DOCSLIB.ORG

MAINTENANCE and DYNAMICS of RAINFOREST EDGES Yong Tang

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Maintenance and Dynamics of Rainforest Edges Author Tang, Yong Published 2008 Thesis Type Thesis (PhD Doctorate) School School of Environment DOI https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/3066 Copyright Statement The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise. Downloaded from http://hdl.handle.net/10072/367442 Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au MAINTENANCE AND DYNAMICS OF RAINFOREST EDGES Yong Tang 2007 MAINTENANCE AND DYNAMICS OF RAINFOREST EDGES Yong Tang B.Sc, M.Sc. (CAS) Griffith School of Environment Faculty of Environmental Sciences and Engineering Griffith University Supervisors Prof. Roger L. Kitching Dr. Jacinta Zalucki Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy October 2007 SYNOPSIS Deforestation and fragmentation of rainforest has become one of the major threats to global biodiversity and the massive loss of rainforest during the past decades has pushed the global biota to the edge of the global species extinction crisis. Despite the increasing public awareness and tremendous efforts made internationally to save the remaining rainforest, the deforestation rate continues to accelerate in many rainforest areas. This trend is due mainly to increasing human population and local or regional economical or political crises creating increased needs and demands on land use and rainforest products. In addition to the loss of large areas of wildlife habitat, a direct consequence of rainforest fragmentation is the increase in the extent of edges, through which “hostile” edge effects can have a profound impact on the dynamics of remaining rainforests. There is an urgent need to understand the underlying mechanisms that drive the dynamics of the rainforest edges and more important, the subsequent long-term impact on the local and regional rainforest. The main objective of the study described in this thesis has been to compare the patterns with which rainforest plants respond to the edge environment at different types of edges involving rainforests. The study was conducted within a fragmented subtropical rainforest complex in Lamington National Park, Southeast Queensland. Rainforest trees, lianas, seedling banks and soil seed banks were investigated at eucalypt forest/ rainforest, pasture/ rainforest and roadside rainforest edges. For each edge type, nine 100 m transects were established from the edge to rainforest interior and transects were extended 50 m into eucalypt forest and pasture for additional sampling of surrounding matrices. Vegetation surveys were conducted along the edge transects for the study of trees, lianas and seedlings. Soil seed banks were investigated by germination experiments conducted in a shade house, using soil samples collected along the edge transect. The results from the edge studies were compared with corresponding studies in a 1 ha rainforest reference plot located in a relatively undisturbed area within the rainforest interior. Studies focussed on the two factors to which rainforest plants near the edges respond. 1) Edge to rainforest interior gradients, driven by changes in microclimatic factors i and associated modified species composition, structure and ecological processes within rainforest near the edges. 2) The different disturbance regimes associated with the matrices that surround the edges. Both univariate and multivariate statistical approaches have been used to describe the underlying patterns and to identify plant species that respond to these patterns. The results demonstrated that the species composition and structure of rainforest has been largely modified near the edges in response to edge types and associated disturbances. These changes include a dramatic increase in the densities of small trees and lianas, a shift of shade-tolerant species to shade-intolerant species and a significant increase in the presence of fleshy-fruited plants. In addition, canopy lianas also showed a significant shift from twiners to tendril climbers. The distance from edge to rainforest interior over which the changes in forest composition and structure can be recognized, varied among edges, from a few metres at roadside rainforest edges to more than 80 metres at pasture/ rainforest edges. The results also suggest that the eucalypt forest/ rainforest edges have apparently developed a unique edge plant assemblage in response to long-term fragmentation and repeated burning. The changes in the forest canopy have also lead to corresponding changes in seedling banks that depend primarily on the species and microclimatic conditions maintained within the rainforest canopies. A significant decline in the density of rainforest tree seedlings was found at rainforest edges, compared with the rainforest reference