DOCSLIB.ORG

Copyright and Use of This Thesis This Thesis Must Be Used in Accordance with the Provisions of the Copyright Act 1968

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Copyright and Use of This Thesis This Thesis Must Be Used in Accordance with the Provisions of the Copyright Act 1968 COPYRIGHT AND USE OF THIS THESIS This thesis must be used in accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Reproduction of material protected by copyright may be an infringement of copyright and copyright owners may be entitled to take legal action against persons who infringe their copyright. Section 51 (2) of the Copyright Act permits an authorized officer of a university library or archives to provide a copy (by communication or otherwise) of an unpublished thesis kept in the library or archives, to a person who satisfies the authorized officer that he or she requires the reproduction for the purposes of research or study. The Copyright Act grants the creator of a work a number of moral rights, specifically the right of attribution, the right against false attribution and the right of integrity. You may infringe the author’s moral rights if you: - fail to acknowledge the author of this thesis if you quote sections from the work - attribute this thesis to another author - subject this thesis to derogatory treatment which may prejudice the author’s reputation For further information contact the University’s Director of Copyright Services sydney.edu.au/copyright The role of ecological interactions: how intrinsic and extrinsic factors shape the spatio-temporal dynamics of populations Aaron C. Greenville A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Faculty of Science The University of Sydney, Australia February 2015 Declaration of originality I hereby declare that the work contained in this thesis is my own and contains the results of an original investigation, except where otherwise referenced or acknowledged. This work was carried out while I was enrolled as a student for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Sydney. This thesis has not been previously submitted for examination at this, or any other university. Aaron Greenville February 2015 Contents List of figures ......................................................................................................................... v List of tables .......................................................................................................................... ix Glossary:............................................................................................................................. xiii Acknowledgments ................................................................................................................ xv Thesis Abstract .................................................................................................................... xix Preface ................................................................................................................................ xxv Chapter 1: General introduction................................................................................................. 1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2 Climate change and extreme events ................................................................................... 5 Importance of including multiple population drivers ......................................................... 6 Spatial and temporal population dynamics ......................................................................... 7 Resource pulse environments ............................................................................................. 8 Thesis conceptual model .................................................................................................... 9 Study region: the Simpson Desert, central Australia ........................................................ 12 Thesis aims ........................................................................................................................... 16 Overview of thesis ................................................................................................................ 16 References: ........................................................................................................................... 19 Chapter 2: Extreme climatic events drive mammal irruptions: regression analysis of 100-year trends in desert rainfall and temperature .................................................................................. 29 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 30 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 31 Materials and methods ......................................................................................................... 34 Study region ...................................................................................................................... 34 Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 35 Rainfall ............................................................................................................................. 36 Small mammals ................................................................................................................ 38 Results .................................................................................................................................. 40 Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 40 Rainfall ............................................................................................................................. 44 Extreme rainfall return intervals ....................................................................................... 48 Rainfall variability ............................................................................................................ 48 Small mammals ................................................................................................................ 50 Discussion ............................................................................................................................ 52 Temperature ...................................................................................................................... 53 Rainfall ............................................................................................................................. 54 i Case study: small mammals ............................................................................................. 