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Smith KJ, Evans MJ, Gordon IJ, Pierson JC, Stratford S, Manning AD. Mini Safe Havens for population recovery and reintroductions 'beyond-the-fence'. BIODIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION 2022; 32:203-225. [PMID: 36405571 PMCID: PMC9652606 DOI: 10.1007/s10531-022-02495-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED In response to the ongoing decline of fauna worldwide, there has been growing interest in the rewilding of whole ecosystems outside of fenced sanctuaries or offshore islands. This interest will inevitably result in attempts to restore species where eliminating threats from predators and competitors is extremely challenging or impossible, or reintroductions of predators that will increase predation risk for extant prey (i.e., coexistence conservation). We propose 'Mini Safe Havens' (MSHs) as a potential tool for managing these threats. Mini Safe Havens are refuges that are permanently permeable to the focal species; allowing the emigration of individuals while maintaining gene flow through the boundary. Crucial to the effectiveness of the approach is the ongoing maintenance and monitoring required to preserve a low-to-zero risk of key threats within the MSH; facilitating in-situ learning and adaptation by focal species to these threats, at a rate and intensity of exposure determined by the animals themselves. We trialled the MSH approach for a pilot reintroduction of the Australian native New Holland mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae), in the context of a trophic rewilding project to address potential naïveté to a reintroduced native mammalian predator. We found that mice released into a MSH maintained their weight and continued to use the release site beyond 17 months (525 days) post-release. In contrast, individuals in temporary soft-release enclosures tended to lose weight and became undetectable approximately 1-month post-release. We discuss the broad applicability of MSHs for population recovery and reintroductions 'beyond-the-fence' and recommend avenues for further refinement of the approach. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10531-022-02495-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarrah J. Smith
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
| | - Maldwyn J. Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Iain J. Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
- The James Hutton Institute, Dundee, DD2 5DA UK
- Central Queensland University, Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
- Land and Water, CSIRO, Townsville, QLD 4810 Australia
- Lead, Protected Places Mission, National Environmental Science Program, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre, Cairns, QLD 4870 Australia
| | - Jennifer C. Pierson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
- Australian Wildlife Conservancy, Subiaco East, WA 6008 Australia
- Centre for Conservation Ecology and Genomics, Institute for Applied Ecology, University of Canberra, Canberra, ACT 2617 Australia
| | | | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Acton, ACT 2601 Australia
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Peel L, Hazell P, Bernardi T, Dovers S, Freudenberger D, Hall C, Hazell D, Jehne W, Moore L, Nairn G. The Mulloon Rehydration Initiative: The project’s establishment and monitoring framework. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Brockett B, Banks S, Neaves LE, Gordon IJ, Pierson JC, Manning AD. Establishment, persistence and the importance of longitudinal monitoring in multi‐source reintroductions. Anim Conserv 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- B. Brockett
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - S. Banks
- College of Engineering, IT and the Environment Charles Darwin University Darwin NT Australia
| | - L. E. Neaves
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - I. J. Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- James Hutton Institute Dundee UK
- Central Queensland University Townsville QLD Australia
- Land & Water CSIRO Townsville QLD Australia
- Protected Places Mission NERP2, Reef and Rainforest Research Center Cairns QLD Australia
| | - J. C. Pierson
- ACT Parks and Conservation Service Canberra Australia
| | - A. D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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Klop‐Toker K, Clulow S, Shuttleworth C, Hayward MW. Are novel ecosystems the only novelty of rewilding? Restor Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/rec.13241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kaya Klop‐Toker
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
| | - Simon Clulow
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
- Department of Biological Sciences Macquarie University Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | - Matt W. Hayward
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences University of Newcastle Callaghan New South Wales Australia
- Centre for African Conservation Ecology Nelson Mandela University Port Elizabeth South Africa
- Mammal Research Institute University of Pretoria Pretoria South Africa