plot. This decline followed a gradient from rainforest interior to the edges at eucalypt/ rainforest and pasture/ rainforest edges. In contrast, a dramatic increase in the density of liana seedlings was found at all three types of edges. The densities of liana and tree seedlings were found to be positively correlated within the rainforest reference plot, but this relationship became negative at rainforest edges. This implies that the edge effects may potentially favour the regeneration of lianas. A possible seed dispersal limitation has been suggested by the results from soil seed bank studies. This dispersal limitation may have contributed to a significant decrease of seed storages of rainforest species in the soil seed banks from the rainforest interior towards the edges and continued through to the surrounding matrices. Not a single ii native tree seed was germinated from soil samples taken within the pastures. Furthermore, large amount of seeds originating from the surrounding matrices have been brought into the rainforest. The distribution patterns of those non-rainforest seeds, decreasing linearly from edge to rainforest interior, has demonstrated the function of edges as an effective barrier preventing the penetration of species and material from the surrounding matrices. The analysis of the relationship between the soil seed bank and above-ground vegetation has emphasized the importance of ‘long- lived’ pioneer species in the dynamics of the subtropical rainforest and their potential for rainforest restoration. This study also suggests that a prolonged drought may have had a profound impact on the dynamics of the rainforest in the study area. These impacts include the drought- induced mass-fruiting of some species, such as Caldcluvia paniculosa and Derris involuta, and changes in the microclimatic conditions for seedling establishment, causing significant changes in the soil seed bank and seedling bank. A potential interaction of drought and edge effects may lead to a significant increase in liana seedlings at the expense of tree seedlings. This study also has discussed Australian rainforest fragmentation in a geological context with consideration of human induced disturbance prior to and after European settlement. This suggests that the Australian rainforest may be more resistant to fragmentation due to long term “adaptation” through repeated fragmentation across geological time and the absence of large scale agriculture prior to the European settlement. On the other hand, the high endemism and the long term isolation in a sea of highly flammable sclerophyllous vegetation suggest that the Australian rainforest remnants may be more vulnerable to projected climate change. The short-term intensive rainforest destruction after European settlement has contributed substantially to this vulnerability. Findings from this study have important implications for long-term trends in rainforest dynamics. A lack of large areas of secondary rainforest may become an obstacle to natural regeneration in deforested areas and compromise the conservation value of the remaining rainforest remnants. Rainforest edges are one of only a few places where large numbers of secondary rainforest species, especially those of iii fleshy-fruited trees and lianas, are well preserved. The edges may become important seed sources promoting natural regeneration in deforested areas. The existence of dispersal limitation near the edges, however, may limit the functioning of this natural service. Long-term monitoring of the dynamics of rainforest edges is needed which can be achieved by using rapid assessment of soil seed banks near the edges. iv STAEMENT OF ORIGINALITY I certify that this thesis is my original work and has not previously been submitted for a degree or diploma in any university. To the best of my knowledge and belief, the thesis contains no material previously published or written by another person except where due reference is made in the thesis itself. Yong Tang v vi TABLE OF CONTENTS SYNOPSISTU UT .......................................................................................................................... i STAEMENTTU OF ORIGINALITYUT ................................................................................... v TABLETU OF CONTENTSUT ................................................................................................ vii LISTTU OF FIGURESUT .......................................................................................................... x LISTTU OF APPENDICESUT ............................................................................................... xvii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSTU UT ........................................................................................xviii COLOURTU PLATESUT
Recommended publications
  • TML Propagation Protocols