56 Implications of climate change ......................................................................................... 57 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. 58 References: ........................................................................................................................... 59 Chapter 3: Extreme rainfall events predict irruptions of rat plagues in central Australia ....... 65 Abstract ................................................................................................................................ 66 Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 67 Methods ................................................................................................................................ 69 Study region ...................................................................................................................... 69 Prediction 1: Large rainfall events drive long-haired rat irruptions ................................. 72 Prediction 2: Long-haired rats irrupt from multiple refugia ............................................. 72 Prediction 3: Colonisation of new sites will be rapid ....................................................... 74 Prediction 4: Young males arrive first at new sites .......................................................... 75 Results .................................................................................................................................. 76 Prediction 1: Large rainfall events drive long-haired rat irruptions ................................. 76 Prediction 2: Long-haired rats irrupt from multiple refugia ............................................. 79 Prediction 3: colonisation of new sites will be rapid ........................................................ 82 Prediction 4: Young males arrive first at new sites .......................................................... 83 Discussion ............................................................................................................................ 87 Prediction 1: large rainfall events drive long-haired rat irruptions .................................. 87 Prediction 2: long-haired rats irrupt from multiple refugia .............................................. 88 Prediction 3: colonisation of new sites will be rapid ........................................................ 89 Prediction 4: young males arrive first at new sites. .......................................................... 89 Acknowledgements .............................................................................................................. 90 References: ..........................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Autumn 2016 Bushheritage.Org.Au from the CEO Bush Heritage Australia Who We Are Twenty-Five Years Ago, a Small Group There Is So Much More to Do
    BUSH TRACKS Bush Heritage Australia’s quarterly magazine for active conservation Maggie nose best Tracking feral cats Since naturalist John Young’s rediscovery Evidence suggests that feral cat density on of the population in 2013, a recovery the property is low, but there are at least two in Queensland team led by Bush Heritage Australia, and individuals prowling close to where Night Meet Maggie, a four-legged friend working ornithologists Dr Steve Murphy and Allan Parrots roost during the day. Just one feral hard to protect the world’s only known Burbidge, have been working tirelessly to cat that develops a taste for Night Parrots population of Night Parrots on our newest bring the species back from the brink of would be enough to drive this population, reserve, secured recently with the help of extinction. The first step – to purchase the and possibly the species, into extinction. Bush Heritage supporters. land where this elusive population live – Continued on page 3 has been taken, thanks to Bush Heritage It’s 3am. The sun won’t appear for hours, donors, and the reserve is now under In this issue but for Mark and Glenys Woods and their intensive and careful management. 4 Happy 10th birthday Cravens Peak ever-loyal companion Maggie, work is 8 Discovering the Dugong about to begin. The priority since the purchase has been 9 By the light of the moon managing threats to the Night Parrot After a quick breakfast they jump in the ute 10 Apples and androids: The future population, chiefly feral cats. of wildlife monitoring? and drive 45 minutes to the secret location 11 Bob Brown’s photographic journey in western Queensland where the world’s Mark Woods and trusty companion Maggie are of our reserves only known population of Night Parrots helping in the fight to protect the Night Parrot 12 Yourka family camp has survived.
    [Show full text]
  • Cravens Peak Scientific Study Report
    Geography Monograph Series No. 13 Cravens Peak Scientific Study Report The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc. Brisbane, 2009 The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc. is a non-profit organization that promotes the study of Geography within educational, scientific, professional, commercial and broader general communities. Since its establishment in 1885, the Society has taken the lead in geo- graphical education, exploration and research in Queensland. Published by: The Royal Geographical Society of Queensland Inc. 237 Milton Road, Milton QLD 4064, Australia Phone: (07) 3368 2066; Fax: (07) 33671011 Email: [email protected] Website: www.rgsq.org.au ISBN 978 0 949286 16 8 ISSN 1037 7158 © 2009 Desktop Publishing: Kevin Long, Page People Pty Ltd (www.pagepeople.com.au) Printing: Snap Printing Milton (www.milton.snapprinting.com.au) Cover: Pemberton Design (www.pembertondesign.com.au) Cover photo: Cravens Peak. Photographer: Nick Rains 2007 State map and Topographic Map provided by: Richard MacNeill, Spatial Information Coordinator, Bush Heritage Australia (www.bushheritage.org.au) Other Titles in the Geography Monograph Series: No 1. Technology Education and Geography in Australia Higher Education No 2. Geography in Society: a Case for Geography in Australian Society No 3. Cape York Peninsula Scientific Study Report No 4. Musselbrook Reserve Scientific Study Report No 5. A Continent for a Nation; and, Dividing Societies No 6. Herald Cays Scientific Study Report No 7. Braving the Bull of Heaven; and, Societal Benefits from Seasonal Climate Forecasting No 8. Antarctica: a Conducted Tour from Ancient to Modern; and, Undara: the Longest Known Young Lava Flow No 9. White Mountains Scientific Study Report No 10.
