Genetic and ecological viability of plant populations in remnant vegetation

This project quantified the genetic and ecological factors that influence the viability of plant populations in two contrasting agricultural landscapes - one in New South Wales and one in Western Australia.

The project explored how genetic and ecological factors are affected by characteristics of remnant vegetation such as size, disturbance and isolation.

Species that have a wide range of life histories were selected so that results could be extended and used more broadly.

Outcomes

1. Identify and quantify the genetic and demographic factors that affect the viability of plant populations in vegetation remnants;
2. Examine and model the relationships between key genetic and demographic factors affecting viability and remnant vegetation characteristics such as size, disturbance and landscape position;
3. Compare results among four target species with varied ecologies to assess how life history affects the impact of remnant characteristics on population viability;
4. Based on objectives 1 to 3, generate:
   - specific genetic and demographic guidelines for management of remnant populations of the target species; and
   - general landscape design principles for major plant life history types that maximise the probability of population persistence.

Publications and Resources

None listed

Citation

Land & Water Australia. 2009. Genetic and ecological viability of plant populations in remnant vegetation. [Online] (Updated April 24th, 2009)
Available at: http://lwa.gov.au/node/3299 [Accessed Tuesday 26th of April 2011 11:44:08 AM ].