ORCID Profile
0000-0003-3063-7785
Current Organisations
University of Western Australia
,
Curtin University
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Environmental Knowledge | Environmental Science and Management | Environment and Resource Economics | Archaeology | Environmental Rehabilitation (excl. Bioremediation) | Land Capability And Soil Degradation | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Archaeology | Natural Resource Management | Environmental Impact Assessment | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information and Knowledge Systems
Rehabilitation of Degraded Farmland, Arable Cropland and Permanent Cropland Environments | Land and water management | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Development and Welfare | Conserving Intangible Cultural Heritage | Conserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heritage | Native Forests | Integrated (ecosystem) assessment and management |
Publisher: CSIRO
Date: 2014
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/BT16128
Abstract: Geographically separated populations may show high levels of genetic differentiation, depending on the levels of current and historical isolation. In the ancient landscape of the Pilbara region, there are few plant species with restricted distributions, and one such species, Aluta quadrata Rye & Trudgen, is restricted to three separate locations on the southern edge of the Hamersley Range. We investigated genetic ersity and differentiation among geographically isolated locations of A. quadrata, using 10 microsatellite loci to assess contemporary genetic structure, and sequences of seven chloroplast gene regions to infer historical isolation. Nuclear genetic ersity was moderate, with moderate to high genetic differentiation among the three locations, and low differentiation among populations within locations. In contrast, there was no detected variation in the chloroplast genome. The high genetic differentiation is consistent with limited contemporary connectivity among the geographically separated locations, although lack of chloroplast haplotype variation indicates that limited connectivity has occurred more recently and is not due to historical isolation. The level of differentiation suggests use of local seed sources for augmentation or establishment of populations within gene flow distance of existing populations, whereas an experimental translocation established on more distant sites could use mixed seed sources to maximise genetic ersity.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2017
DOI: 10.1071/AM16009
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.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2023
DOI: 10.1111/EMR.12580
Abstract: Bilya Bilya Koort Boodja Centre for Nyoongar Culture and Environmental Knowledge in Northam, Western Australia, was the location for this event where legislators, practitioners, academics, Nyoongar Elders, and key representatives for Traditional Steward groups gathered to discuss the current issues and future trajectory of the emerging Indigenous nursery sector, specifically the activities of native seed and seedling supply chain. These activities are key components of the emerging Indigenous‐led restoration economy and indispensable for bio erse restoration of degraded ecosystems at the landscape scale. Key outcomes included: improved awareness in participants about activities being undertaken across the restoration economy sector the acknowledgement of a disjunction between academia and business practice, and the realisation that bridging the gap between knowledge and action is becoming increasingly urgent.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 09-12-2022
DOI: 10.1071/BT22009
Abstract: Globally, many species and ecosystems are experiencing landscape-scale wildfires (‘megafires’) and these events are predicted to increase in frequency and severity as the climate warms. Consequently, the capability to rapidly assess the likely impacts of such large fires and identify potential risks they pose to the persistence of species and ecosystems is vital for effective conservation management. In this review, we propose novel frameworks to identify which plant species and ecosystems are most in need of management actions as a result of megafires. We do this by assessing the impacts of a fire event on plants and ecosystems in the context of the whole fire regime (current fire event combined with recent fire history) and its interactions with other threatening processes, rather than simply considering the amount of habitat burnt. The frameworks are based on a combination of key species’ traits related to mechanisms of decline, components of the fire regime that are most likely to have adverse impacts on species or ecosystem recovery, and biotic and environmental factors that may lify fire impacts or pose