Aboriginal fire regimes in Queensland, Australia: analysis of the explorers' record

ABSTRACT. The record of eighteenth and nineteenth century explorers' references to Aboriginal fire in Queensland was stratified according to fourteen vegetation typcs and season of fire. It was demonstrated that references to 'current' fire (i.e. flames or smoke) may not represent traditional Aboriginal activity and that many fires were lit to frighten or harm, to protect themselves from, or to signal to kinfolk the presence of the European intruders. Because of this interpretational difficulty the records to 'current' fire were treated separately from 'past' fire (i.e. burnt ground). The data were analysed as the number of observations per 100 km spent in each vegetation type for any one season to compensate for bias created by differing amounts of travel. The record suggests highest frequency of burning in grassland around the Gulf of Carpentaria, relatively high fire frequency of most coastal and subcoastal vegetation types and relatively infrequent burning of inland Queensland. The analysis indicates a propensity for winter and autumn fue relative to spring and summer fire in all vegetation types combined and in most individual vegetation types.     

Investigating the Use of a Bayesian Network to Model the Risk of Lyngbya majuscula Bloom Initiation in Deception Bay,Queensland, Australia

Modelling the risk factors driving an environmental problem can be problematic when published data describing variables and their interactions are sparse. In such cases, expert opinion forms a vital source of information. Here we demonstrate the utility of a Bayesian Net (BN) model to integrate available information in a risk analysis setting. As an example, we use this methodology to explore the major factors influencing initiation of Lyngbya majuscula blooms in Deception Bay, Queensland, Australia. Over the past decade Lyngbya blooms have increased in both frequency and extent on seagrass beds in Deception Bay, with a range of adverse effects. This model was used to identify the main factors that could trigger a Lyngbya bloom. The five factors found to have the greatest effect on Lyngbya bloom initiation were: the available nutrient pool, water temperature, redox state of the sediments, current velocity, and light. Scenario analysis was also conducted to determine the sensitivity of the model to different combinations of variable states. The model has been used to identify knowledge gaps and therefore to direct additional research efforts in Deception Bay. With minor changes the model can be used to better understand the factors triggering Lyngbya blooms in other coastal regions.     

A pragmatic study of dansereau's universal system for recording vegetation: Application in south-east Queensland,Australia

Summary Standard Dansereau diagrams were constructed to illustrate the vegetation of part of south-east Queensland, Australia. Some problems were encountered in illus trating herbaceous lianes, in assessing seasonality, and in estimating coverage in specific instances. Although discriminating between major vegetation types the standard diagrams did not differentiate well between the various eucalypt communities. The modifications suggested in Dansereau, Buell & Dagon (1966) only partially alleviate the problem. In particular it is suggested here that further modification to include leaf angle and bark characteristics would be appropriate.

---

Zusammenfassung Zur Ausbildung der Vegetation in einem Teil von südost Queensland, Australien, wurden Standard-Diagramme im Sinne Dansereaus (1958) zusammengestellt. Einige Probleme ergaben sich dabei, besonders mit den krautigen Lianen. Es war auch manchmal schwer Bedeckung und Saisonbedingungen einzuschätzen. Obwohl die Standard-Diagramme für die Unterscheidung von Vegetationstypen im allgemeinen gut brauchbar sind kommt man weniger gut aus in den verschiedenen Gemeinschaften mit Eucalyptus-Arten. Mit dem System von Dansereau, Buell & Dagon (1966) wird nur ein Teil des Problemes gelöst. In diesem Beitrag werden daher einige Änderungen vorgeschlagen, damit auch die Blattwinkel und der Charakter der Rinde zum Ausdruck kommen.

     

BioPrEP – a regional, process-based approach for assessment of land with high conservation value for Bush Heritage Australia

Summary  A framework is presented for terrestrial conservation assessment that has been developed for Bush Heritage, an Australian non-profit organisation that manages land of outstanding conservation value through acquisition or working in partnership with other landowners. The framework is called Biodiversity Prediction using Ecological Processes and comprises seven conservation goals, with a set of candidate criteria and indicators for each goal. Particular emphasis is given to criteria that relate to habitat quality in addition to the more conventional focus on land quantity. The MCAS-S graphic user interface is used to help analyse the indicators and visualise the results in a transparent way that assists the decision-making process. The interface also allows indicators to be weighted differently, which among other things, allows analyses to reflect inter-regional differences in what represents high quality land. The framework was tested in a case study region (the Woodland region of south-eastern Australia), and the results reveal land that is potentially a priority for conservation investments. While the framework and case study results are indicative, and further analyses are required before they can be considered operational, the approach has potential application to other organisations in the private conservation sector.     