    TML Propagation Protocols

    PROPAGATION PROTOCOLS This document is intended as a guide for Tamborine Mountain Landcare members who wish to assist our regeneration projects by growing some of the plants needed. It is a work in progress so if you have anything to add to the protocols – for example a different but successful way of propagating and growing a particular plant – then please give it to Julie Lake so she can add it to the document. The idea is that our shared knowledge and experience can become a valuable part of TML's intellectual property as well as a useful source of knowledge for members. As there are many hundreds of plants native to Tamborine Mountain, the protocols list will take a long time to complete, with growing information for each plant added alphabetically as time permits. While the list is being compiled by those members with competence in this field, any TML member with a query about propagating a particular plant can post it on the website for other me mb e r s to answer. To date, only protocols for trees and shrubs have been compiled. Vines and ferns will be added later. Fruiting times given are usual for the species but many rainforest plants flower and fruit opportunistically, according to weather and other conditions unknown to us, thus fruit can be produced at any time of year. Finally, if anyone would like a copy of the protocols, contact Julie on [email protected] and she’ll send you one. ………………….. Growing from seed This is the best method for most plants destined for regeneration projects for it is usually fast, easy and ensures genetic diversity in the regenerated landscape.
  • Bruxner Park Flora Reserve Working Plan

    Bruxner Park Flora Reserve Working Plan

    Bruxner Park Flora Reserve Working Plan Working Plan for Bruxner Park Flora Reserve No 3 Upper North East Forest Agreement Region North East Region Contents Page 1. DETAILS OF THE RESERVE 2 1.1 Introduction 2 1.2 Location 2 1.3 Key Attributes of the Reserve 2 1.4 General Description 2 1.5 History 6 1.6 Current Usage 8 2. SYSTEM OF MANAGEMENT 9 2.1 Objectives of Management 9 2.2 Management Strategies 9 2.3 Management Responsibility 11 2.4 Monitoring, Reporting and Review 11 3. LIST OF APPENDICES 11 Appendix 1 Map 1 Locality Appendix 1 Map 2 Cadastral Boundaries, Forest Types and Streams Appendix 1 Map 3 Vegetation Growth Stages Appendix 1 Map 4 Existing Occupation Permits and Recreation Facilities Appendix 2 Flora Species known to occur in the Reserve Appendix 3 Fauna records within the Reserve Y:\Tourism and Partnerships\Recreation Areas\Orara East SF\Bruxner Flora Reserve\FlRWP_Bruxner.docx 1 Bruxner Park Flora Reserve Working Plan 1. Details of the Reserve 1.1 Introduction This plan has been prepared as a supplementary plan under the Nature Conservation Strategy of the Upper North East Ecologically Sustainable Forest Management (ESFM) Plan. It is prepared in accordance with the terms of section 25A (5) of the Forestry Act 1916 with the objective to provide for the future management of that part of Orara East State Forest No 536 set aside as Bruxner Park Flora Reserve No 3. The plan was approved by the Minister for Forests on 16.5.2011 and will be reviewed in 2021.
  • A4 Template with Cover and Following Page

    A4 Template with Cover and Following Page

    Powerful Owl Project Update – December 2015 Caroline Wilson, Holly Parsons & Janelle Thomas Thank-you to all of you for being involved with another successful year of the Powerful Owl Project. We had some changes this year, with our main grant funding finishing Caroline Wilson and Janelle Thomas from the Threatened Bird Network (TBN) and Holly Parsons from the Birds in Backyards Program took over the running of the project for BirdLife Australia. Generous donations from the NSW Twitch-a-thon has allowed us to complete this year’s research and allows us to continue in 2016. This season we have had over 120 registered volunteers involved, including over 50 new volunteers who were recruited to the project early this year. You have helped us monitor over 80 Powerful Owl breeding sites, allowing the project to cover a lot of ground throughout Greater Sydney, the NSW Central Coast and Newcastle. The data you have collected is really important for the effective management of urban Powerful Owl populations and this information is shared with land mangers and local councils. So thank-you! We really appreciate the amazing work carried out by our volunteers; with your help we have learned so much about these birds, and this information is helping us protect this unique and amazing species. Read on to hear about all we have achieved in 2015. Powerful Owl chick from 2015, peeking out of the hollow (taken by Christine Melrose) March 2015 workshop The March workshop was held to train our new volunteers, update everyone on the findings from the project and to say thank-you to our existing volunteers – some of which have been with us since 2011.
  • The Wood Cross Sections of Hermann Nördlinger (1818–1897)