barriers to post-fire recovery. We applied these frameworks to guide management priorities and responses following the extensive 2019/2020 fires in southern Australia, and we illustrate their application here via a series of worked ex les that highlight the various mechanisms of post-fire decline the frameworks address. The frameworks should be applicable to a broader range of fire-prone biomes worldwide. Our approach will (1) promote the development of foundational national datasets for assessing megafire impacts on bio ersity, (2) identify targeted priority actions for conservation, (3) inform planning for future fires (both prescribed burning and wildfire suppression), and (4) build awareness and understanding of the potential breadth of factors that threaten plants and ecosystems under changing fire regimes.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/AM15012
Abstract: Significant bio ersity offset funds have been allocated towards conservation research on threatened species as part of the environmental approvals process for resource development in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. One of these species is the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat (Rhinonicteris aurantia Pilbara form), which is entirely reliant on roosting in a limited number of caves and disused mines, many of which exist in the mineral-bearing strata that are the focus of mining activity. A research agenda for the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat was developed during a workshop attended by scientists, environmental consultants and mining industry representatives. Five research priorities were identified: (1) collate existing data contained within unpublished environmental surveys (2) clarify and better characterise the number and distribution of day roosts (3) better understand habitat requirements, particularly foraging habitat, and the movement of bats between roosts (4) provide more robust estimates of total population and colony size, and improve understanding of social behaviour and (5) investigate appropriate buffers in a range of mining contexts and protocols for artificial roost construction. Meta-analysis of current data, confirmation of potential day roosts, and long-term monitoring of activity patterns would rapidly increase our knowledge of the Pilbara leaf-nosed bat to enable effective conservation actions.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-02-2018
DOI: 10.1111/ECOG.03607
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 13-07-2022
DOI: 10.1111/REC.13748
Abstract: Mining activities often cause displacement and disruption of Indigenous socio‐cultural relations to land, water, bio ersity, and sacred entities. Due to the high disturbance and degradation that occurs as a result of mining on Indigenous lands, mine restoration and closure (MR& C) must mobilize the political agency of Indigenous Australians and provide enduring benefits beyond the life‐of‐mine. Here, we demonstrate that Indigenous engagements with mining restoration supply chains in Australia can only succeed if institutionalized socio‐environmental inequalities are recognized and dismantled. Through environmental justice lenses, we examine critical mine restoration injustices and how Indigenous Australian participation can energize environmental self‐determination. We analyze emerging restoration supply chains through the native seed collection and production activities as opportunities for nurturing transformative local collaborations, Indigenous entrepreneurship, and political participation. Our analysis shows the potential for community practices to coproduce MR& C through enduring partnerships, Indigenous‐led organizations, and plural knowledge systems. Indigenous Australian leadership in coordinating investments, collaborations, techniques, and business operations is critical to transforming MR& C into democratic and equitable plans and actions on Indigenous lands where mining operates. When aligned with progressive institutional changes, restoration interventions can potentially strengthen environmental self‐determination for Indigenous Australian political control over the customary use and stewardship of their lands.
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 25-01-1996
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00239
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2021
DOI: 10.1071/AM20025
Abstract: The effective control of wild dogs, feral cats and foxes is of primary interest to land managers, both for bio ersity conservation and for the protection of livestock. Control programs primarily target single species within the context of bio ersity 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 bio ersity conservation and pastoral production. This framework is timely given the ongoing investment in offset funding being mobilised in the region.