Phylogeography of the freshwater fish, Mogurnda adspersa, in streams of northeastern Queensland, Australia: evidence for altered drainage patterns

A phylogeographic survey was used to elucidate the relative roles of historical processes and contemporary gene flow in structuring the genetic pattern observed with Mogurnda adspersa. This species of freshwater fish is found in the rivers and streams of the northeastern highlands of Queensland, Australia. Specifically, this project focused on populations in the Tully and Herbert Rivers in the Atherton Tablelands. Sequence analysis indicated that three distinct clades exist in the headwaters of the Tully River. The population sampled from one of the Tully River streams (Cheetah Creek) contained haplotypes that displayed ≈ 3.4% sequence divergence from other haplotypes detected in this river. Furthermore, these haplotypes formed part of the clade which exists throughout not only the Herbert River but other surrounding drainages in the area. These results support the hypothesis that the current genetic structure is strongly affected by changes in drainage patterns due to geomorphological processes that occurred in the recent past.     

Identification of priority areas for conservation in an arid zone: application of parsimony analysis of endemicity in the vascular flora of the Antofagasta region, northern Chile

Endemic taxa are those restricted to a specific area, and could bedefined as the exclusive biodiversity of a region. An area of endemismcontains taxa found nowhere else and could be catalogued as irreplaceable and of highpriority for conservation. proposed the parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) as a tool to detect areas ofendemism. PAE, a method of historical biogeography, is analogous to cladisticmethods used in phylogenetics analysis, and unites areas (taxa in cladistics)based on their shared species (characters in cladistics) according to the mostparsimonious solution. In this paper we determined with PAE, prioritary areasfor conservation on the basis of concentrations of endemic species in the aridregion of Antofagasta, northern Chile, and compared the results with theirrepresentation in the current Chilean National Parks and Reserves System. Wefound two areas suggested as priorities, one located in the north Andean zone ofthe region, and another at the coast. The area with the higher biodiversity andconcentration of endemics was that located at the coast. However, coastalecosystems are currently under-represented in the Chilean National Parks andReserves System. The establishment of a new protected area in the coastal zoneof the region of Antofagasta is currently under consideration, coinciding withthe area suggested with PAE as priority. This new area would not only allowconserving species with evident problems of conservation, but also preserving anarea where higher levels of endemism exist.     

Prevalence of environmental Aeromonas in South East Queensland, Australia: a study of their interactions with human monolayer Caco-2 cells

AIMS: To investigate the prevalence of Aeromonas in a major waterway in South East Queensland, Australia, and their interactions with a gut epithelial model using Caco-2 cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 81 Aeromonas isolates, collected from a major waterway in South East Queensland, Australia, were typed using a metabolic fingerprinting method, and tested for their adhesion to HEp-2 and Caco-2 cells and for cytotoxin production on Vero cells and Caco-2 cells. Aeromonas hydrophila had the highest (43%) and Aeromonas veronii biovar sobria had the lowest (25%) prevalence. Four patterns of adhesion were observed on both HEp-2 and Caco-2 cell lines. Representative isolates having different phenopathotypes (nine strains) together with two clinical isolates were tested for their translocation ability and for the presence of virulence genes associated with pathogenic Escherichia coli. The rate and degree of translocation across Caco-2 monolayers varied among strains and was more pronounced with LogA pattern. Translocation was associated with the adherence of strains to Caco-2 cells microvilli, followed by internalization into Caco-2 cells. Two Aer. veronii biovar sobria strains were positive for the presence of heat-labile toxin genes, with one strain also positive for Shiga-like toxin gene. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic strains of Aeromonas carrying one or more virulence characteristics are highly prevalent in the waterways studied and are capable of translocating across a human enterocyte cell model. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study indicates that Aeromonas strains carrying one or more virulence properties are prevalent in local waterways and are capable of translocating in a human enterocyte cell culture model. However, their importance in human gastrointestinal disease has yet to be verified under competitive conditions of the gut.     