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Wilson BA, Evans MJ, Batson WG, Banks SC, Gordon IJ, Fletcher DB, Wimpenny C, Newport J, Belton E, Rypalski A, Portas T, Manning AD. Adapting reintroduction tactics in successive trials increases the likelihood of establishment for an endangered carnivore in a fenced sanctuary. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0234455. [PMID: 32598368 PMCID: PMC7323978 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0234455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Threatened species recovery programs are increasingly turning to reintroductions to reverse biodiversity loss. Here we present a real-world example where tactics (techniques which influence post-release performance and persistence) and an adaptive management framework (which incorporates feedback between monitoring and future actions) improved reintroduction success. Across three successive trials we investigated the influence of tactics on the effective survival and post-release dispersal of endangered eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus) reintroduced into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary, Australian Capital Territory. Founders were monitored for 42 days post-release, and probability of survival and post-release dispersal were tested against trial, origin, sex, den sharing and presence of pouch young. We adopted an adaptive management framework, using monitoring to facilitate rapid learning and to implement interventions that improved reintroduction success. Founders released in the first trial were less likely to survive (28.6%, n = 14) than those founders released the second (76.9%, n = 13) and third trials (87.5%, n = 8). We adapted several tactics in the second and third trials, including the selection of female-only founders to avoid elevated male mortality, and post-mating releases to reduce stress. Founders that moved dens between consecutive nights were less likely to survive, suggesting that minimising post-release dispersal can increase the probability of survival. The probability of moving dens was lower in the second and third trials, for females, and when den sharing with another founder. This study demonstrates that, through iterative trials of tactics involving monitoring and learning, adaptive management can be used to significantly improve the success of reintroduction programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belinda A. Wilson
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Maldwyn J. Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Department of Ecosystem Studies, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - William G. Batson
- National Parks and Wildlife Service, Blue Mountains Branch, Blackheath, NSW, Australia
| | - Sam C. Banks
- Charles Darwin University, Darwin, NT, Australia
| | - Iain J. Gordon
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
- Central Queensland University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
- James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
- CSIRO Land and Water, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Donald B. Fletcher
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Claire Wimpenny
- ACT Parks and Conservation Service, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Jenny Newport
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Emily Belton
- The Woodlands and Wetlands Trust, Forde Community Centre, Forde, ACT, Australia
| | - Annette Rypalski
- Mt Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Little River, VIC, Australia
| | - Tim Portas
- Zoo and Wildlife Veterinary Consultancy, Maleny, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Ringma J, Barnes MD, Bode M. Australian birds could benefit from predator exclusion fencing. CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/csp2.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Ringma
- School of Global, Urban and Social StudiesRMIT University Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Megan D. Barnes
- School of Biological SciencesThe University of Queensland Brisbane Queensland Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Mathematical Sciences, Applied and Computational MathematicsQueensland University of Technology Brisbane Queensland Australia
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Woodlands and woody debris: Understanding structure and composition to inform restoration. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0224258. [PMID: 32134939 PMCID: PMC7058340 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0224258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simplification of stand structure of forests and woodlands through human-induced modification is a serious threat to biodiversity. Restoring lost habitat complexity and heterogeneity, such as woody debris, requires an understanding of the relationships between different elements that contribute to stand structure. In this study, we examine the structure and composition of a critically endangered box-gum grassy woodland in south-eastern Australia and relationships with woody debris loads. We found that: (1) despite modification by humans and differing susceptibility to dieback, the two dominant tree species, Blakeley's red gum, Eucalyptus blakelyi and yellow box, E. melliodora, occurred in similar proportions irrespective of vegetation density; (2) E. blakelyi had the largest number of stems and basal area, but while E. melliodora had fewer stems, it had a similar basal area to E. blakelyi. E. melliodora also showed fewer signs of dieback than E. blakelyi with between 40-50% trees in good condition compared to 2% for the latter species; (3) woody debris loads were low compared to other studies in woodland, but there were levels of heterogeneity indicating 'natural' accumulation was occurring; (4) tree basal area and woody debris loads had a 1:1 relationship across all sites and vegetation densities. Overall, our study indicated that ecosystem recovery was taking place (i.e. with many young trees), but there were fewer large trees that are known to supply most woody debris. Our findings highlight the slow accumulation of this critical resource because the volumes were lower than expected. Based on our results, we recommend: (1) aiming for approximately a 50:50 ratio of yellow box to Blakely's red gum basal area in woodland restoration projects; (2) to accelerate the recovery of woodland structure, addition of woody debris should be added at a minimum ratio of 1:1 to standing basal area (i.e. a basal area of 5.99 m2 requires a minimum volume of 3.11 m3) (3) managing for both volume and heterogeneity of woody debris loads; (4) preserving large diameter trees to harness proportionally higher woody debris and litter inputs.
