, current fire-management practices rarely take into account the ecological and evolutionary roles of fire in maintaining biodiversity. Here, we focus on the mechanisms that enable fire to act as a major ecological and evolutionary force that promotes and maintains biodiversity over numerous spatiotemporal scales. From an ecological perspective, the vegetation, topography and local weather conditions during a fire generate a landscape with spatial and temporal variation in fire-related patches (pyrodiversity), and these produce the biotic and environmental heterogeneity that drives biodiversity across local and regional scales. There have been few empirical tests of the proposition that 'pyrodiversity begets biodiversity' but we show that biodiversity should peak at moderately high levels of pyrodiversity. Overall species richness is greatest immediately after fire and declines monotonically over time, with postfire successional pathways dictated by animal habitat preferences and varying lifespans among resident plants. Theory and data support the 'intermediate disturbance hypothesis' when mean patch species diversity is correlated with mean fire intervals. Postfire persistence, recruitment and immigration allow species with different life histories to coexist. From an evolutionary perspective, fire drives population turnover and diversification by promoting a wide range of adaptive responses to particular fire regimes. Among 39 comparisons, the number of species in 26 fire-prone lineages is much higher than that in their non-fire-prone sister lineages. Fire and its byproducts may have direct mutagenic effects, producing novel genotypes that can lead to trait innovation and even speciation. A paradigm shift aimed at restoring biodiversity-maintaining fire regimes across broad landscapes is required among the fire research and management communities. This will require ecologists and other professionals to spread the burgeoning fire-science knowledge beyond scientific publications to the broader public, politicians and media.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhua He
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.,College of Science, Health, Engineering and Education, Murdoch University, Murdoch, Australia
| | - Byron B Lamont
- School of Molecular and Life Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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18
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Law B, Kathuria A, Chidel M, Brassil T. Long-term effects of repeated fuel-reduction burning and logging on bats in south-eastern Australia. AUSTRAL ECOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bradley Law
- NSW Primary Industries; Locked Bag 5123 Parramatta New South Wales 2124 Australia
| | - Amrit Kathuria
- NSW Primary Industries; Locked Bag 5123 Parramatta New South Wales 2124 Australia
| | - Mark Chidel
- NSW Primary Industries; Locked Bag 5123 Parramatta New South Wales 2124 Australia
| | - Traecey Brassil
- NSW Primary Industries; Locked Bag 5123 Parramatta New South Wales 2124 Australia
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19
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Legge S, Smith JG, James A, Tuft KD, Webb T, Woinarski JCZ. Interactions among threats affect conservation management outcomes: Livestock grazing removes the benefits of fire management for small mammals in Australian tropical savannas. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.52] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Legge
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby Western Australia Australia
- Fenner School of Environment & SocietyThe Australian National University Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
- Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation ScienceUniversity of Queensland St Lucia Queensland Australia
- Research Institute of Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin University Casuarina Northwest Territories Australia
| | - James G. Smith
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby Western Australia Australia
| | - Alex James
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby Western Australia Australia
| | - Katherine D. Tuft
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby Western Australia Australia
- Arid Recovery Roxby Downs South Australia Australia
| | - Terry Webb
- Australian Wildlife ConservancyMornington Sanctuary Derby Western Australia Australia
| | - John C. Z. Woinarski
- Research Institute of Environment and LivelihoodsCharles Darwin University Casuarina Northwest Territories Australia
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20
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Broken-Brow J, Hitch AT, Armstrong KN, Leung LKP. Effect of fire on insectivorous bat activity in northern Australia: does fire intensity matter on a local scale? AUST J ZOOL 2019. [DOI: 10.1071/zo20030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Fire is notably becoming more intense, frequent and widespread due to climate change. In northern Australia, inappropriate fire regimes have been implicated in mammal declines, yet nothing is known about how different aspects of fire regimes affect bats in this region. This study aimed to determine how fire intensity, associated with seasonality, affects insectivorous bats on a local scale. An experimental M BACI approach was used on five site replicates across Cape York Peninsula, where ultrasonic detectors were used to determine the activity of insectivorous bats in response to low intensity burns (LIBs) and high intensity burns (HIBs) on a local scale. Total bat activity increased due to LIBs, but showed no response to HIBs. Activity of edge-open guild bats also increased due to LIBs but decreased in response to HIBs. Activity of open guild bats was unaffected by LIBs, but exhibited a strong positive response to HIBs. Activity of closed guild bats showed no response to fire, or fire intensity. Responses were likely derived from changes in habitat structure and prey availability. Given that each bat guild responded differently to each fire intensity, this lends support to the ‘pyrodiversity begets biodiversity’ concept, which is currently the basis for many fire management practices for conservation in northern Australia.