Population dynamics, reproduction, and diet of the lesser long-nosed bat (Leptonycteris curasoae) in Jalisco, Mexico: implications for conservation

We estimate fluctuations in population size and sex ratio, documentbreeding behavior and reproduction, and determine the diet of a population ofthe lesser long-nosed bat, Leptonycteris curasoae, in anisland cave in Chamela Bay, Jalisco, Mexico, with monthly sampling during anannual cycle (October 1999–October 2000). Based on the area of thecave's ceiling and wall covered with L. curasoae inrelation to the potential roost area without them, in 1999 the abundanceincreased from 80% in October to 100% in November and December. In 2000 thepopulation decreased to 80% in January, 50% in February, 30% in March, 20% inApril, 10% in May, 5% in June and July, and less than 1% in August. Thepopulation rapidly increased to 60% in September and to 80% in October.Throughout the year there were significantly more males than females; however,there was significant heterogeneity over months. In September–Novemberthere were more females, but in December–August there were more malespresent. The majority of pregnant and lactating females were observed fromDecember to March and in July, while males were reproductive fromSeptember–January and in May–June. Breeding activity was observed inthe cave in November–December. Twenty-six species of plants were consumedduring the year, based on pollen identification from fecal samples. Bombacaceousspecies were the most important component of the diet from January to May andCactaceae were most important in June–September. Peak abundance and reproductive activitycoincided with peak flower resource availability, which occurred between Octoberand January and in June–July. The year-round presence and reproductiveactivity of L. curasoae at this site throughout the yeardemonstrate that many individuals are annual residents in this area and indicatethe importance of this roosting site. In order to develop a successfulconservation program for L. curasoae, in addition toprotecting migratory corridors and northern maternity roosts, it is equallyimportant to identify and protect areas that function as breeding colonies andyear-round sanctuaries for resident populations in the south.     

Late holocene human impact on two coastal environments in New South Wales,Australia: a comparison of Aboriginal and European impacts

There are few historical analyses quantifying impacts of human activity in Australia. This paper compares vegetation change, fire regime, erosion and eutrophication rates between the European period and the recent prehistoric past in two lake systems on the south coast of New South Wales. The variance in pollen abundance and hence species population changes increased markedly in the historical period, especially amongst understorey taxa, and this could be related to changes in the local fire regimes and to the effects of grazing. Local fire activity decreased from the prehistorical period at both sites. Erosion rates increased in the historical period and both organic and inorganic components were deposited in the lakes. Erosion episodes could be related to fire during some periods but are clearly controlled by forest disturbance and land-use at other periods. The trophic status of the lakes was increasing from before European settlement but accelerated in the recent past. This was in part due to the increased erosion rates and in part due to fertiliser application. The results suggest that lower rates of erosional and eutrophic change occur in catchments with basaltic than with Holocene sand substrata.     

Use of native woodlands and traditional olive groves by foraging bats on a Mediterranean island: consequences for conservation

We recorded bat activity on Zakynthos island (Greece) to test the hypotheses that (1) olive ( Olea europea ) groves and native woodlands provide comparable foraging habitat for insectivorous bats, (2) lower foraging activity occurs in olive groves treated with insecticide chemicals. We acoustically sampled bat activity (passes per minute) in four wooded habitats (organic and non-organic olive groves, oak woodland ( Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera ) and pine ( Pinus halepensis ) woodland from June to August 2005. Habitat type did not affect overall bat activity. A single application of insecticide chemicals annually did not affect activity over traditional olive groves. Habitat use on the island differed in several ways from that reported in studies at mainland sites. Most strikingly, pine woodland supported higher bat activity than expected relative to other habitat types, and we recorded unexpectedly high levels of M. capaccinii activity in woodland habitats. We suggest that traditional olive groves buffer some bat species from the effects of deforestation. Conservation plans for Mediterranean bats should consider the biodiversity value of these groves along with the need to conserve small woodland patches. Finally, understanding island-specific patterns of habitat use is essential to bat conservation on small off-shore islands.     