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BASELINE HEALTH AND DISEASE ASSESSMENT OF FOUNDER EASTERN QUOLLS ( DASYURUS VIVERRINUS) DURING A CONSERVATION TRANSLOCATION TO MAINLAND AUSTRALIA. J Wildl Dis 2020; 56:547-559. [PMID: 32017663 DOI: 10.7589/2019-05-120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
We evaluated the health of 31 (eight males, 23 females) founder eastern quolls (Dasyurus viverrinus), translocated to a fenced reserve in the Australian Capital Territory between February 2016 and July 2017. Quolls were wild caught in Tasmania (16 animals) or captive bred at Mount Rothwell Biodiversity Interpretation Centre, Victoria (15 animals). Quolls were assessed for the presence of selected potential pathogens (Toxoplasma gondii, herpesviruses, Salmonella serovars, hemoprotozoa, and ectoparasites). We assessed the relationships among sex, provenance (captive or free ranging), T. gondii or herpesvirus infection, weight, and hematologic and biochemical variables. Six of 21 quolls (29%) tested were seropositive for antibodies to T. gondii. Seropositive quolls weighed significantly more and had significantly lower potassium levels, anion gaps, and urea and triglyceride levels than seronegative quolls had. Eighteen of 31 (58%) combined conjunctival-pharyngeal-cloacal swabs collected from quolls were PCR positive for a newly identified gammaherpesvirus, tentatively named dasyurid gammaherpesvirus 3. There were no significant differences among hematologic and biochemical variables or body weights from PCR-positive and PCR-negative quolls. Eighteen of 18 (100%) of rectal-swab samples were culture negative for Salmonella serovars. Three species of tick (Ixodes tasmani, Ixodes fecialis, and Ixodes holocyclus), two species of mite (Andreacus radfordi, one unidentified), and four species of flea (Pygiopsylla hoplia, Acanthopsylla rothschildi rothschildi, Uropsylla tasmanica, and Stephanocircus dasyuri), were detected on wild-caught quolls, whereas a fifth species of flea, Echidnophaga myremecobii, was detected only on captive-bred quolls. Five of 15 blood samples (33%) were positive for hemoprotozoan DNA via PCR, a novel Hepatozoon species, a novel Theileria species, Theileria paparinii, and Trypanosoma copemani were detected. Despite the presence of several potential pathogens known to be associated with disease in other marsupials, the quolls were considered to be in good general health, suitable for translocation, and a viable population was subsequently established.