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 21-08-2008
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00479
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 16-12-2004
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00410
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-02-2017
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2022
DOI: 10.1111/GEB.13500
Abstract: Megafire events generate immediate concern for wildlife and human well‐being, but their broader ecological impacts likely extend beyond in idual species and single fire events. In the first mechanistic study of fire effects focussed on ecosystems, we aimed to assess the sensitivity and exposure of ecosystems to multiple fire‐related threats, placing impacts in the context of changing fire regimes and their interactions with other threats. Southern and eastern Australia. 2019–2020. Australian ecosystems. We defined 15 fire‐related threats to ecosystems based on mechanisms associated with: (a) direct effects of fire regime components (b) interactions between fire and physical environmental processes (c) effects of fire on biological interactions and (d) interactions between fire and human activity. We estimated the sensitivity and exposure of a s le of 92 ecosystem types to each threat type based on published relationships and spatial analysis of the 2019–2020 fires. Twenty‐nine ecosystem types assessed had more than half of their distribution exposed to one or more threat types, and only three of those were listed as nationally threatened. Three fire‐related threat types posed the most severe threats to large numbers of ecosystem types: high frequency fire pre‐fire drought and post‐fire invasive predator activity. The ecosystem types most affected ranged from rain forests to peatlands, and included some, such as sclerophyllous eucalypt forests and heathlands, that are traditionally regarded as fire‐prone and fire‐adapted. Most impacts of the 2019–2020 fires on ecosystems became apparent only when they were placed in the context of the whole fire regime and its interactions with other threatening processes, and were not direct consequences of the megafire event itself. Our mechanistic approach enables ecosystem‐specific management responses for the most threatened ecosystem types to be targeted at underlying causes of degradation and decline.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-03-2023
Abstract: Budgeting for bio ersity conservation requires realistic estimates of threat abatement costs. However, data on threat management costs are often unavailable or unable to be extrapolated across relevant locations and scales. Conservation expenditure largely occurs without a priori cost estimates of management activities and is not recorded in ways that can inform future budgets or cost‐effective management decisions. We provided transparent, broadly applicable cost models for 18 Threat Abatement Strategies aimed at managing the processes threatening Australia's bio ersity. We defined the actions required to implement each strategy and used a consistent structure to classify costs of labour, travel, consumables and equipment. We drew upon expert knowledge and published literature to parameterise each model, estimating the implementation cost of each strategy across the Australian continent, accounting for spatial variables such as threat presence, terrain, and travel distance. Estimated annualised costs for the threat abatement strategies varied considerably between strategies and across Australia, ranging from $24 to $879,985 per km 2 ($0.24–$8880 per ha). On average, labour was the largest cost component (49%), followed by consumables (37%), travel (13%) and equipment (2%). Based on national scale variables and assumptions, cost estimates across Australia for each threat abatement strategy ranged from +44% and −33% of the most common cost estimate. Policy implications . We provide a consistent and transparent approach to budgeting for threat abatement strategies, aiming to improve conservation planning processes, outcomes, and reporting across Australia. In addition, understanding the budget required to achieve threat management outcomes can aid revenue‐raising and target setting. The models, cost layers and estimates we generate provide the basis for a nationally consistent approach for estimating and recording the cost of bio ersity management strategies, which should be continually updated and improved with local‐scale information over time.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2011
DOI: 10.1071/BT11057
Abstract: The mulga complex (Acacia aneura F. Muell ex Benth and closely related species) consists of woody trees and shrubs, and is distributed across 20% of the Australian continent. A. aneura is renowned for a wide variety of phyllode shapes and growth forms, which may co-occur at any one site. We examined the intra- and inter-specific variation in growth form and phyllode shape in four species of the mulga complex, including A. aneura, across topographic gradients in semiarid north-west Australia. We measured 792 trees across 28 sites stratified into six discrete landscape positions upper slope, lower slope, low open woodland, banded woodland, low woodland, and drainage line. Dominance of phyllode shapes was strongly related to landscape position. A. aneura with terete phyllodes were dominant on the hill slopes, whereas broad phyllodes were most common on A. aneura in all valley woodlands. Trends in growth form were less distinct, although single-stemmed forms were more common on hills, whereas the valleys had more multi-stemmed forms. The quantification of growth form and phyllode shape variability within the mulga complex provides a basis for the quantitative determination of functional links between morphology and environmental conditions at both the site and landscape level.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 21-10-2021
DOI: 10.1111/DDI.13428
Abstract: The incidence of major fires is increasing globally, creating extraordinary challenges for governments, managers and conservation scientists. In 2019–2020, Australia experienced precedent‐setting fires that burned over several months, affecting seven states and territories and causing massive bio ersity loss. Whilst the fires were still burning, the Australian Government convened a bio ersity Expert Panel to guide its bushfire response. A pressing need was to target emergency investment and management to reduce the chance of extinctions and maximise the chances of longer‐term recovery. We describe the approach taken to rapidly prioritise fire‐affected animal species. We use the experience to consider the organisational and data requirements for evidence‐based responses to future ecological disasters. Forested biomes of subtropical and temperate Australia, with lessons for other regions. We developed assessment frameworks to screen fire‐affected species based on their pre‐fire conservation status, the proportion of their distribution overlapping with fires, and their behavioural/ecological traits relating to fire vulnerability. Using formal and informal networks of scientists, government and non‐government staff and managers, we collated expert input and data from multiple sources, undertook the analyses, and completed the assessments in 3 weeks for vertebrates and 8 weeks for invertebrates. The assessments prioritised 92 vertebrate and 213 invertebrate species for urgent management response another 147 invertebrate species were placed on a watchlist requiring further information. The priority species lists helped focus government and non‐government investment, management and research effort, and communication to the public. Using multiple expert networks allowed the assessments to be completed rapidly using the best information available. However, the assessments highlighted substantial gaps in data availability and access, deficiencies in statutory threatened species listings, and the need for capacity‐building across the conservation science and management sectors. We outline a flexible template for using evidence effectively in emergency responses for future ecological disasters.
