Have you used the ALA in your published (or soon-to-be published) research? Please let us know about it via this form. We’re interested in all types of research that the ALA supports including research publications in scientific journals, reports, book chapters, theses, as well as websites and apps.

Online bibliography 

This bibliography provides a list of known publications that have utilised data in the ALA or ALA infrastructure to support their research. The inclusion of publications remains a work in progress and this list will grow as the ALA works through historical data. If you have any questions please contact us at ala_references@csiro.au

2023

  1. Perkins, L. E., Uemura, M., & Zalucki, M. P. (2023). A trunk-nesting form of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) restricted to a single host species Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae), with some comparisons to the ground-nesting form. Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12642
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aen.12642

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    The Bag-shelter moth Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae: Thaumetopoeinae) is an endemic species of medical and veterinary importance that occurs throughout Australia. The gregarious species is variable with four phylogenetic clades recently identified. One clade comprises trunk-nesters restricted to one host: the Moreton Bay Ash‚ Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae). Here‚ we describe aspects of the biology and ecology of this distinctive nesting form dupped the ‘tree-hugger’ due to its flattish‚ thick silk nests that hug the trunk and larger branches. The form is univoltine; egg masses are laid in spring and the gregarious larvae develop through seven instars until the mature larvae stop feeding in autumn and later leave the nest (in a procession). The larvae over-winter in the ground as pre-pupae in a loose cocoon of silk. Pupation occurs in late winter and adults emerge in spring. Forty-six per cent of monitored egg masses succeeded in developing through the lifecycle. Tachinids were common parasites of older larvae. Tree-hugger nests provided some insulation against summer heat during the mornings‚ but the physical characteristics of the nests and tree trunks and the average southern orientation of the nests likely protect larvae against extreme heat. The tree-hugger form of O. lunifer appears morphologically similar to the more ubiquitous ground-nesting form‚ but there are differences in the colour of egg masses and adults‚ and in the behaviour and ecology of the larvae and adults. This information adds to the body of evidence supporting the definition of separate species within what is currently known as O. lunifer.
    Citation

    Perkins, L. E., Uemura, M., & Zalucki, M. P. (2023). A trunk-nesting form of the processionary caterpillar Ochrogaster lunifer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae) restricted to a single host species Corymbia tessellaris (Myrtaceae), with some comparisons to the ground-nesting form. Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12642

  2. Wang, L.-Y., Franklin, A. M., Hugall, A. F., Medina, I., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2023). Disentangling thermal from alternative drivers of reflectance in jewel beetles: A macroecological study. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 00, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13632
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/geb.13632

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim To predict future colour–climate relationships‚ it is important to distinguish thermal drivers of reflectance from other evolutionary drivers. We aimed to achieve this by comparing relationships between climate and coloration in ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) light‚ separately. Location Samples were distributed primarily across Australia and North America‚ with some from Africa and Asia. Major taxa studied Coleoptera: Buprestidae. Methods We used jewel beetles as models to identify climatic drivers of reflectance‚ because jewel beetles have highly diverse coloration and a wide distribution and are often active in hot conditions. Specifically‚ we tested the association between climate‚ body size and reflectance using a phylogenetic comparative analysis for three wavebands (UV–Vis‚ NIR and total). Results Reflectance of jewel beetles was more strongly predicted by body size than by climate. NIR reflectance and total reflectance were not associated with climate‚ but larger beetles had higher NIR reflectance. For UV–Vis reflectance‚ small beetles were darker in warmer and more humid environments‚ whereas there was no association with climate for large beetles. Main conclusions Our study suggests that variation in reflectance of jewel beetles is not driven by thermal requirements and highlights the importance of considering NIR reflectance when evaluating explanations of the effects of colour on thermoregulation.
    Citation

    Wang, L.-Y., Franklin, A. M., Hugall, A. F., Medina, I., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2023). Disentangling thermal from alternative drivers of reflectance in jewel beetles: A macroecological study. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 00, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13632

  3. AUGUSTO CATTANEO. (2023). VARIABILITÀ DI VIPERA AMMODYTES (LINNAEUS, 1758) (Reptilia Viperidae) IN ALCUNE ISOLE EGEE, CON DESCRIZIONE DI VIPERA AMMODYTES BUCHHOLZI SUBSP. NOVA. Australasian Journal of Herpetology, 61, 19–64. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5713465
    Publisher: Zenodo

    Australasian Journal of Herpetology
    Abstract

    The well-known European Long-nosed Viper‚ Vipera ammodytes (Linnaeus‚ 1758) sensu lato‚ has been subject of taxonomic splitting many times over the past 250 years. However only one other species in the complex is generally recognized‚ that being V. transcaucasiana Boulenger‚ 1913. Recent molecular studies have shown there to be at least 12 lineages within these two putative species with divergences in excess of 2 MYA. Morphologically divergent populations match these lineages and so all are herein recognized as full species. Seven species are recognized using available names. Other available names as listed by McDiarmid et al. (1999) are all synonyms of the other seven species. The other five species are formally described and named for the first time in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (Ride et al. 1999) as amended since (ICZN 2012). Another eight morphologically divergent populations with deep molecular divergences are also conservatively named herein as new subspecies. With all 12 species and the eight new subspecies subject to significant persecution by humans across their ranges‚ it is important that they each be recognized as separate taxonomic entities immediately and before any one of them becomes extinct through the misconception they are merely a part of a common and widespread species as occurred in the example cited by Hoser (2019a‚ 2019b). With a divergence from all other vipers estimated to be more than 15 MYA (Freitas et al. 2020)‚ a new genus name for the group Longumnaribussuis gen. nov. is formally proposed‚ with all newly named taxa also placed within this new genus. Two earlier proposed generic names do not appear to be available.
    Citation

    AUGUSTO CATTANEO. (2023). VARIABILITÀ DI VIPERA AMMODYTES (LINNAEUS, 1758) (Reptilia Viperidae) IN ALCUNE ISOLE EGEE, CON DESCRIZIONE DI VIPERA AMMODYTES BUCHHOLZI SUBSP. NOVA. Australasian Journal of Herpetology, 61, 19–64. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5713465

  4. Mollet, B., & Tarmann, G. M. (2023). Revision of the genus Pollanisus Walker, 1854(Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Procridinae). Zootaxa, 5281(1), 001–0072. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5281.1.1

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The genus Pollanisus is endemic for Australia. Its revision is mainly based on head studies and includes 21 known species and 7 new species‚ Pollanisus jumbun sp. n.‚ Pollanisus yugambeh sp. n.‚ Pollanisus horakae sp. n.‚ Pollanisus worimi sp. n.‚ Pollanisus kalliesi sp. n.‚ Pollanisus jirrbal sp. n. and Pollanisus nocturna sp. n. Moreover‚ two species‚ Pollanisus eumetopus syn. n. and Pollanisus eungellae syn. n.‚ are synonymized with Pollanisus acharon (Fabricius‚ 1775). The status of 8 unnamed species (Tarmann‚ 2004) is discussed. New data on the phenology and bionomics are provided. New host plants in the genus Hibbertia (Dilleniaceae) are reported.
    Citation

    Mollet, B., & Tarmann, G. M. (2023). Revision of the genus Pollanisus Walker, 1854(Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae: Procridinae). Zootaxa, 5281(1), 001–0072. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5281.1.1

  5. Clowes, C., Fowler, R., Fahey, P., Kellermann, J., Brown, G., & Bayly, M. (2023). Phylogeography and classification of Dusty Miller (Spyridium parvifolium; Rhamnaceae): a morphologically variable shrub from south-east Australia. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 309(3), 15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-023-01851-5
    Num Pages: 15
    Place: Heidelberg, Netherlands
    Publisher: Springer Nature B.V.

    Plant Systematics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Spyridium parvifolium is a widespread and morphologically variable shrub from south-eastern Australia. Several varieties have been recognised‚ and there is disagreement on the accepted taxonomy between Australian states. This study investigated the phylogeography of the species and assessed genetic distinctiveness of its morphological variants. Nuclear ribosomal DNA and complete chloroplast genomes from seventy-two samples of S. parvifolium and seven samples from closely related species were sequenced and analysed using both Bayesian and maximum likelihood phylogenetic methods. The results showed incongruence in the placement of several associated taxa (S. cinereum‚ S. obcordatum and S. daltonii)‚ plausibly due to long branch attraction‚ introgression or incomplete lineage sorting. Spyridium parvifolium was resolved as paraphyletic in both phylogenies‚ with accessions from west of the Murray Darling Depression divergent from those east of the Depression. We found evidence of isolation within S. parvifolium on the inland side of the Great Dividing Range and recent gene flow across Bass Strait. The variants of S. parvifolium were not supported as genetically distinct‚ and with the prevalence of several variants at single sites and morphological intergrades between variants‚ we conclude that the taxon is a single‚ morphologically variable species and that no infraspecific classification is warranted.
    Citation

    Clowes, C., Fowler, R., Fahey, P., Kellermann, J., Brown, G., & Bayly, M. (2023). Phylogeography and classification of Dusty Miller (Spyridium parvifolium; Rhamnaceae): a morphologically variable shrub from south-east Australia. Plant Systematics and Evolution, 309(3), 15. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-023-01851-5

  6. Cutajar, T. P., & Pulsford, S. A. (2023). Incidental invertebrate-derived DNA detection of invasive and threatened species in temperate dry Southeast Australian forest. Austral Ecology, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13307
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aec.13307

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Well-informed biodiversity conservation practice can often be precluded by poor species detectability. For example‚ populations being missed during surveys can lead to them being omitted from species lists or area management plans. iDNA (invertebrate-derived DNA) is a recently developed set of techniques for improving the detectability of elusive vertebrates by exploiting their associated invertebrates. Parasitic and scavenging invertebrates can be readily collected‚ and their gut contents DNA barcoded to detect local vertebrate diversity. However‚ most iDNA surveys have targeted mammals and have been carried out in tropical areas and/or rainforests. We carried out iDNA surveys targeting frogs in temperate dry sclerophyll forests in south-eastern Australia. We set mosquito traps broadcasting recorded frog calls with the aim of collecting frog-biting flies‚ which are attracted to frog calls. We collected 156 fly specimens‚ although none were of frog-biting species‚ and no frogs were detected via iDNA‚ despite many being observed in the field. However‚ two mammal and one reptile species were detected via iDNA: the feral cat (Felis catus: Felidae)‚ domestic dog or dingo (Canis lupus: Canidae) and the threatened Rosenberg’s monitor (Varanus rosenbergi: Varanidae). Vertebrate-sampling flies are likely highly abundant in the area since they were collected apparently incidentally in traps lacking appropriate attractants; a promising result for further surveys is different attractants are employed. This study is one of the few in which an invasive species has been detected through iDNA‚ and highlights its potential for improved detectability of threatened species outside of the tropics and early detection of invasive species.
    Citation

    Cutajar, T. P., & Pulsford, S. A. (2023). Incidental invertebrate-derived DNA detection of invasive and threatened species in temperate dry Southeast Australian forest. Austral Ecology, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13307

  7. Stock, S. E., Klop-Toker, K., Wallace, S., Kelly, O., Callen, A., Seeto, R., Mahony, S. V., Hayward, M. W., & Mahony, M. J. (2023). Uncovering inbreeding, small populations, and strong genetic isolation in an Australian threatened frog, Litoria littlejohni. Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-023-01522-5

    Conservation Genetics
    Conserv Genet
    Abstract

    The status of many amphibian populations remains unclear due to undetected declines driven by disease and difficulties in obtaining accurate population estimates. Here‚ we used genome complexity reduction-based sequencing technology to study the poorly understood Littlejohn’s treefrog‚ Litoria littlejohni across its fragmented distribution in eastern Australia. We detected five identifiable genetic clusters‚ with moderate to strong genetic isolation. At a regional scale‚ population isolation was likely driven by population crashes‚ resulting in small populations impacted by founder effects. Moderate genetic isolation was detected among populations on the Woronora Plateau despite short distances between population clusters. Evidence of recent declines was apparent in three populations that had very small effective population size‚ reduced genetic diversity and high inbreeding values. The rates of inbreeding detected in these populations combined with their small size leave these populations at elevated risk of extinction. The Cordeaux Cluster was identified as the most robust population as it was the largest and most genetically diverse. This study exemplifies the value of employing genetic methods to study rare‚ cryptic species. Despite low recapture rates using traditional capture-recapture demographic methods‚ we were able to derive population estimates‚ describe patterns of gene flow‚ and demonstrate the need for urgent conservation management.
    Citation

    Stock, S. E., Klop-Toker, K., Wallace, S., Kelly, O., Callen, A., Seeto, R., Mahony, S. V., Hayward, M. W., & Mahony, M. J. (2023). Uncovering inbreeding, small populations, and strong genetic isolation in an Australian threatened frog, Litoria littlejohni. Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-023-01522-5

  8. Norouzi, H., Sohrabi, M., Yousefi, M., & Boustie, J. (2023). Tridepsides as potential bioactives: a review on their chemistry and the global distribution of their lichenic and non-lichenic natural sources. Frontiers in Fungal Biology, 4, 1088966. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2023.1088966

    Frontiers in Fungal Biology
    Front. Fungal Biol.
    Abstract

    Tridepsides‚ as fully oxidized polyketides‚ have been known to exist in lichens for more than a century. Recent studies have showed that these possible defensive lichenochemicals possess various biological activities. Also‚ a candidate biosynthetic gene cluster was recently reported for gyrophoric acid (GA)‚ an important tridepside. The present study focused on biosynthesis‚ natural sources‚ biological activities‚ and bioanalytical methods of tridepside molecules. Our survey shows that‚ so far‚ lichenic tridepsides have been reported from 37 families‚ 111 genera‚ and 526 species of lichen. Because many of their species contain tridepsides‚ the families Parmeliaceae‚ Lobariaceae‚ and Peltigeraceae can be considered critical lichenic sources of tridepsides. Furthermore‚ several species of
    Hypotrachyna
    in Parmeliaceae family showed lichenic tridepsides‚ suggesting that this genus is a viable source of tridepsides. This research also explored tridepsides from non-lichenic sources‚ such as non-lichenized fungi‚ lichenicolous fungi‚ endophytes‚ parasites‚ and liverworts‚ which offer substantial potential as biotechnological sources to produce tridepsides‚ which are produced in small amounts in lichen thalli. Two lichenic tridepsides have also been detected in non-lichenic sources: GA and tenuiorin (TE). Additionally‚ no significant correlation was found between tridepside biosynthesis and geographical distribution patterns for several potentially tridepside-producing lichens. We further showed that GA is the most studied tridepside with various reported biological activities‚ including anticancer‚ wound healing‚ photoprotection‚ anti-aging‚ antioxidant‚ cardiovascular effect‚ DNA interaction‚ anti-diabetes‚ anti-Alzheimer’s‚ anti-bacterial‚ and antifungal. Last but not least‚ this study provides an overview of some bioanalytical methods used to analyze tridepsides over the past few years.
    Citation

    Norouzi, H., Sohrabi, M., Yousefi, M., & Boustie, J. (2023). Tridepsides as potential bioactives: a review on their chemistry and the global distribution of their lichenic and non-lichenic natural sources. Frontiers in Fungal Biology, 4, 1088966. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2023.1088966

  9. Djokic, T., Frese, M., Woods, A., Dettmann, M., Flemons, P., Brink, F., & McCurry, M. R. (2023). Inferring the age and environmental characteristics of fossil sites using citizen science. PLOS ONE, 18(4), e0284388. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284388

    PLOS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Not all fossil sites preserve microfossils that can be extracted using acid digestion‚ which may leave knowledge gaps regarding a site’s age or environmental characteristics. Here we report on a citizen science approach that was developed to identify microfossils in situ on the surface of sedimentary rocks. Samples were collected from McGraths Flat‚ a recently discovered Miocene rainforest lake deposit located in central New South Wales‚ Australia. Composed entirely of iron-oxyhydroxide‚ McGraths Flat rocks cannot be processed using typical microfossil extraction protocols e.g.‚ acid digestion. Instead‚ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to automatically acquire 25‚200 high-resolution images from the surface of three McGraths Flat samples‚ covering a total area of 1.85 cm
    2
    . The images were published on the citizen science portal DigiVol‚ through which 271 citizen scientists helped to identify 300 pollen and spores. The microfossil information gained in this study is biostratigraphically relevant and can be used to constrain the environmental characteristics of McGraths Flat. Our findings suggest that automated image acquisition coupled with an evaluation by citizen scientists is an effective method of determining the age and environmental characteristics of fossiliferous rocks that cannot be investigated using traditional methods such as acid digestion.
    Citation

    Djokic, T., Frese, M., Woods, A., Dettmann, M., Flemons, P., Brink, F., & McCurry, M. R. (2023). Inferring the age and environmental characteristics of fossil sites using citizen science. PLOS ONE, 18(4), e0284388. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0284388

  10. Steinrucken, T. V., & Vitelli, J. S. (2023). Biocontrol of weedy Sporobolus grasses in Australia using fungal pathogens. BioControl. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-023-10195-5

    BioControl
    BioControl
    Abstract

    In Australia there are five weedy Sporobolus grass (WSG) species that heavily impact agricultural industries and native biodiversity. WSG have been the subject of several efforts to find host-specific pathogens with potential for classical and inundative biocontrol. Most of these studies are only discussed in unpublished reports or theses‚ so in this paper we synthesise the available peer-reviewed and ‘grey’ literature that discuss classical‚ augmentative and inundative biocontrol of WSG in Australia using fungal pathogens. We consider the hundreds of fungal pathogens previously isolated from Sporobolus hosts on an international and national scale. Of the pathogens investigated for WSG biocontrol previously‚ the only promising classical biocontrol agent was a smut fungus (Ustilago sporoboli-indici) from South Africa that is now present in Queensland and New South Wales‚ Australia. Its method of introduction to Australia is unknown. We hence discuss the history and potential for augmentative biocontrol of WSG using U. sporoboli-indici. Next‚ we summarise inundative biocontrol efforts. Several ascomycetes isolated from Australian WSG populations have been tested in this regard‚ including species of Nigrospora‚ Fusarium‚ Curvularia‚ Microdochium‚ Pestalotiopsis‚ and Neopestalotiopsis. However‚ a lack of host-specificity or efficacy subsequently precluded their further development‚ and potential improvements on those inundative biocontrol studies are discussed. Finally‚ we discuss a collection of endemic fungal taxa isolated from diseased Sporobolus in Australia‚ which are currently undergoing virulence‚ pathogenicity‚ and host-specificity screening as potential inundative biocontrol agents for WSG. Our intention is that the lessons learned from previous studies and summarised herein‚ will support ongoing development of WSG biocontrol agents in Australia‚ and more broadly‚ weed biocontrol using plant pathogens anywhere in the world.
    Citation

    Steinrucken, T. V., & Vitelli, J. S. (2023). Biocontrol of weedy Sporobolus grasses in Australia using fungal pathogens. BioControl. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-023-10195-5

  11. Decker, O., Foon, J. K., Köhler, F., Moussalli, A., Murphy, N. P., & Green, P. T. (2023). Fire severity is an important driver of land snail declines after the black summer bushfires in Australia. Biological Conservation, 279, 109906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109906

    Biological Conservation
    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Many ecosystems globally evolved with fire. However‚ there is a gap in our knowledge regarding the effect of fires on less mobile invertebrates. Land snails in Australia are a diverse group with a high level of endemism‚ but we understand very little of their ecology‚ especially how they are affected by large fires. We studied the short-term (one year after a fire event) response of 1) land snail species composition‚ 2) snail abundances‚ and 3) impacts on 18 priority species to an unprecedented large fire event throughout south-eastern Australia in 2019/2020 (Black Summer). Our study ranged over >100‚000 km2‚ surveying162 sites. Our study revealed that land snail species composition changed significantly depending on fire severity class‚ regardless of habitat type (rainforest or eucalypt forest) or climate. Medium and high severity fire caused snail abundance to decline significantly‚ with micro-snails being more sensitive to medium and high severity fires. Abundance dropped by 75 % and 64 % for micro-‚ and macro-snails respectively‚ but low severity fire did not have a significant impact on abundance. For most priority species‚ fires affected more than half of their known extent of occurrence although most species were found in all fire severities. However‚ severity category was an important driver in determining the probability of occurrence of priority species. To conserve Australia’s land snail species‚ we must know how they are affected by disturbances. Our results suggest that the total area and severity of fires will determine the impact of fires on land snails.
    Citation

    Decker, O., Foon, J. K., Köhler, F., Moussalli, A., Murphy, N. P., & Green, P. T. (2023). Fire severity is an important driver of land snail declines after the black summer bushfires in Australia. Biological Conservation, 279, 109906. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2023.109906

  12. Hogg, C. J., Silver, L., McLennan, E. A., & Belov, K. (2023). Koala Genome Survey: An Open Data Resource to Improve Conservation Planning. Genes, 14(3), 546. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14030546
    Number: 3
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Genes
    Genes
    Abstract

    Genome sequencing is a powerful tool that can inform the management of threatened species. Koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) are a globally recognized species that captured the hearts and minds of the world during the 2019/2020 Australian megafires. In 2022‚ koalas were listed as ‘Endangered’ in Queensland‚ New South Wales‚ and the Australian Capital Territory. Populations have declined because of various threats such as land clearing‚ habitat fragmentation‚ and disease‚ all of which are exacerbated by climate change. Here‚ we present the Koala Genome Survey‚ an open data resource that was developed after the Australian megafires. A systematic review conducted in 2020 demonstrated that our understanding of genomic diversity within koala populations was scant‚ with only a handful of SNP studies conducted. Interrogating data showed that only 6 of 49 New South Wales areas of regional koala significance had meaningful genome-wide data‚ with only 7 locations in Queensland with SNP data and 4 locations in Victoria. In 2021‚ we launched the Koala Genome Survey to generate resequenced genomes across the Australian east coast. We have publicly released 430 koala genomes (average coverage: 32.25X‚ range: 11.3–66.8X) on the Amazon Web Services Open Data platform to accelerate research that can inform current and future conservation planning.
    Citation

    Hogg, C. J., Silver, L., McLennan, E. A., & Belov, K. (2023). Koala Genome Survey: An Open Data Resource to Improve Conservation Planning. Genes, 14(3), 546. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes14030546

  13. Vicente, S., Trindade, H., Máguas, C., & Le Roux, J. J. (2023). Genetic analyses reveal a complex introduction history of the globally invasive tree Acacia longifolia. NeoBiota, 82, 89–117. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.82.87455

    NeoBiota
    NB
    Abstract

    Acacia longifolia
    (Sydney golden wattle) is considered one of the most problematic plant invaders in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. In this study‚ we investigate the species’ invasion history by comparing the genetic diversity and structure of native (Australia) and several invasive range (Brazil‚ Portugal‚ South Africa‚ Spain‚ and Uruguay) populations and by modelling different introduction scenarios using these data. We sampled 272
    A. longifolia
    individuals – 126 from different invasive ranges and 146 from the native range – from 41 populations. We genotyped all individuals at four chloroplast and 12 nuclear microsatellite markers. From these data we calculated diversity metrics‚ identified chloroplast haplotypes‚ and estimated population genetic structure based on Bayesian assignment tests. We used Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) models to infer the likely introduction history into each invaded country. In Australia‚ population genetic structure of
    A. longifolia
    appears to be strongly shaped by the Bass Strait and we identified two genetic clusters largely corresponding to mainland Australian and Tasmanian populations. We found invasive populations to represent a mixture of these clusters. Similar levels of genetic diversity were present in native and invasive ranges‚ indicating that invasive populations did not go through a genetic bottleneck. Bayesian assignment tests and chloroplast haplotype frequencies further suggested a secondary introduction event between South Africa and Portugal. However‚ ABC analyses could not confidently identify the native source(s) of invasive populations in these two countries‚ probably due to the known high propagule pressure that accompanied these introductions. ABC analyses identified Tasmania as the likely source of invasive populations in Brazil and Uruguay. A definitive native source for Spanish populations could also not be identified. This study shows that tracing the introduction history of A. longifolia
    is difficult‚ most likely because of the complexity associated with the extensive movement of the species around the world. Our findings should be considered when planning management and control efforts‚ such as biological control‚ in some invaded regions.
    Citation

    Vicente, S., Trindade, H., Máguas, C., & Le Roux, J. J. (2023). Genetic analyses reveal a complex introduction history of the globally invasive tree Acacia longifolia. NeoBiota, 82, 89–117. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.82.87455

  14. MacColl, C., Leseberg, N. P., Seaton, R., Murphy, S. A., & Watson, J. E. M. (2023). Rapid and recent range collapse of Australia’s Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2172735

    Emu - Austral Ornithology
    Emu - Austral Ornithology
    Abstract

    Australia’s Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus) is a taxonomically distinct raptor endemic to the tropics and sub-tropics of eastern and northern Australia‚ and the Australian mainland’s rarest bird of prey. Classified as Vulnerable when legislation was first enacted in 1992‚ the species’ status and distribution remain unclear‚ and it is possibly declining based on limited surveys. However‚ no comprehensive analysis of its range-wide population trends has ever been undertaken‚ creating a knowledge gap which potentially delays urgent conservation management. Here‚ we bridge that knowledge gap. We compile a comprehensive dataset of 1‚679 occurrence records spanning the species’ historical range‚ develop a novel method that overcomes reporting biases centred around nest locations‚ then identify population trends between 1978 and 2020 at national‚ state‚ and regional scales. Our results suggest that the species has declined significantly across eastern Australia and is likely locally extinct in many regions. We estimate the Red Goshawk has disap­ peared from 34% of its breeding range over the last four decades‚ and probably persists at extremely low density‚ if at all‚ over an additional 29.7% of its breeding range. These results demonstrate the species’ declining population trajectory at multiple scales for the first time and provide further evidence for its up listing under Australian federal legislation to Endangered‚ using IUCN Red List criterion C2a(ii): small population size and decline. We recommend population surveys and monitoring coupled with targeted research to better understand population trajec­ tories and determine which threats are driving this unique species’ decline.
    Citation

    MacColl, C., Leseberg, N. P., Seaton, R., Murphy, S. A., & Watson, J. E. M. (2023). Rapid and recent range collapse of Australia’s Red Goshawk Erythrotriorchis radiatus. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2023.2172735

  15. Young, A., Runting, R. K., Kujala, H., Konlechner, T. M., Strain, E. M. A., & Morris, R. L. (2023). Identifying opportunities for living shorelines using a multi-criteria suitability analysis. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 102857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102857

    Regional Studies in Marine Science
    Regional Studies in Marine Science
    Abstract

    The need to develop more sustainable solutions for coastal hazard risk reduction and to protect and restore degraded coastal habitats has led to an increased interest in living shorelines. A barrier to the wider implementation of living shorelines is a lack of guidance on where it is suitable to implement these solutions. We developed a shoreline suitability model to select areas of a representative coastline that would be either suitable for a soft (natural habitats only) or hybrid (natural habitats in combination with hard structures) approaches. We created species distribution models in MaxEnt to predict the potential distribution of 14 coastal species including four seagrasses‚ one mangrove‚ three saltmarsh‚ three shellfish and three dune species. These were combined in a multi-criteria analysis that also accounted for the accommodation (current space in the intertidal) and adaptation space (amount of space between the intertidal and nearest infrastructure) available to implement living shorelines at a 250 m resolution. This was done for the state of Victoria‚ Australia as a case study location where there is a high percentage of coastal infrastructure reaching the end of its design life. For the Victorian coastline 74% was suitable for hybrid approaches‚ while 65% was suitable for soft approaches and 4% of the coastline was not suitable for either approach. For the coastline already protected with hard defence structures‚ 67 and 69% would be suitable for at least one taxa‚ using a soft or hybrid approach‚ respectively. The percentage of coastline suitable for soft or hybrid approaches was similar in rural areas‚ however‚ suitability for hybrid was greater than soft approaches in urban and built-up areas‚ which could be due to a combination of habitat suitability and space available on the foreshore. This study has demonstrated how spatial multi-criteria analysis can be adapted to a complex coastal environment and inform more diverse coastal hazard mitigation actions to risk reduction and climate adaptation.
    Citation

    Young, A., Runting, R. K., Kujala, H., Konlechner, T. M., Strain, E. M. A., & Morris, R. L. (2023). Identifying opportunities for living shorelines using a multi-criteria suitability analysis. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 102857. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsma.2023.102857

  16. Furlong, M., Adamu, A. M., Hoskins, A., Russell, T. L., Gummow, B., Golchin, M., Hickson, R. I., & Horwood, P. F. (2023). Japanese Encephalitis Enzootic and Epidemic Risks across Australia. Viruses, 15(2), 450. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020450
    Number: 2
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Viruses
    Viruses
    Abstract

    Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is an arboviral‚ encephalitogenic‚ zoonotic flavivirus characterized by its complex epidemiology whose transmission cycle involves reservoir and amplifying hosts‚ competent vector species and optimal environmental conditions. Although typically endemic in Asia and parts of the Pacific Islands‚ unprecedented outbreaks in both humans and domestic pigs in southeastern Australia emphasize the virus’ expanding geographical range. To estimate areas at highest risk of JEV transmission in Australia‚ ecological niche models of vectors and waterbirds‚ a sample of piggery coordinates and feral pig population density models were combined using mathematical and geospatial mapping techniques. These results highlight that both coastal and inland regions across the continent are estimated to have varying risks of enzootic and/or epidemic JEV transmission. We recommend increased surveillance of waterbirds‚ feral pigs and mosquito populations in areas where domestic pigs and human populations are present.
    Citation

    Furlong, M., Adamu, A. M., Hoskins, A., Russell, T. L., Gummow, B., Golchin, M., Hickson, R. I., & Horwood, P. F. (2023). Japanese Encephalitis Enzootic and Epidemic Risks across Australia. Viruses, 15(2), 450. https://doi.org/10.3390/v15020450

  17. Kolanowska, M., & Michalska, E. (2023). The effect of global warming on the Australian endemic orchid Cryptostylis leptochila and its pollinator. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0280922. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280922
    Publisher: Public Library of Science

    PLOS ONE
    PLOS ONE
    Abstract

    Ecological stability together with the suitability of abiotic conditions are crucial for long-term survival of any organism and the maintenance of biodiversity and self-sustainable ecosystems relies on species interactions. By influencing resource availability plants affect the composition of plant communities and ultimately ecosystem functioning. Plant-animal interactions are very complex and include a variety of exploitative and mutualistic relationships. One of the most important mutualistic interactions is that between plants and their pollinators. Coevolution generates clustered links between plants and their pollen vectors‚ but the pollination and reproductive success of plants is reduced by increase in the specialization of plant-animal interactions. One of the most specialized types of pollination is sexual deception‚ which occurs almost exclusively in Orchidaceae. In this form of mimicry‚ male insects are attracted to orchid flowers by chemical compounds that resemble insect female sex pheromones and pollinate the flowers during attempted copulations. These interactions are often species-specific with each species of orchid attracting only males of one or very few closely related species of insects. For sexually deceptive orchids the presence of a particular pollen vector is crucial for reproductive success and any reduction in pollinator availability constitutes a threat to the orchid. Because global warming is rapidly becoming the greatest threat to all organisms by re-shaping the geographical ranges of plants‚ animals and fungi‚ this paper focuses on predicting the effect of global warming on Cryptostylis leptochila‚ a terrestrial endemic in eastern Australia that is pollinated exclusively via pseudo copulation with Lissopimpla excelsa. As a species with a single pollinator this orchid is a perfect model for studies on the effect of global warming on plants and their pollen vectors. According to our predictions‚ global warming will cause a significant loss of suitable niches for C. leptochila. The potential range of this orchid will be 36%-75% smaller than currently and as a result the Eastern Highlands will become unsuitable for C. leptochila. On the other hand‚ some new niches will become available for this species in Tasmania. Simultaneously‚ climate change will result in a substantial expansion of niches suitable for the pollinator (44–82%). Currently ca. 71% of the geographical range of the orchid is also suitable for L. excelsa‚ therefore‚ almost 30% of the areas occupied by C. leptochila already lack the pollen vector. The predicted availability of the pollen vector increased under three of the climate change scenarios analysed. The predicted habitat loss is a serious threat to this orchid even with the potential colonization of Tasmania by this plant. In the reduced range of C. leptochila the pollen vector will also be present assuring fruit set in populations of this orchid. The genetic pool of the populations in New South Wales and Queensland will probably be lost.
    Citation

    Kolanowska, M., & Michalska, E. (2023). The effect of global warming on the Australian endemic orchid Cryptostylis leptochila and its pollinator. PLOS ONE, 18(1), e0280922. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0280922

  18. Palmer, C., Martien, K. K., Raudino, H., Robertson, K. M., Withers, A., Withers, E., Risk, R., Cooper, D., D’Cruz, E., Jungine, E., Barrow, D., Cuff, N., Lane, A., Keynes, D., Waples, K., Malpartida, A., & Banks, S. (2023). Evidence of resident coastal population(s) of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in northern Australian waters. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 1067660. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1067660

    Frontiers in Marine Science
    Front. Mar. Sci.
    Abstract

    To help evaluate the distribution‚ residency‚ population size and structuring (and hence conservation status) of the poorly known false killer whale
    Pseudorca crassidens
    in northern Australian waters‚ we undertook studies of sightings‚ movement patterns based on satellite telemetry‚ and genetics. Sighting data indicates that false killer whales are regular‚ year-round inhabitants of coastal areas of northern Australia. Satellite-tagged animals spent extended periods of time in shallow coastal waters‚ with no tagged animals leaving the continental shelf. The lack of spatial overlap in the areas visited by individuals tagged in the Arafura/Timor Seas compared to those tagged in the Gulf of Carpentaria suggests that there may be more than one population in northern Australia coastal waters. All 14 genetic samples collected across 1600 km of coastline possessed the same newly identified mitochondrial control region haplotype‚ designated haplotype 45. Notably‚ haplotype 45 is distinct from all previously published false killer whale haplotypes globally and is most similar to the two haplotypes that typify the endangered main Hawaiian Islands insular false killer whale population. Based on these results and evidence from recent movement records of those tagged‚ false killer whales in northern Australia are apparently demographically independent from the offshore population(s). Further assessment of the population conservation status is now required.
    Citation

    Palmer, C., Martien, K. K., Raudino, H., Robertson, K. M., Withers, A., Withers, E., Risk, R., Cooper, D., D’Cruz, E., Jungine, E., Barrow, D., Cuff, N., Lane, A., Keynes, D., Waples, K., Malpartida, A., & Banks, S. (2023). Evidence of resident coastal population(s) of false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in northern Australian waters. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9, 1067660. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1067660

  19. Singh Ramesh, A., Cheesman, A., Flores-Moreno, H., Preece, N., Crayn, D., & Cernusak, L. (2023). Temperature, nutrient availability, and species traits interact to shape elevation responses of Australian tropical trees. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1089167

    Frontiers in Forests and Global Change
    Frontiers in Forests and Global Change
    Abstract

