Conserving
woodland birds: the need for population data in
evidence-based planning
Indices of population change are frequently used to
communicate important trend patterns for species. However,
for such indices to assist the objectives of biological
conservation, a deeper understanding of the factors that
drive population change is essential. In this seminar, I
present results from my PhD research where I investigated
factors regulating populations of temperate woodland
birds; a group considered to be in decline throughout
Australia. I interogated 14 years of population monitoring
data from the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) to reveal
important biological responses that could not be detected
in short-term data. Specifically, I show that (1)
temperate woodland birds in the ACT are resilient to
severe drought, (2) ecologically-informed reserve
selection achieves better conservation outcomes for
woodland birds, (3) the impacts of protected areas and
urban development on woodland birds are interactive, and
can change through time, and (4) urban encroachment exerts
a significant influence over woodland bird populations in
time and space. These findings represent scientific
evidence that can inform conservation planning for birds
occupying temperate woodland habitats, and I present key
management recommendations to enhance decision making for
this threatened assemblage of species.
About the speaker
Laura is a postdoctoral researcher at
the Fenner School of Environment and Society. Her research
focusses on biodiversity monitoring for the identification
of threatening processes, and the evaluation of
conservation interventions, in dynamic landscapes. Prior
to starting her PhD, Laura completed a degree in
Environmental Science in Sydney, and worked in the
Population Assessment and Modelling Unit of the NSW
Department of Environment and Climate Change. Her honours
research investigated variations in tree hollow
availability in the box-gum grassy woodlands of western
NSW. Her current work is exploring the impact of
restoration activities and urbanisation on woodland bird
populations as part of The Mulligans Flat–Goorooyarroo
Woodland Experiment.
Short title for tweet: Conserving
woodland birds: the need for monitoring data
Please note:
this seminar is running at a
non-standard time
Thursday,
30 October 2014
2.30-3.30pm
Fenner
Seminar Room
Frank Fenner Building, 141
Linnaeus Way
Australian National University