Publisher: JSTOR
Date: 08-1988
DOI: 10.2307/2403843
Publisher: Frontiers Media SA
Date: 16-06-2020
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2007
DOI: 10.1071/BT06102
Abstract: Biological survey has been an integral component of conservation planning in Western Australia for years, providing baseline data for reserve selection and the management of bio ersity at the genetic, species and community levels. Flora surveys are particularly important, given the erse and poorly documented nature of the state’s vascular flora. Surveys have been conducted at the following four scales: regional, subregional, local and in idual species. At all scales, flora surveys have provided detail on in idual taxon distribution, have identified previously unknown or unrecognised taxa, have located presumed extinct taxa and have substantially contributed to information on the distribution of threatened flora. Regional-scale surveys normally involve multidisciplinary teams studying a broad selection of the biota. These combined plot-based data are used to develop a ‘classify-then-model’ approach to assessment of comprehensiveness, adequacy and representativeness of the regional conservation reserve system. These regional models describe the broad-scale patterning of common taxa but their utility in reflecting patterns in naturally rare or highly restricted taxa is uncertain. Results from recent surveys show poor correlations between floristic patterning and other components of the biota.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 26-08-2022
DOI: 10.1071/BT22014
Abstract: Context Empirical studies of intraspecific genetic ersity and population structure can inform the evolutionary and demographic history of in idual species and of landscapes at the bioregional level. Aims We aimed to assess intraspecific genetic variation at macroevolutionary and microevolutionary temporal scales for Mirbelia viminalis, a key species present on the Hamersley Range in the ancient and highly erse landscape of the Pilbara bioregion of northwest Western Australia. Methods We s led extant populations and assessed ersity and structure using sequences (chloroplast DNA, 1759 base pairs) and microsatellite markers (nuclear DNA, 15 loci) data. Key results Significant phylogeographic structure and a lack of historical demographic signals of population contraction or expansion suggest historical population persistence. Moderate chloroplast haplotype ersity (h = 15) and moderate ergence among extant haplotypes indicates a degree of historical connectivity via seed dispersal across central populations on the Hamersley Range. Levels of nuclear genetic ersity were low to moderate (allelic richness = 3.554, expected heterozygosity = 0.489, observed heterozygosity = 0.462) and depauperate compared to another member of the Mirbelia genus present further south in the Midwest region. Nuclear ersity revealed a strong signal of isolation by distance with localised admixture among populations and some contemporary genetic clustering along a north-west to south-east transect of the Hamersley Range. Conclusions Low nuclear genetic ersity may be related to recent reductions in population size for M. viminalis. Historical population persistence with few barriers to dispersal other than geographic distance may be common for members of the Fabaceae across the Hamersley Range.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1071/AM15005
Abstract: The Pilbara population of the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus) has been seldom studied, and the impacts of threats such as altered fire regimes, total grazing pressure, predation and mining and infrastructure development are not well understood. While the Pilbara was once thought likely to provide refuge for northern quolls from the poisonous cane toad (Rhinella marina), recent modelling suggests that cane toads will invade the region. The environmental approvals process for mining development in the Pilbara has generated considerable offset funds that are to be directed towards research on the northern quoll. In an effort to identify future research priorities for this species in the Pilbara through a collaborative process, the Western Australian Department of Parks and Wildlife hosted a workshop attended by scientists, environmental consultants, mining proponents and state and federal regulators. Participants at the workshop identified five key areas for future research effort: (1) develop appropriate and standardised survey and monitoring methods (2) define areas of critical habitat and better understand how disturbance affects habitat quality (3) improve our understanding of population dynamics (4) better understand the key threats to the northern quoll and the interactions between these threats in the Pilbara and (5) determine whether the northern quoll will colonise restored areas or artificial habitat. We provide the expected timelines and current allocation of resources to these research priorities over the next 10 years. We reflect on the lessons learnt from the workshop process and consider ways to improve the outcomes of such collaborative exercises.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 15-11-2019