    Elevation gradients provide natural laboratories for investigating tropical tree ecophysiology in the context of climate warming. Previously observed trends with increasing elevation include decreasing stem diameter growth rates (GR)‚ increasing leaf mass per area (LMA)‚ higher root-to-shoot ratios (R:S)‚ increasing leaf δ 13 C‚ and decreasing leaf δ 15 N. These patterns could be driven by decreases in temperature‚ lower soil nutrient availability‚ changes in species composition‚ or a combination thereof. We investigated whether these patterns hold within the genus Flindersia (Rutaceae) along an elevation gradient (0-1‚600 m) in the Australian Wet Tropics. Flindersia species are relatively abundant and are important contributors to biomass in these forests. Next‚ we conducted a glasshouse experiment to better understand the effects of temperature‚ soil nutrient availability‚ and species on growth‚ biomass allocation‚ and leaf isotopic composition. In the field‚ GR and δ 15 N decreased‚ whereas LMA and δ 13 C increased with elevation‚ consistent with observations on other continents. Soil C:N ratio also increased and soil δ 15 N decreased with increasing elevation‚ consistent with decreasing nutrient availability. In the glasshouse‚ relative growth rates (RGR) of the two lowland Flindersia species responded more strongly to temperature than did those of the two upland species. Interestingly‚ leaf δ 13 C displayed an opposite relationship with temperature in the glasshouse compared with that observed in the field‚ indicating the importance of covarying drivers in the field. Leaf δ 15 N increased in nutrient-rich compared to nutrient-poor soil in the glasshouse‚ like the trend in the field. There was a significant interaction for δ 15 N between temperature and species; upland species showed a steeper increase in leaf δ 15 N with temperature than lowland species. This could indicate more flexibility in nitrogen acquisition in lowland compared to upland species with warming. The distinguishing feature of a mountaintop restricted Flindersia species in the glasshouse was a very high R:S ratio in nutrient-poor soil at low temperatures‚ conditions approximating Frontiers in Forests and Global Change 01 frontiersin.org Singh Ramesh et al. 10.3389/ffgc.2023.1089167 the mountaintop environment. Our results suggest that species traits interact with temperature and nutrient availability to drive observed elevation patterns. Capturing this complexity in models will be challenging but is important for making realistic predictions of tropical tree responses to global warming.
    Citation

    Singh Ramesh, A., Cheesman, A., Flores-Moreno, H., Preece, N., Crayn, D., & Cernusak, L. (2023). Temperature, nutrient availability, and species traits interact to shape elevation responses of Australian tropical trees. Frontiers in Forests and Global Change, 6, 2. https://doi.org/10.3389/ffgc.2023.1089167

  20. Zhao, H., Xian, X., Liang, T., Wan, F., Shi, J., & Liu, W. (2023). Constructing an Ensemble Model and Niche Comparison for the Management Planning of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer Phoracantha semipunctata under Climate Change. Insects, 14(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010084
    Number: 1
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Insects
    Insects
    Abstract

    Phoracantha semipunctata is a destructive invasive alien forest pest worldwide. It primarily damages the eucalyptus via adults‚ affecting almost all parts of the eucalyptus. Its larvae develop in almost all major tissues of the plant. Phoracantha semipunctata spreads both via the migration of adults and global trade in intercontinental translocation. Currently‚ this pest has spread to six continents worldwide‚ except Antarctica‚ resulting in substantial economic losses. Based on global occurrence data and environmental variables‚ the potential global geographical distribution of P. semipunctata was predicted using an ensemble model. The centroid shift‚ overlap‚ unfilling‚ and expansion scheme were selected to assess niche dynamics during the global invasion process. Our results indicated that the AUC and TSS values of the ensemble model were 0.993 and 0.917‚ respectively‚ indicating the high prediction accuracy of the model. The distribution pattern of P. semipunctata is primarily attributed to the temperature seasonality (bio4)‚ mean temperature of the warmest quarter (bio10)‚ and human influence index variables. The potential geographical distribution of P. semipunctata is primarily in western and southwestern Asia‚ western Europe‚ western and southern North America‚ southern South America‚ southern Africa‚ and eastern and southern Oceania. The potential geographical distribution of P. semipunctata showed a downward trend in the 2030s and the 2050s. The distribution centroid showed a general tendency to shift southward from the near-current to future climate. Phoracantha semipunctata has largely conserved its niche during the global invasion process. More attention should be paid to the early warning‚ prevention‚ and control of P. semipunctata in the countries and regions where it has not yet become invasive.
    Citation

    Zhao, H., Xian, X., Liang, T., Wan, F., Shi, J., & Liu, W. (2023). Constructing an Ensemble Model and Niche Comparison for the Management Planning of Eucalyptus Longhorned Borer Phoracantha semipunctata under Climate Change. Insects, 14(1), 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects14010084

  21. Feijó, A., Karlsson, C. M., Gray, R., Yang, Q., & Hughes, A. C. (2023). Extreme-sized anurans are more prone to climate-driven extinctions. Climate Change Ecology, 4, 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecochg.2022.100062

    Climate Change Ecology
    Climate Change Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Feijó, A., Karlsson, C. M., Gray, R., Yang, Q., & Hughes, A. C. (2023). Extreme-sized anurans are more prone to climate-driven extinctions. Climate Change Ecology, 4, 100062. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecochg.2022.100062

  22. Lévêque, L., Amin, R. J., Buettel, J., Carver, S., & Brook, B. (2023). A secure future? Human urban and agricultural land use benefits a flightless island-endemic rail despite climate change. Royal Society Open Science, 10(6), 230386. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230386

    Royal Society Open Science
    R. Soc. open sci.
    Abstract

    Identifying environmental characteristics that limit species’ distributions is important for contemporary conservation and inferring responses to future environmental change. The Tasmanian native hen is an island endemic flightless rail and a survivor of a prehistoric extirpation event. Little is known about the regional-scale environmental characteristics influencing the distribution of native hens‚ or how their future distribution might be impacted by environmental shifts (e.g. climate change). Using a combination of local fieldwork and species distribution modelling‚ we assess environmental factors shaping the contemporary distribution of the native hen‚ and project future distribution changes under predicted climate change. We find 37% of Tasmania is currently suitable for the native hens‚ owing to low summer precipitation‚ low elevation‚ human-modified vegetation and urban areas. Moreover‚ in unsuitable regions‚ urban areas can create ‘oases’ of habitat‚ able to support populations with high breeding activity by providing resources and buffering against environmental constraints. Under climate change predictions‚ native hens were predicted to lose only 5% of their occupied range by 2055. We conclude that the species is resilient to climate change and benefits overall from anthropogenic landscape modifications. As such‚ this constitutes a rare example of a flightless rail to have adapted to human activity.
    Citation

    Lévêque, L., Amin, R. J., Buettel, J., Carver, S., & Brook, B. (2023). A secure future? Human urban and agricultural land use benefits a flightless island-endemic rail despite climate change. Royal Society Open Science, 10(6), 230386. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.230386

  23. McCulloch, G. A., Gurdasani, K., Hereward, J. P., Morin, L., Walter, G. H., & Raghu, S. (2023). Invasion history of Lycium ferocissimum in Australia: The impact of admixture on genetic diversity and differentiation. Diversity and Distributions, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13702
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13702

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim We investigated the invasion history of Lycium ferocissimum‚ a spine-covered shrub native to South Africa that was introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s‚ and has since developed into a damaging invasive plant of undisturbed landscapes and pastures. In addition to identifying the provenance of the Australian plants‚ we tested for evidence of admixture‚ and contrasted genetic diversity and structuring across the native and introduced ranges. Location Samples were collected across South Africa (24 localities) and Australia (26 localities). Methods We used genotyping-by-sequencing (3117 SNPs across 381 individuals) to assess population genetic structuring in L. ferocissimum across Australia and South Africa. Coalescent analyses were used to explicitly test contrasting invasion scenarios. Results Clear geographic genetic structuring was detected across South Africa‚ with distinct clusters in the Eastern and Western Cape provinces. The L. ferocissimum plants in Australia form their own genetic cluster‚ with a similar level of genetic diversity as plants in South Africa. Coalescent analyses demonstrated that the lineage in Australia was formed by admixture between Eastern Cape and Western Cape plants‚ with most of the genetic material from the Australian lineage originating from the Western Cape. Our analyses suggest that L. ferocissimum plants were originally introduced to South Australia‚ though it is unclear whether admixture occurred before or after its introduction to Australia. We detected little evidence of geographic genetic structure across Australia‚ although many of the populations were genetically distinct from one another. Main Conclusions Our results illustrate how admixture can result in genetically diverse and distinct invasive populations. The complex invasion history of L. ferocissimum in Australia poses particular challenges for biological control. We suggest potential biological control agents should be screened against admixed plants (in addition to plants from the Eastern and Western Cape) to test whether they provide effective control of the genetically distinct invasive lineage.
    Citation

    McCulloch, G. A., Gurdasani, K., Hereward, J. P., Morin, L., Walter, G. H., & Raghu, S. (2023). Invasion history of Lycium ferocissimum in Australia: The impact of admixture on genetic diversity and differentiation. Diversity and Distributions, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13702

  24. Patel, V. A. (2023). The impacts of climate change on structurally interconnected social-ecological systems: using integrated spatial modelling to assess beehive migration patterns in Western Australia [University of Western Australia]. https://api.research-repository.uwa.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/252547906/THESIS_DOCTOR_OF_PHILOSOPHY_PATEL_Vidushi_2023.pdf

    Abstract

    Beekeeping represents a unique social-ecological system (SES) where bees‚ humans‚ and forage landscapes interact to provide a range of ecosystem services. The decline in global bee stocks due to complex natural and anthropogenic drivers is impacting bee system contributions that ultimately support sustainable development. Managing these natural and anthropogenic pressures requires a systems approach to understand how pressures manifest within the system. The bee industry as a socio-ecological system has been relatively unexplored to date‚ with even fewer examples of integrated models that allow for the examination of pressures on the sustainability of this unique industry. To address this gap‚ this thesis presents a social-ecological characterisation of the beekeeping system using Elinor Ostrom’s social-ecological systems framework‚ and develops an integrated modelling approach‚ the B-Agent‚ to assess the impacts of climate pressures on the Western Australian (WA) beekeeping SES. Serving as a roadmap for the development of bee-human system solutions‚ this research addresses four objectives: i) develop an understanding of the interconnections between bees and people‚ in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)‚ ii) through the lens of social-ecological systems thinking‚ characterise the elements‚ patterns‚ processes‚ and feedbacks of a commercial honey production system as well as the pressures acting on the system‚ iii) identify spatial patterns of forage-availability under future climate scenarios in WA‚ and iv) develop an agent-based model representing the beehive migration process to examine how changes in forage-availability will effect spatial patterns of beehive migration. A system perspective was used to address the first two objectives‚ specifically‚ a socialecological systems framework was used to facilitate an understanding of the structural interconnectivities between social and ecological elements of commercial honey production in WA‚ and to identify the biophysical and anthropogenic pressures acting on the system. To address objectives three and four‚ an integrated spatial modelling framework‚ the B-Agent is presented‚ integrating multiple stakeholder engagement approaches‚ species distribution modelling‚ and an agent-based model to simulate a key social-ecological interaction – beehive migration. More specifically‚ a novel assessment of the critical contributions bees make to our planet’s future sustainable development is presented‚ with examples drawn from a variety of case studies to highlight the potential contribution of bees to 15 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and at least 30 SDG targets. In addition to addressing the first research objective‚ this study emphasised the need for using a system approach to understand interconnectivities within the coupled bee-human system‚ and identified eight thematic priority areas for further investigation into bee-human relationships. To further investigate the bee-human system‚ the first application of Elinor Ostrom’s socialecological system (SES) framework to the beekeeping industry‚ addressing the second objective‚ is presented. To describe the beekeeping industry‚ 163 SES variables outlining system elements‚ key patterns of interaction‚ and critical pressures emerging from SES interconnectivities were identified using literature and iterative stakeholder engagement. Here‚ results indicate the need for new modelling approaches to inform resource management decisions ensuring effective pollination and long-term apiary production. To address this need‚ the B-Agent model was developed to examine the impact of climate change on the beekeeping SES. The B-Agent model represents an agent-based model developed through a series of stakeholder interviews to identify key forage species targeted by WA apiarists for honey production. A species distribution model (SDM)‚ Maxent‚ was then used to model the distribution of key flora now and under a future climate scenario. SDMs for individual species were then attributed with associated flowering times to map the distribution of monthly forage availability across the southwest of WA. Finally‚ monthly forage availability maps were integrated with an agent-based model (ABM) representing the spatial decision-making process of migratory commercial beekeepers to examine the impacts of changes in forage availability on spatial migration patterns. Species distribution modelling results highlight the effects of climate change on individual forage species‚ where over half of key flora identified by beekeepers will lose portions of their current geographic range with a trend in lateral and poleward expansion. The impact of changes to bee forage distributions was reflected in changes to future beehive migration patterns resulting from the ABM‚ indicating an increase in beekeeper travel distance in the moderate emission future climate scenario and an eastward shift in future apiary forage locations. The B-Agent approach provides an evidence base to explain the structural interconnectivities between forage landscapes and beehive migration decisions. By modelling the impact of climate change on forage availability‚ this research highlights the importance of tools and approaches for informing management decisions that ensure the sustainability of beekeeping. Results from B-Agent model runs show that the spatial distribution of key bee forage species are changing‚ which is causing a shift in species flowering richness and availability of premium forage species and will lead to shifting spatial patterns of hive site use. Through a representation of the structural interconnectivity between forage environments and beehive migration decisions‚ B-Agent provides a framework for examining the likely impacts of both biophysical and anthropogenic pressures on the spatial patterns of beehive migration relative to variations in the state of forage availability in the future.
    Citation

    Patel, V. A. (2023). The impacts of climate change on structurally interconnected social-ecological systems: using integrated spatial modelling to assess beehive migration patterns in Western Australia [University of Western Australia]. https://api.research-repository.uwa.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/252547906/THESIS_DOCTOR_OF_PHILOSOPHY_PATEL_Vidushi_2023.pdf

  25. Ollivier, M., Labouyrie, M., Raghu, S., Tavoillot, J., Tixier, M.-S., & Lesieur, V. (2023). Characterising the herbivore community and its impact on Sonchus oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae) in its invaded range in Australia. Austral Entomology, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12640
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aen.12640

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Sonchus oleraceus is an annual species native to Eurasia and Northern Africa that has become a major weed of cultivated fields and ruderal areas in Australia. Populations are difficult to manage in cropping systems because of the development of resistance to common herbicides. Biological control is being investigated as an additional tactic for managing the weed. A literature review was conducted to identify the phytophagous arthropod species already associated with the species in Australia to guide such a biological control programme. To identify opportunities for biological control agents to aid in management‚ we undertook field surveys across Queensland and South Australia in different environments. We also investigated factors that may influence their performance in Australia. Both the literature review and field surveys identified 21 arthropod species associated with S. oleraceus in Australia‚ most of them being generalist species and pests of exotic origin. Capitula were the most damaged plant part while stems were relatively free from insects‚ except aphids. The field surveys recorded an unexpected new interaction between S. oleraceus and the gall midge‚ Contarinia jongi (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae). This association was surprising as the midge‚ only known to develop on Alstroemeria (Liliales: Alstroemeriaceae)‚ a very distant relative to S. oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae)‚ was reported in Australia only a few years ago under greenhouse conditions. The midge and the moth Eublemma cochylioides (Lepidoptera: Erebidae) were the two species that occurred most frequently in developing flower head samples. We considered their infestation rate as a proxy of herbivory and tested whether the environment surrounding the plant may influence herbivory. Both E. cochylioides and C. jongi showed the highest infestations in ruderal sites compared with the sites located in conventional farming areas. We discuss the implications of our results in the context of selecting and releasing candidates for the biological control of the weed‚ especially in agricultural landscapes.
    Citation

    Ollivier, M., Labouyrie, M., Raghu, S., Tavoillot, J., Tixier, M.-S., & Lesieur, V. (2023). Characterising the herbivore community and its impact on Sonchus oleraceus (Asterales: Asteraceae) in its invaded range in Australia. Austral Entomology, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12640

  26. Mika, S., Vincent, B., Lewis, S., Manisha, S., & Reid, M. (2023). Coffs Harbour Region Ecohealth Project 2019-2022; Assessment of River and Estuarine Condition [Technical Report]. Office of Environment and Heritage, Coffs Harbour City Council. https://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/environment/compliance-and-reporting/une-coffs-ecohealth-report-2023.pdf

    Abstract

    The NSW Natural Resources Monitoring Evaluation and Reporting (MER) Strategy was prepared by the Natural Resources and Environment CEO Cluster of the NSW Government in response to the Natural Resources Commission standard and targets and was adopted in August 2006. The purpose of the Strategy is to refocus the resources of NSW natural resource and environment agencies and coordinate their efforts with Local Land Services (LLS)‚ local governments‚ landholders and other natural resource managers to establish a system of monitoring‚ evaluation and reporting on natural resource condition. At this time there was no consistent monitoring of estuarine or freshwater ecological condition in NSW. Working groups were formed to consider the most appropriate indicators and sampling designs to enable a statewide assessment of the ecological condition of rivers and estuaries. This report outlines the approach taken by stakeholders in the Coffs Harbour region to supplement the
    MER monitoring and is aligned with the objectives of regional Coastal Zone Management Plans.
    Citation

    Mika, S., Vincent, B., Lewis, S., Manisha, S., & Reid, M. (2023). Coffs Harbour Region Ecohealth Project 2019-2022; Assessment of River and Estuarine Condition [Technical Report]. Office of Environment and Heritage, Coffs Harbour City Council. https://www.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au/files/sharedassets/public/environment/compliance-and-reporting/une-coffs-ecohealth-report-2023.pdf

  27. Brauer, C. J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Sandoval-Castillo, J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Gates, K., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Hammer, M. P., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Unmack, P. J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Bernatchez, L., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Beheregaray, L. B., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2023). Natural hybridization reduces vulnerability to climate change. Nature Climate Change, 13(3), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-022-01585-1
    Num Pages: 282-289
    Place: London, United States
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Nature Climate Change
    Abstract

    Under climate change‚ species unable to track their niche via range shifts are largely reliant on genetic variation to adapt and persist. Genomic vulnerability predictions are used to identify populations that lack the necessary variation‚ particularly at climate-relevant genes. However‚ hybridization as a source of novel adaptive variation is typically ignored in genomic vulnerability studies. We estimated environmental niche models and genomic vulnerability for closely related species of rainbowfish (Melanotaenia spp.) across an elevational gradient in the Australian Wet Tropics. Hybrid populations between a widespread generalist and several narrow range endemic species exhibited reduced vulnerability to projected climates compared to pure narrow endemics. Overlaps between introgressed and adaptive genomic regions were consistent with a signal of adaptive introgression. Our findings highlight the often-underappreciated conservation value of hybrid populations and indicate that adaptive introgression may contribute to evolutionary rescue of species with narrow environmental ranges.
    The authors estimate genomic vulnerability for closely related species of rainbowfish. They find that narrow endemic species that have hybridized with a warm-adapted generalist show reduced vulnerability to climate change and that hybridization may facilitate evolutionary rescue for such species.
    Citation

    Brauer, C. J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Sandoval-Castillo, J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Gates, K., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Hammer, M. P., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Unmack, P. J., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Bernatchez, L., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Beheregaray, L. B., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2023). Natural hybridization reduces vulnerability to climate change. Nature Climate Change, 13(3), 282–289. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-022-01585-1

  28. Zhang, H., Chen, S., Bonser, S. P., Hitchcock, T., & Moles, A. T. (2023). Factors that shape large‐scale gradients in clonality. Journal of Biogeography, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14577

    Journal of Biogeography
    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Zhang, H., Chen, S., Bonser, S. P., Hitchcock, T., & Moles, A. T. (2023). Factors that shape large‐scale gradients in clonality. Journal of Biogeography, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14577

  29. Tims, A. R., & Saupe, E. E. (2023). Forecasting climate-driven habitat changes for Australian freshwater fishes. Diversity and Distributions, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13686
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13686

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aims Climate change is expected to have profound effects on species’ distributions into the future. Freshwater fishes‚ an important component of freshwater ecosystems‚ are no exception. Here‚ we project shifts in suitable conditions for Australian freshwater fishes under different climate change scenarios to identify species that may experience significant declines in habitat suitability. Location Australia. Methods We use MAXENT bioclimatic models to estimate the effect of climate change on the suitable conditions for 154 species of Australian freshwater fishes‚ of which 109 are endemic and 29 are threatened with extinction. Suitable conditions for freshwater fish species are modelled using three different Earth System climate models (ESMs) under two different emission scenarios to the year 2100. For each species‚ we examine potential geographic shifts in the distribution of suitable conditions from the present day to 2100 and quantify how habitat suitability may change at currently occupied sites by the end of this century. Results Broadscale poleward shifts in suitable conditions are projected for Australian freshwater fishes by an average of up to 0.38° ( 180 km) across all species‚ depending on the emission scenario. Considerable loss of suitable conditions is forecast to occur within currently recognized distributional extents by 2100‚ with a mean projected loss of up to 17.5% across species. Predicted geographic range shifts and declines are larger under a high-emission scenario. Threatened species are projected to be more adversely affected than nonthreatened species. Main Conclusions Our models identify species and geographic regions that may be vulnerable to climate change‚ enabling freshwater fish conservation into the future.
    Citation

    Tims, A. R., & Saupe, E. E. (2023). Forecasting climate-driven habitat changes for Australian freshwater fishes. Diversity and Distributions, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13686

  30. Patel, V., Boruff, B., Biggs, E., & Pauli, N. (2023). Data representing climate-induced changes in the spatial distribution of key bee forage species for southwest Western Australia. Data in Brief, 108783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2022.108783

    Data in Brief
    Data in Brief
    Abstract

    The dataset includes (i) species occurrence points‚ and (ii) Species Distribution Model (SDM) outputs under current conditions and a moderate emission (RCP 6.0) climate scenario‚ for 30 key bee forage species in southwest Western Australia (WA). Occurrence data were obtained from open data sources and through stakeholder engagement processes. SDM outputs were predicted using the Maxent algorithm with the change in species range analysed using QGIS software. The model outputs provide insight into the potential implications of climate change on important bee forage species in southwest WA‚ including dominant melliferous tree and shrub species. Changes in these species are likely to have repercussions to the ecological and social systems where a facilitatory relationship exists. This dataset is important for informing conservation efforts within the southwest Australian biodiversity hotspot.
    Citation

    Patel, V., Boruff, B., Biggs, E., & Pauli, N. (2023). Data representing climate-induced changes in the spatial distribution of key bee forage species for southwest Western Australia. Data in Brief, 108783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2022.108783

  31. Voet, J. (2023). Population dynamics of Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea), a species of conservation interest in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia [University of Groningen]. https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/29494/1/mEE_2023_VoetJM.pdf

    Abstract

    The Central Highlands of Victoria are subject to disturbances from wildfire and harvesting.
    Within the footprint of these disturbances lies Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea)‚ a small understorey tree with a relatively unknown and complex ecology. Despite limited evidence‚ Tree Geebung is thought to be a very long-lived species‚ capable of regenerating en masse following mechanical disturbance from harvesting‚ and capable of surviving wildfire despite being regarded as a fire sensitive obligate seeder. Its recent listing as an endangered species has
    incited considerable interest from management to elucidate the ecology of Tree Geebung. Using a spatial analysis combined with field surveys‚ this study aims to uncover key life history traits relevant to management (e.g.‚ age of reproductive maturity) and shed more light on how Tree
    Geebung responds to disturbances related to wildfire and forest harvesting using size-age
    relationships derived from radiocarbon dating‚ I found that Tree Geebung can become at least 74 years old with individuals ranging from 28-40 years old having a 50% probability of producing fruit. Individuals protected by forest management prescriptions (≥10 cm DBH) have a probability of 0.4-0.7 to bear fruit. Tree
    Geebung can survive low intensity wildfire and recruits in response to disturbance from both harvesting and wildfire‚ with a stronger response to harvest (𝜌 = 46‚480 ha-1) than to wildfire (𝜌 = 33‚420 ha-1). Our findings imply that Tree Geebung might not become as old as thought‚ but its response to disturbance may still have implications for its conservation taking into account projected climate change scenarios.
    Citation

    Voet, J. (2023). Population dynamics of Tree Geebung (Persoonia arborea), a species of conservation interest in the Central Highlands of Victoria, Australia [University of Groningen]. https://fse.studenttheses.ub.rug.nl/29494/1/mEE_2023_VoetJM.pdf

  32. Ganglo, J. C. (2023). Ecological niche model transferability of the white star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don) in the context of climate and global changes. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 13(1), 2430. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29048-3
    Num Pages: 2430
    Place: London, United States
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group)
    Abstract

    Chrysophyllum albidum is a forest food tree species of the Sapotaceae family bearing large berries of nutrition‚ sanitary‚ and commercial value in many African countries. Because of its socioeconomic importance‚ C. albidum is threatened at least by human pressure. However‚ we do not know to what extent climate change can impact its distribution or whether it is possible to introduce the species in other tropical regions. To resolve our concerns‚ we decided to model the spatial distribution of the species. We then used the SDM package for data modeling in R to compare the predictive performances of algorithms among the most commonly used: three machine learning algorithms (MaxEnt‚ boosted regression trees‚ and random forests) and three regression algorithms (generalized linear model‚ generalized additive models‚ and multivariate adaptive regression spline). We performed model transfers in tropical Asia and Latin America. At the scale of Africa‚ predictions with respect to Maxent under Africlim (scenarios RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5‚ horizon 2055) and MIROCES2L (scenarios SSP245 and SSP585‚ horizon 2060) showed that the suitable areas of C. albidum‚ within threshold values of the most contributing variables to the models‚ will extend mostly in West‚ East‚ Central‚ and Southern Africa as well as in East Madagascar. As opposed to Maxent‚ in Africa‚ the predictions for the future of BRT and RF were unrealistic with respect to the known ecology of C. albidum. All the algorithms except Maxent (for tropical Asia only)‚ were consistent in predicting a successful introduction of C. albidum in Latin America and tropical Asia‚ both at present and in the future. We therefore recommend the introduction and cultivation of Chrysophyllum albidum in the predicted suitable areas of Latin America and tropical Asia‚ along with vegetation inventories in order to discover likely‚ sister or vicarious species of Chrysophyllum albidum that can be new to Science. Africlim is more successful than MIROCES2L in predicting realistic suitable areas of Chrysophyllum albidum in Africa. We therefore recommend to the authors of Africlim an update of Africlim models to comply with the sixth Assessment Report (AR6) of IPCC.
    Citation

    Ganglo, J. C. (2023). Ecological niche model transferability of the white star apple (Chrysophyllum albidum G. Don) in the context of climate and global changes. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 13(1), 2430. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-29048-3

  33. Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, Hunt, T., Pedler, R., Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, West, R., & Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. (2023). Further records and breeding of the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi in New South Wales. Australian Field Ornithology, 40, 20–33. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo40020033

    Australian Field Ornithology
    AFO
    Abstract

    Eyrean Grasswrens Amytornis goyderi have generally been considered habitat specialists associated with Sandhill Canegrass Zygochloa paradoxa on the dunes of inland Australian deserts in the Lake Eyre Basin. Following above-average rainfall in 2020–2022 and an associated vegetation response in the Strzelecki Desert‚ Eyrean Grasswrens were observed at 39 locations south-east of their known distribution‚ with sites up to 11 km inside New South Wales‚ well beyond the extent of previous easterly records on the New South Wales–South Australia border. Further‚ two sites were north of the New South Wales–Queensland border‚ confirming the species 380 km south of previous Queensland records. Nine sites were within feral-free exclosures at the Wild Deserts project site in Sturt National Park‚ New South Wales. Repeated observations between May 2021 and August 2022 suggest persistence for at least 16 months in ephemeral vegetation on sand dunes supporting no Sandhill Canegrass. Two instances of breeding were recorded‚ with juvenile birds and feeding by an adult male observed. We explore possible drivers for this apparent range expansion and future scenarios around persistence inside landscape-scale exclosures‚ within which theorised threats from feral predators and overabundant herbivores are absent‚ presenting an opportunity to assess the relevancy of these drivers on the ecology of Eyrean Grasswrens.
    Citation

    Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, Hunt, T., Pedler, R., Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia, West, R., & Centre for Ecosystem Science, School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. (2023). Further records and breeding of the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi in New South Wales. Australian Field Ornithology, 40, 20–33. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo40020033

2022

  1. Baruch, Z., Guerin, G., Martín-Forés, I., Munroe, S., Sparrow, B., & Lowe, A. J. (2022). Shifts in floristic composition and structure in Australian rangelands. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0278833. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278833
    Publisher: Public Library of Science

    PLOS ONE
    PLOS ONE
    Abstract

    Monitoring shifts in vegetation composition over time is essential for tracking biodiversity changes and for designing ecosystem management strategies. In Australia‚ the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) provides a continent-wide network of monitoring sites (AusPlots) that can be used to assess the shifts in vegetation composition and structure of Australian Major Vegetation Groups (MVGs). Here we use time-series site data to quantify the extent and rate of MVG shifts between repeat visits and to recommend the most appropriate sampling frequency for specific MVGs. The research area spans a \textasciitilde1‚500 km latitudinal gradient within south/central Australia from arid rangelands in the north to Mediterranean vegetation in the south. The standardized AusPlots protocol was employed to repeatedly survey 103 one-hectare plots‚ assessed between 2011 and 2019. Floristic and growth form dissimilarities between visits were calculated with distance metrics and then regressed against survey interval. Multivariate ordination was used to explore temporal floristic shifts. Rank-dominance curves were used to display variations in species’ importance. Between repeated visits‚ sites exhibited high variability for all vegetation parameters and trajectories. However‚ several trends emerged: (a) Species composition moved away from baseline linearly with intervals between surveys. (b) The rate of species turnover was approximately double in communities that are herbaceous versus woody-dominated. (c) Species abundances and growth forms shift at different speeds. All floristic and structural metrics shifted between re-visits‚ with varying magnitude and speed‚ but herbaceous-dominated plots showed higher floristic dynamism. Although the expanse‚ logistics‚ and the short time between visits constrained our analysis and interpretation‚ our results suggest that shorter revisit intervals may be appropriate for herbaceous compared to woody systems to track change most efficiently.
    Citation

    Baruch, Z., Guerin, G., Martín-Forés, I., Munroe, S., Sparrow, B., & Lowe, A. J. (2022). Shifts in floristic composition and structure in Australian rangelands. PLOS ONE, 17(12), e0278833. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278833

  2. St-Laurent, O., Mokany, K., & Pollock, L. J. (2022). Safeguarding eucalypt diversity through conservation-focused tree planting. Journal of Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14337
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1365-2664.14337

    Journal of Applied Ecology
    Abstract

    The UN decade on ecosystem restoration calls for the preservation of global biodiversity. Safeguarding biological diversity is crucial for the well-being of people and the persistence of nature. Tree planting offers a nature-based solution to carbon abatement with significant potential to benefit biodiversity‚ but how well different aspects of biodiversity are captured in plantings is not well known. We assemble a database of 218 species and >80‚000 observations from tree plantings in Australia‚ and investigate how well they capture eucalypt diversity‚ including possible climate change effects. We compare this to hypothetical planting scenarios that maximize biodiversity benefits for species of conservation interest. Eucalypt species that are rare‚ endemic‚ evolutionarily distinct or listed in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act (EPBC) were prioritized. We find that environmental tree plantings are dominated by very common species likely to benefit from climate change‚ with less than 1 % of rare or evolutionarily distinct species represented. All conservation scenarios outperform business-as-usual. The scenario prioritizing endemic species while considering climate change more than doubles the average extent of occurrence for species of conservation interest. It allocates four times more planting area to species of conservation interest compared to a business-as-usual approach and decreases weighted endemism (a favourable outcome here) by 38 % on average‚ demonstrating the positive impact of conservation-focused tree planting on biodiversity. Synthesis and Applications. Everywhere‚ governments are making commitments to halt biodiversity loss. Conservation-focused tree planting can advance our goal of safeguarding biodiversity while still contributing to carbon capture. We show that eucalypt species of conservation interest can benefit substantially from tree planting where the primary goal is biodiversity conservation‚ compared to the current approach to planting‚ which we have found largely benefits common species. We measure potential distribution gains for eucalypt species that are rare‚ endemic‚ evolutionarily distinct and at risk of extinction‚ and identify the most important eucalypt species to plant across Australia‚ taking the effects of climate change into account. Our framework for selecting species to plant based on a range of conservation goals can serve as a guide for future environmental tree planting initiatives.
    Citation

    St-Laurent, O., Mokany, K., & Pollock, L. J. (2022). Safeguarding eucalypt diversity through conservation-focused tree planting. Journal of Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14337

  3. Gurdek-Bas, R., Benthuysen, J. A., Harrison, H. B., Zenger, K. R., & van Herwerden, L. (2022). The El Niño Southern Oscillation drives multidirectional inter-reef larval connectivity in the Great Barrier Reef. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21290. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-25629-w
    PMID: 36494507
    PMCID: PMC9734173

    Scientific Reports
    Sci Rep
    Abstract

    The El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the strongest source of interannual global climate variability‚ and extreme ENSO events are projected to increase in frequency under climate change. Interannual variability in the Coral Sea circulation has been associated with ENSO‚ although uncertainty remains regarding ENSO’s influence on hydrodynamics and larval dispersal in the adjacent Great Barrier Reef (GBR). We investigated larval connectivity during ENSO events from 2010 to 2017 throughout the GBR‚ based on biophysical modelling of a widespread predatory reef fish‚ Lutjanus carponotatus. Our results indicate a well-connected system over the study period with high interannual variability in inter-reef connectivity associated with ENSO. Larval connectivity patterns were highly correlated to variations in the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). During El Niño conditions and periods of weak SOI‚ larval dispersal patterns were predominantly poleward in the central and southern regions‚ reversing to a predominant equatorward flow during very strong SOI and extreme La Niña conditions. These ENSO-linked connectivity patterns were associated with positive connectivity anomalies among reefs. Our findings identify ENSO as an important source of variation in larval dispersal and connectivity patterns in the GBR‚ which can influence the stability of population dynamics and patterns of biodiversity in the region.
    Citation

    Gurdek-Bas, R., Benthuysen, J. A., Harrison, H. B., Zenger, K. R., & van Herwerden, L. (2022). The El Niño Southern Oscillation drives multidirectional inter-reef larval connectivity in the Great Barrier Reef. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 21290. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-25629-w

  4. García Molinos, J., Hunt, H. L., Green, M. E., Champion, C., Hartog, J. R., & Pecl, G. T. (2022). Climate, currents and species traits contribute to early stages of marine species redistribution. Communications Biology, 5(1), 1329. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-04273-0

    Communications Biology
    Commun Biol
    Abstract

    Abstract
    Anthropogenic climate change is causing a rapid redistribution of life on Earth‚ particularly in the ocean‚ with profound implications for humans. Yet warming-driven range shifts are known to be influenced by a variety of factors whose combined effects are still little understood. Here‚ we use scientist-verified out-of-range observations from a national citizen-science initiative to assess the combined effect of long-term warming‚ climate extremes (i.e.‚ heatwaves and cold spells)‚ ocean currents‚ and species traits on early stages of marine range extensions in two warming ‘hotspot’ regions of southern Australia. We find effects of warming to be contingent upon complex interactions with the strength of ocean currents and their mutual directional agreement‚ as well as species traits. Our study represents the most comprehensive account to date of factors driving early stages of marine species redistributions‚ providing important evidence for the assessment of the vulnerability of marine species distributions to climate change.
    Citation