    [Show full text]
  • Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve
    <iframe src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/ns.html?id=GTM-5L9VKK" height="0" width="0" style="display:none;visibility:hidden"></iframe> Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve About Check the latest Desert Parks Bulletin (https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/docs/desert-parks-bulletin- 30092021.pdf) before visiting this park. Located within the driest region of the Australian continent, the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park is in the centre of the Simpson Desert, one of the world's best examples of parallel dunal desert. The Simpson Desert's sand dunes stretch over hundreds of kilometres and lie across the corners of three states - South Australia, Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Regional Reserve, just outside the Conservation Park, features a wide variety of desert wildlife preserved in a landscape of varied dune systems, extensive playa lakes, spinifex grasslands and acacia woodlands. The reserve links the Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park to Witjira National Park. Simpson Desert parks in South Australia and Queensland are closed in summer from 1 December to 15 March. Vehicles are required to have high visibility safety flags (#safety) attached to the front of the vehicle. Opening hours Open daily. Munga-Thirri–Simpson Desert Conservation Park and Regional Reserve are closed from 1 December to 15 March each year. Access may be restricted due to local road conditions. Please refer to the latest Desert Parks Bulletin (https://cdn.environment.sa.gov.au/parks/docs/desert-parks-bulletin-30092021.pdf) for current access and road condition information. Closures and safety This park is closed on days of Catastrophic Fire Danger and may also be closed on days of Extreme Fire Danger.
    [Show full text]
  • Bushtracks Bush Heritage Magazine | Summer 2019
    bushtracks Bush Heritage Magazine | Summer 2019 Outback extremes Darwin’s legacy Platypus patrol Understanding how climate How a conversation beneath Volunteers brave sub-zero change will impact our western gimlet gums led to the creation temperatures to help shed light Queensland reserves. of Charles Darwin Reserve. on the Platypus of the upper Murrumbidgee River. Bush Heritage acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the places in which we live, work and play. We recognise and respect the enduring relationship they have with their lands and waters, and we pay our respects to elders, past and present. CONTRIBUTORS 1 Ethabuka Reserve, Qld, after rains. Photo by Wayne Lawler/EcoPix Chris Grubb Clare Watson Dr Viki Cramer Bron Willis Amelia Caddy 2 DESIGN Outback extremes Viola Design COVER IMAGE Ethabuka Reserve in far western Queensland. Photo by Lachie Millard / 8 The Courier Mail Platypus control This publication uses 100% post- 10 consumer waste recycled fibre, made Darwin’s legacy with a carbon neutral manufacturing process, using vegetable-based inks. BUSH HERITAGE AUSTRALIA T 1300 628 873 E [email protected] 13 W www.bushheritage.org.au Parting shot Follow Bush Heritage on: few years ago, I embarked on a scientific they describe this work reminds me that we are all expedition through Bush Heritage’s Ethabuka connected by our shared passion for the bush and our Aa Reserve, which is located on the edge of the dedication to seeing healthy country, protected forever. Simpson Desert, in far western Queensland. We were prepared for dry conditions and had packed ten Over the past 27 years, this same passion and days’ worth of water, but as it happened, our visit to dedication has seen Bush Heritage grow from strength- Ethabuka coincided with a rare downpour – the kind to-strength through two evolving eras of leadership of rain that transforms desert landscapes.