DOI: 10.20944/PREPRINTS201911.0178.V1
Abstract: Ecosystem surveillance monitoring is critical to managing natural resources and especially so under changing environments. Despite this importance, the design and implementation of monitoring programs across large temporal and spatial scales has been h ered by the lack of appropriately standardised methods and data streams. To address this gap, we outline a surveillance monitoring method based on permanent plots and voucher s les suited to rangeland environments around the world that is repeatable, cost-effective, appropriate for large-scale comparisons and adaptable to other global biomes. The method provides comprehensive data on vegetation composition and structure along with soil attributes relevant to plant growth, delivered as a combination of modules that can be targeted for different purposes or available resources. Plots are located in a stratified design across vegetation units, landforms and climates to enhance continental and global comparisons. Changes are investigated through revisits. Vegetation is measured to inform on composition, cover and structure. S les of vegetation and soils are collected and tracked by barcode labels and stored long-term for subsequent analysis. Technology is used to enhance the accuracy of field methods, including differential GPS r plot locations, instrument based Leaf Area Index (LAI) measures, and three dimensional photo-panoramas for advanced analysis. A key feature of the method is the use of electronic field data collection to enhance data delivery into a publicly-accessible database.Our method is pragmatic, whilst still providing consistent data, information and s les on key vegetation and soil attributes. The method is operational and has been applied at more than 704 field locations across the Australian rangelands as part of the Ecosystem Surveillance program of the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN). The methodology enables continental analyses, and has been tested in communities broadly representative of rangelands globally, with components being applicable to other biomes. Here we also recommend the consultative process and guiding principles that drove the development of this method as an approach for development of the method into other biomes. The consistent, standardised and objective method enables continental, and potentially global analyses than were not previously possible with disparate programs and datasets.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-01-2014
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 21-10-2016
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 02-06-2022
DOI: 10.1111/CONL.12899
Abstract: Increasingly the importance of Indigenous participation is acknowledged as central to effective bio ersity conservation. Traditional management emphasizes the importance of a holistic, integrated approach to safeguard species and ecological communities of cultural significance. This is discordant with many instruments for bio ersity conservation. Indigenous Australians have consistently lobbied for domestic laws to be amended to establish comanagement as the preferred approach to managing significant species and ecological communities – an approach that aligns with international obligations such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. We describe amendments to Australia's bio ersity legislation and the use of biocultural indicators that would support Traditional management of Culturally Significant Entities (species and ecological communities), and in turn, assist Australia to effectively conserve bio ersity and meet international obligations. The ongoing challenge will be in empowering Indigenous peoples and their governance structures to implement enduring change.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 08-2017
DOI: 10.1111/JBI.13057
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 07-2022
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.9052
Abstract: Widespread plant species are expected to maintain genetic ersity and gene flow via pollen and seed dispersal. Stature is a key life history trait that affects seed and potentially pollen dispersal, with limited stature associated with limited dispersal and greater genetic differentiation. We s led Hill’s tabletop wattle ( Acacia hilliana ) and curry wattle ( Acacia spondylophylla ), two co‐distributed, widespread, Acacia shrubs of low stature, across the arid Pilbara region of north‐western Australia. Using chloroplast sequence and nuclear microsatellite data we evaluated patterns of population genetic and phylogeographic ersity and structure, demographic signals, ratios of pollen to seed dispersal, evidence for historical refugia, and