Molecular analysis of vegetation function in fragmented Australian biomes

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. Molecular analysis of vegetation function in fragmented Australian biomes. [Online] (Updated April 23rd, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3263 [Accessed Tuesday 26th of April 2011 01:56:27 AM ].

This project aims to improve understanding of plant population viability in fragmented landscapes by providing information on the importance and spatial dependence of genetic and ecological interactions among populations.

The project will integrate the use of powerful molecular ecological techniques, demographic monitoring and population models to develop an explicit understanding of the importance of gene flow and seed dispersal among populations for determining local species persistence.

Outcomes

1. Quantify the strength, scale and temporal variation of gene flow through pollen and seed movement among vegetation patches in fragmented landscapes in SE NSW and SW WA.

2. Determine the significance of gene flow for seed production, progeny fitness and population viability.

3. Produce spatially explicit models to describe current patterns of inter-patch gene flow in relation to landscape configuration. Develop "landscape leverage" analysis to quantify the influence of different patch populations on local ecological and genetic dynamics and use "landscape leverage" maps to predict effects of landscape changes (habitat loss, altered configuration, revegetation) on species persistence.

4. Develop guidelines to:

a) maximise long-term plant population viability through coordinated management of multiple populations within landscapes at biologically appropriate scales and;

b) improve revegetation success through the strategic placement of vegetation into the landscape that will maximise gene flow and population viability.