Spatial patterns of genetic structure among populations of a stone‐cased caddis (Trichoptera: Tasimiidae) in south‐east Queensland,Australia

1. Gene flow and dispersal among populations of a stone‐cased caddis (Tasimiidae: Tasimia palpata) were estimated indirectly using a 460 bp region of the cytochrome oxidase I gene of mitochondrial DNA. 2. There was no significant differentiation at the largest spatial scale (between catchments) and no correlation between genetic distance and geographic distance. These results are consistent with widespread adult dispersal. 3. Conversely, significant genetic differentiation was detected at the smallest spatial scale examined (among reaches within streams). This pattern was primarily because of significant F_ST values in a single stream (Bundaroo Creek). 4. Bundaroo Creek also had the lowest mean number of haplotypes per population (n = 7) suggesting that a limited number of females may be responsible for recruitment at these sites. Significant F_ST's at the reach scale may be a result of this ‘patchy’ recruitment. However, additional evidence regarding the long‐range dispersal ability and fecundity of T. palpata females is needed to test this hypothesis fully.     

A bloom of Lyngbya majuscula in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia: An important feeding ground for the green turtle (Chelonia mydas)

Lyngbya majuscula, a toxic cyanobacterium, was observed blooming during June–July (winter) 2002 in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia, an important feeding area for a large population of green turtles (Chelonia mydas). The bloom was mapped and extensive mats of L. majuscula were observed overgrowing seagrass beds along at least 18 km of coast, and covering a surface area of more than 11 km². Higher than average rainfall preceded the bloom and high water temperatures in the preceding summer may have contributed to the bloom. In bloom samples, lyngbyatoxin A (LA) was found to be present in low concentration (26 μg kg⁻¹_{(dry weight)}), but debromoaplysiatoxin (DAT) was not detected. The diet of 46 green turtles was assessed during the bloom and L. majuscula was found in 51% of the samples, however, overall it contributed only 2% of the animals’ diets. L. majuscula contribution to turtle diet was found to increase as the availability of the cyanobacterium increased. The bloom appeared to have no immediate impact on turtle body condition, however, the presence of a greater proportion of damaged seagrass leaves in diet in conjunction with decreases in plasma concentrations of sodium and glucose could suggest that the turtles may have been exposed to a substandard diet as a result of the bloom. This is the first confirmed report of L. majuscula blooming in winter in Shoalwater Bay, Queensland, Australia and demonstrates that turtles consume the toxic cyanobacterium in the wild, and that they are potentially exposed to tumour promoting compounds produced by this organism.     

Targeted control of widespread exotic species for biodiversity conservation: The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in New South Wales, Australia

Summary   Widespread exotic species provide one of the greatest challenges to biodiversity conservation because they often have devastating impacts on native biota but are near impossible to eradicate. The Red Fox ( Vulpes vulpes ) is established across most of mainland Australia, where it has been linked to severe declines and extinctions of a broad suite of native fauna. A targeted approach to reducing the impacts of Foxes on biodiversity was instigated in New South Wales in 2001 under the New South Wales Fox Threat Abatement Plan. It is based on three simple steps. First, explicit priorities for Fox control are established by identifying which native species are at greatest risk from Fox predation and at which sites Fox control for these species is most critical. Second, high-frequency broad-area Fox-control programmes are established across all land tenures at these priority sites. Third, monitoring programmes are established to measure the response of targeted native fauna and Foxes to Fox control. Monitoring helps refine the priorities for control and the methods used over time. This approach provides a model for the strategic control of widespread exotic pests which threaten biodiversity.     

Direct observation of fat crystallization in a living fly by X-ray diffraction: fat crystallization does not cause the fly's instantaneous death, but ice formation does

A cool-temperate fly, Drosophila triauraria, stores fat, triacylglycerol (TAG), primarily in the fat storage organ, the fat body, and then diapauses to pass the winter in imago stage. TAG crystallization and ice formation taking place in a living fly by lowering temperatures were studied, in order to clarify the relationship between crystallizations and the fly’s death at lower temperatures. X-ray diffraction, a direct non-invasive method, was used to detect the liquid-to-crystal transformations of TAG and water. During cooling, TAG crystallization preceded ice formation. It was also found that ice formation causes the fly to die instantaneously whereas the TAG crystallization does not.     