association between elevation and ersity. Results showed strong phylogeographic (chloroplast, G ST = 0.831 and 0.898 for A. hilliana and A. spondylophylla , respectively) and contemporary (nuclear, F ST = 0.260 and 0.349 for A. hilliana and A. spondylophylla , respectively) genetic structure in both species. This indicates limited genetic connectivity via seed and pollen dispersal associated with Acacia species of small stature compared to taller tree and shrub acacias across the Pilbara bioregion. This effect of stature on genetic structure is superimposed on moderate levels of genetic ersity that were expected based on widespread ranges (haplotype ersity h = 25 and 12 nuclear ersity H e = 0.60 and 0.47 for A. hilliana and A. spondylophylla , respectively). Contemporary genetic structure was congruent at the greater landscape scale, especially in terms of strong genetic differentiation among geographically disjunct populations in less elevated areas. Measures of ersity and connectivity were associated with traits of greater geographic population proximity, population density, population size, and greater in idual longevity, and some evidence for range expansion in A. hilliana . Results illustrate that low stature is associated with limited dispersal and greater patterns of genetic differentiation for congenerics in a common landscape and highlight the complex influence of taxon‐specific life history and ecological traits to seed and pollen dispersal.
Publisher: CSIRO Publishing
Date: 26-08-2022
DOI: 10.1071/AM21002
Abstract: In response to Australia’s current extinction crisis, substantial research efforts have been targeted towards some of the most imperilled species. One such species is the northern quoll (Dasyurus hallucatus), a marsupial predator that has recently suffered substantial declines in range and is now listed as Endangered. We conducted a systematic review of all literature relevant to the conservation and ecology of northern quolls. We reviewed 143 studies, including research articles, government and industry reports, theses, and books, and quantified research effort in terms of topic, location, and publication period. We then summarised research relevant to northern quoll taxonomy, genetics, distribution, habitat associations, diet, reproduction, movement, threats, management, and Indigenous knowledge. Research effort was higher between 2011 and 2020 than the previous four decades combined. Northern quolls in the Northern Territory were the most studied, followed by the Pilbara, the Kimberley, and Queensland populations. Most studies focused on northern quoll distribution and habitat, management, and threats – primarily cane toads, predation, and fire. We conclude with a non-exhaustive list of ten future research directions. If pursued, these future research directions should provide information critical to managing and conserving northern quolls.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 06-03-2022
DOI: 10.1111/GEB.13478
Abstract: Existing abiotic and biotic threats to plant species (e.g., disease, drought, invasive species) affect their capacity to recover post‐fire. We use a new, globally applicable framework to assess the vulnerability of 26,062 Australian plant species to a suite of active threats after the 2019–2020 fires. Australia. 2019–2020. Plants. Spatial data for existing threats and information on species‐level susceptibility were combined with estimates of the extent of range burnt in southern Australia ( 22°S) to assign species against 10 criteria into vulnerability categories ( high , medium , low , none , data deficient ). We explore in detail results for three threats (drought, disease, feral animals), highlighting where impacts from multiple threats ranked high vulnerability may compound to reduce post‐fire recovery. Analysis of the full suite of 10 vulnerability criteria, which encompass a broad range of threats, revealed large numbers of species vulnerable to poor post‐fire recovery from one or more different hazards ( high vulnerability: 1,243 species medium vulnerability: 2,450 species). Collectively, 457 plant species that burnt extensively ( 50%) across their range are highly vulnerable to poor recovery due to exposure to pre‐fire drought conditions (235 species), disease (186 species), or feral animals (97 species). Of these 457 species, 61 are vulnerable to more than one of these three threats, highlighting how a suite of interacting hazards can impact plant recovery after fire. While fire can renew plant populations by stimulating recruitment and resetting competitive interactions, the presence of existing threats in post‐fire landscapes jeopardizes recovery. The simultaneous impact of multiple threats that impact recovery can create a suite of hazards that contribute to declines and, potentially, extinction. Our method for rapid post‐fire vulnerability assessment can be applied to large numbers of plant species or other biota in fire affected regions globally.