    The Wood Cross Sections of Hermann Nördlinger (1818–1897)

    IAWA Journal, Vol. 29 (4), 2008: 439–457 THE WOOD CROSS SECTIONS OF HERMANN NÖRDLINGER (1818–1897) Ben Bubner Leibniz-Zentrum für Agrarlandschaftsforschung (ZALF) e.V., Institut für Landschaftsstoffdynamik, Eberswalder Str. 84, 15374 Müncheberg, Germany [E-mail: [email protected]] SUMMARY Hermann Nördlinger (1818–1897), forestry professor in Hohenheim, Germany, published a series of wood cross sections in the years 1852 to 1888 that are introduced here to the modern wood anatomist. The sec- tions, which vary from 50 to 100 μm in thickness, are mounted on sheets of paper and their quality is high enough to observe microscopic details. Their technical perfection is as remarkable as the mode of distribution: sections of 100 wood species were presented in a box together with a booklet containing wood anatomical descriptions. These boxes were dis- tributed as books by the publisher Cotta, from Stuttgart, Germany, with a maximum circulation of 500 per volume. Eleven volumes comprise 1100 wood species from all over the world. These include not only conifers and broadleaved trees but also shrubs, ferns and palms representing a wide variety of woody structures. Excerpts of this collection were also pub- lished in Russian, English and French. Today, volumes of Nördlingerʼs cross sections are found in libraries throughout Europe and the United States. Thus, they are relatively easily accessible to wood anatomists who are interested in historic wood sections. A checklist with the content of each volume is appended. Key words: Cross section, wood collection, wood anatomy, history. INTRODUCTION Wood scientists who want to distinguish wood species anatomically rely on thin sec- tions mounted on glass slides and descriptions in books that are illustrated with micro- photographs.
  • Price List: Plant Species March 2016

    Price List: Plant Species March 2016

    PRICE LIST: PLANT SPECIES MARCH 2016 NOOSA & DISTRICT LANDCARE RESOURCE CENTRE ABN: 73 315 096 794 Station Street, POMONA (opposite the pub) Ph: (07) 5485 2468 Open: Wednesday – Friday 09:30am to 2:30pm Saturday 09:00am to 12:00pm (midday) TUBE STOCK PRICES (including GST) Tube stock: $2.00 Super tubes: $3.00 * Orders 100-500: $1.80 Kauri, Brown & Hoop pines: $2.20 * Orders 500 plus: $1.54 Bunya pines: $3.50 * Orders over 1000 – price negotiable Specials: $1.00 * Larger pots as marked ** Members receive 10% - 20% discount on plants** Please phone 5485 2468 for enquiries or come in and see us today! Plant Species Acacia bakeri MARBLEWOOD NEW Quick growing medium rainforest tree to 10 metres with stunning red-tipped new growth and bushy foliage. Fluffy pale yellow flower heads in spring. Acacia flavescens PRIMROSE BALL WATTLE Shrub to 4m throughout Queensland and Nsw, mostly in Coastal areas. Oftent very ‘showy’ flowering periods in June with cream coloured ball-flowers. Unusal seed pods show the seeds very obviously which attracts birds such as the pale headed rosella. Page 1 of 12 Acacia fimbriata BRISBANE WATTLE Shrub or bushy small tree to 4m. Hardy and fast growing. Attractive ferny semi-weeping foliage. Flowers are scented yellow fluffy balls in winter. Acacia melanoxylon BLACKWOODN NEW Hardy, fast growing medium sized tree to 20 metres and long lived. Pale cream pom-pom flowers in the warmer months Grows rapidily into a thickly crowned tree and prefers a sunny position, pruning or thinning may be required. The golden brown timber is one of Australia’s best for cabinet work and ornamental interiors.
  • Eidothea Hardeniana (Nightcap Oak) September 2004 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), July 2004