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21
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Einoder LD, Southwell DM, Lahoz-Monfort JJ, Gillespie GR, Fisher A, Wintle BA. Occupancy and detectability modelling of vertebrates in northern Australia using multiple sampling methods. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203304. [PMID: 30248104 PMCID: PMC6152866 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding where species occur and how difficult they are to detect during surveys is crucial for designing and evaluating monitoring programs, and has broader applications for conservation planning and management. In this study, we modelled occupancy and the effectiveness of six sampling methods at detecting vertebrates across the Top End of northern Australia. We fitted occupancy-detection models to 136 species (83 birds, 33 reptiles, 20 mammals) of 242 recorded during surveys of 333 sites in eight conservation reserves between 2011 and 2016. For modelled species, mean occupancy was highly variable: birds and reptiles ranged from 0.01–0.81 and 0.01–0.49, respectively, whereas mammal occupancy was lower, ranging from 0.02–0.30. Of the 11 environmental covariates considered as potential predictors of occupancy, topographic ruggedness, elevation, maximum temperature, and fire frequency were retained more readily in the top models. Using these models, we predicted species occupancy across the Top End of northern Australia (293,017 km2) and generated species richness maps for each species group. For mammals and reptiles, high richness was associated with rugged terrain, while bird richness was highest in coastal lowland woodlands. On average, detectability of diurnal birds was higher per day of surveys (0.33 ± 0.09) compared with nocturnal birds per night of spotlighting (0.13 ± 0.06). Detectability of reptiles was similar per day/night of pit trapping (0.30 ± 0.09) as per night of spotlighting (0.29 ± 0.11). On average, mammals were highly detectable using motion-sensor cameras for a week (0.36 ± 0.06), with exception of smaller-bodied species. One night of Elliott trapping (0.20 ± 0.06) and spotlighting (0.19 ± 0.06) was more effective at detecting mammals than cage (0.08 ± 0.03) and pit trapping (0.05 ± 0.04). Our estimates of species occupancy and detectability will help inform decisions about how best to redesign a long-running vertebrate monitoring program in the Top End of northern Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke D. Einoder
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Darren M. Southwell
- Quantitive and Applied Ecology Group, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - José J. Lahoz-Monfort
- Quantitive and Applied Ecology Group, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R. Gillespie
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Alaric Fisher
- Flora and Fauna Division, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Brendan A. Wintle
- Quantitive and Applied Ecology Group, School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Greenville AC, Burns E, Dickman CR, Keith DA, Lindenmayer DB, Morgan JW, Heinze D, Mansergh I, Gillespie GR, Einoder L, Fisher A, Russell-Smith J, Metcalfe DJ, Green PT, Hoffmann AA, Wardle GM. Biodiversity responds to increasing climatic extremes in a biome-specific manner. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2018; 634:382-393. [PMID: 29627562 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.03.285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
An unprecedented rate of global environmental change is predicted for the next century. The response to this change by ecosystems around the world is highly uncertain. To address this uncertainty, it is critical to understand the potential drivers and mechanisms of change in order to develop more reliable predictions. Australia's Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTERN) has brought together some of the longest running (10-60years) continuous environmental monitoring programs in the southern hemisphere. Here, we compare climatic variables recorded at five LTERN plot network sites during their period of operation and place them into the context of long-term climatic trends. Then, using our unique Australian long-term datasets (total 117 survey years across four biomes), we synthesize results from a series of case studies to test two hypotheses: 1) extreme weather events for each plot network have increased over the last decade, and; 2) trends in biodiversity will be associated with recent climate change, either directly or indirectly through climate-mediated disturbance (wildfire) responses. We examined the biodiversity responses to environmental change for evidence of non-linear behavior. In line with hypothesis 1), an increase in extreme climate events occurred within the last decade for each plot network. For hypothesis 2), climate, wildfire, or both were correlated with biodiversity responses at each plot network, but there was no evidence of non-linear change. However, the influence of climate or fire was context-specific. Biodiversity responded to recent climate change either directly or indirectly as a consequence of changes in fire regimes or climate-mediated fire responses. A national long-term monitoring framework allowed us to find contrasting species abundance or community responses to climate and disturbance across four of the major biomes of Australia, highlighting the need to establish and resource long-term monitoring programs across representative ecosystem types, which are likely to show context-specific responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron C Greenville
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Emma Burns
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Christopher R Dickman
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David A Keith
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Sydney, University of New South Wales, Australia; NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Hurstville, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David B Lindenmayer
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - John W Morgan
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dean Heinze
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ian Mansergh
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Research Centre for Applied Alpine Ecology, Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graeme R Gillespie
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia; School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke Einoder
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Alaric Fisher
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Jeremy Russell-Smith
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Darwin Centre for Bushfire Research, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Daniel J Metcalfe
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; CSIRO Ecosystem Sciences, Tropical Forest Research Centre, Atherton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Peter T Green
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Department of Ecology, Environment and Evolution, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ary A Hoffmann
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; School of BioSciences, Bio21 Institute, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenda M Wardle