Publisher: Royal Botanical Gardens and Domain Trust
Date: 16-02-2011
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 31-10-2015
DOI: 10.1111/COBI.12413
Abstract: Conservation decision tools based on cost-effectiveness analysis are used to assess threat management strategies for improving species persistence. These approaches rank alternative strategies by their benefit to cost ratio but may fail to identify the optimal sets of strategies to implement under limited budgets because they do not account for redundancies. We devised a multiobjective optimization approach in which the complementarity principle is applied to identify the sets of threat management strategies that protect the most species for any budget. We used our approach to prioritize threat management strategies for 53 species of conservation concern in the Pilbara, Australia. We followed a structured elicitation approach to collect information on the benefits and costs of implementing 17 different conservation strategies during a 3-day workshop with 49 stakeholders and experts in the bio ersity, conservation, and management of the Pilbara. We compared the performance of our complementarity priority threat management approach with a current cost-effectiveness ranking approach. A complementary set of 3 strategies: domestic herbivore management, fire management and research, and sanctuaries provided all species with >50% chance of persistence for $4.7 million/year over 20 years. Achieving the same result cost almost twice as much ($9.71 million/year) when strategies were selected by their cost-effectiveness ranks alone. Our results show that complementarity of management benefits has the potential to double the impact of priority threat management approaches.
Publisher: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions
Date: 23-11-2007
DOI: 10.58828/NUY00471
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 24-02-2003
Publisher: Environmental Protection Authority, Western Australia
Date: 1990
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.1111/EMR.12513
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-05-2017
DOI: 10.1002/ECE3.2995
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2020
DOI: 10.1186/S13007-019-0534-5
Abstract: Herbaria are valuable sources of extensive curated plant material that are now accessible to genetic studies because of advances in high-throughput, next-generation sequencing methods. As an applied assessment of large-scale recovery of plastid and ribosomal genome sequences from herbarium material for plant identification and phylogenomics, we sequenced 672 s les covering 21 families, 142 genera and 530 named and proposed named species. We explored the impact of parameters such as s le age, DNA concentration and quality, read depth and fragment length on plastid assembly error. We also tested the efficacy of DNA sequence information for identifying plant s les using 45 specimens recently collected in the Pilbara. Genome skimming was effective at producing genomic information at large scale. Substantial sequence information on the chloroplast genome was obtained from 96.1% of s les, and complete or near-complete sequences of the nuclear ribosomal RNA gene repeat were obtained from 93.3% of s les. We were able to extract sequences for the core DNA barcode regions rbcL and matK from 96 to 93.3% of s les, respectively. Read quality and DNA fragment length had significant effects on sequencing outcomes and error correction of reads proved essential. Assembly problems were specific to certain taxa with low GC and high repeat content ( Goodenia , Scaevola , Cyperus , Bulbostylis , Fimbristylis ) suggesting biological rather than technical explanations. The structure of related genomes was needed to guide the assembly of repeats that exceeded the read length. DNA-based matching proved highly effective and showed that the efficacy for species identification declined in the order cpDNA rDNA matK rbcL. We showed that a large-scale approach to genome sequencing using herbarium specimens produces high-quality complete cpDNA and rDNA sequences as a source of data for DNA barcoding and phylogenomics.