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Abicair K, Manning AD, Ford F, Newport J, Banks SC. Habitat selection and genetic diversity of a reintroduced ‘refugee species’. Anim Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/acv.12550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- K. Abicair
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - A. D. Manning
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - F. Ford
- Defence Estate and Infrastructure Group Canberra ACT Australia
| | - J. Newport
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
| | - S. C. Banks
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Acton ACT Australia
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Ruykys L, Carter A. Removal and eradication of introduced species in a fenced reserve: Quantifying effort, costs and results. ECOLOGICAL MANAGEMENT & RESTORATION 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/emr.12388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Ross CE, Munro NT, Barton PS, Evans MJ, Gillen J, Macdonald BCT, McIntyre S, Cunningham SA, Manning AD. Effects of digging by a native and introduced ecosystem engineer on soil physical and chemical properties in temperate grassy woodland. PeerJ 2019; 7:e7506. [PMID: 31497393 PMCID: PMC6710926 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.7506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Temperate grasslands and woodlands are the focus of extensive restoration efforts worldwide. Reintroduction of locally extinct soil-foraging and burrowing animals has been suggested as a means to restore soil function in these ecosystems. Yet little is known about the physical and chemical effects of digging on soil over time and how these effects differ between species of digging animal, vegetation types or ecosystems. We compared foraging pits of a native reintroduced marsupial, the eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi) and that of the exotic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus). We simulated pits of these animals and measured pit dimensions and soil chemical properties over a period of 2 years. We showed that bettong and rabbit pits differed in their morphology and longevity, and that pits had a strong moderating effect on soil surface temperatures. Over 75% of the simulated pits were still visible after 2 years, and bettong pits infilled faster than rabbit pits. Bettong pits reduced diurnal temperature range by up to 25 °C compared to the soil surface. We did not find any effects of digging on soil chemistry that were consistent across vegetation types, between bettong and rabbit pits, and with time since digging, which is contrary to studies conducted in arid biomes. Our findings show that animal foraging pits in temperate ecosystems cause physical alteration of the soil surface and microclimatic conditions rather than nutrient changes often observed in arid areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Ross
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicola T Munro
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - John Gillen
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | | | - Sue McIntyre
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia.,CSIRO, Black Mountain, ACT, Australia
| | - Saul A Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
| | - Adrian D Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Acton, ACT, Australia
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Species distribution models with field validation, a key approach for successful selection of receptor sites in conservation translocations. Glob Ecol Conserv 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
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Munro NT, McIntyre S, Macdonald B, Cunningham SA, Gordon IJ, Cunningham RB, Manning AD. Returning a lost process by reintroducing a locally extinct digging marsupial. PeerJ 2019; 7:e6622. [PMID: 31179166 PMCID: PMC6542348 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.6622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The eastern bettong (Bettongia gaimardi), a medium-sized digging marsupial, was reintroduced to a predator-free reserve after 100 years of absence from the Australian mainland. The bettong may have the potential to restore temperate woodlands degraded by a history of livestock grazing, by creating numerous small disturbances by digging. We investigated the digging capacity of the bettong and compared this to extant fauna, to answer the first key question of whether this species could be considered an ecosystem engineer, and ultimately if it has the capacity to restore lost ecological processes. We found that eastern bettongs were frequent diggers and, at a density of 0.3–0.4 animals ha−1, accounted for over half the total foraging pits observed (55%), with echidnas (Tachyglossus aculeatus), birds and feral rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) accounting for the rest. We estimated that the population of bettongs present dug 985 kg of soil per ha per year in our study area. Bettongs dug more where available phosphorus was higher, where there was greater basal area of Acacia spp. and where kangaroo grazing was less. There was no effect on digging of eucalypt stem density or volume of logs on the ground. While bettong digging activity was more frequent under trees, digging also occurred in open grassland, and bettongs were the only species observed to dig in scalds (areas where topsoil has eroded to the B Horizon). These results highlight the potential for bettongs to enhance soil processes in a way not demonstrated by the existing fauna (native birds and echidna), and introduced rabbit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola T Munro
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sue McIntyre
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Ben Macdonald
- Land and Water, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Saul A Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Iain J Gordon