    Eidothea Hardeniana (Nightcap Oak) September 2004 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), July 2004

    Approved NSW & National Recovery Plan Eidothea hardeniana (Nightcap Oak) September 2004 © Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), July 2004. This work is copyright. However, material presented in this plan may be copied for personal use or published for educational purposes, providing that any extracts are fully acknowledged. Apart from this and any other use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be reproduced without prior written permission from NSW Department of Environment and Conservation. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation 43 Bridge Street (PO Box 1967) Hurstville NSW 2220 Tel: 02 9585 6444 www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Requests for information or comments regarding the recovery program for the Nightcap Oak are best directed to: The Nightcap Oak Recovery Co-ordinator Threatened Species Unit, North East Branch NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Locked Bag 914 Coffs Harbour NSW 2450 Tel: 02 6651 5946 Cover illustrator: Lesley Elkan © Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney Cover illustration: Adult and juvenile leaves and fruit of Eidothea hardeniana This plan should be cited as follows: NSW Department of Environment and Conservation 2004, Recovery Plan for the Nightcap Oak (Eidothea hardeniana), Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Hurstville. ISBN 0 7313 6781 2 Recovery Plan The Nightcap Oak Draft Recovery Plan The Tumut Grevillea Recovery Plan for the Nightcap Oak (Eidothea hardeniana) Foreword The New South Wales Government established a new environment agency on 24 September 2003, the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), which incorporates the New South Wales National Parks and Wildlife Service. Responsibility for the preparation of Recovery Plans now rests with this new department.
  • Australian Native Plant Society Hibiscus And

    Australian Native Plant Society Hibiscus And

    AUSTRALIAN NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY HIBISCUS AND RELATED GENERA STUDY GROUP MARCH 2013 NEWSLETTER NO. 28 ISNN 1488-1488 EDITORIAL : Our cover page depicts a very good image of the ‘River Hibiscus’ Radyera farageii from Alex Nelson of Alice Springs. This fine Malvaceae rivals ‘Sturt’s Desert Rose’ Gossypium sturtianum and is most unusual for a plant from the arid region with its large floppy leaves. Its climatic range is southwards from Alice Springs into the southern interior. I have grown it successfully at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast where it thrived for a number of years producing plenty of blooms and seed. Alex Nelson’s article is a very important observation of the ‘River Hibiscus’. This newsletter has Part 1 and next newsletter will have Part 2 of his article. The information needs our follow-up as a study group for all Australian genera. Perhaps an approach to Local Government, the CSIRO and Interest Groups could result in some worthwhile action to save this unique species. Before any action is taken the issue needs to be discussed with Alex so as to determine the best approach. Our two other articles cover ‘Hibiscus and Paper’ as well as ‘Brachychiton bidwillii’ in South-East Queensland. We are covering new ground here with the hope that readers find the contents of interest. Don’t hesitate to write in should you require more details. More Corrections : The Australian Hollyhock has undergone further name changes in a paper titled ‘Malva weinmanniana (Besser ex. Rebb.) Conran, a new name for the pink-flowered form of Malva preissiana Miq.
  • Changes for Rainforest Trees and Shrubs (2006, 2009)

    Changes for Rainforest Trees and Shrubs (2006, 2009)

