CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems seminar next week.....
Friday 28 July 2006
BioAssess: Early results from assessing the biodiversity benefits of revegetation in
Holbrook, NSW
David Freudenberger, CSE
(presenting)
Geoff Barrett, CSE
Alex Drew, CSE
and a host of hundreds
3:30 pm - Caughley Seminar Room, Gungahlin Homestead, Crace
(directions below)
Abstract below, flyer attached
Abstract: Substantial
Natural Heritage Trust (NHT) funds have been committed to re-planting native
vegetation in highly cleared agricultural landscape in southern Australia.
These funds have been matched by the efforts of thousands of farmers, community
groups and NGOs. All this effort was based on the un-tested assumption that 1)
native vegetation can be established and will survive in these highly disturbed
landscapes and 2) replanting will contribute to the conservation of native
flora and fauna. The BioAssess project is testing these assumptions,
particularly the assumption that revegetation will contribute to the persistence
of declining native wildlife.
BioAssess
was ‘seeded’ with Internal
Venture Capital Funds from CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems to support
the time consuming design phase of this large research project. CSIRO Water for Healthy Country supported the
implementation phase. The NSW Environmental Trust project Better Knowledge - Better Bush and the Earthwatch Institute, Australia,
are providing on-going support.
Based on
three years (6 seasonal surveys) we can report that:
- Despite some of the driest seasons on record and high
levels of exotic weeds, the 4-5 year old re-plantings in the Holbrook
Landcare area are thriving.
- modest diversity of shrub dependent birds have already
colonised most re-plantings and are breeding at rates similar to those in
large old-growth remnants.
- There are few native mammals or reptiles colonising
revegetation with the exception of bats.
- Various indicators of ecosystem function (e.g. tree
regeneration) are improving in the re-planted sites.
- The next challenge is to maintain institutional support
for this long-term project.
Location details:
The entrance to Gungahlin Homestead is from Bellenden Street
(off Barton Highway,
approx 500m north of Gungahlin Drive overpass).
The visitor car park is to the right of entrance near front of Homestead
(Reception). Please report to reception for a visitors pass.
Enquiries: m("csiro.au","anne.towill");">, ph
6242 1608 (Mon pm, Tues-Thurs) or phone Gungahlin reception - ph
6242 1600
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