- Division of Tropical Environments and Societies, James Cook University of North Queensland, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Ross B Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Adrian D Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Barton PS, Strong C, Evans MJ, Higgins A, Quaggiotto MM. Nutrient and moisture transfer to insect consumers and soil during vertebrate decomposition. FOOD WEBS 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fooweb.2018.e00110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Ross CE, Barton PS, McIntyre S, Cunningham SA, Manning AD. Fine-scale drivers of beetle diversity are affected by vegetation context and agricultural history. AUSTRAL ECOL 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E. Ross
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Philip S. Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
| | - Sue McIntyre
- CSIRO; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Saul A. Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
- CSIRO; Canberra Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; 141 Linnaeus Way Canberra Australian Capital Territory 2601 Australia
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Ringma JL, Wintle B, Fuller RA, Fisher D, Bode M. Minimizing species extinctions through strategic planning for conservation fencing. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:1029-1038. [PMID: 28248429 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Conservation fences are an increasingly common management action, particularly for species threatened by invasive predators. However, unlike many conservation actions, fence networks are expanding in an unsystematic manner, generally as a reaction to local funding opportunities or threats. We conducted a gap analysis of Australia's large predator-exclusion fence network by examining translocation of Australian mammals relative to their extinction risk. To address gaps identified in species representation, we devised a systematic prioritization method for expanding the conservation fence network that explicitly incorporated population viability analysis and minimized expected species' extinctions. The approach was applied to New South Wales, Australia, where the state government intends to expand the existing conservation fence network. Existing protection of species in fenced areas was highly uneven; 67% of predator-sensitive species were unrepresented in the fence network. Our systematic prioritization yielded substantial efficiencies in that it reduced expected number of species extinctions up to 17 times more effectively than ad hoc approaches. The outcome illustrates the importance of governance in coordinating management action when multiple projects have similar objectives and rely on systematic methods rather than expanding networks opportunistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy L Ringma
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Goddard Building, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Brendan Wintle
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Richard A Fuller
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Goddard Building, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Diana Fisher
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Queensland, Goddard Building, St Lucia, 4067, Australia
| | - Michael Bode
- School of Biosciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
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Batson WG, Gordon IJ, Fletcher DB, Portas TJ, Manning AD. The effect of pre‐release captivity on the stress physiology of a reintroduced population of wild eastern bettongs. J Zool (1987) 2017. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- W. G. Batson
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
| | - I. J. Gordon
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
- Division of Tropical Environments & Societies James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - D. B. Fletcher
- Environment and Planning Directorate ACT Government Canberra ACT Australia
| | - T. J. Portas
- Veterinary and Research Centre Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Canberra ACT Australia
| | - A. D. Manning
- The Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra ACT Australia
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Barton PS, Evans MJ, Pechal JL, Benbow ME. Necrophilous Insect Dynamics at Small Vertebrate Carrion in a Temperate Eucalypt Woodland. JOURNAL OF MEDICAL ENTOMOLOGY 2017; 54:964-973. [PMID: 28399296 DOI: 10.1093/jme/tjw242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Insects associated with carrion are critical to the decomposition process and nutrient cycling in ecosystems. Yet the communities of insects associated with carrion vary between locations, and detailed case studies are necessary for identifying differences and similarities among contrasting habitats. In this study, we examined temporal changes in the crawling insect community collected from rabbit carcasses placed in contrasting grassland and tree habitats in southeastern Australia. We collected 18,400 adult insects, including 22 species of fly, 57 species of beetle, and 37 species of ant. We found significant effects of habitat type and time, but not their interaction, on the composition of the entire insect community. Several ant species showed early and rapid colonization and highest abundances during early stages of decay, including Iridomyrmex purpureus (Smith, 1858) under trees, and Iridomyrmex rufoniger (Lowne, 1865) and Rhytidoponera metallica (Smith, 1858) in grassland. We found that most fly species showed highest abundance during active decay, but Chrysomya varipes (Macquart 1851) was more abundant under trees than in grassland during this time. Beetles peaked during active or advanced decay stages, with Saprinus and Omorgus the most abundant genera. Our study demonstrates that strong replication of contrasting environmental treatments can reveal new information on habitat preferences of important carrion insect species. The numerical dominance of ants early in decomposition has implications for insect community structure via potential competitive interactions with flies, and should be more rigorously examined in future carrion studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Maldwyn J Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia
| | - Jennifer L Pechal
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
| | - M Eric Benbow
- Department of Entomology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824
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Hobbs RJ, Higgs ES, Hall CM. Expanding the Portfolio: Conserving Nature's Masterpieces in a Changing World. Bioscience 2017. [DOI: 10.1093/biosci/bix043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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Barton PS, McIntyre S, Evans MJ, Bump JK, Cunningham SA, Manning AD. Substantial long‐term effects of carcass addition on soil and plants in a grassy eucalypt woodland. Ecosphere 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.1537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Philip S. Barton
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Sue McIntyre
- CSIRO Box 1700 Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Maldwyn John Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Joseph K. Bump
- School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science Michigan Technological University 1400 Townsend Drive Houghton Michigan 49931 USA
| | - Saul A. Cunningham
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
| | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society The Australian National University Canberra 2601 Australian Capital Territory Australia
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Beyond morbidity and mortality in reintroduction programmes: changing health parameters in reintroduced eastern bettongs Bettongia gaimardi. ORYX 2016. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315001283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThe eastern bettong Bettongia gaimardi, a potoroid marsupial, has been extinct on the Australian mainland since the 1920s. Sixty adult bettongs were reintroduced from the island of Tasmania to two predator-free fenced reserves on mainland Australia. We examined baseline health parameters (body weight, haematology and biochemistry, parasites and infectious disease exposure) in a subset of 30 (13 male, 17 female) individuals at translocation and again at 12–24 months post-reintroduction. The mean body weight increased significantly post-reintroduction but there were no significant differences in body weight between the two reintroduction sites or between the sexes in response to reintroduction. Differences were evident in multiple haematological and biochemical variables post-reintroduction but there were few differences between the two reintroduced populations or between the sexes in response to reintroduction. Ectoparasite assemblages differed, with five of 13 species failing to persist, and an additional four species were identified post-reintroduction. None of the bettongs had detectable antibodies to the alphaherpesviruses Macropodid herpesvirus 1 and 2 post-reintroduction, including one individual that was seropositive at translocation. Similarly, the novel gammaherpesvirus potoroid herpesvirus 1 was not detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in any of the bettongs post-reintroduction, including one individual that was PCR-positive at translocation. None of the bettongs had detectable antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii either at translocation or post-reintroduction. Our data demonstrate changing baseline health parameters in eastern bettongs following reintroduction to the Australian mainland are suggestive of improved health in the reintroduced populations, and provide additional metrics for assessing the response of macropodoids to reintroduction.
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Urban hazards: spatial ecology and survivorship of a turtle in an expanding suburban environment. Urban Ecosyst 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11252-015-0506-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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The effect of pre-release captivity on post-release performance in reintroduced eastern bettongs Bettongia gaimardi. ORYX 2015. [DOI: 10.1017/s0030605315000496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractReintroductions are used to re-establish populations of species within their indigenous range, but their outcomes are variable. A key decision when developing a reintroduction strategy is whether to include a temporary period of confinement prior to release. Pre-release confinement is primarily used for the purpose of quarantine or as a delayed-release tactic to influence the performance or behaviour of founders post-release. A common difference between these approaches is that quarantine tends to be conducted in ex situ captivity, whereas delayed releases tend to involve in situ confinement at the release site. Although these practices are commonly viewed independently, it may be possible for a single confinement period to be used for both purposes. We tested whether temporarily holding wild eastern bettongs Bettongia gaimardi in ex situ captivity for 95–345 days prior to release (delayed release) influenced their body mass, pouch occupancy or survival during the first 1.5 years post-release, compared to founders released without confinement (immediate release). Our results suggest that exposing founders to captivity did not alter their body mass or performance post-release, despite being heavier and having fewer pouch young when released. We conclude that, for this species, ex situ captivity does not represent a tactical opportunity to improve post-release performance but can be used for quarantine without affecting the probability of establishment.