    Changes for Rainforest Trees and Shrubs (2006, 2009) Comment on the genera Syzygium, Anetholea, Waterhousea and Acmena There is continued debate amongst botanists as to whether the genera Anetholea, Waterhousea and Acmena should be included in the mega-genus Syzygium. In this publication we have included these three genera in Syzygium; however, many botanists do not think that on present knowledge this position should be continued. Therefore it is suggested that the species be retained in their separate genera, i.e., Anetholea anisata, Waterhousea floribunda and Acmena hemilampra, Acmena ingens and Acmena smithii. Previous names are listed below for users who wish to continue using the separate genera. Note, all names are valid, therefore until there is consensus amongst botanists and State Herbaria either of the names for a taxon can be used. Name changes etc. Page 24: Add: WTRf for Pararchidendron pruinosum Page 31: Name change: Zieria species ‘Brolga Park’ now Zieria bifida Page 33: Name change: Zieria species ‘Binjour’ now Zieria vagans Pages 30, 52 & 95; Add: Springbrook to distribution for Alloxylon pinnatum Page 34: Add: CTRf for Acradenia euodiiformis Page 36: Name change: Erythrina species ‘Croftby’ now Erythrina numerosa Page 45: Spelling correction: Mackinlaya macrosciadea Pages 53 & 69: Name change: Senna odorata now Senna barronfieldii Pages 89, 91 & 115: Name change: Hymenanthera dentata now Melicytus dentatus Page 121: Callistemon salignus has been included in the genus Melaleuca (as Melaleuca saligna), however, this change has not been accepted by all botanists. Therefore, continue to use the name Callistemon salignus and include Melaleuca saligna as a synonym until the position of the species is clarified and its position more widely accepted by botanists.
  • Blair's Rainforest Inventory

    Blair's Rainforest Inventory

    Enoggera creek (Herston/Wilston) rainforest inventory Prepared by Blair Bartholomew 28-Jan-02 Botanical Name Common Name: tree, shrub, Derivation (Pronunciation) vine, timber 1. Acacia aulacocarpa Brown salwood, hickory/brush Acacia from Greek ”akakia (A), hê”, the shittah tree, Acacia arabica; (changed to Acacia ironbark/broad-leaved/black/grey which is derived from the Greek “akanth-a [a^k], ês, hê, (akê A)” a thorn disparrima ) wattle, gugarkill or prickle (alluding to the spines on the many African and Asian species first described); aulacocarpa from Greek “aulac” furrow and “karpos” a fruit, referring to the characteristic thickened transverse bands on the a-KAY-she-a pod. Disparrima from Latin “disparrima”, the most unlike, dissimilar, different or unequal referring to the species exhibiting the greatest difference from other renamed species previously described as A aulacocarpa. 2. Acacia melanoxylon Black wood/acacia/sally, light Melanoxylon from Greek “mela_s” black or dark: and “xulon” wood, cut wood, hickory, silver/sally/black- and ready for use, or tree, referring to the dark timber of this species. hearted wattle, mudgerabah, mootchong, Australian blackwood, native ash, bastard myall 3. Acmena hemilampra Broad-leaved lillypilly, blush satin Acmena from Greek “Acmenae” the nymphs of Venus who were very ash, water gum, cassowary gum beautiful, referring to the attractive flowers and fruits. A second source says that Acmena was a nymph dedicated to Venus. This derivation ac-ME-na seems the most likely. Finally another source says that the name is derived from the Latin “Acmena” one of the names of the goddess Venus. Hemilampra from Greek “hemi” half and “lampro”, bright, lustrous or shining, referring to the glossy upper leaf surface.
  • Interactions Among Leaf Miners, Host Plants and Parasitoids in Australian Subtropical Rainforest

    Interactions Among Leaf Miners, Host Plants and Parasitoids in Australian Subtropical Rainforest

