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Determinants of native avian richness in suburban remnant vegetation : implications for conservation planning
journal contribution
posted on 2008-09-01, 00:00 authored by Grant Palmer, James FitzsimonsJames Fitzsimons, Mark Antos, John WhiteJohn WhiteWhile urban areas are increasingly recognized as having potential value for biodiversity conservation, the relationship between biodiversity and the structure and configuration of the urban landscape is poorly understood. In this study we surveyed birds in 39 remnant patches of native vegetation of various sizes (range 1–107 ha) embedded in the suburban matrix in Melbourne, Australia. The total richness of species within remnants was strongly associated with the size of remnants. Remnant-reliant species displayed a much stronger response to remnant area than matrix-tolerant species indicating the importance of large remnants in maintaining representative bird assemblages. Large remnants are important for other ecological groups of species including migratory species, ground foraging birds and canopy foraging birds. Other landscape (e.g. amount of riparian vegetation) and structural components (e.g. shrub cover) of remnants have a lesser role in determining the richness of individual remnants. This research provides conservation managers and planners with a hierarchical process to reserve design and management in order to conserve the highest richness of native species within urban areas. First of all, conservation efforts should preferentially focus on the retention of larger remnants of native vegetation. Second, where possible, riparian vegetation should be included within reserves or, where it is already present, should be carefully managed to ensure its integrity. Third, efforts should be focused at maintaining appropriate habitat and vegetation structure and complexity.
History
Journal
Biological conservationVolume
141Issue
9Pagination
2329 - 2341Publisher
Elsevier B. V.Location
NetherlandsPublisher DOI
ISSN
0006-3207eISSN
1873-2917Indigenous content
This research output may contain the names and images of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people now deceased. We apologise for any distress that may occur.Language
engPublication classification
C1 Refereed article in a scholarly journalCopyright notice
2008, Elsevier LtdUsage metrics
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No categories selectedKeywords
Remnant areaBird richnessVegetation structureRiparian vegetationUrban landscapeScience & TechnologyLife Sciences & BiomedicineBiodiversity ConservationEcologyEnvironmental SciencesBiodiversity & ConservationEnvironmental Sciences & EcologyBIRD ASSEMBLAGESURBAN LANDSCAPESLAND-USEURBANIZATIONBIODIVERSITYPATTERNSSOUTHERNPARKSSCALESIZE
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