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Macdonald BCT, Gillen J, Tuomi S, Newport J, Barton PS, Manning AD. Can Coarse Woody Debris Be Used for Carbon Storage in Open Grazed Woodlands? JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 2015; 44:1210-1215. [PMID: 26437102 DOI: 10.2134/jeq2014.10.0445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Carbon dioxide off-setting policy in the agricultural sector is focused on manipulating the terrestrial carbon cycle by reafforestation and increasing the retention of carbon within agricultural soils. We quantified the amount of carbon stored in the living and dead biomass and the surface soils of a previously grazed woodland ecosystem. We demonstrate that modification of coarse woody debris management could potentially store 8 to 15 t C ha. This large carbon pool raises the prospect that appropriate management of temperate woodlands to retain coarse woody debris and increase its volume into the future could achieve increased landscape carbon storage.
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Rayner L, Ikin K, Evans MJ, Gibbons P, Lindenmayer DB, Manning AD. Avifauna and urban encroachment in time and space. DIVERS DISTRIB 2014. [DOI: 10.1111/ddi.12293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Rayner
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Karen Ikin
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; National Environmental Research Program; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Maldwyn J. Evans
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Philip Gibbons
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; National Environmental Research Program; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
- ARC Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions; National Environmental Research Program; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
| | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Canberra ACT 0200 Australia
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Ferronato BO, Roe JH, Georges A. Reptile bycatch in a pest-exclusion fence established for wildlife reintroductions. J Nat Conserv 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnc.2014.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Health evaluation of free-ranging eastern bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) during translocation for reintroduction in Australia. J Wildl Dis 2014; 50:210-23. [PMID: 24484484 DOI: 10.7589/2013-08-202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sixty (19 male, 41 female) free-ranging adult eastern bettongs (Bettongia gaimardi) were captured in Tasmania and translocated to the Australian Capital Territory between July 2011 and September 2012 for reintroduction into fenced, predator-proof reserves. The bettongs were anesthetized for physical examination and screened for selected diseases during translocation. Reference ranges for hematologic and biochemical parameters were determined. Two bettongs had detectable antibodies to the alphaherpesviruses macropodid herpesvirus 1 and macropodid herpesvirus 2 by serum neutralization assay. A novel gammaherpesvirus was detected, via PCR, from pooled swabs collected from the nasal, conjunctival, and urogenital tract mucosa of four other bettongs. Sera from 59 bettongs were negative for antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii as assessed by both the modified agglutination test and the direct agglutination test (n = 53) or by the modified agglutination test only (n = 6). Rectal swabs from 14 bettongs were submitted for bacterial culture and all were negative for Salmonella serovars. Ectoparasites identified on the bettongs included fleas (Pygiopsylla zethi, Stephanocircus harrisoni), a louse (Paraheterodoxous sp.), mites (Guntheria cf. pertinax, Haemolaelaps hatteni, a suspected protonymph of Thadeua sp., Cytostethum tasmaniense, Cytostethum intermedium, Cytostethum thetis, Cytostethum wallabia), and ticks (Ixodes cornuatus, Ixodes trichosuri, Ixodes tasmani). An intraerythrocytic organism morphologically consistent with a Theileria species was identified in blood smears from four bettongs. These data provide baseline health and disease information for free-ranging eastern bettongs that can be used for the conservation management of both the source and translocated populations.