    [Show full text]
  • WWF0107 the Web Summer.Indd
    THE WEB The national newsletter for the Threatened Species Network WELCOME TO SUMMER 2007 The Threatened Species Network is a community -based program of the Australian Government and WWF-Australia Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore MP, WWF-Australia CEO Greg Bourne and Earth Hour Youth Ambassador Sarah Bishop at the launch of Earth Hour on 15 December 2006. Sarah Bishop will walk from Brisbane to Sydney in early 2007 as a way of voicing young Australians’ concerns about global warming. During the two-month, 1000-kilometre walk, Sarah will exchange ideas and make presentations to communities along the way, illustrating the simple things people can do to make a difference. © WWF/Tanya Lake. COMMUNITY ACTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE By Katherine Howard, TSN Program Officer, WWF-Australia Welcome to the Summer Web! In the last couple of editions we’ve talked about the topic that’s on everyone’s lips – climate change. Here at the TSN we are very excited about an upcoming event called Earth Hour, organised by WWF-Australia and Fairfax Publishing. At 7.30 pm on 31 March, businesses and households all over Sydney will switch off their lights for one hour. Earth Hour is part of a major effort CONTENTS to reduce Sydney’s greenhouse gas pollution by 5% in one year, and will send NATIONAL NEWS a very powerful message that it is possible to take action against global warming. What’s On 2 The threat of climate change needs to be tackled by a two-pronged approach: mitigation and adaptation. We REGIONAL NEWS need to both lower our greenhouse emissions to reduce the extent of climate change (mitigation) and to build SA 3 the resilience of our native species and natural ecosystems to the changed conditions (adaptation).1 The TSN’s Queensland 4 speciality is community-based, on-ground conservation, so we particularly focus on building resilience, but we Arid Rangelands 6 certainly haven’t forgotten how crucial it is to also reduce our emissions of greenhouse gases.
    [Show full text]
  • Bush Heritage News Edgbaston Reserve »» Focus on Bon Bon Station Reserve Summer 2009 »» Enter Our Competition!
    www.bushheritage.org.au In this issue » Bio-blitz at Yourka Reserve » New discoveries from Bush Heritage News Edgbaston Reserve » Focus on Bon Bon Station Reserve Summer 2009 » Enter our competition! Getting to grips with Yourka Reserve Queensland Herbarium botanist Jeanette Kemp joined Above: Staff members (L-R) Jim Radford, Ecological Monitoring Coordinator Jim Radford and Clair Dougherty and Paul Foreman undertaking vegetation survey in eucalypt woodlands of Yourka other Bush Heritage staff in an exploration of one of Reserve, Qld. PHOTO: JEN GRINdrod. Inset: Scenic landform and vegetation of Yourka Reserve, Bush Heritage’s newest reserves. Qld. PHOTO: WayNE LawlER/ECOPIX. hump! We felt the jolt of the Hilux and potholes into the tracks around The primary aim of the blitz was to learn Tshuddering to an abrupt stop before Yourka Reserve had also delayed more about the ecology of Yourka by we registered the sound of the front axle ecological surveys because much of gathering information from focused field ramming into the chalky roadbed as the the reserve was inaccessible until surveys and investigation. An intensive track gave way beneath us. Opening autumn. When we arrived we could mammal survey program, using infra-red the doors, we tumbled out into a gaping see flood debris, including uprooted motion-triggered cameras, cage traps and spotlighting, was conducted in the hole in the road. The deceptively solid trees, lodged in the limbs of towering moist forests and woodlands in the east surface was merely a thin crust over paperbarks and river she-oaks a full of the property. Although the presence a treacherous pothole, excavated by 20 m above the creeks.
    [Show full text]
  • Yampi Sound Training Area – Flora and Fauna Survey Dry Season 2008
    Yampi Sound Training Area – Flora and Fauna Survey Dry Season 2008 Regional Biodiversity Monitoring and Remediation Program (NT1651) Final Report 5 February 2009 Yampi Sound Training Area Fauna and Flora Survey Report, Dry Season 2008 Regional Biodiversity Monitoring & Remediation Program (NT1651) Final Report 5 February 2009 Sinclair Knight Merz ABN 37 001 024 095 34 McLachlan Street Darwin NT 0800 Australia Tel: +61 8 8982 4800 Fax: +61 8 8982 4840 Web: www.skmconsulting.com COPYRIGHT: The concepts and information contained in this document are the property of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd. Use or copying of this document in whole or in part without the written permission of Sinclair Knight Merz constitutes an infringement of copyright. LIMITATION: This report has been prepared on behalf of and for the exclusive use of Sinclair Knight Merz Pty Ltd’s Client, and is subject to and issued in connection with the provisions of the agreement between Sinclair Knight Merz and it’s Client. Sinclair Knight Merz accepts no liability or responsibility whatsoever for or in respect of any use of or reliance upon this report by any third party. Contents 1. Introduction 1 1.1. Locality 2 1.2. Regional Biogeography 4 1.3. History 4 1.3.1. History of Defence Activity 4 1.4. Heritage Values 4 1.5. Desktop Review 5 1.6. Field Survey 5 1.6.1. Fauna Survey 6 1.6.2. Fauna Habitat Descriptions 10 1.6.3. Flora Monitoring 11 1.6.4. Disturbance Monitoring 11 1.7. Evaluation of Conservation Significance 11 2.