    García Molinos, J., Hunt, H. L., Green, M. E., Champion, C., Hartog, J. R., & Pecl, G. T. (2022). Climate, currents and species traits contribute to early stages of marine species redistribution. Communications Biology, 5(1), 1329. https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-022-04273-0

  5. Raymundo, M., Caballes, C. F., Mayfield, M. M., & Hock, K. (2022). Informed selection of corridors through network and graph analyses to enhance dispersal potential through an agricultural matrix. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-022-01563-0

    Landscape Ecology
    Landsc Ecol
    Abstract

    Climate change is causing range shifts in the distribution of many species‚ but fragmentation and human-altered landscapes are preventing the movement of many of these affected species to more suitable environments. The establishment of corridors to enable dispersal are often costly and laborious and generally prioritize large or highly mobile animals and trees but are rarely considered for herbaceous species which often have associated native insect communities. Further‚ assessing the quality of habitats is not often considered in landscape connectivity modeling but is important to ensure that species of interest are not only able to move through a landscape but are able to survive as well. Here‚ we present a novel concept of using road verges as corridors to connect high quality habitats.
    Citation

    Raymundo, M., Caballes, C. F., Mayfield, M. M., & Hock, K. (2022). Informed selection of corridors through network and graph analyses to enhance dispersal potential through an agricultural matrix. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-022-01563-0

  6. Klunzinger, M. W., Whisson, C., Zieritz, A., Benson, J. A., Stewart, B. A., & Kirkendale, L. (2022). Integrated taxonomy reveals new threatened freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Hyriidae: Westralunio) from southwestern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 20385. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24767-5

    Scientific Reports
    Sci Rep
    Abstract

    Abstract
    The freshwater mussel
    Westralunio carteri
    (Iredale‚ 1934) has long been considered the sole
    Westralunio
    species in Australia‚ limited to the Southwest and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and under Australian legislation. Here‚ we used species delimitation models based on COI mtDNA sequences to confirm existence of three evolutionarily significant units (ESUs) within this taxon and conducted morphometric analyses to investigate whether shell shape differed significantly among these ESUs. “
    W. carteri
    ” I was found to be significantly larger and more elongated than “
    W. carteri
    ” II and “
    W. carteri
    ” II + III combined‚ but not different from “
    W. carteri
    ” III alone. We recognise and redescribe “
    W. carteri
    ” I as
    Westralunio carteri
    (Iredale‚ 1934) from western coastal drainages and describe “
    W. carteri
    ” II and “
    W. carteri
    ” III as
    Westralunio inbisi
    sp. nov. from southern and lower southwestern drainages. Two subspecies are further delineated: “
    W. carteri
    ” II is formally described as
    Westralunio inbisi inbisi
    subsp. nov. from southern coastal drainages‚ and “
    W. carteri
    ” III as
    Westralunio inbisi meridiemus
    subsp. nov. from the southwestern corner. Because this study profoundly compresses the range of
    Westralunio carteri
    northward and introduces additional southern and southwestern taxa with restricted distributions‚ new threatened species nominations are necessary.
    Citation

    Klunzinger, M. W., Whisson, C., Zieritz, A., Benson, J. A., Stewart, B. A., & Kirkendale, L. (2022). Integrated taxonomy reveals new threatened freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Hyriidae: Westralunio) from southwestern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 20385. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24767-5

  7. Qi, Y., Xian, X., Zhao, H., Wang, R., Huang, H., Zhang, Y., Yang, M., & Liu, W. (2022). Increased Invasion Risk of Tagetes minuta L. in China under Climate Change: A Study of the Potential Geographical Distributions. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(23), 3248. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233248
    PMID: 36501288
    PMCID: PMC9737557

    Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
    Plants (Basel)
    Abstract

    Tagetes minuta L.‚ a member of the Tageftes genus belonging to the Asteraceae family‚ is a well-documented exotic plant native to South America that has become established in China. In this study‚ 784 occurrence records and 12 environmental variables were used to predict the potential geographical distributions (PGDs) of T. minuta under current and future climatic changes using an optimized MaxEnt model. The results showed that (1) three out of the twelve variables contributed the most to the model performance: isothermality (bio3)‚ precipitation in the driest quarter (bio17)‚ and precipitation in the warmest quarter (bio18); (2) the PGDs of T. minuta under the current climate covered 62.06 × 104 km2‚ mainly in North‚ South‚ and Southwest China; and (3) climate changes will facilitate the expansion of the PGDs of T. minuta under three shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP 1-2.6‚ SSP2-4.5‚ and SSP5-8.5) in both the 2030s and 2050s. The centroid of suitable habitats under SSP2-4.5 moved the longest distance. T. minuta has the capacity to expand in China‚ especially in Yunnan‚ where there exist no occurrence records. Customs‚ ports‚ and adjacent regions should strengthen the quarantine of imported goods and mobile personnel for T. minuta‚ and introduced seedlings should be isolated to minimize their introduction risk.
    Citation

    Qi, Y., Xian, X., Zhao, H., Wang, R., Huang, H., Zhang, Y., Yang, M., & Liu, W. (2022). Increased Invasion Risk of Tagetes minuta L. in China under Climate Change: A Study of the Potential Geographical Distributions. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(23), 3248. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11233248

  8. Barnes, J. C., Sanders, M. G., & Burnett, S. E. (2022). Optimising camera trap surveys for the Carpentarian Pseudantechinus ( Pseudantechinus mimulus ) in northwest Queensland. Austral Ecology, aec.13263. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13263

    Austral Ecology
    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Barnes, J. C., Sanders, M. G., & Burnett, S. E. (2022). Optimising camera trap surveys for the Carpentarian Pseudantechinus ( Pseudantechinus mimulus ) in northwest Queensland. Austral Ecology, aec.13263. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13263

  9. Cacho, O., Hester, S., Tait, P., Kwong, R., Lefoe, G., Rutherford, P., & Kriticos, D. (2022). Re-evaluating management of established pests including the European wasp, Vespula germanica using biocontrol agents [Preprint]. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.22.517291
    DOI: 10.1101/2022.11.22.517291

    Abstract

    Abstract
    Established pests such as the European wasp (
    Vespula germanica
    ) are often overlooked as candidates for management programmes (eradication and/or containment) because the use of traditional surveillance and control techniques over very large areas becomes uneconomic. Use of biological control agents that persist in the environment is usually the only economically feasible option‚ however the processes around approvals for release of biocontrol agents can take significant amounts of time and resources‚ especially if screening and testing of potential agents is required.
    This project investigates whether the European wasp could be a candidate for a renewed management programme in south-eastern Australia given the availability of a biocontrol agent following successful screening and testing of an agent‚
    Sphecophaga vesparum vesparum
    ‚ in the 1980s. Whether a biological control programme is worthwhile pursuing depends on the size of the benefits to industry‚ community and the environment from a reduction in European wasp abundance. This project explores the benefits and costs of European wasp management using a biocontrol agent‚ and importantly‚ includes valuation of the social and environmental impacts of the pest.
    Citation

    Cacho, O., Hester, S., Tait, P., Kwong, R., Lefoe, G., Rutherford, P., & Kriticos, D. (2022). Re-evaluating management of established pests including the European wasp, Vespula germanica using biocontrol agents [Preprint]. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.11.22.517291

  10. Furlong, M., Adamu, A., Hickson, R. I., Horwood, P., Golchin, M., Hoskins, A., & Russell, T. (2022). Estimating the Distribution of Japanese Encephalitis Vectors in Australia Using Ecological Niche Modelling. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 7(12), 393. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120393

    Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease
    TropicalMed
    Abstract

    Recent Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) outbreaks in southeastern Australia have sparked interest into epidemiological factors surrounding the virus’ novel emergence in this region. Here‚ the geographic distribution of mosquito species known to be competent JEV vectors in the country was estimated by combining known mosquito occurrences and ecological drivers of distribution to reveal insights into communities at highest risk of infectious disease transmission. Species distribution models predicted that Culex annulirostris and Culex sitiens presence was mostly likely along Australia’s eastern and northern coastline‚ while Culex quinquefasciatus presence was estimated to be most likely near inland regions of southern Australia as well as coastal regions of Western Australia. While Culex annulirostris is considered the dominant JEV vector in Australia‚ our ecological niche models emphasise the need for further entomological surveillance and JEV research within Australia.
    Citation

    Furlong, M., Adamu, A., Hickson, R. I., Horwood, P., Golchin, M., Hoskins, A., & Russell, T. (2022). Estimating the Distribution of Japanese Encephalitis Vectors in Australia Using Ecological Niche Modelling. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 7(12), 393. https://doi.org/10.3390/tropicalmed7120393

  11. Fahey, P. S., Udovicic, F., Cantrill, D. J., & Bayly, M. J. (2022). A box on the river: The phylogenetics and phylogeography of Eucalyptus baueriana (Eucalyptus sect. Adnataria ser. Heterophloiae). PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0276117. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276117

    PLOS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    We present a phylogeographic study of the tree species
    Eucalyptus baueriana
    Schauer‚ which occurs in disjunct areas on the near coastal plains and ranges of the south-east Australian mainland. DArTseq data are used to build a phylogeny including
    E
    .
    baueriana
    and closely related taxa to test its monophyly‚ test the genetic distinctness of the three subspecies of
    E
    .
    baueriana
    ‚ and investigate relationships between its disjunct populations. Additionally‚ we use population structure analysis to investigate the genetic distinctness of populations‚ and MaxEnt to investigate the environmental factors potentially influencing the species’ distribution. We show
    E
    .
    baueriana
    is monophyletic and most closely related to three other Blue Box eucalypt species:
    E
    .
    conica
    H.Deane & Maiden‚
    E
    .
    dalveenica
    T.L.Collins‚ R.L.Andrew & J.J.Bruhl and
    E
    .
    magnificata
    L.A.S.Johnson & K.D.Hill‚ with some evidence for genetic introgression between these taxa. Within
    E
    .
    baueriana
    ‚ the deepest genetic breaks do not correspond with the subspecies classification as the two geographically restricted subspecies‚ together with samples of the more widespread
    E
    .
    baueriana
    subsp.
    baueriana
    from west of the Gippsland lowlands‚ form a south-western clade with that is sister to other populations of subsp.
    baueriana
    . The oldest genetic break in the species occurs in far eastern Gippsland (Victoria)‚ corresponding to one of the shortest geographic disjunctions in the species’ distribution. Genetic breaks in other species have been observed in this region which is broadly referred to as the southern transition zone. Both total annual rainfall and the seasonality of this rainfall are hypothesised to affect the species’ distribution; gaps in its distribution are in areas of higher rainfall that support closed forest and in regions with more winter dominated rainfall.
    Citation

    Fahey, P. S., Udovicic, F., Cantrill, D. J., & Bayly, M. J. (2022). A box on the river: The phylogenetics and phylogeography of Eucalyptus baueriana (Eucalyptus sect. Adnataria ser. Heterophloiae). PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0276117. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0276117

  12. Wawrzyczek, S., Holmes, G. D., & Hoebee, S. E. (2022). Reproductive biology and population structure of the endangered shrub Grevillea bedggoodiana (Proteaceae). Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-022-01480-4

    Conservation Genetics
    Conserv Genet
    Abstract

    Narrowly endemic species are particularly vulnerable to catastrophic events. Compared to widespread species‚ they may also be less capable of adapting to shifts in environmental pressures as a result of specialisation on a narrow range of local condition and limited ability to disperse. However‚ life-history traits‚ such as preferential outcrossing and high fecundity can maintain genetic diversity and evolutionary potential‚ and boost species resilience. The endangered Grevillea bedggoodiana (Enfield Grevillea) is an understorey shrub restricted to an area of ca. 150 km2 in south-eastern Australia with a legacy of large-scale anthropogenic disturbance. Prior to this study little was known about its biology and population structure. Here‚ its breeding system was assessed through a controlled pollination experiment at one of its central populations‚ and eight populations were sampled for genetic analysis with microsatellite markers. The species was found to be preferentially outcrossing‚ with no evidence of pollination limitation. In most populations‚ allelic richness‚ observed heterozygosity and gene diversity were high (Ar: 3.8–6.3; Ho: 0.45–0.65‚ He: 0.60 − 0.75). However‚ the inbreeding coefficients were significant in at least four populations‚ ranging from Fi -0.061 to 0.259 despite high outcrossing rates. Estimated reproductive rates varied among sampled populations but were independent of gene diversity and inbreeding. Despite its small geographic range‚ the species’ populations showed moderate differentiation (AMOVA: FST = 0.123)‚ which was largely attributable to isolation by distance. We interpret these results as suggesting that G. bedggoodiana is reproductively healthy and has maintained high levels of genetic diversity despite recent disturbance.
    Citation

    Wawrzyczek, S., Holmes, G. D., & Hoebee, S. E. (2022). Reproductive biology and population structure of the endangered shrub Grevillea bedggoodiana (Proteaceae). Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-022-01480-4

  13. Waudby, C. M., Sherwood, S. C., Osborne, N. J., Beggs, P. J., Al-Kouba, J., Ebert, E. E., & Muscatello, D. J. (2022). Combined synoptic and regional weather patterns affecting atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations in Sydney, Australia. Aerobiologia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-022-09764-5

    Aerobiologia
    Aerobiologia
    Abstract

    Inhalation of grass pollen can result in acute exacerbation of asthma‚ prompting questions about how grass pollen reaches metropolitan areas. We establish typical atmospheric Poaceae (grass) pollen concentrations recorded at two pollen samplers within the Sydney basin in eastern Australia and analyse their correlation with each other and meteorological variables. We determine the effect of synoptic and regional airflow on Poaceae pollen transport during a period of extreme (≥ 100 grains m−3 air) concentration and characterise the meteorology. Finally‚ we tested the hypothesis that most Poaceae pollen captured by the pollen samplers originated from local sources. Fifteen months of daily pollen data‚ three days of hourly atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations and fifteen months of hourly meteorology from two locations within the Sydney basin were used. Weather Research Forecasting (WRF)‚ Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory (HYSPLIT) modelling and conditional bivariate probability functions (CBPF) were used to assess Poaceae pollen transport. Most Poaceae pollen collected was estimated to be from local sources under low wind speeds. Extreme daily Poaceae pollen concentrations were rare‚ and there was no strong evidence to support long-distance Poaceae pollen transport into the Sydney basin or across the greater Sydney metropolitan area. Daily average pollen concentrations mask sudden increases in atmospheric Poaceae pollen‚ which may put a significant and sudden strain on the healthcare system. Mapping of Poaceae pollen sources within Sydney and accurate prediction of pollen concentrations are the first steps to an advanced warning system necessary to pre-empt the healthcare resources needed during pollen season.
    Citation

    Waudby, C. M., Sherwood, S. C., Osborne, N. J., Beggs, P. J., Al-Kouba, J., Ebert, E. E., & Muscatello, D. J. (2022). Combined synoptic and regional weather patterns affecting atmospheric Poaceae pollen concentrations in Sydney, Australia. Aerobiologia. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-022-09764-5

  14. Rosenfeld, S., Maturana, C. S., Spencer, H. G., Convey, P., Saucède, T., Brickle, P., Bahamonde, F., Jossart, Q., Poulin, E., & Gonzalez-Wevar, C. (2022). Complete distribution of the genus Laevilitorina (Littorinimorpha, Littorinidae) in the Southern Hemisphere: remarks and natural history. ZooKeys, 1127, 61–77. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1127.91310

    ZooKeys
    ZK
    Abstract

    Littorinid snails are present in most coastal areas globally‚ playing a significant role in the ecology of intertidal communities.
    Laevilitorina
    is a marine gastropod genus distributed exclusively in the Southern Hemisphere‚ with 21 species reported from South America‚ the sub-Antarctic islands‚ Antarctica‚ New Zealand‚ Australia and Tasmania. Here‚ an updated database of 21 species generated from a combination of sources is presented: 1) new field sampling data; 2) published records; 3) the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA)‚ to provide a comprehensive description of the known geographic distribution of the genus and detailed occurrences for each of the 21 species. The database includes 813 records (occurrences)‚ 53 from field sampling‚ 174 from the literature‚ 128 from GBIF‚ and 458 from ALA. West Antarctica had the highest species richness (8 species)‚ followed by sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand (4 species) and the south-east shelf of Australia (4 species). The provinces of Magellan‚ New Zealand South Island‚ and sub-Antarctic Islands of the Indian Ocean include two species each. This study specifically highlights reports of
    L. pygmaea
    and
    L. venusta
    ‚ species that have been almost unrecorded since their description. Recent advances in molecular studies of
    L. caliginosa
    showed that this species does not correspond to a widely distributed taxon‚ but to multiple divergent lineages distributed throughout the Southern Ocean. Ongoing molecular and taxonomic studies are necessary for a better understanding of the diversity and biogeography of this genus.
    Citation

    Rosenfeld, S., Maturana, C. S., Spencer, H. G., Convey, P., Saucède, T., Brickle, P., Bahamonde, F., Jossart, Q., Poulin, E., & Gonzalez-Wevar, C. (2022). Complete distribution of the genus Laevilitorina (Littorinimorpha, Littorinidae) in the Southern Hemisphere: remarks and natural history. ZooKeys, 1127, 61–77. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1127.91310

  15. Canning, A. D. (2022). Rediscovering wild food to diversify production across Australia’s agricultural landscapes. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 865580. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.865580

    Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems
    Front. Sustain. Food Syst.
    Abstract

    Conventional agriculture currently relies on the intensive and expansive growth of a small number of monocultures‚ this is both risky for food security and is causing substantial environmental degradation. Crops are typically grown far from their native origins‚ enduring climates‚ pests‚ and diseases that they have little evolutionary adaptation to. As a result‚ farming practices involve modifying the environment to suit the crop‚ often
    via
    practices including vegetation clearing‚ drainage‚ irrigation‚ tilling‚ and the application of fertilizers‚ pesticides‚ and herbicides. One avenue for improvement‚ however‚ is the diversification of monoculture agricultural systems with traditional foods native to the area. Native foods benefit from evolutionary history‚ enabling adaptation to local environmental conditions‚ reducing the need for environmental modifications and external inputs. Traditional use of native foods in Australia has a rich history‚ yet the commercial production of native foods remains small compared with conventional crops‚ such as wheat‚ barley and sugarcane. Identifying what native crops can grow where would be a first step in scoping potential native food industries and supporting farmers seeking to diversify their cropping. In this study‚ I modeled the potentially suitable distributions of 177 native food and forage species across Australia‚ given their climate and soil preferences. The coastal areas of Queensland’s wet tropics‚ south-east Queensland‚ New South Wales‚ and Victoria were predicted to support the greatest diversity of native food and forage species (as high 80–120 species). These areas also correspond to the nation’s most agriculturally intensive areas‚ including much of the Murray-Darling Basin‚ suggesting high potential for the diversification of existing intensive monocultures. Native crops with the most expansive potential distribution include Acacia trees‚ Maloga bean‚ bush plum‚ Emu apple‚ native millet‚ and bush tomatoes‚ with these crops largely being tolerant of vast areas of semi-arid conditions. In addition to greater food security‚ if diverse native cropping results in greater ecosystem service provisioning‚ through carbon storage‚ reduced water usage‚ reduced nutrient runoff‚ or greater habitat provision‚ then payment for ecosystem service schemes could also provide supplemental farm income.
    Citation

    Canning, A. D. (2022). Rediscovering wild food to diversify production across Australia’s agricultural landscapes. Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 6, 865580. https://doi.org/10.3389/fsufs.2022.865580

  16. Backhouse, F., Welbergen, J. A., Magrath, R. D., & Dalziell, A. H. (2022). Depleted cultural richness of an avian vocal mimic in fragmented habitat. Diversity and Distributions, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13646
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13646

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim Conservation has recently shifted to include behavioural or cultural diversity‚ adding substantial value to conservation efforts. Habitat loss and fragmentation can deplete diversity in learnt behaviours such as bird song by reducing the availability of song tutors‚ yet these impacts are poorly understood. Vocal mimicry may be particularly sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation through the resulting reduction in both heterospecific models and conspecific tutors. Here we examine the relationship between habitat availability and both mimetic repertoire size and song composition in male Albert’s lyrebirds (Menura alberti)‚ a near-threatened species renowned for its remarkable mimetic abilities. Location Eastern Australia. Methods We calculated repertoire size and composition from recordings of male Albert’s lyrebirds from throughout the species’ range. We estimated patch size and local habitat availability using a species distribution model and remotely sensed vegetation types. We assessed the local model species assemblage through species distribution models and automated acoustic detectors. Results Individual males in smaller habitat patches‚ or in areas with a lower proportion of suitable habitat‚ mimicked fewer model species and fewer vocalization types. However‚ they mimicked comparatively more vocalizations from each model species than individuals in larger patches or with more intact habitats. All model species were likely to occur in most study sites‚ suggesting that repertoires are not driven by the availability of model species. Main Conclusions Our results suggest that mimetic repertoire sizes are influenced by habitat availability through the number of lyrebird tutors. Further‚ individuals in disturbed habitats may partially compensate for mimicking fewer species by mimicking more vocalizations from each species. This study supports the hypothesis that cultural diversity may be impoverished by habitat loss and fragmentation in a similar way to genetic diversity. Variation in song diversity may therefore indicate population health and highlight populations in particular need of conservation action.
    Citation

    Backhouse, F., Welbergen, J. A., Magrath, R. D., & Dalziell, A. H. (2022). Depleted cultural richness of an avian vocal mimic in fragmented habitat. Diversity and Distributions, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13646

  17. Torkkola, J. J., Chauvenet, A. L. M., Hines, H., & Oliver, P. M. (2022). Distributional modelling, megafires and data gaps highlight probable underestimation of climate change risk for two lizards from Australia’s montane rainforests. Austral Ecology, n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13123
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aec.13123

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Species endemic to high elevations are predicted to see declines in their suitable habitat under future global climate change‚ even in protected or little disturbed areas. However‚ such risks are often not included in conservation assessments‚ especially when appropriate models to predict climate change impacts are not available. Here‚ we use species distribution models to explore the likely impacts of climate change and recent megafires on the status of two high-elevation cloud forest-centred lizards from Australia that were listed as Least Concern in a recent (2017) IUCN Red List assessment of Australian reptiles. We found both species (Harrisoniascincus zia and Silvascincus tryoni) are predicted to lose all suitable habitat by 2050‚ under ‘optimistic’ future climate projections. We also found that 52.34–48.5% of H. zia modelled suitable habitat was potentially affected by recent and unprecedented megafires in eastern Australia‚ while only 0.02–0% of S. tryoni habitat was affected. Our results support upgrading the IUCN Red Listings of H. zia and S. tryoni to vulnerable and endangered‚ respectively. Our data also highlight an alarming paucity in the number of verified records for these species over the last decade‚ at precisely the time when these records are becoming critical to testing and validating predictions of declines. The next decade looms as a critical period to establish baseline data sets on the distribution and genetic diversity of these high-elevation taxa. For reasonably visible and easily identifiable species such as these skinks‚ citizen science approaches may offer a key path to addressing this challenge.
    Citation

    Torkkola, J. J., Chauvenet, A. L. M., Hines, H., & Oliver, P. M. (2022). Distributional modelling, megafires and data gaps highlight probable underestimation of climate change risk for two lizards from Australia’s montane rainforests. Austral Ecology, n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13123

  18. Cooley, M., Whiteley, P., Thornton, G., & Stevenson, M. (2022). Health surveillance representative of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) distribution in Victoria, Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13208

    Australian veterinary journal
    Abstract

    Health surveillance of wildlife populations is essential for conservation and reduction of the impacts of disease. Population declines and areas of overabundance of koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) can disrupt the overall survival of the species as well as its habitat. This retrospective study was conducted to describe population distributions‚ identify areas which need increased surveillance and improve koala health surveillance methodology by Wildlife Health Victoria: Surveillance (WHV:S) at the Veterinary School of The University of Melbourne. Twelve years of Victorian koala observation data from the Atlas of Living Australia combined with surveillance data from WHV:S were used to create choropleth maps‚ using Quantum Geographic Information Systems of populations and surveillance events‚ visually representing hot spots. This data was further used to calculate health surveillance efforts between 2008 to the beginning of 2020. Analysis ranked postcodes throughout Victoria from low surveillance efforts to high‚ using standardised surveillance ratio’s 95% confidence interval upper limits which were mapped using a colour gradient. This identified postcodes which need increased surveillance effort‚ corresponding to areas with high koala observations and low surveillance submissions. This analysis can guide surveillance for postcodes with koalas that were under-represented and inform improved methodology of future surveillance by WHV:S. The specific advice for improvements to WHV:S includes utilisation of citizen science and syndromic surveillance‚ website improvement‚ increasing community awareness and more. The limitations of this study were discussed.
    Citation

    Cooley, M., Whiteley, P., Thornton, G., & Stevenson, M. (2022). Health surveillance representative of koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) distribution in Victoria, Australia. Australian Veterinary Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/avj.13208

  19. Wijewardhana, U. A., Jayawardana, M., & Meyer, D. (2022). Modelling the recovery of resident shorebirds following a fox eradication program using citizen science data. Ecological Informatics, 101854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101854

    Ecological Informatics
    Ecological Informatics
    Abstract

    Historically‚ the land-based threat to shorebird colonies on Phillip Island‚ Victoria‚ Australia‚ was fox predation. As a result‚ a fox eradication programme consisting of three phases: knock-down (i.e.‚ 2006)‚ clean-up (i.e.‚ 2011)‚ and post-eradication. In 2011 an effective knock-down was declared‚ signalling the beginning of the clean-up phase. The purpose of this research is to assess the recovery of six resident shorebird species on Phillip Island following fox removal. The statistical methodologies used are novel for assessing bird species population recovery following a successful predator eradication program. We used citizen science data from 2003 to 2017‚ extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia. The first analysis method used INLA modelling‚ which relied on a Negative Binomial distribution for bird counts to look for upward trends in shorebird populations during the fox eradication operation. The second method use changepoint analysis techniques to see whether successive phases of the eradication process were associated with changes in bird population numbers. Four of the six shorebird species investigated responded positively to reduced fox populations over the 15-year study‚ and all changepoint approaches consistently recognised the start of the clean-up phase‚ with less consistency identifying the start of the knock-down phase. Since 2006‚ the INLA models indicate a significant increase in the upward trend of shorebird populations for three of the six shorebird species investigated. Agreement across the four changepoint techniques indicates that changes in bird numbers were associated with the date of the eradication program’s clean-up phase for all of these shorebird species. These results demonstrate some promise for these methods to monitor native species recovery during eradication programs.
    Citation

    Wijewardhana, U. A., Jayawardana, M., & Meyer, D. (2022). Modelling the recovery of resident shorebirds following a fox eradication program using citizen science data. Ecological Informatics, 101854. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101854

  20. Goodman, A. M., Kass, J. M., & Ware, J. (2022). Dynamic distribution modelling of the swamp tigertail dragonfly Synthemis eustalacta (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae) over a 20-year bushfire regime. Ecological Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13216
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/een.13216

    Ecological Entomology
    Abstract

    Intensity and severity of bushfires in Australia have increased over the past few decades due to climate change‚ threatening habitat loss for numerous species. Although the impact of bushfires on vertebrates is well-documented‚ the corresponding effects on insect taxa are rarely examined‚ although they are responsible for key ecosystem functions and services. Understanding the effects of bushfire seasons on insect distributions could elucidate long-term impacts and patterns of ecosystem recovery. Here‚ the authors investigated the effects of recent bushfires‚ land-cover change‚ and climatic variables on the distribution of a common and endemic dragonfly‚ the swamp tigertail (Synthemis eustalacta) (Burmeister‚ 1839)‚ which inhabits forests that have recently undergone severe burning. The authors used a temporally dynamic species distribution modelling approach that incorporated 20 years of community-science data on dragonfly occurrence and predictors based on fire‚ land cover‚ and climate to make yearly predictions of suitability. The authors also compared this to an approach that combines multiple temporally static models that use annual data. The authors found that for both approaches‚ fire-specific variables had negligible importance for the models‚ while the percentage of tree and non-vegetative cover were most important. The authors also found that the dynamic model outperformed the static ones‚ based on cross-validation omission rate. Model predictions indicated temporal variation in area and spatial arrangement of suitable habitat‚ but no patterns of habitat expansion‚ contraction‚ or shifting. These results highlight not only the efficacy of dynamic modelling to capture spatiotemporal variables such as vegetation cover for an endemic insect species‚ but also provide a novel approach to mapping species distributions with sparse locality records.
    Citation

    Goodman, A. M., Kass, J. M., & Ware, J. (2022). Dynamic distribution modelling of the swamp tigertail dragonfly Synthemis eustalacta (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae) over a 20-year bushfire regime. Ecological Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.13216

  21. Farrell, C., Livesley, S. J., Arndt, S. K., Beaumont, L., Burley, H., Ellsworth, D., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Fletcher, T. D., Gallagher, R., Ossola, A., Power, S. A., Marchin, R., Rayner, J. P., Rymer, P. D., Staas, L., Szota, C., Williams, N. S. G., & Leishman, M. (2022). Can we integrate ecological approaches to improve plant selection for green infrastructure? Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 76, 127732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127732

    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Abstract

    Modern cities are dominated by impervious surfaces that absorb‚ store and release heat in summer‚ create large volumes of runoff and provide limited biodiversity habitat and poor air quality can also be a health issue. Future climate change‚ including more frequent and extreme weather events will likely exacerbate these issues. Green infrastructure such as parks‚ gardens‚ street trees and engineered technologies such as green roofs and walls‚ facades and raingardens can help mitigate these problems. This relies on selecting plants that can persist in urban environments and improve stormwater retention‚ cooling‚ biodiversity and air pollution. However‚ plant selection for green infrastructure is challenging where there is limited information on species tolerance to heat and water variability or how these species can deliver multiple benefits. Therefore‚ we draw on research to illustrate how plant performance for green infrastructure can be inferred from plant attributes (i.e.‚ traits) or from analysis of their natural distribution. We present a new framework for plant selection for green infrastructure and use a case study to demonstrate how this approach has been used to select trees and shrubs for Australian cities. We have shown through the case study and examples‚ how plant traits and species’ natural distribution can be used to overcome the lack of information on tolerance to both individual and multiple stressors; and how species contribute to the provision of benefits such as stormwater retention‚ cooling‚ biodiversity and air pollution mitigation. We also discuss how planting design and species diversity can contribute to achieving multiple benefits to make the most of contested space in dense cities‚ and to also reduce the risk of failure in urban greening.
    Citation

    Farrell, C., Livesley, S. J., Arndt, S. K., Beaumont, L., Burley, H., Ellsworth, D., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Fletcher, T. D., Gallagher, R., Ossola, A., Power, S. A., Marchin, R., Rayner, J. P., Rymer, P. D., Staas, L., Szota, C., Williams, N. S. G., & Leishman, M. (2022). Can we integrate ecological approaches to improve plant selection for green infrastructure? Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 76, 127732. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127732

  22. Mertin, A. A., Laurence, M. H., van der Merwe, M., French, K., & Liew, E. C. Y. (2022). The culturable seed mycobiome of two Banksia species is dominated by latent saprotrophic and multi-trophic fungi. Fungal Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2022.09.002

    Fungal Biology
    Fungal Biology
    Abstract

    Seed fungal endophytes play an important beneficial role in the formation of the seedling mycobiome and contribute to plant establishment but can also occur as latent pathogens and saprotrophs. Current knowledge on the function and diversity of seed fungal endophytes has been gained through studies in agricultural systems whilst knowledge from natural systems is relatively less. We used two co-occurring species from the genus Banksia from four sites in Australia’s Sydney Basin Bioregion to investigate the abundance and diversity of seed fungal endophyte communities present in natural ecosystem hosts. Based on results from culturing and DNA sequence analysis of multiple loci‚ we found that Banksia seeds house a diverse range of fungal endophyte species‚ that when assigned to functional guilds belonged to multiple trophic modes. Thirty-one of the fungal taxa identified had not been previously reported as endophytes. Amongst the 58 Operational Taxonomic Units identified‚ Leotiomycetes and Sordariomycetes were the dominant classes and Banksiamyces (Leotiomycetes) and Penicillium (Sordariomycetes) the dominant genera‚ with many of the species isolated recorded in the literature as having a limited distribution. The two Banksias shared few fungal endophyte species‚ which were not always present across all study sites. We revealed a ‘hidden diversity’ within seeds of Banksia from natural ecosystems and provided insights into the influence host species can have on the seed mycobiome.
    Citation

    Mertin, A. A., Laurence, M. H., van der Merwe, M., French, K., & Liew, E. C. Y. (2022). The culturable seed mycobiome of two Banksia species is dominated by latent saprotrophic and multi-trophic fungi. Fungal Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2022.09.002

  23. Cutajar, T. P., & Rowley, J. J. L. (2022). The Utility of Acoustic Citizen Science Data in Understanding Geographic Distributions of Morphologically Conserved Species: Frogs in the Litoria phyllochroa Species Group. Journal of Herpetology, 56(3), 318–323. https://doi.org/10.1670/21-067

    Journal of Herpetology
    Journal of Herpetology
    Abstract

    Understanding species’ geographic distributions is important for informing their conservation; however‚ an accurate understanding of where species occur is often precluded by a paucity of species records. For taxa that are difficult to visually distinguish at the species level‚ this problem can be compounded by misidentification of existing records. Citizen science has emerged as a potentially powerful tool to increase species observation data‚ but whether it can meaningfully add to our understanding of the distributions of species that are typically difficult to identify is contentious. We evaluated the volume‚ spread‚ and species identification accuracy of 3 yr of data from an acoustics-based citizen science dataset with a national aggregate of species observations collected over more than 140 yr (i.e.‚ unvouchered human observations‚ photo-vouchered citizen science observations‚ and preserved specimens) to demonstrate the boundaries of five small‚ morphologically conserved frog species in eastern Australia. The national aggregate contained the most species records; however‚ the annual rate of record collection was much greater in the acoustic citizen science dataset. A high proportion of likely misidentified records were detected in the national aggregate dataset. Spatial bias differed between datasets‚ with acoustic citizen science data more biased toward highly populated areas. We demonstrate that citizen science can collect large volumes of spatially and taxonomically valid data which‚ especially when used in combination with more traditionally collected species records‚ can inform the detailed delineation of ranges in historically confusing groups of frog species.
    Citation

    Cutajar, T. P., & Rowley, J. J. L. (2022). The Utility of Acoustic Citizen Science Data in Understanding Geographic Distributions of Morphologically Conserved Species: Frogs in the Litoria phyllochroa Species Group. Journal of Herpetology, 56(3), 318–323. https://doi.org/10.1670/21-067

  24. Knapp, S. (2022). A revision of Lycianthes (Solanaceae) in Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific. PhytoKeys, 209, 1–134. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.209.87681
    Publisher: Pensoft Publishers