- Long Term Ecological Research Network, Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network, Australia; Desert Ecology Research Group, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Davis H, Ritchie EG, Avitabile S, Doherty T, Nimmo DG. Testing the assumptions of the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis for termites in semi-arid Australia. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2018; 5:172055. [PMID: 29765661 PMCID: PMC5936926 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.172055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Fire shapes the composition and functioning of ecosystems globally. In many regions, fire is actively managed to create diverse patch mosaics of fire-ages under the assumption that a diversity of post-fire-age classes will provide a greater variety of habitats, thereby enabling species with differing habitat requirements to coexist, and enhancing species diversity (the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis). However, studies provide mixed support for this hypothesis. Here, using termite communities in a semi-arid region of southeast Australia, we test four key assumptions of the pyrodiversity begets biodiversity hypothesis (i) that fire shapes vegetation structure over sufficient time frames to influence species' occurrence, (ii) that animal species are linked to resources that are themselves shaped by fire and that peak at different times since fire, (iii) that species' probability of occurrence or abundance peaks at varying times since fire and (iv) that providing a diversity of fire-ages increases species diversity at the landscape scale. Termite species and habitat elements were sampled in 100 sites across a range of fire-ages, nested within 20 landscapes chosen to represent a gradient of low to high pyrodiversity. We used regression modelling to explore relationships between termites, habitat and fire. Fire affected two habitat elements (coarse woody debris and the cover of woody vegetation) that were associated with the probability of occurrence of three termite species and overall species richness, thus supporting the first two assumptions of the pyrodiversity hypothesis. However, this did not result in those species or species richness being affected by fire history per se. Consequently, landscapes with a low diversity of fire histories had similar numbers of termite species as landscapes with high pyrodiversity. Our work suggests that encouraging a diversity of fire-ages for enhancing termite species richness in this study region is not necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayley Davis
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Euan G. Ritchie
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Sarah Avitabile
- Department of Zoology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria 3086, Australia
| | - Tim Doherty
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology (Burwood campus), Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria 3220, Australia
| | - Dale G. Nimmo
- School of Environmental Science, Institute for Land, Water and Society, Charles Sturt University, Albury, New South Wales 2640, Australia
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Haby NA, Brandle R. Passive recovery of small vertebrates following livestock removal in the Australian rangelands. Restor Ecol 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert Brandle
- Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources; Natural Resources SA Arid Lands; GPO Box 1047 Adelaide SA 5001 Australia
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Neilly H, Schwarzkopf L. The response of an arboreal mammal to livestock grazing is habitat dependant. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17382. [PMID: 29234116 PMCID: PMC5727108 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17829-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate livestock grazing is implicated in the decline of vertebrate fauna species globally. Faunal responses to grazing can interact with the vegetation community in which they occur. We measured the response of an arboreal marsupial, the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula vulpecula) to different cattle grazing strategies and vegetation types, and examined whether micro-habitat selection is driving this response. We hypothesised that where arboreal habitat is intact, brushtail possums would be resistant to the impacts of heavy grazing. We conducted a mark-recapture survey among four grazing treatments and in two vegetation types (Box and Ironbark), at a 20-year grazing trial in northern Australia. We found that brushtail possums were resistant to the impact of heavy grazing in both vegetation types, but preferred the heavy grazing treatment in the Box vegetation type. Complex arboreal habitat and low ground cover was preferred, and high grass cover and low tree species richness avoided. Most individuals exclusively used one vegetation type, with few using both, suggesting a ‘matrix’ vegetation between the Box and Ironbark may be creating a movement barrier. Vegetation type should provide a context for determining the benefits to arboreal wildlife of adopting a particular grazing management strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lin Schwarzkopf
- Centre Tropical Biodiversity and Climate Change, James Cook University, Townsville, Australia
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26
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Olds LGM, Myers C, Cook H, Schembri B, Jackson C, Evans N, Charles B, Waina R, Breed WG, Taggart DA. The occurrence and relative abundance of small terrestrial mammals on Theda Station in the Northern Kimberley, Western Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/am15055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Significant gaps in knowledge currently exist regarding the small mammal fauna of the Northern Kimberley (NOK) bioregion. Theda Station is a previously unsurveyed pastoral lease in the NOK. The aim of the current study was to determine the presence of small mammals (non-volant, <2 kg) on Theda Station and to compare these findings with those recently obtained on the adjacent Doongan Station. Between 2006 and 2014, 226 site surveys were conducted across 69 sites, with over 26 000 trap-nights encompassing a range of habitats. Thirteen of the 27 small mammal species known to occur in the NOK were detected. Four species (Pseudomys nanus, Rattus tunneyi, Zyzomys argurus and Sminthopsis virginiae) were common, five (Pseudomys delicatulus, Pseudantechinus ningbing, Dasyurus hallucatus, Isoodon macrourus and Petropseudes dahli) were detected less frequently, and four (Leggadina lakedownensis, Hydromys chrysogaster, Planigale maculata and Petaurus breviceps) were occasionally recorded. Our study provides important baseline data for small mammals in this region. It highlights the lack of detailed knowledge of both the presence of, and temporal fluctuations in, the region’s small mammal fauna. This study supports a non-uniform distribution of the small mammal fauna across the NOK, with Theda Station lying within a transition zone between the high rainfall rugged coastal and near-coastal areas and the lower rainfall areas of the east.