Publisher: Apollo - University of Cambridge Repository
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.17863/CAM.86506
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-07-2020
Abstract: Phylogeographic studies can be used as a tool to understand the evolutionary history of a landscape, including the major drivers of species distributions and ersity. Extensive research has been conducted on phylogeographic patterns of species found in northern hemisphere landscapes that were affected by glaciations, yet the body of literature for older, unaffected landscapes is still underrepresented. The Pilbara region of north-western Australia is an ancient and vast landscape that is topographically complex, consisting of plateaus, gorges, valleys, and ranges, and experiences extreme meteorological phenomena including seasonal cyclonic activity. These features are expected to influence patterns of genetic structuring throughout the landscape either by promoting or restricting the movement of pollen and seed. Whilst a growing body of literature exists for the fauna endemic to this region, less is known about the forces shaping the evolution of plant taxa. In this study we investigate the phylogeography of two iconic Pilbara tree species, the Hamersley Bloodwood (Corymbia hamersleyana) and Western Gidgee (Acacia pruinocarpa), by assessing patterns of variation and structure in several chloroplast DNA regions and nuclear microsatellite loci developed for each species. Gene flow was found to be extensive in both taxa and there was evidence of long-distance seed dispersal across the region (pollen to seed ratios of 6.67 and 2.96 for C. hamersleyana and A. pruinocarpa, respectively), which may result from flooding and strong wind gusts associated with extreme cyclonic activity. Both species possessed high levels of cpDNA genetic ersity in comparison to those from formerly glaciated landscapes (C. hamersleyana = 14 haplotypes, A. pruinocarpa = 37 haplotypes) and showed evidence of deep lineage ersification occurring from the late Miocene, a time of intensifying aridity in this landscape that appears to be a critical driver of evolution in Pilbara taxa. In contrast to another study, we did not find evidence for topographic features acting as refugia for the widely s led C. hamersleyana.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 11-10-2022
DOI: 10.1093/AOB/MCAC126
Abstract: Understanding how genetic ersity is distributed and maintained within species is a central tenet of evolutionary and conservation biology, yet is understudied in arid regions of the globe. In temperate, glaciated environments, high genetic ersity in plant species is frequently found in refugial areas, which are often associated with southern non-glaciated landscapes. In arid, unglaciated environments, landscape features providing mesic conditions are likely to be refugia, although our understanding needs more refinement in these biomes. We test whether refugia and nuclear ersity hotspots occur in high-elevation, topographically complex areas for co-distributed shrubs (Petalostylis labicheoides and Indigofera monophylla Fabaceae) in the ancient, arid Pilbara bioregion of north-western Australia. We conducted extensive s ling of the Pilbara (& in iduals from 62 widespread populations) to detect patterns in nuclear ersity and structure based on 13–16 microsatellite loci. Evidence of historical refugia was investigated based on patterns of ersity in three non-coding chloroplast (cp) sequence regions for approx. 240 in iduals per species. Haplotype relationships were defined with median-joining networks and maximum likelihood phylogenetic trees. We found cpDNA evidence for a high-elevation refugium in P. labicheoides but not for I. monophylla that instead exhibited extraordinary haplotype ersity and evidence for persistence across a widespread area. Nuclear ersity hotspots occurred in, but were not exclusive to, high-elevation locations and extended to adjacent, low-elevation riparian areas in both species. Phylogeographic refugia in arid environments may occur in high-elevation areas for some species but not all, and may be influenced by species-specific traits: a mesic montane refugium in P. labicheoides could be related to its preference for growth in water-gaining areas, while a lack of such evidence in I. monophylla could be related to maintenance of cpDNA ersity in a large soil seed bank and dynamic evolutionary history. Mesic environments created by the intersection of topographically complex landscapes with riparian zones can be contemporary reservoirs of genetic ersity in arid landscapes.
Location: Australia
Start Date: 06-2022
End Date: 06-2027
Amount: $1,035,819.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 09-2022
End Date: 09-2027
Amount: $4,986,473.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded ActivityStart Date: 09-2008
End Date: 12-2013
Amount: $840,000.00
Funder: Australian Research Council
View Funded Activity