The fourth dimension: incorporating time into landscape-level biodiversity assessments

This project aims to add temporal depth to our understanding of the distribution of native avifauna in relation to the spatial configuration of remnant native vegetation in agricultural landscapes.

It will provide empirical data to evaluate time lags in responses to landscape change, and rates of population change under different conditions.

The project will establish the foundation for a landscape-level, long-term ecological monitoring program to evaluate landscape resilience and communicate knowledge of temporal change to key stakeholders in native vegetation planning and management.

Expected project completion date: April 2008

Outcomes

1. To survey birds using the protocols and sites established during DUV6 - surveys conducted in replicate landscapes that sample a gradient in native vegetation cover and contrasting configuration - thereby enabling temporal change to be assessed

2. To evaluate differences in (a) species richness and (b) incidence of woodland bird species between the sampling periods (2002/03 and 2006/07) in relation to landscape composition and configuration

3. To test the hypotheses that rates (i.e. change over time) of species loss and population decline are negatively correlated with (a) extent and (b) aggregation of native vegetation in the landscape

4. To establish the foundation for a landscape-level, long-term ecological monitoring program to evaluate landscape resilience

5. To communicate knowledge of temporal change to key stakeholders in native vegetation planning and management.

Publications and Resources

None listed

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. The fourth dimension: incorporating time into landscape-level biodiversity assessments. [Online] (Updated April 23rd, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3266 [Accessed Wednesday 29th of February 2012 10:49:34 PM ].