    PhytoKeys
    PhytoKeys
    Abstract

    The genus Lycianthes (Dunal) Hassl. (Solanaceae) has in the past been treated as a section of the large genus Solanum L.‚ but is more closely related to Capsicum L. The eighteen species of Lycianthes occurring in Australia‚ New Guinea (defined as the island of New Guinea‚ comprising Papua New Guinea [incl. Bougainville] and the Indonesian provinces of Papua Barat and Papua‚ plus the surrounding islands connected during the last glacial maximum) and the Pacific Islands are here treated in full‚ with complete descriptions‚ including synonymy‚ typifications and synonyms‚ distribution maps and illustrations. The history of taxonomic treatment of the genus in the region is also discussed. These taxa occupy a diverse range of forested habitats‚ and are in diverse in habit‚ from small shrubs to large canopy lianas to epiphytic shrubs. They are for the most part rarely collected‚ and many are endemic (14 of the 18 species treated here). Australia has a single endemic Lycianthes species (L. shanesii (F.Muell.) A.R.Bean). Nine species are found in both Indonesia and Papua New Guinea‚ one in Indonesia only‚ four in Papua New Guinea only‚ and L. vitiensis (Seem). A.R.Bean is known from Bougainville (Papua New Guinea) and the south Pacific as far east as Samoa. Lycianthes lucens S.Knapp sp. nov. is described from the islands of Lihir‚ New Ireland and the Louisiade Archipelago of Papua New Guinea. The cultivated L. rantonnetii (Carrière) Bitter is also treated in full‚ in this region known currently only from Australia; it is native to southern South America. Preliminary conservation assessments are presented for all species except the cultivated L. rantonnetii.
    Citation

    Knapp, S. (2022). A revision of Lycianthes (Solanaceae) in Australia, New Guinea, and the Pacific. PhytoKeys, 209, 1–134. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.209.87681

  25. Diengdoh, V. L., Ondei, S., Hunt, M., & Brook, B. W. (2022). Predicted impacts of climate change and extreme temperature events on the future distribution of fruit bat species in Australia. Global Ecology and Conservation, 37, e02181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02181

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Fruit bats are important pollinators and seed dispersers whose distribution may be affected by climate change and extreme-temperature events. We assessed the potential impacts of those changes and events on the future distribution of fruit bats in Australia. Correlative species distribution modelling was used to predict the distribution of seven (based on data availability) tropical and temperate fruit bat species. We used bioclimatic variables‚ the number of days where temperature ≥42 °C (known to induce extreme heat stress and mortality in fruit bats)‚ and land cover (a proxy for habitat) as predictors. An ensemble of machine-learning algorithms was used to make predictions for the current-day distribution and future (2050 and 2070) scenarios‚ using multiple emission scenarios (RCP 4.5 and 8.5) and global circulation models (Australian Community Climate and Earth System Simulator‚ Hadley Centre Global Environment Model Carbon Cycle‚ and the Model for Interdisciplinary Research on Climate). Our results predict‚ under current conditions‚ on average‚ 9.1 % and 90.8 % of the area are suitable and unsuitable‚ respectively. Under future scenarios‚ on average‚ 6.7 % and 89.7 % continued to be suitable and unsuitable‚ respectively‚ while there was a 1.1 % gain and 2.4 % loss in suitable areas. Under current conditions‚ we predict‚ on average‚ 5.6 % and 3.4 % are suitable inside and outside species’ IUCN-defined range‚ respectively. While under future scenarios‚ 4.8 % (4.4 % stable and 0.4 % gain) and 2.9 % (2.2 % stable and 0.6 % gain) are suitable inside and outside the range respectively. On average‚ the gain in areas inside the range covers 2703.5 grid cells of size 5 km‚ while outside the range it is 4070.3 cells. Under future scenarios‚ the loss in areas is predicted to be 1.2 % and 1.1 % on average‚ inside and outside species range respectively. Fruit bats are likely to respond to climate change and extreme temperatures by migrating to more suitable areas‚ including regions not historically inhabited by those species. Our results can be used for identifying areas at risk of new fruit-bat colonisation‚ such as human settlements and orchards‚ as well as areas that might be important for habitat conservation.
    Citation

    Diengdoh, V. L., Ondei, S., Hunt, M., & Brook, B. W. (2022). Predicted impacts of climate change and extreme temperature events on the future distribution of fruit bat species in Australia. Global Ecology and Conservation, 37, e02181. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02181

  26. Bastian, H., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Leonie, S., Brandt, A., Scheu, S., & Hartke, T. R. (2022). Rapid diversification of the Australian Amitermes group during late Cenozoic climate change. Ecography, 2022(9). https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05944
    Place: Copenhagen, United States
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
    Section: Research

    Ecography
    Ecography
    Abstract

    Late Cenozoic climate change led to the progressive aridification of Australia over the past 15 million years. This gradual biome turnover fundamentally changed Australia’s ecosystems‚ opening new niches and prompting diversification of plants and animals. One example are termites of the Australian Amitermes group (AAG)‚ consisting of the Australian Amitermes and affiliated genera. Although the most speciose and diverse higher termite group in Australia‚ little is known about its evolutionary history. We used ancestral range reconstruction and diversification analyses to illuminate 1) phylogenetic relationships of the AAG‚ 2) biogeographical processes leading to the current continent‐wide distribution and 3) timing and pattern of diversification in the context of late Cenozoic climate change. By estimating the largest time‐calibrated phylogeny for this group to date‚ we demonstrate monophyly of the AAG and confirm that their ancestor arrived in Australia \textasciitilde11–10 million years ago (Mya) from Southeast Asia. Ancestral range reconstruction indicates that Australia’s monsoon region was the launching point for a continental radiation shaped by dispersal and within‐biome speciation rather than vicariance. We found that multiple arid‐zone species diversified from mesic and tropical ancestors in the Plio‐Pleistocene‚ but also observed diversification in the opposite direction. Finally‚ we show that diversification steadily increased from \textasciitilde8 to 9 Mya during the ‘Hill Gap’ and accelerated from \textasciitilde4 Mya in concert with major ecological change during the Pliocene. Consistent with rapid diversification‚ species accumulation then slowed down into the present‚ likely caused by progressive niche saturation. This study provides a stepping stone for predicting future responses of Australia’s termite fauna in the face of human‐mediated climate change.
    Citation

    Bastian, H., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Leonie, S., Brandt, A., Scheu, S., & Hartke, T. R. (2022). Rapid diversification of the Australian Amitermes group during late Cenozoic climate change. Ecography, 2022(9). https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05944

  27. Davis, R. A., Joseph, L., & Johnstone, R. E. (2022). Status of Barking Owl Ninox connivens in south-west Australia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 142(3), 366–376. https://doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v142i3.2022.a9
    Publisher: British Ornithologists' Club

    Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club
    bbrc
    Abstract

    Barking Owl Ninox connivens has two recognised subspecies in Australia: N. c. connivens and N. c. peninsularis. N. c. connivens currently includes the isolated south-west Australian population‚ which is separated from eastern populations by the Nullarbor Plain and from N. c. peninsularis to the north. N. c. connivens in south-west Australia occurs from near Perth in the north‚ east to Northam and south-east to Katanning and Bremer Bay; it has been treated subspecifically as N. c. addenda Mathews‚ 1912‚ but this name is not currently in use. Given concern over the apparent rarity of the south-west Australian population‚ we sought to compile all known historical and contemporary records in order to assess its conservation status and ecology. We located the holotype of N. c. addenda Mathews‚ 1912‚ and found only ten sightings in the past 20 years that met our criteria for acceptance. No sound-recordings or photographs of wild birds are known.
    Citation

    Davis, R. A., Joseph, L., & Johnstone, R. E. (2022). Status of Barking Owl Ninox connivens in south-west Australia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club, 142(3), 366–376. https://doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v142i3.2022.a9

  28. Scott, S., Jones, H. T., Margetts, C., Regan, S. G., & Kirby, S. (2022). De Vis’ Banded Snake, Denisonia devisi (Squamata: Elapidae): an Addition to the Elapid Fauna of South Australia with Notes on Its Ecology and Conservation. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8.

    Herpetological Conservation and Biology
    Abstract

    Human-mediated disturbances appear to be ever-increasing and wide-ranging‚ and if we are to mitigate biodiversity loss‚ it is essential that we continue to survey and monitor both poorly known and well-understood ecosystems. This recommendation may be especially relevant for Australian herpetofauna‚ including many snake taxa‚ as many species are small‚ morphologically and/or behaviorally cryptic‚ and occur in specialized ecosystems. Here‚ we describe a westerly range extension and present the first records of the De Vis’ Banded Snake (Denisonia devisi) in South Australia. We also describe the habitat and our observations of behavior‚ foraging‚ and refugia‚ and discuss potential conservation concerns and recommendations for this newly discovered population. Our discovery contextualizes the need for ongoing fauna surveys‚ especially near jurisdictional borders. Detection of new populations of fringing taxa will undoubtedly continue to occur across Australia and may have implications for conservation management.
    Citation

    Scott, S., Jones, H. T., Margetts, C., Regan, S. G., & Kirby, S. (2022). De Vis’ Banded Snake, Denisonia devisi (Squamata: Elapidae): an Addition to the Elapid Fauna of South Australia with Notes on Its Ecology and Conservation. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 8.

  29. Garcia-Rojas, M. I., Keatley, M. R., & Roslan, N. (2022). Citizen science and expert opinion working together to understand the impacts of climate change. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0273822. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273822
    Publisher: Public Library of Science

    PLOS ONE
    PLOS ONE
    Abstract

    In the absence of historical information on phenology available in Australia‚ expert opinion was used for selecting indicator species that would be suitable for monitoring phenology on a continental scale as part of ClimateWatch—a citizen science program. Jacaranda mimosifolia being the most frequently observed species was used in this study to test expert opinion and the adequacy of citizen science records in detecting the influence of climatic conditions on this species’ flowering phenology. Generalised Additive Models for Location Scale and Shape were used to explore the occurrence and intensity of flowering of Jacaranda in relation to rainfall‚ temperature‚ and sun exposure. Jacaranda flowering onset was influenced by winter cold exposure‚ while flowering intensity was related to increasing sun exposure as spring progresses‚ and both were influenced by the conditions for flowering in the former flowering seasons (i.e.‚ sun exposure and highest temperatures reached‚ respectively). Our models provide the first attempt to describe the climate drivers for Jacaranda mimosifolia flowering in the southern hemisphere and identify where climatic changes will most likely alter this tree’s phenology in Australia and benefit or challenge its reproductive ability. They also support the choice of species for citizen science programs based on expert opinion.
    Citation

    Garcia-Rojas, M. I., Keatley, M. R., & Roslan, N. (2022). Citizen science and expert opinion working together to understand the impacts of climate change. PLOS ONE, 17(8), e0273822. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0273822

  30. White, M. D., Hollings, T., Sinclair, S. J., Williams, K. J., Dickson, F., Brenton, P., Raisbeck-Brown, N., Warnick, A., Lyon, P., Mokany, K., Liu, C., & Pirzl, R. (2022). Towards a continent-wide ecological site-condition database using calibrated expert evaluations. Ecological Applications, e2729. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2729
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/eap.2729

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    A cost-effective way of undertaking comprehensive‚ continental-scale‚ assessments of ecological condition is needed to support large scale conservation planning‚ monitoring‚ reporting and decision making. Currently‚ cross-jurisdictional inconsistency in assessment methods limits the capacity to scale-up monitoring. Here we present a novel way to build a coherent continent-wide site-level ecological condition dataset‚ using cross-calibration methods to integrate assessments from many observers. We focus on the use of condition assessments from individual expert observers‚ a currently untapped resource. Our approach has two components: 1) a simple on-line tool that captures expert assessments at specific locations; 2) a process of calibrating and rescaling disparate expert evaluations that can be applied to the data to provide a consistent dataset for use in conservation assessments. We describe a pilot study‚ involving twenty-eight experts‚ who contributed 314 individual site condition assessments across a wide range of ecosystems and regions throughout continental Australia. A correction factor for each expert was used to rescale the contributed site condition assessment scores‚ based on a set of 77 photographic images‚ each scored for their condition by multiple experts‚ using a linear mixed model. Our approach shows strong promise for delivering the volumes of data required to develop continental-scale reference libraries of site condition assessments. While developed from expert elicitation‚ the approach could also be used to harmonise the collation of existing condition datasets. The process we demonstrate can also facilitate on-line citizen scientists to make site condition assessments that can be cross-calibrated via contributed images.
    Citation

    White, M. D., Hollings, T., Sinclair, S. J., Williams, K. J., Dickson, F., Brenton, P., Raisbeck-Brown, N., Warnick, A., Lyon, P., Mokany, K., Liu, C., & Pirzl, R. (2022). Towards a continent-wide ecological site-condition database using calibrated expert evaluations. Ecological Applications, e2729. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2729

  31. Palmer, C. M. (2022). Phenology, distribution and conservation of the desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Journal of Insect Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-022-00422-2

    Journal of Insect Conservation
    J Insect Conserv
    Abstract

    The desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards is endemic to central Australia‚ a region with a semi-arid climate. The species was known from a total of eight specimens collected in 1966 and 1972 at three locations west of Alice Springs but was then not positively recorded for the next 35 years‚ leading to its listing nationally as an Endangered species. In February 2007 a population was rediscovered during targeted surveys following a significant rainfall event‚ leading to the broader question of how climate influences its life cycle. In this paper I describe the species’ distribution‚ listing all the localities at which the species was observed during targeted surveys from 2007 to 2010. Adult phenology of one population over this period is presented‚ along with that for the closely related inland sand-skipper Croitana arenaria arenaria Edwards‚ which occurs in the same area. The desert sand-skipper is now known from 13 extant locations‚ of which 11 are new. This species has a calculated Extent of Occurrence of 1141 square kilometres and an Area of Occupancy of 48 square kilometres‚ but the true distribution is likely to be greater. Adults of both Croitana Waterhouse taxa are entirely dependent on adequate rainfall for emergence‚ with more adults after greater rainfall. Both taxa are threatened by the increased frequency and intensity of wildfires promoted by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) (Poaceae) an exotic pasture grass‚ as well as climate change.
    Citation

    Palmer, C. M. (2022). Phenology, distribution and conservation of the desert sand-skipper Croitana aestiva Edwards (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae). Journal of Insect Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10841-022-00422-2

  32. da Silva Santos, K. C. B., Frost, E., Samnegård, U., Saunders, M. E., & Rader, R. (2022). Pollen collection by honey bee hives in almond orchards indicate diverse diets. Basic and Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2022.07.006

    Basic and Applied Ecology
    Basic and Applied Ecology
    Abstract

    Almond is one of the world’s most economically valuable crops and many varieties require cross pollination for optimal fruit set. For this reason‚ western honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) hives are often placed in almond orchards. However‚ little is known about the usage of almond and other pollen sources by individual hives during almond bloom. Here‚ we investigated the timing‚ identity and quantity of pollen collection associated with almond floral abundance and spatial location of individual hives by sampling 440 individual pollen tray samples and counting 45‚072 pollen grains from 13‚200 pollen pellets collected from 80 individual hives across the flowering season in Victoria‚ south-eastern Australia. A large proportion of hives collected non-almond pollen in addition to almond pollen (63/80 = 79%). The weight of almond pollen collected by the hives at each sampling time was positively related to the number of concurrently open almond flowers. However‚ non-almond pollen richness and abundance was not related to the number of almond flowers but had a positive relationship with the weight of almond pollen collected. There was no relationship between the distance among hives and identity of pollen collected. Yet‚ three plant families in the study area were found to account for a high percentage of the non-almond pollen collected‚ Euphorbiaceae‚ Fabaceae and Asteraceae. Understanding crop and non-crop pollen collection could inform honey bee diet needs and identify the plant species of importance to inform best practice bee management during almond flowering.
    Citation

    da Silva Santos, K. C. B., Frost, E., Samnegård, U., Saunders, M. E., & Rader, R. (2022). Pollen collection by honey bee hives in almond orchards indicate diverse diets. Basic and Applied Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.baae.2022.07.006

  33. Poupin, J., & Lemaitre, R. (2022). A new hermit crab of the genus Calcinus from Rapa Island, French Polynesia with affinities to Calcinus dapsiles Morgan, 1989 and Calcinus sirius Morgan, 1991 (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae). Nauplius, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/2358-2936e2022014
    Publisher: Sociedade Brasileira de Carcinologia

    Nauplius
    Nauplius
    Abstract

    Abstract A new hermit crab of the genus Calcinus Dana‚ 1851 is described from a specimen collected at a depth of 100 m near Rapa Island‚ Austral Islands‚ French Polynesia. In a previous report‚ we had reported this specimen provisionally as Calcinus aff. sirius‚ pending availability of live color data for Calcinus sirius Morgan‚ 1991. Recently obtained color photographs of live C. sirius from the Solitary Islands‚ Eastern Australia‚ has shown that the specimen from Rapa Island is distinct from Morgan’s taxon and represents a new species which is fully illustrated and described herein as Calcinus shawi sp. nov. The morphology and coloration of this new species are compared with the closely allied C. sirius and Calcinus dapsiles Morgan‚ 1989.
    Citation

    Poupin, J., & Lemaitre, R. (2022). A new hermit crab of the genus Calcinus from Rapa Island, French Polynesia with affinities to Calcinus dapsiles Morgan, 1989 and Calcinus sirius Morgan, 1991 (Decapoda: Anomura: Diogenidae). Nauplius, 30. https://doi.org/10.1590/2358-2936e2022014

  34. Zhang, Y., England, N., Broadhurst, L., Li, L., Zhong, C., & Bush, D. (2022). Gene Flow and Recruitment Patterns among Disjunct Populations of Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S. Johnson. Forests, 13(7), 1152. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071152

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S. Johnson is a widespread species in south-eastern Australia providing vegetation cover‚ protecting fragile soils and providing food for birds. Understanding the effects of gene flow on the recruitment patterns‚ genetic differentiation and structure of fragmented populations provides fundamental guidelines to underpin plant conservation strategies and activities. In this study‚ four spatially disjunct populations of A. verticillata were sampled to explore the effects of population size‚ reproductive patterns and pollen and seed dispersal on among-population genetic diversity‚ genetic differentiation and structure‚ using field survey and microsatellite marker techniques. It was found that stands of A. verticillata were predominantly sexually reproductive‚ but asexual reproduction through root suckering was an additional mode of reproduction. The reproductive success of A. verticillata is positively correlated with the effective population size rather than actual population size. The reduction in effective population size and increment of spatial isolation resulted in lower genetic diversity and higher inbreeding coefficient of progenies. Moderate pairwise genetic differentiation and weak genetic structure were identified. The results suggest that exogenous‚ wind-mediated pollen flow provides some maintenance of genetic diversity in the isolated stands. Seed dispersal appears mainly to be over short distances (i.e.‚ within populations)‚ but the infrequent transport of seeds between disjunct locations cannot be ruled out as another factor that may help maintain genetic diversity.
    Citation

    Zhang, Y., England, N., Broadhurst, L., Li, L., Zhong, C., & Bush, D. (2022). Gene Flow and Recruitment Patterns among Disjunct Populations of Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L.A.S. Johnson. Forests, 13(7), 1152. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071152

  35. Heimburger, B., Maurer, S. S., Schardt, L., Scheu, S., & Hartke, T. R. (2022). Historical and future climate change fosters expansion of Australian harvester termites, Drepanotermes. Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14573
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/evo.14573

    Evolution
    Evolution
    Abstract

    Past evolutionary adaptations to Australia’s aridification can help us to understand the potential responses of species in the face of global climate change. Here‚ we focus on the Australian-endemic genus Drepanotermes‚ also known as Australian harvester termites‚ which are mainly found in semiarid and arid regions of Australia. We used species delineation‚ phylogenetic inference‚ and ancestral state reconstruction to investigate the evolution of mound-building in Drepanotermes and in relation to reconstructed past climatic conditions. Our findings suggest that mound-building evolved several times independently in Drepanotermes‚ apparently facilitating expansions into tropical and mesic regions of Australia. The phylogenetic signal of bioclimatic variables‚ especially limiting environmental factors (e.g.‚ precipitation of the warmest quarter)‚ suggests that the climate exerts a strong selective pressure. Finally‚ we used environmental niche modeling to predict the present and future habitat suitability for eight Drepanotermes species. Abiotic factors such as annual temperature contributed disproportionately to calibrations‚ while the inclusion of biotic factors such as predators and vegetation cover improved ecological niche models in some species. A comparison between present and future habitat suitability under two different emission scenarios revealed continued suitability of current ranges as well as substantial habitat gains for most studied species. Human-mediated climate change occurs more quickly than these termites can disperse into newly suitable habitat; however‚ their role in stabilizing arid ecosystems may allow them to mitigate effects on some other organisms at a local level.
    Citation

    Heimburger, B., Maurer, S. S., Schardt, L., Scheu, S., & Hartke, T. R. (2022). Historical and future climate change fosters expansion of Australian harvester termites, Drepanotermes. Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14573

  36. Platell, M. E., Maschette, D., Coulson, P. G., J.r, T., & Potter, I. C. (2022). Dietary characteristics of the ecologically-important fish species Centroberyx gerrardi, including discussion of resource partitioning among species of Berycidae in Australia. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 107975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107975

    Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
    Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
    Abstract

    Data for the Berycidae‚ collected during extensive past scientific surveys‚ were used to quantify the depth distributions of the four species of Centroberyx and two of Beryx found in Australian coastal waters and thus elucidate the extent to which these species are partitioned by region and depth. The dietary‚ jaw and dentitional characteristics of the ecologically and fishery-important Centroberyx gerrardi were then determined‚ providing the first such account for any Centroberyx species. While Centroberyx gerrardi‚ Centroberyx lineatus‚ Beryx splendens and Beryx decadactylus are found throughout southern Australia‚ the last two species extend further up the west and east coasts. Centroberyx australis occurs on the lower half of the west coast eastwards to the central south coast and Centroberyx affinis on the lower half of the east coast. The four Centroberyx species typically occur at depths <350 m and the two Beryx species at > 350 m. On the south coast of Western Australia‚ depth distributions undergo an overlapping progressive gradation‚ from C. lineatus in inshore and nearshore shallow waters‚ to C. gerrardi and C. australis in nearshore deep waters‚ and then B. splendens and B. decadactylus in offshore deep waters. The main dietary categories of C. gerrardi change with increasing body size from crabs and isopods in small fish to teleosts in the largest fish‚ in which volumetrically they constituted >60% of the stomach contents. The wide range of teleost prey (at least 39 species from 33 families) ingested by C. gerrardi would be valuable to this species if continuing climate change or other anthropogenic effects lead to alterations in the composition of potential prey. Differences between depth distributions account for the fish prey of C. gerrardi comprising nearshore species‚ such as those of clupeids‚ congrids‚ pomacentrids and platycephalids‚ whereas those of B. splendens (from studies elsewhere) are dominated by myctophids‚ which are abundant in deeper waters. The combination of a large mouth and numerous‚ exclusively small teeth (edentulate morphotype) strongly suggest that C. gerrardi is a suction feeder adapted to engulfing larger prey. While the co-occurring and likewise commercially-fished Oplegnathus woodwardi also ingests substantial volumes of crabs and teleosts‚ its diet is distinguished from C. gerrardi by large volumes of poriferans and appreciable volumes of echinoderms‚ likewise reflecting feeding specialisations. Although differing in depth distributions and dietary compositions‚ berycid species in general are close to the apex of the food web.
    Citation

    Platell, M. E., Maschette, D., Coulson, P. G., J.r, T., & Potter, I. C. (2022). Dietary characteristics of the ecologically-important fish species Centroberyx gerrardi, including discussion of resource partitioning among species of Berycidae in Australia. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 107975. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2022.107975

  37. Bush, D., Spencer, D., Doran, J., & Davis, R. (2022). Testing New Provenances of Eucalyptus polybractea: A Eucalypt Oil Mallee Adapted to Semi-Arid Environments. Forests, 13(7), 1109. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071109

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Novel genetic accessions of Eucalyptus polybractea from a previously untested‚ hotter and drier part of the species’ natural range were tested in a common garden trial at a semi-arid site in NSW‚ Australia. Eucalyptus polybractea is a mallee eucalypt cultivated for essential oils (1‚8-cineole)‚ bioenergy and carbon sequestration on dryland sites in southern Australia (sites receiving about 450 mm mean annual rainfall‚ MAR). A trial of six previously untested provenances from the relatively hot‚ dry part of the species’ natural range in South Australia (SA) (250–450 mm MAR) was established alongside seven provenances from New South Wales (NSW) and Victoria within a commercial plantation in NSW. The trial was assessed at age 3.7 years for growth and oil characteristics. While survival was excellent‚ most of the SA sources were slower growing and of sub-standard oil concentration and quality relative to those from Victoria and NSW. However‚ a single SA provenance‚ with the highest oil concentration and 1‚8-cineole percentage of all provenances tested‚ may have potential as a source of selected germplasm. Infusion of SA material into the breeding populations of E. polybractea‚ which are currently based on NSW and Victorian selections only‚ may provide more resilience in the face of hotter and drier temperatures expected under projected climate change scenarios‚ and/or allow the introduction of the species to hotter and drier climates in Australia or other parts of the world with semi-arid climates. However‚ high-intensity selection of infusions will be required to maintain the growth and oil characteristics in the existing breeding population.
    Citation

    Bush, D., Spencer, D., Doran, J., & Davis, R. (2022). Testing New Provenances of Eucalyptus polybractea: A Eucalypt Oil Mallee Adapted to Semi-Arid Environments. Forests, 13(7), 1109. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13071109

  38. Prober, S. M., Potts, B. M., Harrison, P. A., Wiehl, G., Bailey, T. G., Costa e Silva, J., Price, M. R., Speijers, J., Steane, D. A., & Vaillancourt, R. E. (2022). Leaf Economic and Hydraulic Traits Signal Disparate Climate Adaptation Patterns in Two Co-Occurring Woodland Eucalypts. Plants, 11(14), 1846. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141846

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    With climate change impacting trees worldwide‚ enhancing adaptation capacity has become an important goal of provenance translocation strategies for forestry‚ ecological renovation‚ and biodiversity conservation. Given that not every species can be studied in detail‚ it is important to understand the extent to which climate adaptation patterns can be generalised across species‚ in terms of the selective agents and traits involved. We here compare patterns of genetic-based population (co)variation in leaf economic and hydraulic traits‚ climate–trait associations‚ and genomic differentiation of two widespread tree species (Eucalyptus pauciflora and E. ovata). We studied 2-year-old trees growing in a common-garden trial established with progeny from populations of both species‚ pair-sampled from 22 localities across their overlapping native distribution in Tasmania‚ Australia. Despite originating from the same climatic gradients‚ the species differed in their levels of population variance and trait covariance‚ patterns of population variation within each species were uncorrelated‚ and the species had different climate–trait associations. Further‚ the pattern of genomic differentiation among populations was uncorrelated between species‚ and population differentiation in leaf traits was mostly uncorrelated with genomic differentiation. We discuss hypotheses to explain this decoupling of patterns and propose that the choice of seed provenances for climate-based plantings needs to account for multiple dimensions of climate change unless species-specific information is available.
    Citation

    Prober, S. M., Potts, B. M., Harrison, P. A., Wiehl, G., Bailey, T. G., Costa e Silva, J., Price, M. R., Speijers, J., Steane, D. A., & Vaillancourt, R. E. (2022). Leaf Economic and Hydraulic Traits Signal Disparate Climate Adaptation Patterns in Two Co-Occurring Woodland Eucalypts. Plants, 11(14), 1846. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11141846

  39. Marsh, J. R., & Glatz, R. V. (2022). Assessing the impact of the black summer fires on Kangaroo Island threatened invertebrates: towards rapid habitat assessments for informing targeted post-fire surveys. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.029

    Australian Zoologist
    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    The black summer fires of 2019–2020 burnt almost half of Kangaroo Island (KI)‚ impacting large areas of high-quality native vegetation supporting many rare‚ endemic and/or undescribed invertebrate species. In the aftermath there was a need to survey for a range of species with few prior records and variable amounts of biological information. Therefore‚ a project was undertaken to perform Rapid Habitat Assessments (RHAs) for 13 priority KI invertebrate species‚ followed by species-specific surveys. RHAs are a method employed to quickly assess the presence/absence of key habitat features required by various taxa at a given site. Here‚ we used RHAs to assess the habitat of the 13 priority KI species and to prioritise a number of sites for species-specific surveys. Published data‚ expert knowledge and our own experience with the taxa‚ were used to define habitat features important to each taxon to target survey effort. Eight of the 13 priority taxa were located during surveys‚ within the burn scar or adjacent intact vegetation‚ revealing range extensions for five species. Species varied in susceptibility to fire and there is significant concern regarding the conservation status of limited-range KI endemics Moggridgea rainbowi KI micro-trapdoor spider‚ Zephyrarchaea austini KI assassin spider‚ and Psacadonotus insulanus KI robust fan-winged katydid. Given predictions of increasing climatic volatility‚ there is a need for methods to assess multiple species with differing life histories and limited associated data that quickly and accurately prioritise habitats for surveys.
    Citation

    Marsh, J. R., & Glatz, R. V. (2022). Assessing the impact of the black summer fires on Kangaroo Island threatened invertebrates: towards rapid habitat assessments for informing targeted post-fire surveys. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.029

  40. Webster, P. T. D., Leseberg, N. P., Murphy, S. A., Joseph, L., & Watson, J. E. M. (2022). A review of specimens of Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii suggests serious concern for its conservation outlook. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 0(0), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2090962
    Publisher: Taylor & Francis
    _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2090962

    Emu - Austral Ornithology
    Abstract

    The Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii is arguably the rarest‚ most threatened bird species in Australia. Despite many reports over the last four decades‚ the species has never been reliably photographed nor its vocalisations definitively recorded. No records in contemporary literature are supported irrefutably. Consequently‚ examining historical museum specimens of skins and eggs is critical to ascertain the species’ distribution and autecology‚ understand potential threatening processes‚ and ultimately determine the species’ conservation status. We review all known specimens of Buff-breasted Button-quail and contextual information where available. Current literature suggests the holotype was collected in 1899‚ while the last collected specimens (six skins‚ four clutches of eggs) were collected by William Rae McLennan near Coen in 1921 and 1922. We found a total of 15 specimens: seven skins and eight clutches of eggs. Two specimens collected by McLennan previously documented as ‘missing’ were located in the Natural History Museum‚ Tring. An additional four clutches of eggs not previously reported were located. Two represented verified specimens while the other two require further analysis to determine identity. All specimens were collected in the Cape York Peninsula bioregion. There are no specimens from the more southern Wet Tropics and Einasleigh Uplands bioregions‚ where the majority of contemporary observations have been made. As there have been no verified specimens collected for nearly a century‚ we argue that considerable concern and urgent action are warranted to improve the conservation outlook of this species. The species should be listed as critically endangered in both state and federal legislation.
    Citation

    Webster, P. T. D., Leseberg, N. P., Murphy, S. A., Joseph, L., & Watson, J. E. M. (2022). A review of specimens of Buff-breasted Button-quail Turnix olivii suggests serious concern for its conservation outlook. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 0(0), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2090962

  41. Saraeian, Z., Farrell, C., & Williams, N. S. G. (2022). Green roofs sown with an annual plant mix attain high cover and functional diversity regardless of irrigation frequency. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 73, 127594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127594

    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Abstract

    Annual plant species have great potential on green roofs as many are highly attractive‚ fast and cheap to establish via sowing and can provide rapid cover and growth‚ which is important for ecosystem service provision. While irrigation is essential for survival and growth of annual plants in seasonally hot or dry climates‚ it is also important to minimize water use as availability is often limited. Therefore‚ we evaluated how irrigation frequency affects plant cover‚ species abundance‚ richness and diversity‚ plant traits and functional diversity of a 16 species mixture of Australian annual species (4 g m−2 \textasciitilde 2100 seeds m−2) sown onto thirty 0.25 m2 green roof modules. The experiment was carried out in Melbourne‚ Australia‚ from January (summer) to July (winter) 2020. After a 2-month irrigated establishment phase (to ensure germination and seedling establishment)‚ three irrigation treatments (2‚ 4 and 6 days between irrigation) were applied to the modules for three months. Plant cover was reduced at lower irrigation frequency (6 days)‚ but ≥ 80% plant cover was achieved in all irrigation treatments. There was no effect of irrigation frequency on species abundance and richness; however‚ abundance‚ richness and diversity reduced over time‚ likely due to competition effects. Plant height and leaf area were also reduced by lower irrigation frequency. At the community level‚ functional diversity was unaffected by irrigation frequency. Our results indicate that green roofs sown with a mixture of annual plants can achieve good plant coverage‚ as recommended by green roof guidelines‚ and maintain high diversity when minimally irrigated in their first growing season.
    Citation

    Saraeian, Z., Farrell, C., & Williams, N. S. G. (2022). Green roofs sown with an annual plant mix attain high cover and functional diversity regardless of irrigation frequency. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 73, 127594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2022.127594

  42. Perry, T., West, E., Eisenhofer, R., Stenhouse, A., Wilson, I., Laming, B., Rismiller, P., Shaw, M., & Grützner, F. (2022). Characterising the Gut Microbiomes in Wild and Captive Short-Beaked Echidnas Reveals Diet-Associated Changes. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.687115

    Frontiers in Microbiology
    Abstract

    The gut microbiome plays a vital role in health and wellbeing of animals‚ and an increasing number of studies are investigating microbiome changes in wild and managed populations to improve conservation and welfare. The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is an iconic Australian species‚ the most widespread native mammal‚ and commonly held in zoos. Echidnas are cryptic animals‚ and much is still unknown about many aspects of their biology. Furthermore‚ some wild echidna populations are under threat‚ while echidnas held in captivity can have severe gastric health problems. Here‚ we used citizen science and zoos to collect echidna scats from across Australia to perform the largest gut microbiome study on any native Australian animal. Using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding of scat samples‚ we characterised and compared the gut microbiomes of echidnas in wild (n = 159) and managed (n = 44) populations‚ which were fed four different diets. Wild echidna samples were highly variable‚ yet commonly dominated by soil and plant-fermenting bacteria‚ while echidnas in captivity were dominated by gut commensals and plant-fermenting bacteria‚ suggesting plant matter may play a significant role in echidna diet. This work demonstrates significant differences between zoo held and wild echidnas‚ as well as managed animals on different diets‚ revealing that diet is important in shaping the gut microbiomes in echidnas. This first analysis of echidna gut microbiome highlights extensive microbial diversity in wild echidnas and changes in microbiome composition in managed populations. This is a first step towards using microbiome analysis to better understand diet‚ gastrointestinal biology‚ and improve management in these iconic animals.
    Citation

    Perry, T., West, E., Eisenhofer, R., Stenhouse, A., Wilson, I., Laming, B., Rismiller, P., Shaw, M., & Grützner, F. (2022). Characterising the Gut Microbiomes in Wild and Captive Short-Beaked Echidnas Reveals Diet-Associated Changes. Frontiers in Microbiology, 13. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2022.687115

  43. Brown, A. J. (2022). Ronald Gunn’s Tasmanian ‘Agrostid’ Grass Collections (Poaceae). Muelleria: An Australian Journal of Botany, 40, 57–131. https://doi.org/10.5962/p.340580