    Food Webs along Elevational Gradients: Interactions among Leaf Miners, Host Plants and Parasitoids in Australian Subtropical Rainforest Author Maunsell, Sarah Published 2014 Thesis Type Thesis (PhD Doctorate) School Griffith School of Environment DOI https://doi.org/10.25904/1912/3017 Copyright Statement The author owns the copyright in this thesis, unless stated otherwise. Downloaded from http://hdl.handle.net/10072/368145 Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au Food webs along elevational gradients: interactions among leaf miners, host plants and parasitoids in Australian subtropical rainforest Sarah Maunsell BSc (Hons) Griffith School of Environment Science, Environment, Engineering and Technology Griffith University Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy February 2014 Synopsis Gradients in elevation are used to understand how species respond to changes in local climatic conditions and are therefore a powerful tool for predicting how mountain ecosystems may respond to climate change. While many studies have shown elevational patterns in species richness and species turnover, little is known about how multi- species interactions respond to elevation. An understanding of how species interactions are affected by current clines in climate is imperative if we are to make predictions about how ecosystem function and stability will be affected by climate change. This challenge has been addressed here by focussing on a set of intimately interacting species: leaf-mining insects, their host plants and their parasitoid predators. Herbivorous insects, including leaf miners, and their host plants and parasitoids interact in diverse and complex ways, but relatively little is known about how the nature and strengths of these interactions change along climatic gradients.
  • Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants

    Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants

    Page 1 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants – Rainforest Study Group – No.62 (7) June 2006 Associations of Societies for Growing Australian Plants ASGAP Rainforest Study Group NEWSLETTER No 62. (7) June 2006 ISSN 0729-5413 Annual Subscription $5, $10 overseas Photos: www.web-a-file.com Study Group Webpage (under construction): http://farrer.csu.edu.au/ASGAP/rainfor.html Email: [email protected] Address: Kris Kupsch, 28 Plumtree Pocket, Burringbar, Australia, 2483. Ph. (02) 66771466 Mob. 0439557438 Introduction ASGAP trip to Sydney Nov 2005 It has been a long while since I wrote a During my brief visit to Sydney in November newsletter, I apologise for taking so long. last year as part of an invitation to speak at a Since the last newsletter the family and I have SGAP meeting in Ermington, I got to do the moved back to the Wet Tropics. I now work following: as an Environmental Scientist undertaking 1. I was escorted by Cas Liber, ASGAP vegetation surveys and compiling Banksia Study Group leader. Cas environmental management plans for parts of toured me through the Botanic the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area. This Gardens, his garden, among others. has been a rather large transition, leaving Many thanks to Cas and his family. behind my garden and all of my immediate 2. I visited Betty Rymers garden at plans in NSW; the job was too good to refuse. Kenthurst. Betty has a notable I wish everyone the best with their rainforest garden including a large endeavours and hope this newsletter was Brachychiton discolor, Dianella worth the wait.
  • I Is the Sunda-Sahul Floristic Exchange Ongoing?

    I Is the Sunda-Sahul Floristic Exchange Ongoing?

    Is the Sunda-Sahul floristic exchange ongoing? A study of distributions, functional traits, climate and landscape genomics to investigate the invasion in Australian rainforests By Jia-Yee Samantha Yap Bachelor of Biotechnology Hons. A thesis submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy at The University of Queensland in 2018 Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation i Abstract Australian rainforests are of mixed biogeographical histories, resulting from the collision between Sahul (Australia) and Sunda shelves that led to extensive immigration of rainforest lineages with Sunda ancestry to Australia. Although comprehensive fossil records and molecular phylogenies distinguish between the Sunda and Sahul floristic elements, species distributions, functional traits or landscape dynamics have not been used to distinguish between the two elements in the Australian rainforest flora. The overall aim of this study was to investigate both Sunda and Sahul components in the Australian rainforest flora by (1) exploring their continental-wide distributional patterns and observing how functional characteristics and environmental preferences determine these patterns, (2) investigating continental-wide genomic diversities and distances of multiple species and measuring local species accumulation rates across multiple sites to observe whether past biotic exchange left detectable and consistent patterns in the rainforest flora, (3) coupling genomic data and species distribution models of lineages of known Sunda and Sahul ancestry to examine landscape-level dynamics and habitat preferences to relate to the impact of historical processes. First, the continental distributions of rainforest woody representatives that could be ascribed to Sahul (795 species) and Sunda origins (604 species) and their dispersal and persistence characteristics and key functional characteristics (leaf size, fruit size, wood density and maximum height at maturity) of were compared.