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Bennett VA, Doerr VAJ, Doerr ED, Manning AD, Lindenmayer DB, Yoon HJ. Habitat selection and behaviour of a reintroduced passerine: linking experimental restoration, behaviour and habitat ecology. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54539. [PMID: 23349923 PMCID: PMC3548787 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Habitat restoration can play an important role in recovering functioning ecosystems and improving biodiversity. Restoration may be particularly important in improving habitat prior to species reintroductions. We reintroduced seven brown treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) social groups into two nature reserves in the Australian Capital Territory in south-eastern Australia. This study provided a unique opportunity to understand the interactions between restoration ecology, behavioural ecology and habitat ecology. We examined how experimental restoration treatments (addition of coarse woody debris, variations in ground vegetation cover and nest box installation) influenced the behaviour and microhabitat use of radio-tracked individuals to evaluate the success of restoration treatments. The addition of coarse woody debris benefited the brown treecreeper through increasing the probability of foraging on a log or on the ground. This demonstrated the value of using behaviour as a bio-indicator for restoration success. Based on previous research, we predicted that variations in levels of ground vegetation cover would influence behaviour and substrate use, particularly that brown treecreepers would choose sites with sparse ground cover because this allows better access to food and better vigilance for predators. However, there was little effect of this treatment, which was likely influenced by the limited overall use of the ground layer. There was also little effect of nest boxes on behaviour or substrate use. These results somewhat confound our understanding of the species based on research from extant populations. Our results also have a significant impact regarding using existing knowledge on a species to inform how it will respond to reintroduction and habitat restoration. This study also places great emphasis on the value of applying an experimental framework to ecological restoration, particularly when reintroductions produce unexpected outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Bennett
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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Bennett VA, Doerr VAJ, Doerr ED, Manning AD, Lindenmayer DB, Yoon HJ. Causes of reintroduction failure of the brown treecreeper: Implications for ecosystem restoration. AUSTRAL ECOL 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/aec.12017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A. Bennett
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Building 141, Acton, ACT 0200; Australia
| | | | | | - Adrian D. Manning
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Building 141, Acton, ACT 0200; Australia
| | - David B. Lindenmayer
- Fenner School of Environment and Society; The Australian National University; Building 141, Acton, ACT 0200; Australia
| | - Hwan-Jin Yoon
- Statistical Consulting Unit; School of Mathematical Sciences; The Australian National University; Acton
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Bennett VA, Doerr VAJ, Doerr ED, Manning AD, Lindenmayer DB, Yoon HJ. Habitat selection and post-release movement of reintroduced brown treecreeper individuals in restored temperate woodland. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50612. [PMID: 23227192 PMCID: PMC3515574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
It is essential to choose suitable habitat when reintroducing a species into its former range. Habitat quality may influence an individual’s dispersal decisions and also ultimately where they choose to settle. We examined whether variation in habitat quality (quantified by the level of ground vegetation cover and the installation of nest boxes) influenced the movement, habitat choice and survival of a reintroduced bird species. We experimentally reintroduced seven social groups (43 individuals) of the brown treecreeper (Climacteris picumnus) into two nature reserves in south-eastern Australia. We radio-tracked 18 brown treecreepers from release in November 2009 until February 2010. We observed extensive movements by individuals irrespective of the release environment or an individual’s gender. This indicated that individuals were capable of dispersing and actively selecting optimum habitat. This may alleviate pressure on wildlife planners to accurately select the most optimum release sites, so long as the species’ requirements are met. There was significant variation in movement between social groups, suggesting that social factors may be a more important influence on movement than habitat characteristics. We found a significant effect of ground vegetation cover on the likelihood of settlement by social groups, with high rates of settlement and survival in dry forests, rather than woodland (where the species typically resides), which has implications for the success of woodland restoration. However, overall the effects of variation in habitat quality were not as strong as we had expected, and resulted in some unpredicted effects such as low survival and settlement in woodland areas with medium levels of ground vegetation cover. The extensive movement by individuals and unforeseen effects of habitat characteristics make it difficult to predict the outcome of reintroductions, the movement behaviour and habitat selection of reintroduced individuals, particularly when based on current knowledge of a species’ ecology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria A Bennett
- Fenner School of Environment and Society, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia.
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