Using Atlas Data for Large Scale Conservation Strategies A case study of NSW’s Mammals Gilad Bino PhD Thesis Australian Wetlands, Rivers, and Landscapes Centre School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences University of New South Wales 13th September 2011 THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW SOUTH WALES Thesis/Dissertation Sheet Surname or Family name: Bino First name: Gilad Other name/s: Abbreviation for degree as given in the University calendar: PhD School: Biological, Earth, and Environmental Sciences Faculty: Science Title: Using Atlas Data for Large Scale Conservation Strategies A case study of NSW’s Mammals Abstract 350 words maximum: (PLEASE TYPE) Global threatening processes such as habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, and climate change are driving many species to extinction at an alarming rate. This has particularly affected mammal populations across Australia where mammal extinctions over the past two centuries have been the highest in the world. Setting aside areas for protection is the principle strategy for safeguarding against biodiversity and maintaining ecosystem processes. Identifying areas for protection requires comprehensive knowledge of species’ distributions, where relative comparisons can be made over large scales. Spatially explicit datasets, such as atlases, harbour the greatest potential of large-scale information of biodiversity. These however, are seldom fully utilised for large-scale conservation initiatives and management. This thesis provides concepts, methods, and operational guidelines for conservation efforts using large data over extensive scales. To achieve this, I utilised NSW’s atlas data and focused on records of native terrestrial mammals. Chapter 1 provides an overview of global threats, conservation strategies, and specifically the state of Australia’s mammals. In chapter 2, I demonstrated how atlas data, collated at multiple spatial scales can be used to rank survey methods best suited for the detection of each mammal species. This approach provides a methodological process used to identify efficient monitoring strategies tailored for unique species’ inventories at regional and bioregional scales. Chapter 3 tests the efficacy of the existing Australian bioregional framework for representing mammal species within protected areas. The bioregional framework, which primarily relies on vegetation communities, is used to measure representation of biodiversity and prioritise new inclusions to the national protected area network. The chapter presents an alternative approach for prioritisation driven by mammal assemblages, using patterns co-occurring species. Results and performance for mammal representation are then assessed against the bioregional framework. Chapter 4 builds upon identified mammal assemblages to model anticipated effects of climate change on whole assemblages simultaneously and identify climate-resilient faunal communities. Identified areas are then used within to prioritise land for additions to the existing protected area network, given impacts of climate change on mammalian distributions. Chapter 5 examines the ecological and evolutionary mechanisms shaping Australia’s mammal community assemblages. By exploring trait interactions across spatial scales, a more precise scaling for evolving determinants of niche overlap are made. This provides unique insight into the evolutionary pathways and their rates, allowing identification of the scales in which these operate in shaping present-day communities. Finally, in Chapter 6, I summarise the research presented in the thesis and discuss directions for future work. Declaration relating to disposition of project thesis/dissertation I hereby grant to the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or in part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all property rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstracts International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). …………………………………………………………… ……………………………………..……………… ……….……………………...…….… Signature Witness Date The University recognises that there may be exceptional circumstances requiring restrictions on copying or conditions on use. Requests for restriction for a period of up to 2 years must be made in writing. Requests for a longer period of restriction may be considered in exceptional circumstances and require the approval of the Dean of Graduate Research. Date of completion of requirements for Award: FOR OFFICE USE ONLY THIS SHEET IS TO BE GLUED TO THE INSIDE FRONT COVER OF THE THESIS Originality Statement ‗I hereby declare that this submission is my own work and to the best of my knowledge it contains no materials previously published or written by another person, or substantial proportions of material which have been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at UNSW or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgement is made in the thesis. Any contribution made to the research by others, with whom I have worked at UNSW or elsewhere, is explicitly acknowledged in the thesis. I also declare that the intellectual content of this thesis is the product of my own work, except to the extent that assistance from others in the project's design and conception or in style, presentation and linguistic expression is acknowledged.‘ Signed …………………………………………….............. Gilad Bino Date ………………..13th September 2011…………….. Copyright Statement ‗I hereby grant the University of New South Wales or its agents the right to archive and to make available my thesis or dissertation in whole or part in the University libraries in all forms of media, now or here after known, subject to the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. I retain all proprietary rights, such as patent rights. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis or dissertation. I also authorise University Microfilms to use the 350 word abstract of my thesis in Dissertation Abstract International (this is applicable to doctoral theses only). I have either used no substantial portions of copyright material in my thesis or I have obtained permission to use copyright material; where permission has not been granted I have applied/will apply for a partial restriction of the digital copy of my thesis or dissertation.' Signed …………………………………………….............. Gilad Bino Date ………………..13th September 2011…………….. Authenticity Statement ‗I certify that the Library deposit digital copy is a direct equivalent of the final officially approved version of my thesis. No emendation of content has occurred and if there are any minor variations in formatting, they are the result of the conversion to digital format.‘ Signed …………………………………………….............. Gilad Bino Date ………………..13th September 2011…………….. Acknowledgments With all my heart I would like to thank my beloved wife for endeavouring with me on this long journey. Thank you for your support, love, and understanding and I hope it was a fun ride for you as well! To my amazing son Oz, your arrival into our family during my studies was perfect timing. I am grateful for the time I could spend with you. To our recent addition to the family, Taito you are the best graduation present I could wish for! To my two supervisors, I truly appreciate the time and effort you made. I have learned a great deal from you both. I dedicated the thesis to my mom, who patiently waited for her turn, thank you for the lot. Finally, farewell to my student concession card, you have been a great companion in movies, planes, buses, and trains for nine whole years. Preface This thesis consists of five research papers (Chapters 2-5, appendix), an introductory chapter (Chapter 1) and a concluding chapter (Chapter 6). Chapters 2-5 have either been published, accepted, or are currently in review. As each chapter is an individual paper, some repetition occurs. In addition, tables and figures are not numbered sequentially throughout the thesis but are specific to the chapter/paper in which they appear. References are located at the end of the paper in which they are referred to. This thesis is a compilation of my own work with guidance from my supervisors Richard Kingsford and Daniel Ramp. I conceptualised my research, conducted all data analysis and wrote and illustrated the manuscripts. My co- authors proof-read and edited the final manuscript versions. The contributions of my co- authors are detailed below. 8 | P a g e Chapter 2: Bino, G., Ramp, D., Kingsford, R.T. Learning from the past: using historical occurrence data and species distribution modelling to inform fauna surveys at landscape- scales. Both D. Ramp and R.T. Kingsford provided conceptual guidance and advice in their function as my supervisors. Chapter 3: Bino, G., Ramp, D., and Kingsford, R.T. Improving bioregional frameworks for conservation by including mammal distributions. Both D. Ramp and R.T. Kingsford provided conceptual guidance and advice in their function as my supervisors. Chapter 4: Bino, G., Ramp, D., and Kingsford, R.T. Are protected areas adequate for conserving climate refugia for fauna? Both D. Ramp and R.T. Kingsford provided conceptual guidance and advice in their function as my supervisors.