    Muelleria: An Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Ronald Gunn made extensive plant collections across Tasmania during the mid-19th century for William Hooker of Glasgow and Kew. Gunn’s ‘Agrostid’ (subtribes Agrostidinae Fr. and Echinopogoninae Soreng) grass collections provide examples of how colonial benefactions were commonly subdivided and distributed to a broad network of botanists. The meagre collection details recorded by collectors of this period‚ and the practice of mounting mixed collections on the same sheet‚ results in current confusion when attempting to identify or locate specimens named in field notes or in published taxon descriptions. Nevertheless‚ 440 herbarium sheets‚ representing 110 Gunn collections and 495 duplicates‚ including type specimens‚ were located in Australian‚ European and North American herbaria. Lectotypes are designated from Gunn’s specimens for eight taxon names.
    Citation

    Brown, A. J. (2022). Ronald Gunn’s Tasmanian ‘Agrostid’ Grass Collections (Poaceae). Muelleria: An Australian Journal of Botany, 40, 57–131. https://doi.org/10.5962/p.340580

  44. Phillips, A. L., Ferguson, S., Watson-Haigh, N. S., Jones, A. W., Borevitz, J. O., Burton, R. A., & Atwell, B. J. (2022). The first long-read nuclear genome assembly of Oryza australiensis, a wild rice from northern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 10823. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14893-5
    Number: 1
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Scientific Reports
    Sci Rep
    Abstract

    Oryza australiensis is a wild rice native to monsoonal northern Australia. The International Oryza Map Alignment Project emphasises its significance as the sole representative of the EE genome clade. Assembly of the O. australiensis genome has previously been challenging due to its high Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) retrotransposon (RT) content. Oxford Nanopore long reads were combined with Illumina short reads to generate a high-quality \textasciitilde 858 Mbp genome assembly within 850 contigs with 46× long read coverage. Reference-guided scaffolding increased genome contiguity‚ placing 88.2% of contigs into 12 pseudomolecules. After alignment to the Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare genome‚ we observed several structural variations. PacBio Iso-Seq data were generated for five distinct tissues to improve the functional annotation of 34‚587 protein-coding genes and 42‚329 transcripts. We also report SNV numbers for three additional O. australiensis genotypes based on Illumina re-sequencing. Although genetic similarity reflected geographical separation‚ the density of SNVs also correlated with our previous report on variations in salinity tolerance. This genome re-confirms the genetic remoteness of the O. australiensis lineage within the O. officinalis genome complex. Assembly of a high-quality genome for O. australiensis provides an important resource for the discovery of critical genes involved in development and stress tolerance.
    Citation

    Phillips, A. L., Ferguson, S., Watson-Haigh, N. S., Jones, A. W., Borevitz, J. O., Burton, R. A., & Atwell, B. J. (2022). The first long-read nuclear genome assembly of Oryza australiensis, a wild rice from northern Australia. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 10823. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14893-5

  45. Desai, H. S., & Chauhan, B. S. (2022). Distinctive germination attributes of feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata) biotypes in response to different thermal conditions. Weed Science, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2022.38
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press

    Weed Science
    Abstract

    An in-depth understanding of the germination response of troublesome weed species‚ such as feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata Sw.)‚ to environmental factors (e.g.‚ temperature‚ soil moisture‚ etc.)‚ could play an essential role in the development of sustainable site-specific weed control programs. A laboratory experiment was conducted to understand the germination response of 10 different biotypes of C. virgata to five temperature regimes (ranging from 15/5 to 35/25 C) under a 12 hour/12-hour (light/dark) photoperiod. No consistent germination behavior was observed between biotypes as some biotypes demonstrated high final cumulative germination (FCG) at low alternating temperature regimes (15/5 and 20/10 C) and some biotypes exhibited high FCG at a high alternating temperature regime (30/20 C). All the biotypes revealed late germination initiation (T10‚ time taken to reach 10% germination) at the lowest temperature range (15/5 C)‚ ranging from 171 to 173 h. However‚ they took less time to reach 90% germination (T90)‚ ranging from 202 to 756 h. At higher alternating temperature regimes (30/20 and 35/25 C)‚ all biotypes initiated the germination (T10) within 40 h‚ and a wide range of hours was required to reach 90% germination (T90); ranging from 284 to 1445 h. Differences in FCG of all the biotypes at all the temperature ranges showcased the differential germination nature between the biotypes of C. virgata. The cool temperatures delayed germination initiation compared to warmer temperatures even though FCGs were similar across a wide range of thermal conditions‚ indicating that this species will be problematic throughout the calendar year in different agronomic environments. The data from this study have direct implications on scheduling herbicide protocols‚ tillage timing‚ and planting time. Therefore‚ data generated from this study can aid in the development of area and species-specific weed control protocols to achieve satisfactory control of this weed species.
    Citation

    Desai, H. S., & Chauhan, B. S. (2022). Distinctive germination attributes of feather fingergrass (Chloris virgata) biotypes in response to different thermal conditions. Weed Science, 1–22. https://doi.org/10.1017/wsc.2022.38

  46. Guo, W.-Y., Serra-Diaz, J. M., Schrodt, F., Eiserhardt, W. L., Maitner, B. S., Merow, C., Violle, C., Anand, M., Belluau, M., Bruun, H. H., Byun, C., Catford, J. A., Cerabolini, B. E. L., Chacón-Madrigal, E., Ciccarelli, D., Cornelissen, J. H. C., Dang-Le, A. T., de Frutos, A., Dias, A. S., … Svenning, J.-C. (2022). High exposure of global tree diversity to human pressure. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(25), e2026733119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2026733119
    Publisher: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    abstract
    Citation

    Guo, W.-Y., Serra-Diaz, J. M., Schrodt, F., Eiserhardt, W. L., Maitner, B. S., Merow, C., Violle, C., Anand, M., Belluau, M., Bruun, H. H., Byun, C., Catford, J. A., Cerabolini, B. E. L., Chacón-Madrigal, E., Ciccarelli, D., Cornelissen, J. H. C., Dang-Le, A. T., de Frutos, A., Dias, A. S., … Svenning, J.-C. (2022). High exposure of global tree diversity to human pressure. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(25), e2026733119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2026733119

  47. Salvi, A. M., Gosetti, S. G., Smith, D. D., Adams, M. A., Givnish, T. J., & McCulloh, K. A. (2022). Hydroscapes, hydroscape plasticity, and relationships to functional traits and mesophyll photosynthetic sensitivity to leaf water potential in Eucalyptus species. Plant, Cell & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14380
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/pce.14380

    Plant, Cell & Environment
    Abstract

    The isohydric-anisohydric continuum describes the relative stringency of stomatal control of leaf water potential (ψleaf) during drought. Hydroscape area (HA) – the water potential landscape over which stomata regulate ψleaf – has emerged as a useful metric of the iso/anisohydric continuum because it is strongly linked to several hydraulic‚ photosynthetic‚ and structural traits. Previous research on HA focused on broad ecological patterns involving several plant clades. Here we investigate relationships of HA to climatic conditions and functional traits across ecologically diverse but closely related species while accounting for phylogeny. Across a macroclimatic moisture gradient‚ defined by the ratio of mean annual precipitation to mean annual pan evaporation (P/Ep)‚ HA decreased with P/Ep for ten Eucalyptus species. Greater anisohydry reflects lower turgor loss points and greater hydraulic safety‚ mirroring global patterns. More isohydric species have mesophyll photosynthetic capacity that is more sensitive to ψleaf‚ consistent with an earlier model for optimal stomatal behavior. Hydroscapes exhibit little plasticity in response to variation in water supply‚ and the extent of plasticity does not vary with P/Ep of native habitats. These findings strengthen the case that HA is a useful metric for characterizing drought tolerance and water-status regulation.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Salvi, A. M., Gosetti, S. G., Smith, D. D., Adams, M. A., Givnish, T. J., & McCulloh, K. A. (2022). Hydroscapes, hydroscape plasticity, and relationships to functional traits and mesophyll photosynthetic sensitivity to leaf water potential in Eucalyptus species. Plant, Cell & Environment. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.14380

  48. Webster, G. N., & Bool, I. (2022). A new genus for four myobatrachid frogs from the South Western Australian Ecoregion. Zootaxa, 5154(2), 127–151. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5154.2.2

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The southern Australian endemic genus Geocrinia Blake 1973 (Anura: Myobatrachidae) currently contains seven species‚ with five restricted to Western Australia and two in the south-eastern states covering parts of New South Wales‚ Victoria‚ Tasmania and South Australia. All species have a modified life history with at least some or all of the larval stage being completed terrestrially. Four of the Western Australian species have terrestrial‚ non-feeding tadpoles nourished by yolk until metamorphosis. The remaining species have a biphasic development with embryos developing on land followed by an aquatic tadpole stage. The presence of species groups within the Geocrinia has been recognised since the 1970s‚ with all relevant subsequent studies supporting a model of two groups within the genus‚ recovered as reciprocally monophyletic in phylogenetic analyses. We examined character traits of the seven recognised Geocrinia species‚ concluding that distinction of the two monophyletic groups is supported by differences in life history strategy‚ larval morphology‚ adult morphology‚ call structure‚ breeding season and geographic distribution. The differences between the two groups correspond to phylogenetic structuring for all traits except distribution. Given reciprocal monophyly‚ and greater variation in traits than present within other myobatrachid genera‚ we conclude that the two groups should be given generic distinction. We therefore describe a new genus‚ Anstisia gen. nov.‚ for four Western Australian Geocrinia species‚ retaining three species in Geocrinia. This increases the number of recognised myobatrachid genera to 14: five are endemic to south-western Australia.
    Citation

    Webster, G. N., & Bool, I. (2022). A new genus for four myobatrachid frogs from the South Western Australian Ecoregion. Zootaxa, 5154(2), 127–151. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5154.2.2

  49. Nawaz, M., Brookes, D. R., McCulloch, G. A., & Walter, G. H. (2022). Significant genetic structure in Macrobathra moths feeding on Acacia auriculiformis –implications for prioritising biological control agents. Biological Control, 104969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2022.104969

    Biological Control
    Biological Control
    Abstract

    Acacia auriculiformis is a native Australian tree that has now become a category 1 invasive weed in Florida‚ USA. Previous research has identified Macrobathra moths as potential biological control agents for this weed‚ but little is known about the genetic diversity and structuring of these moths. In this study‚ we compared the genetic structure of four common Macrobathra moth species across the geographic distribution of A. auriculiformis – and across regions where A. auriculiformis does not occur – to assess whether any of these moth species may comprise unrecognised cryptic species. We found contrasting patterns of genetic structuring among the four moth species‚ indicating that host-specific cryptic species could be present in Macrobathra arrectella and M. diplochrysa. Furthermore‚ we identified a deep genetic disjunction in both M. arrectella and M. callipetala across the Gulf of Carpentaria‚ a pattern that is also found in A. auriculiformis. The geographic distribution and host plant associations of the distinct mitochondrial lineages of each of these moth species should be further evaluated with additional ecological sampling‚ and the species status of these lineages tested directly‚ using additional molecular screening and/or carefully designed cross-mating tests.
    Citation

    Nawaz, M., Brookes, D. R., McCulloch, G. A., & Walter, G. H. (2022). Significant genetic structure in Macrobathra moths feeding on Acacia auriculiformis –implications for prioritising biological control agents. Biological Control, 104969. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2022.104969

  50. Johnson, J. B. (2022). Observations on the common brown butterfly (Heteronympha merope) in the early 1900s in Australia using digitized specimens. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 25(2), 101898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2022.101898

    Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology
    Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology
    Abstract

    The Common Brown butterfly‚ Heteronympha merope (Fabricius 1775)‚ is a ubiquitous species from the family Nymphalidae‚ distributed across south-eastern Australia. Using online photographs of 33 digitized museum specimens provided by the Atlas of Living Australia‚ forewing length was found to be highly correlated with the total wing surface area (r = 0.962)‚ indicating that this metric can be used as an accurate estimate of body size. No significant relationship was found between body size and environmental temperatures‚ latitude‚ or the year of collection (1902–1948). The size of females was higher between October and December compared to the rest of the year‚ while the size of males did not change. Collection of contemporary data on the body size of H. merope would allow the assessment of whether the body size of this species has changed over the past 70 years.
    Citation

    Johnson, J. B. (2022). Observations on the common brown butterfly (Heteronympha merope) in the early 1900s in Australia using digitized specimens. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology, 25(2), 101898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2022.101898

  51. Southwell, D., Wilkinson, D., Hao, T., Valavi, R., Smart, A., & Wintle, B. (2022). A gap analysis of reconnaissance surveys assessing the impact of the 2019–20 wildfires on vertebrates in Australia. Biological Conservation, 270, 109573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109573

    Biological Conservation
    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Large-scale disturbance events are forecast to increase in severity and frequency due to climate change. On-ground surveys are crucial for assessing the immediate impact of disturbances on biodiversity and for informing management responses. However‚ there are few examples where quantitative tools have guided post-disturbance survey design. In this study‚ we integrated species distribution modelling and spatial prioritisation to identify taxonomic and spatial gaps in surveys for 92 priority vertebrates 6 months after the 2019–20 wildfires in Australia. We predicted the pre-fire distribution of priority species‚ mapped locations of post-wildfire surveys that were already underway‚ and integrated this information with remotely-sensed fire severity maps in the tool‚ Zonation‚ to prioritise locations for new surveys across three fire severity classes (unburnt‚ low severity‚ high severity). Our results suggest that 6 months after the wildfires‚ surveys by government agencies had targeted 17 of 20 mammals (85%); 11 of 17 birds (65%); 10 of 17 frogs (59%); 10 of 23 reptiles (43%) and 5 of 17 fish (29%). We developed species distribution models for 63 of these species after collating 120‚118 occurrence records from 6 data repositories. By predicting their distribution before the wildfires‚ we most efficiently identified gaps in survey effort while ensuring representation across species and fire severity classes. Our analysis provided an important ‘stocktake’ of the response effort to the 2019–20 wildfires in Australia and helped inform the allocation of government-funded wildfire recovery programs. Although we focus on wildfire‚ our approach could assess gaps in survey effort following any large-scale disturbance.
    Citation

    Southwell, D., Wilkinson, D., Hao, T., Valavi, R., Smart, A., & Wintle, B. (2022). A gap analysis of reconnaissance surveys assessing the impact of the 2019–20 wildfires on vertebrates in Australia. Biological Conservation, 270, 109573. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109573

  52. Apgaua, D. M. G., Tng, D. Y. P., & Laurance, S. G. W. (2022). Tropical wet and dry forest tree species exhibit contrasting hydraulic architecture. Flora, 291, 152072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flora.2022.152072

    Flora
    Flora
    Abstract

    Forest tree species in wet and dry habitats are generally considered functionally divergent in leaf and stem functional traits such as leaf area‚ leaf mass per area‚ wood density and tree height. Yet‚ these traits have limited utility for characterizing plant water transport adaptations and strategies. We tested the hypothesis that wet and dry forest trees are functionally divergent in their water conducting apparatus. To assess trait differences and adaptations‚ we sampled branch wood from nine same-genus species-pairs‚ each species-pair occurring respectively in the wet (>1500 mm annual rainfall) and dry forest (<800 mm annual rainfall) in tropical Queensland‚ Australia. From branch wood sections‚ we measured anatomical traits involved in water conduction (stem vessel dimensions‚ fractions and their spatial distributions‚ theoretical water conductivities)‚ storage (parenchyma)‚ and providing hydraulic safety functions (fibres fractions‚ vulnerability index). Relative to wet forest species‚ we found on overall that dry forest trees had trait combinations showing adaptations to aridity such as more storage tissue and greater vessel connectivity which may provide alternative pathways for water transport should vessel embolism occur. Habitat is an environmental filter that influences trait behaviour across related species. However‚ depending on the genera‚ species in both dry and wet forest habitats also exhibit various tradeoffs in trait values‚ highlighting the existence of diverse hydraulic strategies within wet forest and dry forest trees.
    Citation

    Apgaua, D. M. G., Tng, D. Y. P., & Laurance, S. G. W. (2022). Tropical wet and dry forest tree species exhibit contrasting hydraulic architecture. Flora, 291, 152072. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.flora.2022.152072

  53. Gosper, C. R., Percy-Bower, J. M., Byrne, M., Llorens, T. M., & Yates, C. J. (2022). Distribution, Biogeography and Characteristics of the Threatened and Data-Deficient Flora in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Diversity, 14(6), 493. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060493
    Number: 6
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    The Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) supports an exceptional number of threatened and data-deficient flora. In this study‚ we: (i) collated statistics on the number‚ listing criteria and tenure of occurrence of threatened and data-deficient flora; (ii) conducted spatial and biogeographic analyses to address questions concerning patterns of diversity of threatened and data-deficient flora relative to the whole flora and evolutionary and threat drivers; and (iii) examined whether threatened and data-deficient flora richness is evenly distributed across plant lineages. We found that although threatened and data-deficient flora occurred across the breadth of the SWAFR‚ high richness was concentrated in a limited number of locations‚ which were not always strongly aligned with areas of higher land transformation. Data-deficient flora demonstrated different spatial patterns of occurrence to threatened flora. Approximately 70% of the populations of threatened and data-deficient flora occurred outside of lands managed primarily for conservation. Both evolutionary history and contemporary threats contribute to the current status and distribution of diversity of the threatened and data-deficient flora‚ with evolutionary history playing a significant role in predisposing a portion of the flora to having population traits that result in those flora meeting IUCN Red List criteria‚ along with ecological traits that predispose some to specific novel threats. An understanding of the distribution of species and threats‚ flora traits‚ and how these traits mediate susceptibility to threats‚ offers one potential way forward for an initial assessment of which of the 1819 data-deficient flora may be most at risk of extinction.
    Citation

    Gosper, C. R., Percy-Bower, J. M., Byrne, M., Llorens, T. M., & Yates, C. J. (2022). Distribution, Biogeography and Characteristics of the Threatened and Data-Deficient Flora in the Southwest Australian Floristic Region. Diversity, 14(6), 493. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14060493

  54. Marsh, J. R., Bal, P., Fraser, H., Umbers, K., Latty, T., Greenville, A., Rumpff, L., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Accounting for the neglected: Invertebrate species and the 2019–2020 Australian megafires. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13550
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/geb.13550

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Invertebrates make up the vast majority of fauna species but are often overlooked in impact assessment and conservation response. The extent to which the 2019–2020 Australian megafires overlapped with the range of vertebrate species has been well documented; consequently‚ substantial resourcing has been directed towards their recovery. Here‚ we attempt to document the extent of overlap of these megafires with invertebrate species. In doing so‚ we seek to demonstrate that it is possible and worthwhile to assess the effect of a catastrophic event on a large number of poorly known species. Location Temperate and subtropical Australia. Time period 2019–2020. Major taxa Australian invertebrates. Methods We adapted a published analytical pathway for the assessment of distributional fire overlap on vertebrate species. Overlaps with fire for 32‚163 invertebrate taxa were determined using point records and polygons. Results We found that 13‚581 invertebrate taxa had part of their range burnt in the 2019–2020 Australian megafires. Of these‚ 382 taxa had the whole of their known range burnt‚ and a further 405 taxa had 50–99.9% of their range burnt. Five examples are described. Main conclusions Poorly known groups of biodiversity can be impacted significantly by major disturbance events‚ but such impact is often overlooked. This oversight has the consequences of under-estimating the magnitude of impacts and the potential failure to direct conservation responses to those species most in need of them. Our analysis demonstrates that the 2019–2020 megafires burnt ≥50% of the known range of nearly 800 Australian invertebrate taxa‚ a tally far higher than for vertebrates (19 taxa). Assessment of the real impact (i.e.‚ beyond simply overlap with fire) requires more consideration of susceptibility and/or post-fire survey and monitoring. The magnitude of overlap of the 2019–2020 megafires on invertebrate species justifies a conservation response that is less biased towards iconic vertebrate species.
    Citation

    Marsh, J. R., Bal, P., Fraser, H., Umbers, K., Latty, T., Greenville, A., Rumpff, L., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Accounting for the neglected: Invertebrate species and the 2019–2020 Australian megafires. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13550

  55. Foon, J. K., Moussalli, A., McIntosh, F., Laffan, S., & Köhler, F. (2022). Assessing the immediate impacts of the 2019/2020 bushfires on land snails in northeastern New South Wales. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.010

    Australian Zoologist
    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    This study aimed to improve our understanding of the immediate response of 26 priority species of land snail that may have been severely impacted by the 2019/2020 megafire event in north-eastern New South Wales. Our study covered a range of ecosystem types over an area of approximately 20‚400 km2.We searched 70 survey sites that differed in burn severity for all species of land snail visually on-site and by sifting leaf litter samples under a microscope in the laboratory. These survey sites were selected for representing pre-existing occurrence records of priority species at sites that differed in mapped fire severity classes as based on Fire Extent and Severity data available from public sources. We also surveyed unburnt sites for comparative purposes.We found that nearly all survey sites encompassed a patchwork of areas with different burn extent and severity and that more humid forest types were overall affected by lower fire extent and severity than surrounding more xeric forest types. Only one site with extreme fire extent and severity was surveyed.The survey covered 165 historical occurrence records‚ 96 of which (58%) were re-confirmed. We also found 55 new occurrence records‚ 11 of which were in burnt and 44 in unburnt sites. Burnt and unburnt sites showed slight‚ yet insignificant differences in the redetection rate of species‚ which was generally low (on average 50–65%). Our data does not reveal an association between the number of specimens found at sites and burn severity and extent (from unburnt to extreme burnt). While we infer that populations have declined in areas affected by more severe fires‚ we found proportions of the survey area to be affected by fires of lower severity‚ which likely did not substantially affect the size of local land snail populations. Based on this‚ we conclude that initial concerns that the bushfires had led to a substantial deterioration of the conservation status of land snails are not generally corroborated. Instead‚ we have assessed just 3 species (10% of all studied species) as of conservation concern and 7 species (23%) as near threatened due to direct impacts of the 2019/2020 megafires. However‚ the paucity of occurrence records for many species and our limited knowledge of their ecology hampers a more detailed assessment of the potential fire impacts on many species‚ including possible on-going threats. Long-term monitoring and research are critical to ensure effective management especially of narrow range endemics.
    Citation

    Foon, J. K., Moussalli, A., McIntosh, F., Laffan, S., & Köhler, F. (2022). Assessing the immediate impacts of the 2019/2020 bushfires on land snails in northeastern New South Wales. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.010

  56. Mahony, M., Gould, J., Beranek, C. T., Callen, A., Clulow, J., Clulow, S., Klop-Toker, K., Mahony, S., Wallace, S., Stock, S., Garnham, J., Lemckert, F., Thumm, K., Moses, B., & Pickett, E. (2022). A trait-based analysis for predicting impact of wildfires on frogs. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.021

    Australian Zoologist
    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    An increase in the frequency and intensity of catastrophic wildfires is associated with anthropogenic climate change. Wildfires are extreme environmental events that result in dramatic fluctuations in temperature and moisture‚ which are likely to disproportionately impact animals such as amphibians (Anura) whose distributions and ecology are strongly tied to climate. In response to the 2019/20 Australian summer wildfires‚ we used expert elicitation to analyse the traits of frogs that potentially influence fire sensitivity or resilience. Traits that were ranked high in terms of influencing fire sensitivity were range size‚ dominant adult habitat‚ reproductive mode‚ and relative abundance. While species restricted to cool‚ moist habitats are less exposed to the threat of wildfire‚ they had the highest sensitivity scores. This is due to their typically low fecundity‚ reliance on micro-refugia away from water for reproduction and shelter‚ and small‚ isolated distributions. The group considered least sensitive were those which occupy riparian zones as macro-refugia‚ which includes species with wide geographic distributions‚ general reproductive strategies‚ high fecundity‚ and moderate physiological capacity. Our findings suggest that it is the behavioural capacity of frogs to locate micro-refugia‚ a morphology that enables them to move into these safe spaces‚ and physiological adaptations to subsequently maintain water balance during and after wildfire that influence the probability of surviving wildfire. While many traits have evolved among amphibians to avoid climatic extremes and likely confer resistance to wildfire as “exaptations”‚ it remains unknown to what extent they protect populations from predicted hotter and drier climates. Our predictions should be tested by obtaining direct measures of the thermal and moisture buffering capacities of micro-refuges‚ along with the continued monitoring of species recovery post-fire‚ so that they can feedback into future trait-based analyses. We suggest that strategic management actions for mitigating the effect of climate-driven wildfires on amphibians should involve protection and enhancement of micro-refugia components of the landscape‚ which are used as shelter during times of heat and moisture stress‚ and provision of buffer zones around macro-refugia habitat‚ such as around streams.
    Citation

    Mahony, M., Gould, J., Beranek, C. T., Callen, A., Clulow, J., Clulow, S., Klop-Toker, K., Mahony, S., Wallace, S., Stock, S., Garnham, J., Lemckert, F., Thumm, K., Moses, B., & Pickett, E. (2022). A trait-based analysis for predicting impact of wildfires on frogs. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2022.021

  57. Connors, M. G., Chen, H., Li, H., Edmonds, A., Smith, K. A., Gell, C., Clitheroe, K., Miller, I. M., Walker, K. L., Nunn, J. S., Nguyen, L., Quinane, L. N., Andreoli, C. M., Galea, J. A., Quan, B., Sandiford, K., Wallis, B., Anderson, M. L., Canziani, E. V., … Wishart, D. (2022). Citizen scientists track a charismatic carnivore: Mapping the spread and impact of the South African Mantis (Miomantidae, Miomantis caffra) in Australia. Journal of Orthoptera Research, 31(1), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.31.79332
    Number: 1
    Publisher: Pensoft Publishers

    Journal of Orthoptera Research
    Abstract

    The recent integration of citizen science with modern technology has greatly increased its applications and has allowed more people than ever to contribute to research across all areas of science. In particular‚ citizen science has been instrumental in the detection and monitoring of novel introduced species across the globe. This study provides the first records of Miomantis caffra Saussure‚ 1871‚ the South African Mantis‚ from the Australian mainland and uses records from four different citizen science and social media platforms in conjunction with museum records to track the spread of the species through the country. A total of 153 wild mantises and oothecae were observed across four states and territories (New South Wales‚ Norfolk Island‚ Victoria‚ and Western Australia) between 2009 and 2021. The large number of observations of the species in Victoria and the more recent isolated observations in other states and territories suggest that the species initially arrived in Geelong via oothecae attached to plants or equipment‚ likely from the invasive population in New Zealand. From there it established and spread outwards to Melbourne and eventually to other states and territories‚ both naturally and with the aid of human transport. We also provide a comparison of M. caffra to similar native mantises‚ specifically Pseudomantis albofimbriata (Stål‚ 1860)‚ and comment on the potential impact and further spread of the species within Australia. Finally‚ we reiterate the many benefits of engaging directly with citizen scientists in biodiversity research and comment on the decision to include them in all levels of this research investigation.
    Citation

    Connors, M. G., Chen, H., Li, H., Edmonds, A., Smith, K. A., Gell, C., Clitheroe, K., Miller, I. M., Walker, K. L., Nunn, J. S., Nguyen, L., Quinane, L. N., Andreoli, C. M., Galea, J. A., Quan, B., Sandiford, K., Wallis, B., Anderson, M. L., Canziani, E. V., … Wishart, D. (2022). Citizen scientists track a charismatic carnivore: Mapping the spread and impact of the South African Mantis (Miomantidae, Miomantis caffra) in Australia. Journal of Orthoptera Research, 31(1), 69–82. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.31.79332

  58. Walters, S. J., Robinson, T. P., Byrne, M., & Nevill, P. (2022). Seed sourcing in the genomics era: Multispecies provenance delineation for current and future climates. Restoration Ecology, n/a(n/a), e13718. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13718
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/rec.13718

    Restoration Ecology
    Abstract

    Restoration interventions require knowledge on the suitability of seed sources. Provenance delineation for ecological restoration of degraded environments including highly altered post-mined land has begun to incorporate genome-wide information on adaptive variation‚ but this has only been completed on a small number of plant species. Rarely is provenance delineation using a genomics approach applied to species occurring across different habitats‚ and in the context of future climate scenarios despite their potential importance for successful long-term restoration. Here‚ we use neutral genetic data for provenance delineation and putatively adaptive genetic data to estimate the predicted amount of change under future climate scenarios of two species co-occurring in a predominantly mesic environment and two species co-occurring in a semi-arid environment. We found that the spatial distribution of provenances and the amount of genomic change required to track the projected climatic conditions over time differed within the pairs of co-occurring species. Additionally‚ future climate scenarios had differing effects on provenance patterns between the two landscapes with the spatial distribution changing greatest in the pair occupying a predominantly mesic habitat. This implies that provenance guidelines can be both species and habitat dependent. We discuss how these results can be utilised to design seed sourcing strategies for successful restoration‚ and how these methods could be more broadly applied to delineate provenances of other species and locations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Walters, S. J., Robinson, T. P., Byrne, M., & Nevill, P. (2022). Seed sourcing in the genomics era: Multispecies provenance delineation for current and future climates. Restoration Ecology, n/a(n/a), e13718. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13718

  59. Gorman, J., & Ennis, G. (2022). Community engagement in Aboriginal enterprise development – Kakadu plum as a case analysis. Journal of Rural Studies, 92, 109–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.03.020

    Journal of Rural Studies
    Journal of Rural Studies
    Abstract

    Customary and commercial use of wildlife supports millions of Indigenous people world-wide. However‚ in Australia‚ despite there being abundant natural resources and intricate Aboriginal ecological knowledge‚ there are relatively few financially viable Aboriginal wildlife-based enterprises. This research provides an example of how the Collective Impact (CI) Framework was used to retrospectively analyse the development of an Aboriginal enterprise in the Northern Territory of Australia over a fifteen-year period. We identified many parallels between the elements of the CI approach and the various development phases of this Aboriginal enterprise. This research demonstrates that there is a complex interplay of factors that influence the development of Indigenous enterprise in remote communities of northern Australia‚ and that the CI Framework can be useful for reflecting on this work because of its focus on collaboration with diverse stakeholders. It contributes to knowledge about the benefits and the difficulties of meaningful whole of community engagement as a core aspect of enterprise development.
    Citation

    Gorman, J., & Ennis, G. (2022). Community engagement in Aboriginal enterprise development – Kakadu plum as a case analysis. Journal of Rural Studies, 92, 109–119. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrurstud.2022.03.020

  60. Stobo‐Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Legge, S. M., Caceres‐Escobar, H., Chapple, D. G., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Garnett, S. T., Gentle, M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Suarez‐Castro, A. F., … Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators. Diversity and Distributions, 28(5), 976–991. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13497
    Num Pages: 976-991
    Place: Oxford, United States
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
    Section: RESEARCH ARTICLES

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim
    Introduced predators negatively impact biodiversity globally‚ with insular fauna often most severely affected. Here‚ we assess spatial variation in the number of terrestrial vertebrates (excluding amphibians) killed by two mammalian mesopredators introduced to Australia‚ the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and feral cat (Felis catus). We aim to identify prey groups that suffer especially high rates of predation‚ and regions where losses to foxes and/or cats are most substantial.
    Location
    Australia.
    Methods
    We draw information on the spatial variation in tallies of reptiles‚ birds and mammals killed by cats in Australia from published studies. We derive tallies for fox predation by (i) modelling continental‐scale spatial variation in fox density‚ (ii) modelling spatial variation in the frequency of occurrence of prey groups in fox diet‚ (iii) analysing the number of prey individuals within dietary samples and (iv) discounting animals taken as carrion. We derive point estimates of the numbers of individuals killed annually by foxes and by cats and map spatial variation in these tallies.
    Results
    Foxes kill more reptiles‚ birds and mammals (peaking at 1071 km−2 year−1) than cats (55 km−2 year−1) across most of the unmodified temperate and forested areas of mainland Australia‚ reflecting the generally higher density of foxes than cats in these environments. However‚ across most of the continent – mainly the arid central and tropical northern regions (and on most Australian islands) – cats kill more animals than foxes. We estimate that foxes and cats together kill 697 million reptiles annually in Australia‚ 510 million birds and 1435 million mammals.
    Main conclusions
    This continental‐scale analysis demonstrates that predation by two introduced species takes a substantial and ongoing toll on Australian reptiles‚ birds and mammals. Continuing population declines and potential extinctions of some of these species threatens to further compound Australia’s poor contemporary conservation record.
    Citation

    Stobo‐Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Legge, S. M., Caceres‐Escobar, H., Chapple, D. G., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Garnett, S. T., Gentle, M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Suarez‐Castro, A. F., … Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Counting the bodies: Estimating the numbers and spatial variation of Australian reptiles, birds and mammals killed by two invasive mesopredators. Diversity and Distributions, 28(5), 976–991. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13497

  61. Staples, T. L., Mayfield, M. M., England, J. R., & Dwyer, J. M. (2022). Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia. Ecological Applications, e2636. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2636
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/eap.2636

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    Functional traits are proxies for a species’ ecology and physiology and are often correlated with plant vital rates. As such they have the potential to guide species selection for restoration projects. However‚ predictive trait-based models often only explain a small proportion of plant performance‚ suggesting that commonly measured traits do not capture all important ecological differences between species. Some residual variation in vital rates may be evolutionarily conserved and captured using taxonomic groupings alongside common functional traits. We tested this hypothesis using growth rate data for 17‚299 trees and shrubs from 80 species of Eucalyptus and 43 species of Acacia‚ two hyper-diverse and co-occurring genera‚ collected from 497 neighborhood plots in 137 Australian mixed-species revegetation plantings. We modeled relative growth rates of individual plants as a function of environmental conditions‚ species-mean functional traits and neighbor density and diversity‚ across a moisture availability gradient. We then assessed whether the strength and direction of these relationships differed between the two genera. We found that the inclusion of genus-specific relationships offered a significant but modest improvement to model fit (1.6–1.7% greater R2 than simpler models). More importantly‚ almost all correlates of growth rate differed between Eucalyptus and Acacia‚ in strength‚ direction‚ or how they changed along the moisture gradient. These differences mapped onto physiological differences between the genera that were not captured solely by measured functional traits. Our findings suggest taxonomic groupings can capture or mediate variation in plant performance missed by common functional traits. The inclusion of taxonomy can provide a more nuanced understanding of how functional traits interact with abiotic and biotic conditions to drive plant performance‚ which may be important for constructing trait-based frameworks to improve restoration outcomes.
    Citation

    Staples, T. L., Mayfield, M. M., England, J. R., & Dwyer, J. M. (2022). Drivers of Acacia and Eucalyptus growth rate differ in strength and direction in restoration plantings across Australia. Ecological Applications, e2636. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2636

  62. Wijewardhana, U. A., Apputhurai, P., Jayawardana, M., & Meyer, D. (2022). Effectiveness of the conservation areas on the Mornington Peninsula for the common resident shorebird species using citizen science data. PLOS ONE, 17(5), e0267203. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267203