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Cramer VA, Dziminski MA, Southgate R, Carpenter FM, Ellis RJ, van Leeuwen S. A conceptual framework for habitat use and research priorities for the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the north of Western Australia. AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY 2017. [DOI: 10.1071/am16009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Little is known of the area of occupancy, extent of occurrence, abundance, density or habitat use of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the north of Western Australia. To seek broad collaborative agreement on a research agenda, the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife hosted a workshop where research priorities were identified through a facilitated process. Five key areas for future research effort were identified: (1) refine survey methods, (2) improve understanding of habitat use, (3) improve understanding of the genetic structure of (meta)populations, (4) improve understanding of the threat posed by introduced predators and herbivores, and (5) improve understanding of how fire regimes affect bilby conservation. A conceptual model describing the main landscape components thought to be influencing distribution is used to reconcile existing knowledge, link research priorities for the bilby in the north of Western Australia, and guide the development of an integrated program of research. The broad nature of the priorities reflects the limited knowledge of bilbies in the north of the state; however, this research program provides an opportunity to increase knowledge to enact both species- and ecosystem-focused approaches to conservation, and potentially contributes towards the implementation of more dynamic conservation approaches for mobile species.
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28
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Bowman DMJS, Legge S. Pyrodiversity-why managing fire in food webs is relevant to restoration ecology. Restor Ecol 2016. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.12401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David M. J. S. Bowman
- School of Biological Sciences; University of Tasmania; Private Bag 55 Hobart Tasmania 7001 Australia
| | - Sarah Legge
- National Environmental Science Program Threatened Species Recovery Hub, Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Science; University of Queensland; St Lucia Queensland 4072 Australia
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Radford IJ, Fairman R. Fauna and vegetation responses to fire and invasion by toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) in an obligate seeder-dominated tropical savanna in the Kimberley, northern Australia. WILDLIFE RESEARCH 2015. [DOI: 10.1071/wr14259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Context Changed fire regimes are an important threatening process to savanna biodiversity. Fire-sensitive vegetation such as pindan and its fauna may be particularly susceptible to fire impacts. Invasion by alien species is an additional threatening process. The toxic anuran Rhinella marina is a well publicised invader of savannas. Little is known of impacts in many habitats. Aims To test the hypotheses (1) that fire responses among pindan fauna are greater than general savanna responses, and (2) that cane toad-invasion impacts will be reduced relative to riparian habitats. Methods Reptiles, frogs, invertebrates and mammals were surveyed seven times from 2008 to 2012, four times before and three times following R. marina invasion. Time since last fire was recorded during each survey. Vegetation change was measured. Key results Pindan vegetation structural recovery took 4–5 years, whereas fauna recovery took only 1 year. Ground active agamids, combined Scincidae, fossorial skinks and ground-layer invertebrates responded positively to recent fire. Skinks of Ctenotus spp. declined in size after fire. Short-term fauna responses reflect rapid re-establishment of herbaceous cover. Fauna responses were detected following R. marina invasion, including increases in frogs of Uperoleia spp. and skinks of Carlia spp., and decreases in Lerista griffini and ground-layer invertebrates. Insufficient data were available to test for responses among large predators; however, >50% lower Varanus spp. trap success occurred post-invasion. No invasion response was detected among small mammals. Conclusions Pindan fauna fire responses were similar to those of savannas. Fauna responses to Rhinella marina invasion were relatively minor compared with those previously reported in riparian habitats and this may be related to the lower abundance of the invader here than in previous studies in riparian or more fertile habitats. Implications The dominant obligate seeding tree in pindan woodland, A. tumida, requires >4 years with no high-intensity fires for re-establishment of the dominant tree. Fire management should aim to minimise extensive fires to reduce impacts on fire-sensitive fauna. Persistence of large predators after cane-toad invasion suggests possible refuge value of low-productivity pindan savannas.
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