Genetic structure of brown trout (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Salmo trutta</Emphasis> L.) from the Hardangervidda mountain plateau (Norway) analyzed by microsatellite DNA: a basis for conservation guidelines

The Hardangervidda in southern Norway, the largest mountain plateau in Europe, has thousands of lakes and streams, mainly between 1000 and 1300 m above sea level, where brown trout is the only fish species. To describe the current genetic diversity of brown trout in this area, a total of 863 fish from 20 lakes were genotyped with eleven microsatellites. Most diversity is within lake populations, but diversity among geographical groups and populations within groups was significant, too. Neighbor-joining, principle coordinate analysis and Bayesian clustering show three major geographic groups in accordance with the river systems. Bias was caused by recent stocking in two lakes. Low/no genetic differentiation among some populations indicates that intermixing is common when lakes are well-connected, as was also shown by assignment test. We recommend preserving the genetic diversity of brown trout in this unique area by managing stocking in lake systems according to genetic structure.     

Biology and Host Specificity of the Stem Galling Weevil Conotrachelus albocinereus Fiedler (Col.: Curculionidae), a Biocontrol Agent for Parthenium Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. (Asteraceae) in Queensland, Australia

The stem-galling weevil Conotrachelus albocinereus Fiedler has been investigated as a potential biological control agent against parthenium weed ( Parthenium hysterophorus L.) in Australia. Adults were tested in multiple-choice feeding and oviposition tests on 56 plant species in 51 genera. No feeding or oviposition was recorded on any non-target plant except annual ragweed ( Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.), a closely related weed. Field releases of the weevil in Queensland, Australia, commenced in 1995 and establishment has been recorded at several sites.     

Reproductive ecology of Vipera latastei, in the Iberian Peninsula: implications for the conservation of a Mediterranean viper

Eurosiberian vipers have been considered model organisms, and studies on their reproductive ecology have afforded much of the current knowledge concerning viviparity in snakes. However, such studies are biased towards northern species and there is little information on Mediterranean species and/or populations. The reproductive ecology of Vipera latastei in the Iberian Peninsula was studied by analysing a large sample of specimens from collections, to better understand the conservation status of this Mediterranean viper. Males and females matured at small and similar body sizes (240 and 265 mm snout-vent length, respectively) and reproductive cycles in both sexes were seasonal. Spermatogenesis peaked in August, vitellogenesis developed in spring and the timing of the mating period was puzzling, with populations mating in autumn, spring, or in both seasons. The most striking finding was that adult females reproduced triennially on average. Lataste's viper is currently in continuous decline in the IP, and most of its populations are isolated in Mediterranean mountains. We hypothesize that prey scarcity and the brevity of the activity period in mountain habitats diminishes the ability of vipers to recover over the short term the energy expended in reproduction. The species needs 2 years for the acquisition and storage of energy ("capital breeder"), and a third year for the expenditure of this energy (in vitellogenesis and embryogenesis), a year during which females feed consistently ("income breeder"). Thus, this viper combines both strategies to supply the reproductive energy cost. Current decline in population and distribution, together with a poor capacity to renew populations, renders Lataste's viper vulnerable to environmental stochasticity.     

世界遗产地居民对生态移民影响的感知——以武陵源3个移民安置区为例

基于对武陵源3个典型移民安置区的入户调查数据,从居民感知的角度对世界遗产地生态移民的影响进行实证分析.结果表明:安置区居民对生态移民所导致的经济影响的正面感知分歧较大,对负面指标的感知较一致;居民对生态移民的社会文化积极影响的认同度较高,对消极影响感知较弱,且3个安置区居民对移民社会文化影响的感知差异明显;居民对生态移民的资源环境影响感知强烈,但普遍认为对其心理的负面影响不甚显著;居民对主要移民搬迁政策的支持度不高;年龄、文化程度、月均收入和旅游收入比重是影响居民感知评价的最重要因素;移民安置方式和参与旅游业的程度对安置区居民的感知差异存在重要影响;移民政策感知是影响居民对生态移民整体感知的主导因素.