    PLOS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Conservation areas are critical for biodiversity conservation‚ but few citizen science studies have evaluated their efficiency. In the absence of thorough survey data‚ this study assessed which species benefit most from conservation areas using citizen science bird counts extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia. This was accomplished by fitting temporal models using citizen science data taken from ALA for the years 2010–2019 using the INLA approach. The trends for six resident shorebird species were compared to those for the Australian Pied Oystercatcher‚ with the Black-fronted Dotterel‚ Red-capped Dotterel‚ and Red-kneed Dotterel exhibiting significantly steeper increasing trends. For the Black-fronted Dotterel‚ Masked Lapwing‚ and Red-kneed Dotterel‚ steeper rising trends were recorded in conservation areas than in other locations. The Dotterel species’ conservation status is extremely favourable. This study demonstrates that‚ with some limits‚ statistical models can be used to track the persistence of resident shorebirds and to investigate the factors affecting these data.
    Citation

    Wijewardhana, U. A., Apputhurai, P., Jayawardana, M., & Meyer, D. (2022). Effectiveness of the conservation areas on the Mornington Peninsula for the common resident shorebird species using citizen science data. PLOS ONE, 17(5), e0267203. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0267203

  63. Butler, J. B., Harrison, P. A., Vaillancourt, R. E., Steane, D. A., Tibbits, J. F. G., & Potts, B. M. (2022). Climate Adaptation, Drought Susceptibility, and Genomic-Informed Predictions of Future Climate Refugia for the Australian Forest Tree Eucalyptus globulus. Forests, 13(4), 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13040575
    Number: 4
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Understanding the capacity of forest tree species to adapt to climate change is of increasing importance for managing forest genetic resources. Through a genomics approach‚ we modelled spatial variation in climate adaptation within the Australian temperate forest tree Eucalyptus globulus‚ identified putative climate drivers of this genomic variation‚ and predicted locations of future climate refugia and populations at-risk of future maladaptation. Using 812‚158 SNPs across 130 individuals from 30 populations (i.e.‚ localities) spanning the species’ natural range‚ a gradientForest algorithm found 1177 SNPs associated with locality variation in home-site climate (climate-SNPs)‚ putatively linking them to climate adaptation. Very few climate-SNPs were associated with population-level variation in drought susceptibility‚ signalling the multi-faceted nature and complexity of climate adaptation. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed 24% of the climate-SNP variation could be explained by annual precipitation‚ isothermality‚ and maximum temperature of the warmest month. Spatial predictions of the RDA climate vectors associated with climate-SNPs allowed mapping of genomically informed climate selective surfaces across the species’ range under contemporary and projected future climates. These surfaces suggest over 50% of the current distribution of E. globulus will be outside the modelled adaptive range by 2070 and at risk of climate maladaptation. Such surfaces present a new integrated approach for natural resource managers to capture adaptive genetic variation and plan translocations in the face of climate change.
    Citation

    Butler, J. B., Harrison, P. A., Vaillancourt, R. E., Steane, D. A., Tibbits, J. F. G., & Potts, B. M. (2022). Climate Adaptation, Drought Susceptibility, and Genomic-Informed Predictions of Future Climate Refugia for the Australian Forest Tree Eucalyptus globulus. Forests, 13(4), 575. https://doi.org/10.3390/f13040575

  64. Chandel, A., Mann, R., Kaur, J., Norton, S., Auer, D., Edwards, J., & Spangenberg, G. (2022). The Role of Soil Microbial Diversity in the Conservation of Native Seed Bacterial Microbiomes. Microorganisms, 10(750). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10040750

    Microorganisms
    Microorganisms
    Abstract

    Research into understanding the structure‚ composition and vertical transmission of crop seed microbiomes has intensified‚ although there is much less research into the seed microbiomes of crop wild relatives. Our previous study showed that the standard seed storage procedures (e.g.‚ seed drying and storage temperature) can influence the seed microbiome of domesticated Glycine max. In this study‚ we characterized the seed microbiota of Glycine clandestina‚ a perennial wild relative of soybean (G. max (L.) Merr.) to expand our understanding about the effect of other storage procedures such as the periodic regeneration of seed stocks to bulk up seed numbers and secure viability on the seed microbiome of said seed. The G. clandestina microbiota was analysed from Generation 1 (G1) and Generation 2 (G2) seed and from mature plant organs grown in two different soil treatments T (treatment [native soil + potting mix]) and C (control [potting mix only]). Our dataset showed that soil microbiota had a strong influence on next generation seed microbiota‚ with an increased contribution of root microbiota by 90% and seed transmissibility by 36.3% in G2 (T) seed. Interestingly‚ the G2 seed microbiota primarily consisted of an initially low abundance of taxa present in G1 seed. Overall‚ our results indicate that seed regeneration can affect the seed microbiome composition and using native soil from the location of the source plant can enhance the conservation of the native seed microbiota.
    Citation

    Chandel, A., Mann, R., Kaur, J., Norton, S., Auer, D., Edwards, J., & Spangenberg, G. (2022). The Role of Soil Microbial Diversity in the Conservation of Native Seed Bacterial Microbiomes. Microorganisms, 10(750). https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms10040750

  65. De Kauwe, M. G., Sabot, M. E. B., Medlyn, B. E., Pitman, A. J., Meir, P., Cernusak, L. A., Gallagher, R. V., Ukkola, A. M., Rifai, S. W., & Choat, B. (2022). Towards species-level forecasts of drought-induced tree mortality risk. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18129
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nph.18129

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Predicting species-level responses to drought at the landscape scale is critical to reducing uncertainty in future terrestrial carbon and water cycle projections. We embedded a stomatal optimisation model in the Community Atmosphere Biosphere Land Exchange (CABLE) land surface model and parameterised the model for 15 canopy dominant eucalypt tree species across South East Australia (mean annual precipitation range: 344–1424 mm yr-1). We conducted three experiments: applying CABLE to the 2017–2019 drought; a 20% drier drought; and a 20% drier drought with a doubling of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). The severity of the drought was highlighted as for at least 25% of their distribution ranges‚ 60% of species experienced leaf water potentials beyond the water potential at which 50% of hydraulic conductivity is lost due to embolism. We identified areas of severe hydraulic stress within species’ ranges‚ but we also pinpointed resilience in species found in predominantly semi-arid areas. The importance of the role of CO2 in ameliorating drought stress was consistent across species. Our results represent an important advance in our capacity to forecast the resilience of individual tree species‚ providing an evidence base for decision-making around the resilience of restoration plantings or net-zero emission strategies.
    Citation

    De Kauwe, M. G., Sabot, M. E. B., Medlyn, B. E., Pitman, A. J., Meir, P., Cernusak, L. A., Gallagher, R. V., Ukkola, A. M., Rifai, S. W., & Choat, B. (2022). Towards species-level forecasts of drought-induced tree mortality risk. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18129

  66. Bradley, H. S., Craig, M. D., Cross, A. T., Tomlinson, S., Bamford, M. J., & Bateman, P. W. (2022). Revealing microhabitat requirements of an endangered specialist lizard with LiDAR. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 5193. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08524-2
    Number: 1
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Scientific Reports
    Sci Rep
    Abstract

    A central principle of threatened species management is the requirement for detailed understanding of species habitat requirements. Difficult terrain or cryptic behaviour can‚ however‚ make the study of habitat or microhabitat requirements difficult‚ calling for innovative data collection techniques. We used high-resolution terrestrial LiDAR imaging to develop three-dimensional models of log piles‚ quantifying the structural characteristics linked with occupancy of an endangered cryptic reptile‚ the western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia). Inhabited log piles were generally taller with smaller entrance hollows and a wider main log‚ had more high-hanging branches‚ fewer low-hanging branches‚ more mid- and understorey cover‚ and lower maximum canopy height. Significant characteristics linked with occupancy were longer log piles‚ an average of three logs‚ less canopy cover‚ and the presence of overhanging vegetation‚ likely relating to colony segregation‚ thermoregulatory requirements‚ and foraging opportunities. In addition to optimising translocation site selection‚ understanding microhabitat specificity of E. s. badia will help inform a range of management objectives‚ such as targeted monitoring and invasive predator control. There are also diverse opportunities for the application of this technology to a wide variety of future ecological studies and wildlife management initiatives pertaining to a range of cryptic‚ understudied taxa.
    Citation

    Bradley, H. S., Craig, M. D., Cross, A. T., Tomlinson, S., Bamford, M. J., & Bateman, P. W. (2022). Revealing microhabitat requirements of an endangered specialist lizard with LiDAR. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 5193. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-08524-2

  67. Buckley, S. J., Brauer, C. J., Unmack, P. J., Hammer, M. P., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2022). Variation in intraspecific demography drives localised concordance but species-wide discordance in response to past climatic change. BMC Ecology and Evolution, 22(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-022-01990-2

    BMC Ecology and Evolution
    BMC Ecol Evo
    Abstract

    Understanding how species biology may facilitate resilience to climate change remains a critical factor in detecting and protecting species at risk of extinction. Many studies have focused on the role of particular ecological traits in driving species responses‚ but less so on demographic history and levels of standing genetic variation. Additionally‚ spatial variation in the interaction of demographic and adaptive factors may further complicate prediction of species responses to environmental change. We used environmental and genomic datasets to reconstruct the phylogeographic histories of two ecologically similar and largely co-distributed freshwater fishes‚ the southern (Nannoperca australis) and Yarra (N. obscura) pygmy perches‚ to assess the degree of concordance in their responses to Plio-Pleistocene climatic changes. We described contemporary genetic diversity‚ phylogenetic histories‚ demographic histories‚ and historical species distributions across both species‚ and statistically evaluated the degree of concordance in co-occurring populations.
    Citation

    Buckley, S. J., Brauer, C. J., Unmack, P. J., Hammer, M. P., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2022). Variation in intraspecific demography drives localised concordance but species-wide discordance in response to past climatic change. BMC Ecology and Evolution, 22(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-022-01990-2

  68. Keith, D. A., Allen, S. P., Gallagher, R. V., Mackenzie, B. D. E., Auld, T. D., Barrett, S., Buchan, A., English, V., Gosper, C., Kelly, D., McIllwee, A., Melrose, R. T., Miller, B. P., Neldner, V. J., Simpson, C. C., Tolsma, A. D., Rogers, D., van Leeuwen, S., White, M. D., … Tozer, M. G. (2022). Fire-related threats and transformational change in Australian ecosystems. Global Ecology and Biogeography, n/a(n/a), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13500
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/geb.13500

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Megafire events generate immediate concern for wildlife and human well-being‚ but their broader ecological impacts likely extend beyond individual species and single fire events. In the first mechanistic study of fire effects focussed on ecosystems‚ we aimed to assess the sensitivity and exposure of ecosystems to multiple fire-related threats‚ placing impacts in the context of changing fire regimes and their interactions with other threats. Location Southern and eastern Australia. Time period 2019–2020. Major species studied Australian ecosystems. Methods We defined 15 fire-related threats to ecosystems based on mechanisms associated with: (a) direct effects of fire regime components; (b) interactions between fire and physical environmental processes; (c) effects of fire on biological interactions; and (d) interactions between fire and human activity. We estimated the sensitivity and exposure of a sample of 92 ecosystem types to each threat type based on published relationships and spatial analysis of the 2019–2020 fires. Results Twenty-nine ecosystem types assessed had more than half of their distribution exposed to one or more threat types‚ and only three of those were listed as nationally threatened. Three fire-related threat types posed the most severe threats to large numbers of ecosystem types: high frequency fire; pre-fire drought; and post-fire invasive predator activity. The ecosystem types most affected ranged from rain forests to peatlands‚ and included some‚ such as sclerophyllous eucalypt forests and heathlands‚ that are traditionally regarded as fire-prone and fire-adapted. Main conclusions Most impacts of the 2019–2020 fires on ecosystems became apparent only when they were placed in the context of the whole fire regime and its interactions with other threatening processes‚ and were not direct consequences of the megafire event itself. Our mechanistic approach enables ecosystem-specific management responses for the most threatened ecosystem types to be targeted at underlying causes of degradation and decline.
    Citation

    Keith, D. A., Allen, S. P., Gallagher, R. V., Mackenzie, B. D. E., Auld, T. D., Barrett, S., Buchan, A., English, V., Gosper, C., Kelly, D., McIllwee, A., Melrose, R. T., Miller, B. P., Neldner, V. J., Simpson, C. C., Tolsma, A. D., Rogers, D., van Leeuwen, S., White, M. D., … Tozer, M. G. (2022). Fire-related threats and transformational change in Australian ecosystems. Global Ecology and Biogeography, n/a(n/a), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13500

  69. Asaduzzaman, M., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Wu, H., Koetz, E., Hopwood, M., & Shepherd, A. (2022). Phenology and Population Differentiation in Reproductive Plasticity in Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata Sw.). Agronomy, 12(3), 736. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030736
    Num Pages: 736
    Place: Basel, Switzerland
    Publisher: MDPI AG

    Agronomy
    Agronomy
    Abstract

    An understanding of phenology and reproductive plasticity of a weed species can provide valuable information to manage it precisely. This study evaluated the phenotypic plasticity of feathertop Rhodes grass (Chloris virgata Sw.) where cohorts of four different populations (two from cropping and two from roadside situations) were initiated in early spring (4 September)‚ late spring (4 November)‚ mid-summer (4 January)‚ and early autumn (4 March) in southern New South Wales (NSW)‚ Australia. The team grew individual plants in the absence of competition under natural conditions. Life-history and fitness-related traits of both phenology and morphology were measured‚ and dry biomass of vegetative and reproductive parts were determined at physiological maturity. Among the four sowing times‚ the late-spring sowing treatment took the longest time from emergence to the first seed head emergence (70–110 days)‚ while it had the shortest seed maturity period (8–16 days). Length of reproductive and total life period of the four populations differed across the four sowing-time treatments. The plants that emerged in mid-summer had the longest reproductive period (30 days) whereas the early-autumn emerging plants died before the reproductive stage because of the cold temperatures during winter. The mid-summer cohort required slightly longer time (63–85 days) to achieve seed head formation and less time (19–24 days) for seed maturity than those plants that emerged in early or late spring. All the reproductive features were varied by sowing times and population. The number of seed heads (12–15 per plant) and spikelets (12–13 per seed head)‚ as well as the seed head biomass‚ re-productive biomass allocation pattern‚ and seed production‚ generally increased in the mid-summer-emerged cohort. Seed production in the mid-summer (9942 seeds/plant) cohort was 10% and 70% higher than the late spring (8000 seeds/plant) and early spring (3240 seeds/plant) cohorts‚ respectively. The ratio of reproductive biomass to vegetative biomass increased in the mid-summer sowing times in all populations‚ and this species displayed true plasticity in reproductive allocation. Additionally‚ the four populations of feathertop Rhodes grass differed significantly in phenological‚ vegetative‚ and reproductive traits‚ depending on the sowing time. The reproductive fitness of the four populations varied‚ with the two roadside populations (FELT 04/20 and STURT/16–17) appearing to be better adapted than the two cropping populations (PARK 01/20 and GLEN 03/18). The results from our study could help construct a basic framework for a variety of weed-management tactics to achieve successful control.
    Citation

    Asaduzzaman, M., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Wu, H., Koetz, E., Hopwood, M., & Shepherd, A. (2022). Phenology and Population Differentiation in Reproductive Plasticity in Feathertop Rhodes Grass (Chloris virgata Sw.). Agronomy, 12(3), 736. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/agronomy12030736

  70. Webster, P. T. D., Shimomura, R., Rush, E. R., Leung, L. K.-P., & Murray, P. J. (2022). Distribution of Black-breasted Button-quail Turnix melanogaster in the Great Sandy Region, Queensland and associations with vegetation communities. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 0(0), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2047733
    Publisher: Taylor & Francis
    _eprint: https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2047733

    Emu - Austral Ornithology
    Abstract

    The Black-breasted Button-quail is a threatened forest inhabiting button-quail endemic to the east coast of Australia. Their distribution in the largest undeveloped portion of littoral forest within their range has‚ until this study‚ remained unsurveyed. In addition‚ their use of littoral vegetation is poorly described. Here we present findings from targeted camera trapping surveys in the Great Sandy Region collectively; K’gari (Fraser Island)‚ Cooloola and Inskip Peninsula‚ Queensland. We also review all published and unpublished reports of this species in this region‚ and assess their veracity. The associations of high veracity records with vegetation communities are presented. The species was most readily associated with littoral forest along the eastern coast of K’gari and Cooloola. Our findings reaffirm the distribution of Black-breasted Button-quail along the coast of K’gari‚ further they are distributed along the Cooloola coast and in a few isolated inland sites. This study addresses one of the persistent knowledge gaps documented in the 2010 and 2020 Action Plan for Australian Birds‚ pertaining to the species use and distribution in littoral vegetation of the Great Sandy Region. We anticipate the proposed distribution presented here will prove valuable in future surveys and research on this species in the Great Sandy region.
    Citation

    Webster, P. T. D., Shimomura, R., Rush, E. R., Leung, L. K.-P., & Murray, P. J. (2022). Distribution of Black-breasted Button-quail Turnix melanogaster in the Great Sandy Region, Queensland and associations with vegetation communities. Emu - Austral Ornithology, 0(0), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2022.2047733

  71. Carlin, T., Bufford, J. L., Hulme, P. E., & Godsoe, W. K. (2022). Global assessment of three Rumex species reveals inconsistent climatic niche shifts across introduced ranges. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1358439/v1
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1358439/v1
    ISSN: 2693-5015
    Type: article

    Abstract

    Climatic niche shifts occur when species occupy different climates in the introduced range than in their native range. Climatic niche shifts are known to occur across a range of taxa‚ however we do not currently understand whether climatic niche shifts can consistently be predicted across multiple introduced ranges. Using three congeneric weed species‚ we investigate whether climatic niche shifts in one introduced range are consistent in other ranges where the species has been introduced. We compared the climatic conditions occupied by Rumex conglomeratus ‚ R. crispus ‚ and R. obtusifolius between their native range (Eurasia) and three different introduced ranges (North America‚ Australia‚ New Zealand). We considered metrics of niche overlap‚ expansion‚ unfilling‚ pioneering‚ and similarity to determine whether climatic niche shifts were consistent across ranges and congeners. We found that the presence and direction of climatic niche shifts was inconsistent between introduced ranges for each species. Within an introduced range‚ however‚ niche shifts were qualitatively similar among species. North America and New Zealand experienced diverging niche expansion into drier and wetter climates respectively‚ whilst the niche was conserved in Australia. This work highlights how unique characteristics of an introduced range and local introduction history can drive different niche shifts‚ and that comparisons between only the native and one introduced range may misrepresent a species’ capacity for niche shifts. However‚ predictions of climatic niche shifts could be improved by comparing related species in the introduced range rather than relying on the occupied environments of the native range.
    Citation

    Carlin, T., Bufford, J. L., Hulme, P. E., & Godsoe, W. K. (2022). Global assessment of three Rumex species reveals inconsistent climatic niche shifts across introduced ranges. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1358439/v1

  72. Auld, J., Everingham, S. E., Hemmings, F. A., & Moles, A. T. (2022). Alpine plants are on the move: Quantifying distribution shifts of Australian alpine plants through time. Diversity and Distributions, ddi.13494. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13494

    Diversity and Distributions
    Diversity and Distributions
    abstract
    Citation

    Auld, J., Everingham, S. E., Hemmings, F. A., & Moles, A. T. (2022). Alpine plants are on the move: Quantifying distribution shifts of Australian alpine plants through time. Diversity and Distributions, ddi.13494. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13494

  73. Truong, T., Le, H., & Nguyen, T. (2022). CAMELLIA THUANANA (CAMELLIA SECT. CHRYSANTHA) – A NEW SPECIES FROM THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, VIETNAM. Dalat University Journal of Science, 12, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.37569/DalatUniversity.12.3.931(2022)

    Dalat University Journal of Science
    Dalat University Journal of Science
    Abstract

    Camellia thuanana‚ a new species of the genus Camellia L. (Theaceae) is described and illustrated from the Central Highlands‚ Vietnam. Morphological features of this species are small flowers and pedicellate; leaves stalked‚ anastomosing venation‚ blades oblong-elliptic to elliptic‚ sparsely hirsute along the midrib below; pedicel very short; bracteoles 2–3‚ triangular; sepals 4–(5) in opposite pairs; corolla light greenish-yellow color; petals 7–8‚ glabrous; androecium 190–200 stamens‚ light yellow‚ in 3–4 circles; gynoecium 3‚ ovary ovoid and pubescent; styles 3‚ free to the base‚ and glabrous. C. thuanana resembles C. thuongiana in some morphological characteristics. C. thuanana is classified into sect. Chrysantha by styles completely free‚ flowers yellow‚ ovaries 3–5 locular‚ and partially connate. The IUCN Redlist Category of C. thuanana was assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).
    Citation

    Truong, T., Le, H., & Nguyen, T. (2022). CAMELLIA THUANANA (CAMELLIA SECT. CHRYSANTHA) – A NEW SPECIES FROM THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS, VIETNAM. Dalat University Journal of Science, 12, 18–26. https://doi.org/10.37569/DalatUniversity.12.3.931(2022)

  74. Rozefelds, A. C., Rudall, P. J., Herne, M. C., Milroy, A. K., & Bridgeman, J. (2022). A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines (Pandanus, Pandanaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 000–000. https://doi.org/10.1086/719431
    Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

    International Journal of Plant Sciences
    Abstract

    Premise of research. The Capella region in central Queensland has yielded diverse‚ three-dimensionally preserved‚ permineralized floras that are associated with 32–28 Ma Cenozoic volcanics. A new fossil infructescence that was recently discovered from a new locality is shown to have affinities with Pandanus Parkinson‚ and it is described herein as Pandanus estellae sp. nov.
    Methodology. The affinities of the material were assessed according to a literature review of families that have syncarpous fruits or cones. The specimen was studied and photographed using conventional macromorphological approaches. Micro–computed tomography scanning was used to ascertain whether the internal structure of the fruit was preserved.
    Pivotal results. The single infructescence consists of several basally connate segments that lack a clear phyllotactic pattern and are variable in size and shape; the external surface of each segment is irregularly pentagonal-hexagonal and strongly coalescent. Each segment is interpreted as multicarpellate. Collectively‚ these features allow interpretation of the fossil as syncarpous‚ and the morphological features support placement in the monocot family Pandanaceae. The arrangement of segments is consistent with the polydrupes that characterize most species of Pandanus‚ but the small size of the infructescence of P. estellae differs from fruits of modern species in the genus‚ which are typically much larger. The anatomy of P. estellae is not preserved. The inferred Early Oligocene age for the fossil fruit predates current estimates‚ which are based on molecular data and limited calibration points‚ by about 8–10 Myr for the split of Benstonea Callm. and Buerki from Pandanus.
    Conclusions. The new species P. estellae is significant because it provides credible pre-Pleistocene evidence of the genus and is the oldest unequivocal fruit of Pandanus currently known. Its occurrence in Australia supports a Gondwanan history for the family.
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A. C., Rudall, P. J., Herne, M. C., Milroy, A. K., & Bridgeman, J. (2022). A Fossil Syncarpous Fruit from Australia Provides Support for a Gondwanan History for the Screw Pines (Pandanus, Pandanaceae). International Journal of Plant Sciences, 000–000. https://doi.org/10.1086/719431

  75. Andrew, S. C., Gallagher, R. V., Wright, I. J., & Mokany, K. (2022). Assessing the vulnerability of plant functional trait strategies to climate change. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13501
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/geb.13501

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Our ability to understand how species may respond to changing climate conditions is hampered by a lack of high-quality data on the adaptive capacity of species. Plant functional traits are linked to many aspects of species life history and adaptation to environment‚ with different combinations of trait values reflecting alternate strategies for adapting to varied conditions. If the realized climate limits of species can be partially explained by plant functional trait combinations‚ then a new approach of using trait combinations to predict the expected climate limits of species trait combinations may offer considerable benefits. Location Australia. Time period Current and future. Methods Using trait data for leaf size‚ seed mass and plant height for 6‚747 Australian native species from 27 plant families‚ we model the expected climate limits of trait combinations and use future climate scenarios to estimate climate change impacts based on plant functional trait strategies. Results Functional trait combinations were a significant predictor of species climate niche metrics with potentially meaningful relationships with two rainfall variables (R2 = .36 & .45) and three temperature variables (R2 = .21‚ .28‚ .30). Using this method‚ the proportion of species exposed to conditions across their range that are beyond the expected climate limits of their trait strategies will increase under climate change. Main conclusions Our new approach‚ called trait strategy vulnerability‚ includes three new metrics. For example‚ the climate change vulnerability (CCV) metric identified a small but important proportion of species (4.3%) that will on average be exposed to conditions beyond their expected limits for summer temperature in the future. These potentially vulnerable species could be high priority targets for deeper assessment of adaptive capacity at the genomic or physiological level. Our methods can be applied to any suite of co-occurring plants globally.
    Citation

    Andrew, S. C., Gallagher, R. V., Wright, I. J., & Mokany, K. (2022). Assessing the vulnerability of plant functional trait strategies to climate change. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.13501

  76. Ramm, T., Thorn, K. M., A. Hipsley, C., Müller, J., Hocknull, S., & Melville, J. (2022). Herpetofaunal diversity changes with climate: evidence from the Quaternary of McEachern’s Deathtrap Cave, southeastern Australia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2021.2009844

    Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology
    Abstract

    The Quaternary Period is characterized by dramatic global climatic changes. Quaternary fossil deposits‚ which can offer excellent stratigraphic resolution‚ provide a unique opportunity to understand how fauna respond to past environmental change. Here‚ we test if the herpetofauna of McEachern’s Deathtrap Cave‚ a late Pleistocene to Holocene pitfall trap deposit from Victoria‚ Australia‚ shows climate-related shifts in taxonomic relative abundance through time. During the last 14‚000 years‚ southeastern Australia experienced pronounced periods of aridity‚ while temperatures remained relatively stable. We show that the stratigraphic layers of this deposit are characterized by different relative abundances of reptile subfamilies‚ and that changes in subfamily abundance between layers correlate with known shifts to aridity‚ based on the percentage of C4 grasses present in the region. We further identify 13 lizard morphotypes from the fossil deposit and compare this diversity with the present-day lizard fauna. Our analyses indicate that gradual changes in community structure‚ which are typically observed in southeastern Australian vertebrate communities during the Pleistocene–Holocene transition‚ can partly be explained by changing aridity. These findings represent an important contribution to understanding Quaternary community change in Australia‚ particularly because evidence of faunal succession of reptile and amphibian communities in Victoria is lacking. Our results further demonstrate the utility of the Australian herpetofaunal fossil record for detecting community responses to past climate change on relatively shallow timescales and at higher levels of taxonomic identification. © 2022 Till Ramm‚ Kailah M. Thorn‚ Christy A. Hipsley‚ Johannes Müller‚ Scott Hocknull‚ and Jane Melville.
    Citation

    Ramm, T., Thorn, K. M., A. Hipsley, C., Müller, J., Hocknull, S., & Melville, J. (2022). Herpetofaunal diversity changes with climate: evidence from the Quaternary of McEachern’s Deathtrap Cave, southeastern Australia. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2021.2009844

  77. Cunningham, C. X., Perry, G. L. W., Bowman, D. M. J. S., Forsyth, D. M., Driessen, M. M., Appleby, M., Brook, B. W., Hocking, G., Buettel, J. C., French, B. J., Hamer, R., Bryant, S. L., Taylor, M., Gardiner, R., Proft, K., Scoleri, V. P., Chiu-Werner, A., Travers, T., Thompson, L., … Johnson, C. N. (2022). Dynamics and predicted distribution of an irrupting ‘sleeper’ population: fallow deer in Tasmania. Biological Invasions, 24(4), 1131–1147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02703-4

    Biological Invasions
    Biol Invasions
    Abstract

    Sleeper populations of non-native species can remain at low abundance for decades before irrupting. For over a century‚ fallow deer (Dama dama) in the island state of Tasmania‚ Australia‚ remained at low abundance and close to the region in which they were released. Recently‚ there are indications the population has increased in abundance and distribution. Here‚ we spatially quantify the population change using a time series of annual spotlight counts from 1985 to 2019 (up to 172 transects annually‚ totalling of 5756 transect counts). Next‚ we predict the potential for further range expansion‚ using global occurrences to characterise the species’ climatic niche‚ and remote-camera surveys (3225 camera sites) to model fine-grained habitat suitability. Spotlight counts of fallow deer increased by 11.5% annually‚ resulting in a 40-fold increase from 1985 to 2019. The core distribution increased 2.9-fold during this 35-year period‚ and now spans c. 27% of Tasmania’s land area. Satellite populations have established in locations where farmed deer have escaped or been released‚ suggesting that humans have facilitated range expansion via new introduction events. Based on climate and habitat suitability‚ our models predict that 56% of Tasmania is suitable under the current climate. This suggests range expansion is likely to continue unless the population is actively managed‚ which could include the eradication of satellite populations and containment of core populations. This case study cautions that despite over a century of slow population growth‚ sleeper populations of non-native species can abruptly increase.
    Citation

    Cunningham, C. X., Perry, G. L. W., Bowman, D. M. J. S., Forsyth, D. M., Driessen, M. M., Appleby, M., Brook, B. W., Hocking, G., Buettel, J. C., French, B. J., Hamer, R., Bryant, S. L., Taylor, M., Gardiner, R., Proft, K., Scoleri, V. P., Chiu-Werner, A., Travers, T., Thompson, L., … Johnson, C. N. (2022). Dynamics and predicted distribution of an irrupting ‘sleeper’ population: fallow deer in Tasmania. Biological Invasions, 24(4), 1131–1147. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02703-4

  78. Cacho, O. J., & Hester, S. M. (2022). Modelling biocontrol of invasive insects: An application to European Wasp (Vespula germanica) in Australia. Ecological Modelling, 467, 109939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.109939

    Ecological Modelling
    Ecological Modelling
    abstract
    Citation

    Cacho, O. J., & Hester, S. M. (2022). Modelling biocontrol of invasive insects: An application to European Wasp (Vespula germanica) in Australia. Ecological Modelling, 467, 109939. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2022.109939

  79. Preece, N., & Fitzsimons, J. (2022). Gaps in Monitoring Leave Northern Australian Mammal Fauna with Uncertain Futures. Diversity, 14, 158. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030158

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    Northern Australian biomes hold high biodiversity values within largely intact vegetation complexes‚ yet many species of mammals‚ and some other taxa‚ are endangered. Recently‚ six mammal species were added to the 20 or so already listed in the Australian endangered category. Current predictions suggest that nine species of mammal in northern Australia are in imminent danger of extinction within 20 years. We examine the robustness of the assumptions of status and trends in light of the low levels of monitoring of species and ecosystems across northern Australia‚ including monitoring the effects of management actions. The causes of the declines include a warming climate‚ pest species‚ changed fire regimes‚ grazing by introduced herbivores‚ and diseases‚ and work to help species and ecosystems recover is being conducted across the region. Indigenous custodians who work on the land have the potential and capacity to provide a significant human resource to tackle the challenge of species recovery. By working with non-Indigenous researchers and conservation managers‚ and with adequate support and incentives‚ many improvements in species’ downward trajectories could be made. We propose a strategy to establish a network of monitoring sites based on a pragmatic approach by prioritizing particular bioregions. The policies that determine research and monitoring investment need to be re-set and new and modified approaches need to be implemented urgently. The funding needs to be returned to levels that are adequate for the task. At present resourcing levels‚ species are likely to become extinct through an avoidable attrition process .
    Citation

    Preece, N., & Fitzsimons, J. (2022). Gaps in Monitoring Leave Northern Australian Mammal Fauna with Uncertain Futures. Diversity, 14, 158. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14030158

  80. Dart, K., Latty, T., & Greenville, A. (2022). Citizen science reveals current distribution, predicted habitat suitability and resource requirements of the introduced African Carder Bee Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum in Australia. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02753-2

    Biological Invasions
    Biol Invasions
    Abstract

    The introduction of non-native bee species is a major driver of ecosystem change resulting in the spread of non-native weeds‚ alterations to plant-pollinator interactions and competition with native species for food and nesting resources. Our lack of ecological information for many non-native organisms hinders our ability to understand the impacts of species introductions. This is often compounded by the Wallacean Shortfall—a lack of adequate knowledge of a species’ distribution in geographic space. In Australia‚ the African carder bee (Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum) was first observed in 2000 and has since become one of the most common bees in some regions. Despite its rapid population increase and range expansion‚ little is known about the ecology or distribution of P. repetitum. In this study‚ we determine the flower preferences‚ current distribution and predicted areas at risk of future invasion of P. repetitum using opportunistic data collected from citizen science websites‚ social media and museum records. We found that the current distribution of P. repetitum in Australia encompasses approximately 332‚000 km2 concentrated along the eastern coast. We found considerable suitable habitat outside the current distribution including biodiversity hotspots and world heritage listed natural areas. Pseudoanthidium repetitum foraged on a wide range of plants from many families and can thus be classified as a generalist forager (polylectic). Our results suggest that P. repetitum is well suited for continued expansion in coastal Australia. Our results demonstrate the effective application of opportunistic data in overcoming knowledge gaps in species ecology and modelling of introduced species distribution.
    Citation

    Dart, K., Latty, T., & Greenville, A. (2022). Citizen science reveals current distribution, predicted habitat suitability and resource requirements of the introduced African Carder Bee Pseudoanthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum in Australia. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-022-02753-2

  81. Ahl, L. I., & Enghoff, H. (2022). MS1.3 Corpus of previous studies on prioritisation of digitisation compiled. Natural History Museum of Denmark (NHMD), University of Copenhagen. https://know.dissco.eu/bitstream/item/463/1/DPP_WP1_MS1.3%20Corpus%20of%20previous%20studies%20on%20prioritisation%20of%20digitisation%20compiled%20%281%29.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Ahl, L. I., & Enghoff, H. (2022). MS1.3 Corpus of previous studies on prioritisation of digitisation compiled. Natural History Museum of Denmark (NHMD), University of Copenhagen. https://know.dissco.eu/bitstream/item/463/1/DPP_WP1_MS1.3%20Corpus%20of%20previous%20studies%20on%20prioritisation%20of%20digitisation%20compiled%20%281%29.pdf

  82. Leppitt, R., Einoder, L., Kyne, P. M., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Garnett, S. (2022). Understanding habitat use of the Endangered Alligator Rivers Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi to inform monitoring and management. Bird Conservation International, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270921000447
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press

    Bird Conservation International
    Abstract

    Knowledge of where a threatened species occurs in a landscape is crucial for determining its habitat requirements and informing its conservation planning and management. We conducted the first broad-scale survey of the Endangered Alligator Rivers Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi across much of its known range on drying coastal floodplains in northern Australia. Presence-absence records from 257 sites surveyed in the late dry season (August–December) of 2018 and 2019 were modelled using occupancy/detectability models. Occupancy was estimated to be 0.10 ± 0.04 with a high detection probability (0.89 ± 0.07). Modelling of 13 site-level environmental covariates found that chats were more likely to be detected at sites where the native shrub Sesbania sesban was present‚ were close to hydrogeological features such as depressions or channels‚ were long unburnt (5+ years) and/or with topsoil damage caused by feral pigs. Our estimates of chat occupancy‚ detectability‚ and the covariates that influence their occupancy‚ have improved our understanding of the role that fire and feral animals have on chat distribution and habitat selection‚ and can be used as a baseline for future monitoring. We also provide recommendations on how to design and implement future monitoring of this subspecies.
    Citation