    [Show full text]
  • Approved EMP Appendices 1 to 12
    Appendix 1. Field Management Plans Environmental Management/ Control Monitoring Monitoring Report Objective Impact Activity Reporting Action Responsibility Value Strategy Action Frequency Frequency Flora/fauna No permanent Loss of protected • All vegetation Ensure all necessary Visual Weekly Corrective action record as Induction Person in charge detrimental flora species, clearing permits and approvals are required training impact to essential habitat • Removal of fertile in place and compliance Prior to start of biodiversity or and biodiversity topsoil obligations communicated work ecological to site personnel prior to function commencing vegetation clearing Mark the boundary of the Visual weekly Corrective action record as Monthly Person in charge work program area with required (summary in tape and/ or hi-viz fencing monthly designated for ‘No Go report) Zones’ and monitor integrity Ensure site specific fire Audit At start of new Audit report As required Person in charge management plans are in work and place quarterly Weed invasion/ • All vegetation Upgrade existing tracks Visual Weekly Corrective action record as Monthly Weeds Officer infestation and / clearing where practical to required increased • Accessing site by accommodate the heavy occurrence or vehicle vehicle traffic (including abundance of widening). feral animals Vehicle wash down prior Weed certificate Prior to Certificate At Weeds Officer to entering the area mobilization commencemen t Vehicle wash down for the Weed certificate As required Self-assessment As required
    [Show full text]
  • Biodiversity Conservation on the Tiwi Islands, Northern Territory
    BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ON THE TIWI ISLANDS, NORTHERN TERRITORY: Part 2. Fauna Report prepared by John Woinarski, Kym Brennan, Craig Hempel, Martin Armstrong, Damian Milne and Ray Chatto. Darwin, June 2003 Cover photograph. The False Water-rat Xeromys myoides. This Vulnerable species is known in the Northern Territory from six locations, including the Tiwi Islands. (Photo: Alex Dudley). i SUMMARY This is the second part of a three part report describing the biodiversity of the Tiwi Islands, and options for its conservation and management. The first part describes the Islands, their environments and plants. This part describes the fauna of the Tiwi Islands, and highlights the conservation values of that fauna. This report is concerned principally with terrestrial vertebrate fauna (frogs, reptiles, birds and mammals), and provides only limited information on fish, freshwater systems, marine systems and invertebrates. While Tiwi Aboriginal people have long held a deep knowledge of the fauna of their lands, this knowledge has only recently been documented. Scientific knowledge of the Tiwi fauna has improved substantially over the last decade. Until then, the most substantial contributions had come from collections, mostly of birds and mammals, in the period 1910-1920, that had provided a surprisingly thorough inventory of these groups. In this report we have collated all accessible information on the fauna of these Islands, and describe results from a major study undertaken over the last few years. This study has greatly increased the amount of information on the distribution, abundance, ecology and conservation status of the Tiwi Islands fauna. The Tiwi invertebrate fauna remains poorly known.