    Leppitt, R., Einoder, L., Kyne, P. M., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Garnett, S. (2022). Understanding habitat use of the Endangered Alligator Rivers Yellow Chat Epthianura crocea tunneyi to inform monitoring and management. Bird Conservation International, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270921000447

  83. Sanaei, E., Albery, G., Yeoh, Y. K., Lin, Y.-P., Cook, L., & Engelstädter, J. (2022). Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects Running title: Wolbachia host shifts [Preprint]. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.22541/au.164544146.67062526/v1
    DOI: 10.22541/au.164544146.67062526/v1

    Abstract

    Wolbachia are among the most prevalent and widespread endosymbiotic
    bacteria on earth. Wolbachia’s success in infecting an enormous number
    of arthropod species is attributed to two features: the range of
    phenotypes they induce in their hosts‚ and their ability to switch
    between host species. Whilst much progress has been made in elucidating
    their induced phenotypes‚ our understanding of Wolbachia host shifting
    is still very limited: we lack answers to even fundamental questions
    concerning Wolbachia’s routes of transfer and the importance of factors
    influencing host shifts. Here‚ we investigate the diversity and
    host-shift patterns of Wolbachia in scale insects‚ a group of arthropods
    with intimate associations with other insects that make them well-suited
    to studying host shifts. Using Illumina pooled amplicon sequencing of
    Wolbachia-infected scale insects and their direct associates we
    determined the identity of all Wolbachia strains. We then fitted a
    Generalised Additive Mixed Model (GAMM) to our data to estimate the
    influence of host phylogeny and the geographic distribution on Wolbachia
    strain sharing among scale insect species. The model predicts no
    significant contribution of host geography but strong effects of host
    phylogeny‚ with high rates of Wolbachia sharing among closely related
    species and a sudden drop-off in sharing with increasing phylogenetic
    distance. We also detected the same Wolbachia strain in scale insects
    and several intimately associated species (ants‚ wasps‚ beetles‚ and
    flies). This indicates putative host shifts and potential routes of
    transfers via these associates and highlights the importance of
    ecological connectivity in Wolbachia host-shifting.
    Citation

    Sanaei, E., Albery, G., Yeoh, Y. K., Lin, Y.-P., Cook, L., & Engelstädter, J. (2022). Host phylogeny and ecological associations best explain Wolbachia host shifts in scale insects Running title: Wolbachia host shifts [Preprint]. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.22541/au.164544146.67062526/v1

  84. Champion, C., Hobday, A. J., Zhang, X., & Coleman, M. A. (2022). Climate change alters the temporal persistence of coastal-pelagic fishes off eastern Australia. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsac025. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac025

    ICES Journal of Marine Science
    ICES Journal of Marine Science
    Abstract

    The climate-driven redistribution of fisheries species is altering their availability to fishers‚ necessitating projections of species redistributions that directly relate to future fishing opportunities. We propose that a valuable proxy for fishing opportunity is the proportion of the year that target species are available to fishers‚ which can be approximated by the temporal persistence of suitable habitat in defined regions. Here‚ we quantify changes in temporal habitat persistence (months/year) within five eastern Australian bioregions over the period 2010–2060 for four coastal-pelagic fishes: bonito (Sarda australis)‚ spotted mackerel (Scomberomorus munroi)‚ Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) and dolphinfish (Coryphaena hippurus). When species were analysed collectively‚ a significant reduction in the temporal persistence of suitable environmental habitats was evident in the most equatorward (i.e. Tweed-Moreton) bioregion‚ while significant positive increases were found for poleward bioregions (e.g. Batemans and Twofold Shelf bioregions). The greatest increases in temporal habitat persistence were projected for bonito in the Batemans Shelf bioregion and Spanish mackerel in the Hawkesbury Shelf bioregion (+2.2 and + 1.5 months/year between 10-year averages centered on 2020 and 2050‚ respectively). By demonstrating temporal habitat persistence as a measure of fishing opportunity‚ we highlight the potential for this metric to be an effective means of communicating to fishing stakeholders the need to adapt to climate change.
    Citation

    Champion, C., Hobday, A. J., Zhang, X., & Coleman, M. A. (2022). Climate change alters the temporal persistence of coastal-pelagic fishes off eastern Australia. ICES Journal of Marine Science, fsac025. https://doi.org/10.1093/icesjms/fsac025

  85. Clark, N. J., Proboste, T., Weerasinghe, G., & Magalhães, R. J. S. (2022). Near-term forecasting of companion animal tick paralysis incidence: An iterative ensemble model. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(2), e1009874. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009874
    Publisher: Public Library of Science

    PLOS Computational Biology
    PLOS Computational Biology
    Abstract

    Tick paralysis resulting from bites from Ixodes holocyclus and I. cornuatus is one of the leading causes of emergency veterinary admissions for companion animals in Australia‚ often resulting in death if left untreated. Availability of timely information on periods of increased risk can help modulate behaviors that reduce exposures to ticks and improve awareness of owners for the need of lifesaving preventative ectoparasite treatment. Improved awareness of clinicians and pet owners about temporal changes in tick paralysis risk can be assisted by ecological forecasting frameworks that integrate environmental information into statistical time series models. Using an 11-year time series of tick paralysis cases from veterinary clinics in one of Australia’s hotspots for the paralysis tick Ixodes holocyclus‚ we asked whether an ensemble model could accurately forecast clinical caseloads over near-term horizons. We fit a series of statistical time series (ARIMA‚ GARCH) and generative models (Prophet‚ Generalised Additive Model) using environmental variables as predictors‚ and then combined forecasts into a weighted ensemble to minimise prediction interval error. Our results indicate that variables related to temperature anomalies‚ levels of vegetation moisture and the Southern Oscillation Index can be useful for predicting tick paralysis admissions. Our model forecasted tick paralysis cases with exceptional accuracy while preserving epidemiological interpretability‚ outperforming a field-leading benchmark Exponential Smoothing model by reducing both point and prediction interval errors. Using online particle filtering to assimilate new observations and adjust forecast distributions when new data became available‚ our model adapted to changing temporal conditions and provided further reduced forecast errors. We expect our model pipeline to act as a platform for developing early warning systems that can notify clinicians and pet owners about heightened risks of environmentally driven veterinary conditions.
    Citation

    Clark, N. J., Proboste, T., Weerasinghe, G., & Magalhães, R. J. S. (2022). Near-term forecasting of companion animal tick paralysis incidence: An iterative ensemble model. PLOS Computational Biology, 18(2), e1009874. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009874

  86. Diengdoh, V. L., Ondei, S., Amin, R. J., Hunt, M., & Brook, B. W. (2022). Landscape functional connectivity for butterflies under different scenarios of land-use, land-cover, and climate change in Australia [Preprint]. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.02.07.479372
    DOI: 10.1101/2022.02.07.479372

    Abstract

    Abstract
    Pollinating invertebrates are vital to terrestrial ecosystems but are impacted by anthropogenic habitat loss/fragmentation and climate change. Conserving and improving landscape connectivity is important to offset those threats‚ yet its assessment for invertebrates is lacking. In this study‚ we evaluated the functional connectivity between protected areas in Australia for 59 butterfly species‚ under present conditions and different future scenarios (for 2050 and 2090) of land-use‚ land-cover‚ and climate change. Using circuit-theory analysis‚ we found that functional connectivity under present conditions varies widely between species‚ even when their estimated geographical ranges are similar. Under future scenarios‚ functional connectivity is predicted to decrease overall‚ with negative changes worsening from 2050 to 2090‚ although a few species are positive exceptions. We have made our results available as spatial datasets to allow comparisons with taxa from other studies and can be used to identify priority areas for conservation in terms of establishing ecological corridors or stepping-stone habitat patches. Our study highlights the importance of considering pollinating invertebrates when seeking holistic conservation and restoration of a landscape’s functional connectivity‚ underscoring the need to expand and promote protected areas to facilitate functional connectivity under future scenarios of global change.
    Research Data
    The habitat suitability maps and functional connectivity maps are made available as GeoTiff images via Figshare (10.6084/m9.figshare.19130078).
    Citation

    Diengdoh, V. L., Ondei, S., Amin, R. J., Hunt, M., & Brook, B. W. (2022). Landscape functional connectivity for butterflies under different scenarios of land-use, land-cover, and climate change in Australia [Preprint]. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2022.02.07.479372

  87. Cazzolla Gatti, R., Reich, P. B., Gamarra, J. G. P., Crowther, T., Hui, C., Morera, A., Bastin, J.-F., de-Miguel, S., Nabuurs, G.-J., Svenning, J.-C., Serra-Diaz, J. M., Merow, C., Enquist, B., Kamenetsky, M., Lee, J., Zhu, J., Fang, J., Jacobs, D. F., Pijanowski, B., … Liang, J. (2022). The number of tree species on Earth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(6), e2115329119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2115329119

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
    Abstract

    One of the most fundamental questions in ecology is how many species inhabit the Earth. However‚ due to massive logistical and financial challenges and taxonomic difficulties connected to the species concept definition‚ the global numbers of species‚ including those of important and well-studied life forms such as trees‚ still remain largely unknown. Here‚ based on global ground-sourced data‚ we estimate the total tree species richness at global‚ continental‚ and biome levels. Our results indicate that there are ∼73‚000 tree species globally‚ among which ∼9‚000 tree species are yet to be discovered. Roughly 40% of undiscovered tree species are in South America. Moreover‚ almost one-third of all tree species to be discovered may be rare‚ with very low populations and limited spatial distribution (likely in remote tropical lowlands and mountains). These findings highlight the vulnerability of global forest biodiversity to anthropogenic changes in land use and climate‚ which disproportionately threaten rare species and thus‚ global tree richness.
    Citation

    Cazzolla Gatti, R., Reich, P. B., Gamarra, J. G. P., Crowther, T., Hui, C., Morera, A., Bastin, J.-F., de-Miguel, S., Nabuurs, G.-J., Svenning, J.-C., Serra-Diaz, J. M., Merow, C., Enquist, B., Kamenetsky, M., Lee, J., Zhu, J., Fang, J., Jacobs, D. F., Pijanowski, B., … Liang, J. (2022). The number of tree species on Earth. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 119(6), e2115329119. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2115329119

  88. Carvalho, C., Davis, R., Connallon, T., Gleadow, R. M., Moore, J. L., & Uesugi, A. (2022). Multivariate selection mediated by aridity predicts divergence of drought resistant traits along natural aridity gradients of an invasive weed. New Phytologist, nph.18018. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18018

    New Phytologist
    New Phytologist
    abstract
    Citation

    Carvalho, C., Davis, R., Connallon, T., Gleadow, R. M., Moore, J. L., & Uesugi, A. (2022). Multivariate selection mediated by aridity predicts divergence of drought resistant traits along natural aridity gradients of an invasive weed. New Phytologist, nph.18018. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18018

  89. Sampson, J., & Byrne, M. (2022). Genetic Differentiation among Subspecies of Banksia nivea (Proteaceae) Associated with Expansion and Habitat Specialization. Diversity, 14(2), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020098
    Number: 2
    Publisher: Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    Subspecies are traditionally defined using phenotypic differences associated with different geographical areas. Yet patterns of morphological and genetic variation may not coincide and thereby fail to reflect species’ evolutionary history. The division of the shrub Banksia nivea Labill. into one widespread (B. nivea subsp. nivea) and two geographically localized subspecies (B. nivea subsp. uliginosa (A.S. George) A.R. Mast & K.R. Thiele and B. nivea subsp. Morangup (M. Pieroni 94/2)) in south-west Australia has been based mainly on variation in leaf shape and pistil length‚ although flowering time and habitat differences are also evident‚ and subsp. uliginosa occurs on a different substrate. To assess the genetic divergence of B. nivea subspecies‚ we genotyped representatives from each subspecies for nuclear microsatellite and non-coding chloroplast sequence variation. We used distance and parsimony-based methods to assess genetic relatedness. Patterns were consistent with the existing taxonomy of subsp. nivea and uliginosa but not subsp. Morangup. Phylogenetic analyses revealed evidence for a more recent divergence of subsp. uliginosa associated with expansion from dryer sandy soils into the winter-wet ironstone soils in the southwest of Western Australia‚ consistent with progressive long-term climatic drying. Nuclear microsatellites showed low to moderate diversity‚ high population differentiation overall‚ and genetic structuring of subspecies in different biogeographical areas. We propose this pattern reflects the predicted impact of a patchy distribution‚ small populations‚ and restrictions to gene flow driven by both distance and biogeographic differences in subspecies’ habitats.
    Citation

    Sampson, J., & Byrne, M. (2022). Genetic Differentiation among Subspecies of Banksia nivea (Proteaceae) Associated with Expansion and Habitat Specialization. Diversity, 14(2), 98. https://doi.org/10.3390/d14020098

  90. Zhao, Y., Romero, J., & Mohammadian, M. (2022). Issues Related to Modelling and Parameter Settings of Models for Ecological Systems the Case of Distribution of Thorny Devil. 2022 2nd International Conference on Innovative Practices in Technology and Management (ICIPTM), 2, 669–674. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIPTM54933.2022.9754199

    2022 2nd International Conference on Innovative Practices in Technology and Management (ICIPTM)
    ICIPTM
    Abstract

    Ecological modelling is a kind of important framework applied in environmental protection decision-making and strategies generation. The data sets used for ecological systems are complex and mega‚ and the elements to affect modelling are multiple and complex. Optimizing ecological species modelling is difficult. Configuration selection is one step in ecological modelling‚ which might improve models. Researchers need to understand the importance of configuration selection‚ which require more investigation in this area. The purpose of this paper is to advance Thorny Devil distribution modelling by evaluating and providing several modelling techniques with robustness criteria operation framework to improve the modelling of Thorny Devil distribution in Australia. This paper provides the results of several models for Thorny Devil distribution models and compares the results of these models. It also discusses which models would be more suitable for a field-based implementation‚ based on the parameters set. It also provides more references for configuration selection strategies.
    Citation

    Zhao, Y., Romero, J., & Mohammadian, M. (2022). Issues Related to Modelling and Parameter Settings of Models for Ecological Systems the Case of Distribution of Thorny Devil. 2022 2nd International Conference on Innovative Practices in Technology and Management (ICIPTM), 2, 669–674. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIPTM54933.2022.9754199

  91. Stewart, B. A., Ford, B. M., & Benson, J. A. (2022). Using species distribution modelling to identify ‘coldspots’ for conservation of freshwater fishes under a changing climate. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3793
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/aqc.3793

    Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
    Abstract

    Like other Mediterranean regions‚ south-western Australia is predicted to experience an increase in temperature and drought conditions as a result of climate change‚ leading to altered species distributions. This study provides the first assessment of the effectiveness of the reserve system in Australia for conserving native freshwater fish by considering the congruence between protected areas and potential climate refugia in a global biodiversity hotspot. Using species distribution modelling‚ exposure to climate change was predicted for 13 native fish taxa‚ and priority areas (refugia) for fish conservation were identified by overlapping the present and future suitable climate envelopes of these taxa. Areas with climate refugia for >70% of the native freshwater fish fauna were recognized as ‘coldspots’. Two taxa were predicted to lose all suitable climate in the region by 2080‚ and five other taxa were predicted to lose >80% of their area of suitable climate. A ‘coldspot’ was identified consisting of a core area where >80% of taxa were predicted to persist and a larger surrounding area where >70% of taxa were predicted to persist. Although 93% of the core area of the coldspot is at present contained within the established protected areas network‚ only 26% of the surrounding area is contained within reserve boundaries. Future conservation actions‚ including the design and implementation of the protected area network‚ should take this coldspot into consideration.
    Citation

    Stewart, B. A., Ford, B. M., & Benson, J. A. (2022). Using species distribution modelling to identify ‘coldspots’ for conservation of freshwater fishes under a changing climate. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1002/aqc.3793

  92. Whittington, C. M., Van Dyke, J. U., Liang, S. Q. T., Edwards, S. V., Shine, R., Thompson, M. B., & Grueber, C. E. (2022). Understanding the evolution of viviparity using intraspecific variation in reproductive mode and transitional forms of pregnancy. Biological Reviews, brv.12836. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12836

    Biological Reviews
    Biological Reviews
    abstract
    Citation

    Whittington, C. M., Van Dyke, J. U., Liang, S. Q. T., Edwards, S. V., Shine, R., Thompson, M. B., & Grueber, C. E. (2022). Understanding the evolution of viviparity using intraspecific variation in reproductive mode and transitional forms of pregnancy. Biological Reviews, brv.12836. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12836

  93. Zhao, Y., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Antunes, A., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2022). Biomedical Potential of the Neglected Molluscivorous and Vermivorous Conus Species. Marine Drugs, 20(2), 105. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/md20020105
    Num Pages: 105
    Place: Basel, Switzerland
    Publisher: MDPI AG

    Marine Drugs
    Abstract

    Within the Conidae family‚ the piscivorous Conus species have been a hotspot target for drug discovery. Here‚ we assess the relevance of Conus and their other feeding habits‚ and thus under distinctive evolutionary constraints‚ to highlight the potential of neglected molluscivorous and vermivorous species in biomedical research and pharmaceutical industry. By singling out the areas with inadequate Conus disquisition‚ such as the Tamil Nadu Coast and the Andaman Islands‚ research resources can be expanded and better protected through awareness. In this study‚ 728 Conus species and 190 species from three other genera (1 from Californiconus‚ 159 from Conasprella and 30 from Profundiconus) in the Conidae family are assessed. The phylogenetic relationships of the Conidae species are determined and their known feeding habits superimposed. The worm-hunting species appeared first‚ and later the mollusc- and fish-hunting species were derived independently in the Neogene period (around 23 million years ago). Interestingly‚ many Conus species in the warm and shallow waters become polyphagous‚ allowing them to hunt both fish and worms‚ given the opportunities. Such newly gained trait is multi originated. This is controversial‚ given the traditional idea that most Conus species are specialized to hunt certain prey categories. However‚ it shows the functional complexity and great potential of conopeptides from some worm-eating species. Pharmaceutical attempts and relevant omics data have been differentially obtained. Indeed‚ data from the fish-hunting species receive strong preference over the worm-hunting ones. Expectedly‚ conopeptides from the fish-hunting species are believed to include the most potential candidates for biomedical research. Our work revisits major findings throughout the Conus evolution and emphasizes the importance of increasing omics surveys complemented with further behavior observation studies. Hence‚ we claim that Conus species and their feeding habits are equally important‚ highlighting many places left for Conus exploration worldwide. We also discuss the Conotoxin drug discovery potentials and the urgency of protecting the bioresources of Conus species. In particular‚ some vermivorous species have demonstrated great potential in malaria therapy‚ while other conotoxins from several worm- and mollusc-eating species exhibited explicit correlation with SARS-CoV-2. Reclaiming idle data with new perspectives could also promote interdisciplinary studies in both virological and toxicological fields.
    Citation

    Zhao, Y., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Antunes, A., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2022). Biomedical Potential of the Neglected Molluscivorous and Vermivorous Conus Species. Marine Drugs, 20(2), 105. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/md20020105

  94. Booth, E. J., Sandoval-Castillo, J., Attard, C. R. M., Gilligan, D. M., Unmack, P. J., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2022). Aridification-driven evolution of a migratory fish revealed by niche modelling and coalescence simulations. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14337
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jbi.14337

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Major knowledge gaps exist regarding the evolution of arid zone organisms. For freshwater species with high dispersal potential‚ little is known if historical aridification influenced connectivity across drainage divides and impacted on their divergence and diversification. We tested the hypothesis that the historical aridification of Australia promoted the isolation and influenced the demographic histories and evolutionary divergence of a migratory group of freshwater obligates. Location Central and eastern Australia; Murray–Darling Basin (MDB)‚ Lake Eyre Basin (LEB)‚ Fitzroy Basin (FIT). Taxon Three lineages of golden perch (Macquaria ambigua)‚ a widespread fishery resource from inland Australia. Methods We obtained genome-wide data for golden perch sampled throughout their range. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using maximum likelihood. Species distribution modelling was used to predict contemporary and past distributions for the three lineages and to develop hypotheses regarding their biogeographic and demographic histories. Hypotheses were independently tested using coalescent simulations in fastsimcoal and DIYABC with the genomic dataset. Results We found evidence for three reciprocally monophyletic lineages that have experienced little to nil genetic connectivity since divergence. Coalescent models suggest that the coastal (FIT) and inland (MDB and LEB) lineages diverged 103 thousand years ago (ka)‚ followed by the split of MDB and LEB lineages 58 ka. These timings agree with reductions of large freshwater environments in Australia during the late Pleistocene. Species distribution models show an extreme decrease in habitat during the Last Glacial Maximum 21 ka‚ consistent with inferred demographic contractions in coalescent tests. Main conclusions We reveal that aridification of Australia during the late Pleistocene has driven and reinforced the divergence of a migratory freshwater obligate. Our findings are important for informing the conservation management of aquatic organisms under climate change. This work further demonstrates the value of using species distribution modelling to formulate diversification hypotheses and to improve interpretation of coalescent analyses.
    Citation

    Booth, E. J., Sandoval-Castillo, J., Attard, C. R. M., Gilligan, D. M., Unmack, P. J., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2022). Aridification-driven evolution of a migratory fish revealed by niche modelling and coalescence simulations. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.14337

  95. Bradford, M., Venz, M., Bell, K. L., Hogan, L., Smith, G. C., Eby, P., Eyre, T. J., McKeown, A., Vanderduys, E., MacDonald, S., & Westcott, D. (2022). The diet of a specialist nectarivore in Australia: The little red flying‐fox (Pteropus scapulatus, Pteropodidae). Austral Ecology, aec.13143. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13143

    Austral Ecology
    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Bradford, M., Venz, M., Bell, K. L., Hogan, L., Smith, G. C., Eby, P., Eyre, T. J., McKeown, A., Vanderduys, E., MacDonald, S., & Westcott, D. (2022). The diet of a specialist nectarivore in Australia: The little red flying‐fox (Pteropus scapulatus, Pteropodidae). Austral Ecology, aec.13143. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13143

  96. Kemper, C. M., Steele-Collins, E., Al-Humaidhi, A., Segawa Fellowes, T., Marsh, O., & Charlton, C. (2022). Encounter Bay, South Australia, an important aggregation and nursery area for the southern right whale,Eubalaena australis Balaenidae: Cetacea). Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2021.2018759

    Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia
    Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia
    Abstract

    Endangered Australian southern right whales‚ Eubalaena australis‚ are vulnerable to threats from human activities‚ particularly at calving aggregation areas. As the population increases‚ new calving areas are being established‚ which are important to monitor. In the Encounter Bay/Lacepede Bay region‚ South Australia‚ distribution‚ rela- tive abundance‚ residency and site fidelity were studied using historical sightings (n = 1071‚ 1970–2013) and photo-identified individuals (n = 191‚ 2006–2019). Whales were observed throughout the study area and concentrated in Encounter Bay during April to November where an inshore core calving area was identified between Port Elliot and the River Murray Mouth. Annual maximum daily sightings increased from 2 to 8 (X� = 2.9) whales during 1983–1997 to 1–25 (X� = 8.6) after 2002. Numbers of identified female-calf pairs (CC) increased from 10 (2006–2012) to 31 (2013–2019). During 2013–2019‚ when survey effort increased‚ a mean of 4.4 (1–9 pairs/year) CC and 18.0 (7–40/year) unaccompanied animals (UA) visited Encounter Bay each season. Mean residency was greater for CC (51.3‚ 13–126 days) than UA (13.4‚ 2–40 days). Calving females that arrived pregnant had more than twice the residency time than those first sighted with a calf. A quarter of calving females returned in two or three subsequent seasons. Encounter Bay is an important calving area and requires re- classification by the Commonwealth from “emerging aggregation area” to “small‚ established aggregation area”. Ongoing research is needed to document southern right whale population dynamics at Encounter Bay in the context of the broader Australian population.
    Citation

    Kemper, C. M., Steele-Collins, E., Al-Humaidhi, A., Segawa Fellowes, T., Marsh, O., & Charlton, C. (2022). Encounter Bay, South Australia, an important aggregation and nursery area for the southern right whale,Eubalaena australis Balaenidae: Cetacea). Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2021.2018759

  97. Hall, M. A., Stavert, J. R., Saunders, M. E., Barr, S., Haberle, S. G., & Rader, R. (2022). Pollen–insect interaction meta‐networks identify key relationships for conservation in mosaic agricultural landscapes. Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2537

    Ecological Applications
    Ecological Applications
    abstract
    Citation

    Hall, M. A., Stavert, J. R., Saunders, M. E., Barr, S., Haberle, S. G., & Rader, R. (2022). Pollen–insect interaction meta‐networks identify key relationships for conservation in mosaic agricultural landscapes. Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2537

  98. Wang, W., Durden, L. A., & Shao, R. (2022). A new species of sucking louse (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the pale field rat, Rattus tunneyi (Rodentia: Muridae), in Australia. Zootaxa, 5091(3), 477–486. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5091.3.7
    PMID: 35391235

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    We describe and illustrate a new species of sucking louse‚ Hoplopleura tunneya new species‚ from the Australian pale field rat‚ Rattus tunneyi Thomas (Rodentia: Muridae). Currently‚ 22 species of the genus Hoplopleura Enderlein‚ 1904 (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) are known from Australian endemic rodents. Among the seven new endemic rodent species of the genus Rattus in Australia‚ R. tunneyi is one of five hosts to Hoplopleura lice. In addition‚ we give a list of all the species of Hoplopleura known from Australian endemic rodents. Including the introduced species Polyplax spinulosa‚ the total number of sucking louse species known from Australian endemic rodents is now 24.
    Citation

    Wang, W., Durden, L. A., & Shao, R. (2022). A new species of sucking louse (Psocodea: Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Hoplopleuridae) from the pale field rat, Rattus tunneyi (Rodentia: Muridae), in Australia. Zootaxa, 5091(3), 477–486. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5091.3.7

  99. Jolly, C. J., Moore, H. A., Cowan, M. A., Cremona, T., Dunlop, J. A., Legge, S. M., Linley, G. D., Miritis, V., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Nimmo, D. G., Calver, M., Jolly, C. J., Moore, H. A., Cowan, M. A., Cremona, T., Dunlop, J. A., Legge, S. M., Linley, G. D., Miritis, V., … Calver, M. (2022). Taxonomic revision reveals potential impacts of Black Summer megafires on a cryptic species. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21045
    Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Pac. Conserv. Biol.
    Abstract

    Context Sound taxonomy is the cornerstone of biodiversity conservation. Without a fundamental understanding of species delimitations‚ as well as their distributions and ecological requirements‚ our ability to conserve them is drastically impeded. Cryptic species – two or more distinct species currently classified as a single species – present a significant challenge to biodiversity conservation. How do we assess the conservation status and address potential drivers of extinction if we are unaware of a species’ existence? Here‚ we present a case where the reclassification of a species formerly considered widespread and secure – the sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps) – has dramatically increased our understanding of the potential impacts of the catastrophic 2019–20 Australian megafires to this species.Methods We modelled and mapped the distribution of the former and reclassified sugar glider (Petaurus breviceps). We then compared the proportional overlap of fire severity classes between the former and reclassified distribution‚ and intersected habitat suitability and fire severity to help identify areas of important habitat following the 2019–20 fires.Key results Taxonomic revision means that the distribution of this iconic species appears to have been reduced to 8% of its formerly accepted range. Whereas the 2019–20 Australian megafires overlapped with 8% of the formerly accepted range‚ they overlapped with 33% of the proposed range of the redefined Petaurus breviceps.Conclusions Our study serves as a sombre example of the substantial risk of underestimating impacts of mega-disturbance on cryptic species‚ and hence the urgent need for cataloguing Earth’s biodiversity in the age of megafire.
    Citation

    Jolly, C. J., Moore, H. A., Cowan, M. A., Cremona, T., Dunlop, J. A., Legge, S. M., Linley, G. D., Miritis, V., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Nimmo, D. G., Calver, M., Jolly, C. J., Moore, H. A., Cowan, M. A., Cremona, T., Dunlop, J. A., Legge, S. M., Linley, G. D., Miritis, V., … Calver, M. (2022). Taxonomic revision reveals potential impacts of Black Summer megafires on a cryptic species. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21045

  100. Burns, H., Gibbons, P., Claridge, A., & McCreery, D. (2022). Predicting habitat suitability for wild deer in relation to threatened ecological communities in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC20095

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Pac. Conserv. Biol.
    abstract
    Citation

    Burns, H., Gibbons, P., Claridge, A., & McCreery, D. (2022). Predicting habitat suitability for wild deer in relation to threatened ecological communities in south-eastern New South Wales, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC20095

  101. Hopley, T., & Byrne, M. (2022). Implications of climate change on a floodplain shrub: Associations between genomic and environmental variation. Global Ecology and Conservation, 40, e02340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02340

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Global Ecology and Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Hopley, T., & Byrne, M. (2022). Implications of climate change on a floodplain shrub: Associations between genomic and environmental variation. Global Ecology and Conservation, 40, e02340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2022.e02340

  102. Mannaf, M., Zuo, A., & Wheeler, S. A. (2022). The spatial influences of organic farming and environmental heterogeneity on biodiversity in South Australian landscapes. Journal of Environmental Management, 324. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116414

    Journal of Environmental Management
    Abstract

    The potential link between certified organic farming and biodiversity and conservation remains unexplored in Australia‚ despite the country having the world’s largest amount of certified organic farmland and unprecedented biodiversity loss. This study modelled the spatial effects of organic farming (intensity of local farming systems)‚ environmental heterogeneity‚ and urbanisation on two widely studied environmental taxa — vascular plant and bird species richness (surrogate measures of biodiversity) — in South Australia‚ using a unique certified organic farming postcode level dataset from 2001 to 2016 (N = 5440). The spatial Durbin error model results confirmed the positive spatial congruence of organic farming with greater vascular plant species richness‚ whereas only weak to no significant evidence was found for bird species richness. Landscape features (habitat heterogeneity) and green vegetation (a proxy indicator of resource availability) – rather than organic farming – appeared to be most associated with bird species richness. Both plant and bird species richness were positively associated with habitat heterogeneity (land cover diversity and elevation range)‚ plant productivity and proportion of conservation land and water bodies. Whereas‚ increased anthropogenic land use for cropping and horticultural farming‚ soil type diversity and proximity to the coast significantly reduced species richness of both taxa. The results suggest that a multi-scale spatially refined biodiversity conservation strategy‚ with spatial targeting that promotes low intensive farming systems and increases landscape heterogeneity to provide quality habitat (a whole of landscape approach by incorporating private agricultural landholders)‚ could be beneficial for biodiversity conservation. © 2022
    Citation

    Mannaf, M., Zuo, A., & Wheeler, S. A. (2022). The spatial influences of organic farming and environmental heterogeneity on biodiversity in South Australian landscapes. Journal of Environmental Management, 324. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2022.116414

  103. Fleming, P. A., Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. J. S., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Thompson, J. A., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Distinctive diets of eutherian predators in Australia. Royal Society Open Science, 9(10), 220792. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220792

    Royal Society Open Science
    R. Soc. open sci.
    Abstract

    Introduction of the domestic cat and red fox has devastated Australian native fauna. We synthesized Australian diet analyses to identify traits of prey species in cat‚ fox and dingo diets‚ which prey were more frequent or distinctive to the diet of each predator‚ and quantified dietary overlap. Nearly half (45%) of all Australian terrestrial mammal‚ bird and reptile species occurred in the diets of one or more predators. Cat and dingo diets overlapped least (0.64 ± 0.27‚
    n
    = 24 location/time points) and cat diet changed little over 55 years of study. Cats were more likely to have eaten birds‚ reptiles and small mammals than foxes or dingoes. Dingo diet remained constant over 53 years and constituted the largest mammal‚ bird and reptile prey species‚ including more macropods/potoroids‚ wombats‚ monotremes and bandicoots/bilbies than cats or foxes. Fox diet had greater overlap with both cats (0.79 ± 0.20‚
    n
    = 37) and dingoes (0.73 ± 0.21‚
    n
    = 42)‚ fewer distinctive items (plant material‚ possums/gliders) and significant spatial and temporal heterogeneity over 69 years‚ suggesting the opportunity for prey switching (especially of mammal prey) to mitigate competition. Our study reinforced concerns about mesopredator impacts upon scarce/threatened species and the need to control foxes and cats for fauna conservation. However‚ extensive dietary overlap and opportunism‚ as well as low incidence of mesopredators in dingo diets‚ precluded resolution of the debate about possible dingo suppression of foxes and cats.
    Citation

    Fleming, P. A., Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. J. S., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Thompson, J. A., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2022). Distinctive diets of eutherian predators in Australia. Royal Society Open Science, 9(10), 220792. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.220792

  104. Baird, I. R. C., & Benson, D. (2022). Root-suckering and clonality in a Blue Mountains Banksia Taxon (Proteceae). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 144, 109–127. https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/LIN/index

    Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
    Abstract

    We report novel observations of widespread root-suckering from shallow lateral roots‚ and clonal morphology in 29 populations of plants ascribed to Banksia paludosa subsp. paludosa in the upper Blue Mountains‚ NSW‚ and differing from southern populations (Southern Highlands and Woronora Plateau) which are lignotuberous resprouters.
    Following fire‚ Blue Mountains populations can resprout to form multi-stemmed shrubs appearing to be lignotuberous resprouters‚ but form root connected populations of sometimes closely spaced ramets in discrete areas. New single- or multiple-shoot root suckers frequently arise following fire from lateral roots at varying distances from the nearest established ramets. No lignotubers (developed on seed-grown plants) were observed‚ but multi-stemmed ramets which survive multiple fires may develop small‚ swollen‚ woody underground structures where they originate from lateral roots‚ but these are also frequently killed by fire and thus not reliably persistent regenerative organs. Cone development is rare‚ compared with southern populations‚ and no seedling recruitment was observed in any population.
    Such geographically widespread and ubiquitous root-suckering has not previously been reported in Banksia species in eastern Australia‚ though it has been reported in southwestern Australian species and in an ecotype of Banksia marginata from western Victoria and South Australia. We suggest that Blue Mountains populations of this species may represent a distinct taxon with a different post-glacial history and recommend genetic and taxonomic studies to better understand the relationships with related species‚ including the identity and placement of the Blue Mountains root-suckering taxon reported here.
    Citation

    Baird, I. R. C., & Benson, D. (2022). Root-suckering and clonality in a Blue Mountains Banksia Taxon (Proteceae). Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 144, 109–127. https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/LIN/index

  105. Filer, A., Meyer, E. A., & van Rensburg, B. J. (2022). Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats of South East Queensland, Australia. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13236
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aec.13236