    [Show full text]
  • Rangelands, Western Australia
    Biodiversity Summary for NRM Regions Species List What is the summary for and where does it come from? This list has been produced by the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities (SEWPC) for the Natural Resource Management Spatial Information System. The list was produced using the AustralianAustralian Natural Natural Heritage Heritage Assessment Assessment Tool Tool (ANHAT), which analyses data from a range of plant and animal surveys and collections from across Australia to automatically generate a report for each NRM region. Data sources (Appendix 2) include national and state herbaria, museums, state governments, CSIRO, Birds Australia and a range of surveys conducted by or for DEWHA. For each family of plant and animal covered by ANHAT (Appendix 1), this document gives the number of species in the country and how many of them are found in the region. It also identifies species listed as Vulnerable, Critically Endangered, Endangered or Conservation Dependent under the EPBC Act. A biodiversity summary for this region is also available. For more information please see: www.environment.gov.au/heritage/anhat/index.html Limitations • ANHAT currently contains information on the distribution of over 30,000 Australian taxa. This includes all mammals, birds, reptiles, frogs and fish, 137 families of vascular plants (over 15,000 species) and a range of invertebrate groups. Groups notnot yet yet covered covered in inANHAT ANHAT are notnot included included in in the the list. list. • The data used come from authoritative sources, but they are not perfect. All species names have been confirmed as valid species names, but it is not possible to confirm all species locations.
    [Show full text]
  • Structures for Survival Rakali, the Australian Water Rat (Hydromys Chryogaster)
    fact sheet Structures for survival Rakali, the Australian water rat (Hydromys chryogaster) Rakali is a specialised rodent that inhabits Australian freshwater systems. It is one of photo: Erin Whitford, used by permission the top predators in this environment. It is Australia’s largest rodent, with a body length of around 40 cm and a tail almost as long. The largest specimen recorded weighed an impressive 1.12 kg. photo: Andrew McCutcheon, used by permission What’s in the name? What’s on the menu? The Australian water rat is sometimes called the native otter, but generally they Rakali are predominantly are called rakali, which is their Western carnivorous and opportunistic, Australian Indigenous name. Their so their diet is highly varied. Many scientific name is Hydromys chryogaster, aquatic organisms are on the menu: and as you might have guessed, this is a particularly insects, worms, spiders and rat that loves water. crustaceans. They also dine on fish, frogs, tortoise, small mammals and waterbirds. Where do rakali live? Rakali prefer to take their meals on land, visiting favourite feeding platforms called Rakali is one of Australia’s most successful middens. rodent species and is found across the country. They also live in New Guinea and Fashionable fur adjacent islands. Rakali were hunted extensively for their Rakali habitats include creeks, rivers, fur during the first half of the twentieth estuaries, wetlands and farm dams. century, with over 10 000 animals trapped They are also found in brackish each year in Victoria alone. Rakali have been environments, including mangroves of protected nationwide since the 1950s.
    [Show full text]
  • Little Sandy Desert
    Biological survey of the south-western Little Sandy Desert NATIONAL RESERVE SYSTEM PROJECT N706 FINAL REPORT – JUNE 2002 EDITED BY STEPHEN VAN LEEUWEN SCIENCE DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT Biological survey of the south-western Little Sandy Desert NATIONAL RESERVE SYSTEM PROJECT N706 FINAL REPORT – JUNE 2002 EDITED BY STEPHEN VAN LEEUWEN SCIENCE DIVISION DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT Research and the collation of information presented in this report was undertaken with funding provided by the Biodiversity Group of Environment Australia. The project was undertaken for the National Reserves System Program (Project N706). The views and opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not reflect those of the Commonwealth Government, the Minister for the Environment and Heritage or the Director of National Parks. The report may be cited as Biological survey of the south-western Little Sandy Desert.. Copies of this report may be borrowed from the library: Parks Australia Environment Australia GPO Box 787 CANBERRA ACT 2601 AUSTRALIA or Dr Stephen van Leeuwen Science and Information Division Conservation and Land Management PO Box 835 KARRATHA WA 6714 AUSTRALIA Biological Survey of the south-western Little Sandy Desert NRS Project N706 Final Report – June 2002 TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................... iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]