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Coastal wallum wetlands inhabited by the vulnerable wallum sedgefrog (Litoria olongburensis) are highly susceptible to habitat degradation owing to their unusual hydrology and water chemistry. Anthropogenic impacts on wallum wetland environs pose a significant threat to the wallum sedgefrog by allowing the eastern sedgefrog (Litoria fallax)‚ a habitat generalist and closely related competitor species‚ to colonise and displace the wallum sedgefrog from disturbed wallum habitat. To identify ‘at risk’ areas‚ overlapping species distribution models were utilised to highlight areas of sympatry between these species in south east Queensland‚ where competition with the eastern sedgefrog poses a particular threat to the wallum sedgefrog. Significant areas of distributional overlap (including 47% of the wallum sedgefrog’s modelled distribution) were identified‚ primarily in mainland areas where anthropogenic disturbance is highest. When overlayed with the boundaries of protected areas‚ 84% of the area exclusively inhabited by the wallum sedgefrog occurs within the bounds of protected lands. In contrast‚ 74% of overlapping distribution of the two species occurred outside of these parks‚ highlighting the importance of protected areas in the conservation of the wallum sedgefrog. This study highlights areas where competition with the eastern sedgefrog presents a particular threat to the wallum sedgefrog‚ helping inform effective conservation initiatives for this species.
    Citation

    Filer, A., Meyer, E. A., & van Rensburg, B. J. (2022). Distributional overlap and potential competition between a threatened habitat specialist and generalist frog species in coastal wallum habitats of South East Queensland, Australia. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13236

  106. Hill, E., Murphy, N., Toop, S., Linacre, A., & Strugnell, J. M. (2022). Genetic analysis of hog deer (Axis porcinus) in Victoria, Australia, and its applications to invasive species and game management. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 68(4), 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-022-01592-9

    European Journal of Wildlife Research
    Eur J Wildl Res
    Abstract

    Abstract
    Hog deer were introduced to Australia in the 1860s‚ where they have spread across the Gippsland region of Victoria. Due to its status as an introduced species and an important game animal within Victoria‚ management of the species is complex. Given this complexity‚ genetic studies can provide important information regarding population structure and diversity which can assist in controlling problematic populations of hog deer‚ while also ensuring viable game stock in sites managed as game reserves. The aim of this study was to investigate the population genetic structure and diversity of the Victorian hog deer 150 years after introduction using short tandem repeats (STRs). Hog deer samples were collected across 15 sites of differing management regimes in the Gippsland region of Victoria and genotyped for 13 polymorphic STR loci. Up to four distinct genetic clusters were identified across the sites sampled‚ suggesting that despite low observed genetic diversity‚ population structure is present across their range. It was also possible to detect evidence of recent translocations among populations. This study suggests that the presence of distinct genetic clusters may enable management of separate genetic units‚ considering invasive species and game management objectives.
    Citation

    Hill, E., Murphy, N., Toop, S., Linacre, A., & Strugnell, J. M. (2022). Genetic analysis of hog deer (Axis porcinus) in Victoria, Australia, and its applications to invasive species and game management. European Journal of Wildlife Research, 68(4), 45. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10344-022-01592-9

  107. Emmerson, K. M., Addison-Smith, E., Ebert, E., Milic, A., Vicendese, D., Lampugnani, E. R., Erbas, B., Medek, D. E., Huete, A., Beggs, P., Katelaris, C. H., Haberle, S. G., Newbigin, E., & Davies, J. M. (2022). Evaluation of the performance of short-term curated daily airborne grass pollen forecasts in diverse biogeographical regions during the AusPollen Partnership project 2016–2020. Atmospheric Environment: X, 100183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeaoa.2022.100183

    Atmospheric Environment: X
    Atmospheric Environment: X
    abstract
    Citation

    Emmerson, K. M., Addison-Smith, E., Ebert, E., Milic, A., Vicendese, D., Lampugnani, E. R., Erbas, B., Medek, D. E., Huete, A., Beggs, P., Katelaris, C. H., Haberle, S. G., Newbigin, E., & Davies, J. M. (2022). Evaluation of the performance of short-term curated daily airborne grass pollen forecasts in diverse biogeographical regions during the AusPollen Partnership project 2016–2020. Atmospheric Environment: X, 100183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aeaoa.2022.100183

  108. Burke, H. M., Tingley, R., & Dorin, A. (2022). Tag Frequency Difference: Rapid estimation of image set relevance for species occurrence data using general-purpose image classifiers. Ecological Informatics, 69, 101598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101598

    Ecological Informatics
    Ecological Informatics
    abstract
    Citation

    Burke, H. M., Tingley, R., & Dorin, A. (2022). Tag Frequency Difference: Rapid estimation of image set relevance for species occurrence data using general-purpose image classifiers. Ecological Informatics, 69, 101598. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2022.101598

  109. Sopniewski, J., Scheele, B. C., & Cardillo, M. (2022). Predicting the distribution of Australian frogs and their overlap with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis under climate change. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13533
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13533

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim Amphibians‚ with over 40% of assessed species listed as threatened‚ are disproportionately at risk in the global extinction crisis. Among the many factors implicated in the ongoing loss of amphibian biodiversity are climate change and the disease chytridiomycosis‚ caused by the fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd). These threats are of particular concern in Australia‚ where Bd has been implicated in the declines of at least 43 frog species‚ and climate change is emerging as an additional threat. We explore how climate change is likely to affect the distributions of Australian frog species and Bd to the year 2100‚ and how the spatial and climatic niche overlap between chytridiomycosis-declined frogs and Bd could shift. Location Australia. Methods We used species distribution modelling to infer the current and future distribution of 141 Australian frog species and Bd‚ under two emissions scenarios. We used various metrics of niche similarity to quantify predicted alterations to spatial interactions between Bd and frog species. Results Climate change is likely to have a variable impact on frog distributions in Australia‚ with some 23 and 47 species‚ primarily in southern Australia‚ predicted to lose at least 30% of their current distributions under low and high emissions scenarios‚ respectively. In contrast‚ 69 and 68 species‚ respectively‚ have potential to increase their distributions‚ primarily in northern Australia. While the distribution of Bd is predicted to decrease‚ the proportional spatial and niche overlap between Bd and susceptible frog species is predicted to remain little changed‚ and in some cases‚ to increase. Main conclusions Although effects will be variable across the continent‚ climate change is likely to be a threatening factor to many Australian frog species. Additionally‚ chytridiomycosis is likely to remain a significant threat to many frog species‚ as any reductions to the pathogen’s distribution largely coincide with geographic range contractions of chytridiomycosis-susceptible species.
    Citation

    Sopniewski, J., Scheele, B. C., & Cardillo, M. (2022). Predicting the distribution of Australian frogs and their overlap with Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis under climate change. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13533

  110. Xie, Q., Huete, A., Hall, C. C., Medlyn, B. E., Power, S. A., Davies, J. M., Medek, D. E., & Beggs, P. J. (2022). Satellite-observed shifts in C3/C4 abundance in Australian grasslands are associated with rainfall patterns. Remote Sensing of Environment, 273, 112983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.112983

    Remote Sensing of Environment
    Remote Sensing of Environment
    abstract
    Citation

    Xie, Q., Huete, A., Hall, C. C., Medlyn, B. E., Power, S. A., Davies, J. M., Medek, D. E., & Beggs, P. J. (2022). Satellite-observed shifts in C3/C4 abundance in Australian grasslands are associated with rainfall patterns. Remote Sensing of Environment, 273, 112983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rse.2022.112983

  111. Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2022). Maratus nubilis, a new peacock spider in the chrysomelas group from southwestern Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini). Peckhamia, 264(1), 1–29. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_264.1.pdf

    Peckhamia
    Peckhamia
    abstract
    Citation

    Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2022). Maratus nubilis, a new peacock spider in the chrysomelas group from southwestern Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini). Peckhamia, 264(1), 1–29. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_264.1.pdf

  112. Rajapakshe, R. P. V. G. S. W., Cross, A. T., Turner, S. R., & Tomlinson, S. (2022). Understanding the interplay of temperature and moisture on the germination niche to improve management of threatened species impacted by mining. Restoration Ecology, e13708. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13708
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/rec.13708

    Restoration Ecology
    Abstract

    The return of vegetation to mined lands often requires broadcast seeding of diverse native seed mixes. However‚ seeds are highly adapted to germination windows with specific hydrothermal thresholds that maximize the likelihood of seedling survival‚ and post-mining landscapes typically offer markedly different hydrothermal conditions than pre-disturbance ecosystems. According to niche theory‚ generalist species should exhibit broader hydrothermal performance niches than specialist taxa‚ which may influence the success of recruitment from seeds in post-mining ecological restoration. To test this assumption‚ the impact of hydrothermal stress (incubation temperature (10–30°C) and osmotic potential (−0.8 to 0 MPa)) on the time to 50% germination (t50) and maximum germination (Gmax) was compared between two narrow-range species of conservation concern (Acacia woodmaniorum and A. karina) restricted to mining-impacted Banded Ironstone Formations (BIF) and three broadly distributed congenerics (A. assimilis‚ A. exocarpoides‚ and A. ramulosa). The hydrothermal germination niches of the study species were broadly congruent with hydrothermal conditions of their habitats. The two range-restricted taxa were more tolerant of hydrothermal stress compared to the three widely distributed taxa‚ suggesting that tolerance of greater hydrothermal stress by both range-restricted Acacia species is likely to be adaptive to establishment in uncontested niche space. Complex interactions between thermal and water stress suggest these environmental gradients may shape the germination niche as well as patterns of plant diversity in BIF ecosystems. This study highlights the importance of quantifying interactions between niche dimensions and their implications for species performance‚ which will aid future restoration efforts for micro-endemic species impacted by mining.
    Citation

    Rajapakshe, R. P. V. G. S. W., Cross, A. T., Turner, S. R., & Tomlinson, S. (2022). Understanding the interplay of temperature and moisture on the germination niche to improve management of threatened species impacted by mining. Restoration Ecology, e13708. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13708

  113. Stojanovic, D., Neeman, T., Lacy, R., Farquharson, K. A., Hogg, C. J., & Heinsohn, R. (2022). Effects of non-random juvenile mortality on small, inbred populations. Biological Conservation, 268, 109504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109504

    Biological Conservation
    Biological Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Stojanovic, D., Neeman, T., Lacy, R., Farquharson, K. A., Hogg, C. J., & Heinsohn, R. (2022). Effects of non-random juvenile mortality on small, inbred populations. Biological Conservation, 268, 109504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109504

  114. Tierney, D. A. (2022). Linking restoration to the IUCN red list for ecosystems: A case study of how we might track the Earth’s ecosystems. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13168
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aec.13168

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Globally‚ ecosystems are in decline and a capacity to track this decline and the progress of ecosystem restoration at this scale is critical. The IUCN Red List for Ecosystems (RLE) is the accepted standard for global ecosystem risk assessments and potentially could be used to track progress of ecosystem restoration. Ecosystem restoration progress to date has been assessed by a diversity of techniques that do not provide a coherent link to risk identified in RLE assessments. This study assesses the potential of the RLE as a benchmark for tracking recovery for an ecosystem. This is demonstrated using a case study ecosystem with complex and challenging restoration requirements. Box Gum Woodlands (BGW) in eastern Australia are critically endangered but occur across a large geographic area‚ often as small remnants on private land. RLE assessments were used to assess the extent of restoration required and if key altered ecological processes relating to soil properties‚ fragmentation and climate change must also be mitigated. This assessment clarified the scale of work required‚ the importance of private land conservation and a range of other factors (soil status; fragmentation pattern; climate change) critical to successful restoration. It is concluded that the RLE can provide a powerful benchmark for restoration goals‚ but an important aspect of its use is a capacity to manage uncertainty.
    Citation

    Tierney, D. A. (2022). Linking restoration to the IUCN red list for ecosystems: A case study of how we might track the Earth’s ecosystems. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13168

  115. Choury, Z., Wujeska-Klause, A., Bourne, A., Bown, N. P., Tjoelker, M. G., Medlyn, B. E., & Crous, K. Y. (2022). Tropical rainforest species have larger increases in temperature optima with warming than warm-temperate rainforest trees. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18077
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/nph.18077

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    While trees can acclimate to warming‚ there is concern that tropical rainforest species may be less able to acclimate because they have adapted to a relatively stable thermal environment. Here we tested whether the physiological adjustments to warming differed among Australian tropical‚ subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest trees. Photosynthesis and respiration temperature responses were quantified in six Australian rainforest seedlings of tropical‚ subtropical and warm-temperate climates grown across four growth temperatures in a glasshouse. Temperature response models were fitted to identify mechanisms underpinning the response to warming. Tropical and sub-tropical species had higher temperature optima for photosynthesis (ToptA) than temperate species. There was acclimation of ToptA to warmer growth temperatures. The rate of acclimation (0.34-0.59°C per°C) was similar among groups and attributed to differences in underlying biochemical parameters‚ particularly increased temperature optima of Vcmax25 and Jmax25. The temperature sensitivity of respiration (Q10) was 24% lower in tropical and subtropical compared to warm-temperate species. Overall‚ tropical and subtropical species had a similar capacity to acclimate to changes in growth temperature as warm-temperate species‚ despite being grown at higher temperatures. Quantifying the physiological acclimation in rainforests can improve accuracy of future climate predictions and assess their potential vulnerability to warming.
    Citation

    Choury, Z., Wujeska-Klause, A., Bourne, A., Bown, N. P., Tjoelker, M. G., Medlyn, B. E., & Crous, K. Y. (2022). Tropical rainforest species have larger increases in temperature optima with warming than warm-temperate rainforest trees. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.18077

  116. Wang, W.-T., Guo, W.-Y., Jarvie, S., Serra-Diaz, J. M., & Svenning, J.-C. (2022). Anthropogenic climate change increases vulnerability of Magnolia species more in Asia than in the Americas. Biological Conservation, 265, 109425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109425

    Biological Conservation
    Biological Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Wang, W.-T., Guo, W.-Y., Jarvie, S., Serra-Diaz, J. M., & Svenning, J.-C. (2022). Anthropogenic climate change increases vulnerability of Magnolia species more in Asia than in the Americas. Biological Conservation, 265, 109425. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109425

  117. Cannizzaro, C., Keller, A., Wilson, R. S., Elliott, B., Newis, R., Ovah, R., Inae, K., Kerlin, D. H., Bar, I., Kämper, W., Shapcott, A., & Wallace, H. M. (2022). Forest landscapes increase diversity of honeybee diets in the tropics. Forest Ecology and Management, 504, 119869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119869

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Forest Ecology and Management
    abstract
    Citation

    Cannizzaro, C., Keller, A., Wilson, R. S., Elliott, B., Newis, R., Ovah, R., Inae, K., Kerlin, D. H., Bar, I., Kämper, W., Shapcott, A., & Wallace, H. M. (2022). Forest landscapes increase diversity of honeybee diets in the tropics. Forest Ecology and Management, 504, 119869. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2021.119869

  118. Milla, L., Schmidt‐Lebuhn, A., Bovill, J., & Encinas‐Viso, F. (2022). Monitoring of honey bee floral resources with pollen DNA metabarcoding as a complementary tool to vegetation surveys. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12120

    Ecological Solutions and Evidence
    Ecol Sol and Evidence
    abstract
    Citation

    Milla, L., Schmidt‐Lebuhn, A., Bovill, J., & Encinas‐Viso, F. (2022). Monitoring of honey bee floral resources with pollen DNA metabarcoding as a complementary tool to vegetation surveys. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12120

  119. Carmelet-Rescan, D., Morgan-Richards, M., Pattabiraman, N., & Trewick, S. A. (2022). Time-calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 12(12), e9633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9633
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/ece3.9633

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Major aridification events in Australia during the Pliocene may have had significant impact on the distribution and structure of widespread species. To explore the potential impact of Pliocene and Pleistocene climate oscillations‚ we estimated the timing of population fragmentation and past connectivity of the currently isolated but morphologically similar subspecies of the widespread brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). We use ecological niche modeling (ENM) with the current fragmented distribution of brushtail possums to estimate the environmental envelope of this marsupial. We projected the ENM on models of past climatic conditions in Australia to infer the potential distribution of brushtail possums over 6 million years. D-loop haplotypes were used to describe population structure. From shotgun sequencing‚ we assembled whole mitochondrial DNA genomes and estimated the timing of intraspecific divergence. Our projections of ENMs suggest current possum populations were unlikely to have been in contact during the Pleistocene. Although lowered sea level during glacial periods enabled connection with habitat in Tasmania‚ climate fluctuation during this time would not have facilitated gene flow over much of Australia. The most recent common ancestor of sampled intraspecific diversity dates to the early Pliocene when continental aridification caused significant changes to Australian ecology and Trichosurus vulpecula distribution was likely fragmented. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the subspecies T. v. hypoleucus (koomal; southwest)‚ T. v. arnhemensis (langkurr; north)‚ and T. v. vulpecula (bilda; southeast) correspond to distinct mitochondrial lineages. Despite little phenotypic differentiation‚ Trichosurus vulpecula populations probably experienced little gene flow with one another since the Pliocene‚ supporting the recognition of several subspecies and explaining their adaptations to the regional plant assemblages on which they feed.
    Citation

    Carmelet-Rescan, D., Morgan-Richards, M., Pattabiraman, N., & Trewick, S. A. (2022). Time-calibrated phylogeny and ecological niche models indicate Pliocene aridification drove intraspecific diversification of brushtail possums in Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 12(12), e9633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.9633

  120. Bryant, D., Sexton, C., & Sinclair, S. (2022). Small skink, expanding property portfolio: A range extension of Grey’s Skink Menetia greyii in Victoria. Victorian Naturalist, 139(5), 128–132. Scopus.

    Victorian Naturalist
    Abstract

    Grey’s Skink Menetia greyii is reported from 2 locations in grassland vegetation at Mount Cottrell on the Keilor Plains of southern Victoria. These records represent the most southern detections of this species‚ and the first reported south of the Great Dividing Range. One lizard was collected in a pitfall trap‚ the other under a roof tile‚ both within Natural Temperate Grassland dominated by Kneed-spear Grass Austrostipa bigeniculata and Kangaroo Grass Themeda triandra. (The Victorian Naturalist 139(5)‚ 128–132). © 2022‚ Field Naturalists Club of Victoria. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Bryant, D., Sexton, C., & Sinclair, S. (2022). Small skink, expanding property portfolio: A range extension of Grey’s Skink Menetia greyii in Victoria. Victorian Naturalist, 139(5), 128–132. Scopus.

  121. Losso, A., Challis, A., Gauthey, A., Nolan, R. H., Hislop, S., Roff, A., Boer, M. M., Jiang, M., Medlyn, B. E., & Choat, B. (2022). Canopy dieback and recovery in Australian native forests following extreme drought. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 12(1), 21608. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24833-y
    Num Pages: 21608
    Place: London, United States
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group)
    Abstract

    In 2019‚ south-eastern Australia experienced its driest and hottest year on record‚ resulting in massive canopy dieback events in eucalypt dominated forests. A subsequent period of high precipitation in 2020 provided a rare opportunity to quantify the impacts of extreme drought and consequent recovery. We quantified canopy health and hydraulic impairment (native percent loss of hydraulic conductivity‚ PLC) of 18 native tree species growing at 15 sites that were heavily impacted by the drought both during and 8–10 months after the drought. Most species exhibited high PLC during drought (PLC:65.1 ± 3.3%)‚ with no clear patterns across sites or species. Heavily impaired trees (PLC > 70%) showed extensive canopy browning. In the post-drought period‚ most surviving trees exhibited hydraulic recovery (PLC:26.1 ± 5.1%)‚ although PLC remained high in some trees (50–70%). Regained hydraulic function (PLC < 50%) corresponded to decreased canopy browning indicating improved tree health. Similar drought (37.1 ± 4.2%) and post-drought (35.1 ± 4.4%) percentages of basal area with dead canopy suggested that trees with severely compromised canopies immediately after drought were not able to recover. This dataset provides insights into the impacts of severe natural drought on the health of mature trees‚ where hydraulic failure is a major contributor in canopy dieback and tree mortality during extreme drought events.
    Citation

    Losso, A., Challis, A., Gauthey, A., Nolan, R. H., Hislop, S., Roff, A., Boer, M. M., Jiang, M., Medlyn, B. E., & Choat, B. (2022). Canopy dieback and recovery in Australian native forests following extreme drought. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 12(1), 21608. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-24833-y

  122. Scambler, E. C., & Grant, J. D. A. (2022). ‘A live body with headquarters at Cairns’: the North Queensland Naturalists Club, 1932–1950. North Queensland Naturalist, 52, 49–68. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elinor-Scambler/publication/365196901_A_live_body_with_headquarters_at_Cairns’_the_North_Queensland_Naturalists_Club_1932-1950/links/636a0bab431b1f53007c1736/A-live-body-with-headquarters-at-Cairns-the-North-Queensland-Naturalists-Club-1932-1950.pdf

    North Queensland Naturalist
    Abstract

    The North Queensland Naturalists Club was formed in Cairns in 1932‚ with noted radiologist Dr Hugo Flecker as founding President and Joseph (Joe) Wyer‚ an executive in the powerful Harbour Board‚ as Secretary. It aimed to “preserve the natural beauties of the district for all time” and inform residents and authorities about the region’s natural history features‚ which were not well-known or protected. From 1932–1950 there were almost 400 members in Far North Queensland (north of Cardwell‚ 18o16’S) from a wide range of occupations. About half the members joined in their 30s or 40s and a third were female. The club developed close networks in the region through cross-memberships of committee and ordinary members with local councils‚ businesses‚ the press and numerous other community associations. Through these networks and its expert and energetic leadership the club achieved a prominent profile in the region. It raised public awareness of the north’s special natural attributes locally‚ nationally and to an extent internationally‚ through lectures‚ excursions‚ nature shows‚ a popular newspaper column‚ a quarterly journal (the North Queensland Naturalist) and the creation of a significant herbarium of northern plants. Cooperation between the Club and other regional organisations on conservation and tourism may represent one of Australia’s earliest eco-tourism partnerships. We focus on the club’s membership‚ achievements and conservation initiatives in three periods: the formative years (1932–1939) during the Great Depression; WWII (1939–1945)‚ when despite many challenges the club engaged with military naturalists; and post-war (1946–1950)‚ with new members adding different areas of expertise to the club’s activities.
    Citation

    Scambler, E. C., & Grant, J. D. A. (2022). ‘A live body with headquarters at Cairns’: the North Queensland Naturalists Club, 1932–1950. North Queensland Naturalist, 52, 49–68. https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Elinor-Scambler/publication/365196901_A_live_body_with_headquarters_at_Cairns’_the_North_Queensland_Naturalists_Club_1932-1950/links/636a0bab431b1f53007c1736/A-live-body-with-headquarters-at-Cairns-the-North-Queensland-Naturalists-Club-1932-1950.pdf

  123. Goldsworthy, S. D., Baring, R., Giatas, G., Nitschke, J., Bucater, L., & Qifeng, Y. (2022). Ecosystem models to inform the development of strategies to restore a functioning South Lagoon food web in the Coorong (Technical Report No. 22/11; Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series, p. 117). Goyder Institude for Water Research. http://www.goyderinstitute.org/_r5232/media/system/attrib/file/865/TI-3.4.2_TRS_Food%20Web%20Model_2022-06-29_Final_v1.0_Updated%20020922.pdf

    Abstract

    The Coorong ecosystem is an important ecological component of the Murray-Darling Basin that provides
    significant cultural‚ environmental‚ and economic values at local‚ national and international scales. Along
    with the Murray Mouth and Estuary‚ and Lower Lakes it forms a wetland of International Importance under
    the Ramsar Convention. The combined impacts of reduced flows from the River Murray and other
    anthropogenic impacts‚ exacerbated during the Millennium Drought (particularly during the period 2001-
    2010)‚ have resulted in long-term declines in the ecological condition of the Coorong. This is most notable in
    the South Lagoon‚ where increased eutrophication‚ hypersalinity and other impacts have resulted in a
    significant loss of ecosystem function.
    The Healthy Coorong‚ Healthy Basin Program (HCHB) represents a government commitment to improve the
    health of the Coorong. Part of the commitment is to conduct Scientific Trials and Investigations (T&I) to
    provide knowledge that informs the future management of the Coorong and facilitate restoration and
    maintenance of ecological condition‚ particularly for the South Lagoon. Investigations for ‘Restoring a
    functioning Coorong food web’ forms Component 3 of the HCHB T&I Project. The primary objectives were to
    improve understanding of food web dynamics by investigating the diet‚ prey availability and energy supply
    for key biota (waterbirds and fish) in the Coorong and develop a quantitative food web model. This report
    details the outputs of Activity 3.4 ‘Ecosystem models to inform the development of strategies to restore a
    functioning South Lagoon food web in the Coorong’‚ which specifically aimed to develop quantitative food
    web models for the North Coorong (Murray Estuary and North Lagoon) and South Lagoon and use these
    models to inform the development of strategies to restore a functioning South Lagoon food web. This report
    presents the results of work completed during the period from April 2021 to May 2022.
    Trophic mass balance models of the North Coorong (i.e. Goolwa Barrages to Parnka Point North) and South
    Lagoon (i.e. Parnka Point South to Salt Creek) sections of the Coorong ecosystem were developed using the
    Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) software. The North Coorong and South Lagoon ecosystem models were
    composed of 56 and 48 trophic groups respectively‚ including mammals‚ birds‚ chondrichthyans‚ teleosts‚
    invertebrates‚ autotrophs‚ and detritus. The base Ecopath models used available data to estimate four key
    parameters: biomass (B)‚ production per biomass (P/B)‚ consumption per unit of biomass (Q/B) and
    ecotrophic efficiency (EE). A significant portion of this report details how these parameters were estimated
    for each trophic group and will form important assumptions for future ecological studies. Each model
    required a detailed dietary matrix and information on the landings and discard estimates for the commercial
    fishing fleet (target species by fishing gear type). Models were balanced using three of the four key
    parameters‚ with the final parameter value estimated by the model. Ecopath models were constructed to
    represent the status of each ecosystem in 1984-85‚ to coincide with the initial year of commercial fishery
    logbook data for the Lakes and Coorong fishery.
    Ecopath models were used to develop time dynamic models in Ecosim‚ using a combination of best available
    data from the commercial fishery‚ fish research sampling and bird abundance data obtained across a 37-year
    time period (1984-85 to 2020-21). These provided a total of 67 and 44 individual reference time-series data
    sets for the North Coorong and South Lagoon ecosystem models‚ respectively‚ including estimates of annual
    catch‚ fishing effort‚ and relative biomass (CPUE) of key commercially targeted species (e.g. yelloweye mullet‚
    mulloway‚ black bream‚ flounder); annual fish catch sampling data for other fish taxa‚ and annual data from
    the Coorong waterbird monitoring program. Environmental forcing time-series for flow (barrage flow/Salt
    Creek flow)‚ water level and salinity were fitted to the reference biological time-series using the nutrient
    loading forcing function application of Ecosim. For both the North Coorong and South Lagoon models‚ the
    addition of environmental time-series data (e.g. flow‚ water level‚ salinity) with the nutrient loading forcing
    function and a primary production anomaly‚ provided the best models. Fits to annual mean salinity produced
    better model fits than mean annual water level‚ and water level produced better model fits than total annual
    barrage (North Coorong) or Salt Creek flows (South Lagoon).
    To provide information to assist assessments of potential infrastructure developments on ecosystem
    recovery‚ scenarios were developed that examined the response relationships between key bird and fish
    Citation

    Goldsworthy, S. D., Baring, R., Giatas, G., Nitschke, J., Bucater, L., & Qifeng, Y. (2022). Ecosystem models to inform the development of strategies to restore a functioning South Lagoon food web in the Coorong (Technical Report No. 22/11; Goyder Institute for Water Research Technical Report Series, p. 117). Goyder Institude for Water Research. http://www.goyderinstitute.org/_r5232/media/system/attrib/file/865/TI-3.4.2_TRS_Food%20Web%20Model_2022-06-29_Final_v1.0_Updated%20020922.pdf

  124. Fairbairn, A. S., & Florin, S. A. (2022). Archaeological identification of fragmented nuts and fruits from key Asia-Pacific economic tree species using anatomical criteria: Comparative analysis of Canarium, Pandanus and Terminalia. Archaeology in Oceania, 57(3), 160–188. https://doi.org/10.1002/arco.5273
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/arco.5273

    Archaeology in Oceania
    Abstract

    The fats‚ protein and carbohydrates afforded by tree nuts and fruits are key resources for communities from Southeast Asia‚ through Melanesia‚ Australia and across Oceania. They are important in long-distance marine trade networks‚ large-scale ceremonial gatherings‚ and are core resources in a wide range of subsistence economies‚ including foraging systems‚ horticulture and swidden agriculture. Recent archaeobotanical evidence has also shown their deep-time importance‚ being amongst the earliest foods used in the colonisation of novel environments in Australia and New Guinea‚ as well as the later colonisation of Near and Remote Oceania. The archaeobotanical methods used to identify fruit and nut-derived plant macrofossils have been largely limited to use of morphological characters of near whole or exceptionally preserved remains‚ most commonly endocarps‚ the hard‚ nutshell-like interior layer of the fruit protecting the seed. Here we detail how anatomical characteristics of endocarps‚ visible in light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)‚ can be used with surviving morphological features to identify confidently the use of key Asia-Pacific economic trees‚ in this case‚ Canarium‚ Pandanus and Terminalia. Systematic anatomical description allows the identification of these important economic taxa‚ and separation from the remains of others such as Aleurites and Cocos‚ when found in a range of archaeological assemblages. This includes the often highly fragmented charred assemblages that can be recovered routinely from most sites with appropriate fine-sieving and flotation methods. These methods provide the basis for a more representative and nuanced understanding of ancient plant use‚ economy and social systems operating in the region and‚ being particularly useful in tropical regions‚ will broaden the archaeobotanical database on ancient foods globally.
    Citation

    Fairbairn, A. S., & Florin, S. A. (2022). Archaeological identification of fragmented nuts and fruits from key Asia-Pacific economic tree species using anatomical criteria: Comparative analysis of Canarium, Pandanus and Terminalia. Archaeology in Oceania, 57(3), 160–188. https://doi.org/10.1002/arco.5273

  125. Speed, C. W., Wilson, N. G., Somaweera, R., Udyawer, V., Meekan, M. G., Whisson, C., & Miller, K. (2022). Video surveys of sea snakes in the mesophotic zone shed light on trends in populations. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9(921542). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.921542

    Frontiers in Marine Science
    Abstract

    Declines in abundance of sea snakes have been observed on reefs throughout the Indo-Pacific‚ although the reasons are unknown. To date‚ surveys have occurred on shallow reefs‚ despite sea snakes occurring over a large depth range. It is not known if populations of sea snakes in deep habitats have undergone similar declines. To address this‚ we analysed deep-water video data from a historical hotspot of sea snake diversity‚ Ashmore Reef‚ in 2004‚ 2016‚ and 2021. We collected 288 hours of video using baited remote underwater videos and a remotely operated vehicle at depths between 13 and 112 m. We observed 80 individuals of seven species with Aipysurus laevis (n = 30)‚ Hydrophis peronii (n = 8)‚ and H. ocellatus (n = 6) being the most abundant. Five of the species (A. duboisii‚ A. apraefrontalis‚ H. ocellatus‚ H. kingii‚ and Emydocephalus orarius) had not been reported in shallow waters for a decade prior to our study. We found no evidence of a decline in sea snakes across years in deep-water surveys‚ although abundances were lower than those in early shallow-water surveys. A comparison of BRUVS data from 2004 and 2016 was consistent with the hypothesis that predation by sharks may have contributed to the loss of sea snakes in shallow habitats. Our study highlights the use of underwater video to collect information on sea snakes in the mesophotic zone and also suggests that future monitoring should include these depths in order to capture a more complete representation of habitats occupied. Copyright © 2022 Speed‚ Wilson‚ Somaweera‚ Udyawer‚ Meekan‚ Whisson and Miller.
    Citation

    Speed, C. W., Wilson, N. G., Somaweera, R., Udyawer, V., Meekan, M. G., Whisson, C., & Miller, K. (2022). Video surveys of sea snakes in the mesophotic zone shed light on trends in populations. Frontiers in Marine Science, 9(921542). https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.921542

  126. Khan, M. K., & Ullah, M. O. (2022). Deep Transfer Learning Inspired Automatic Insect Pest Recognition. 6. https://inccst.muet.edu.pk/INCCST22/papers/8.pdf

    3rd International Conference on Computational Sciences and Technologies
    Abstract

    Agriculture is not only the source of living for many living organisms but is also the backbone of many economies. Since insect pest diseases knock down the growth and production of agricultural resources‚ there is a need to vanish the insects through pesticides after their accurate recognition. Fast and effective algorithms for insect pest recognition are now possible on account of improvements in computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI). The deep transfer learning models (DTLMs) based insect pest recognition system is proposed in this paper. Two deep transfer learning models i.e.‚ InceptionV3 and VGG19 are applied in this work. Pre-processing is used to locate areas containing the most relevant features. The IP102 dataset launched in 2019 is used in this research and a comparison is carried out to check the performance of the applied models. Experimental results show that the applied models outperform existing insect classification algorithms in terms of accuracy on large datasets.
    Citation

    Khan, M. K., & Ullah, M. O. (2022). Deep Transfer Learning Inspired Automatic Insect Pest Recognition. 6. https://inccst.muet.edu.pk/INCCST22/papers/8.pdf

  127. Olkola Aboriginal Corporation (Cairns). (2022). Draft Golden-shouldered Parrot Recovery Plan. Olkola Aboriginal Corporation, Australian Government Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, Olkola Aboriginal Land Managers. https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/draft-recovery-plan-golden-shouldered-parrot.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Olkola Aboriginal Corporation (Cairns). (2022). Draft Golden-shouldered Parrot Recovery Plan. Olkola Aboriginal Corporation, Australian Government Department of Agriculture Water and the Environment, Olkola Aboriginal Land Managers. https://www.awe.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/draft-recovery-plan-golden-shouldered-parrot.pdf

  128. Hemming, K. (2022). Forecasting native and exotic plant species richness and interactions [University of Canberra]. https://researchsystem.canberra.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/62608058/Hemming_Kyle.pdf

    Abstract

    Finally‚ I tested the effect of changes in a critical resource (water availability) on the competitive impacts of exotic species on a native community. Under drought conditions‚ the exotic grasses had higher survival and greater biomass than native species‚ and one exotic species still competitively suppressed the native community. These findings suggest that native species may not escape competitive effects of exotic species during resource-poor periods.
    Citation

    Hemming, K. (2022). Forecasting native and exotic plant species richness and interactions [University of Canberra]. https://researchsystem.canberra.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/62608058/Hemming_Kyle.pdf

  129. Moir, M. L. (2022). Revision of the lacebug tribe Ceratocaderini (Hemiptera: Tingidae). Austral Entomology, 61(3), 277–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12613
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/aen.12613

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    The lacebug tribe Ceratocaderini (Tingidae: Cantacaderinae) is reviewed. The tribe comprises five genera from the Southern Hemisphere: Allocader Drake‚ Australocader Lis‚ Caledoderus Guilbert‚ Ceratocader Drake‚ and Coolacader gen. nov. The tribe is restricted to the Australian and New Caledonian regions. This revision includes the description of a new genus‚ Coolacader gen. nov. and six new species from three other genera: Australocader porchi sp. nov.‚ Ceratocader piae sp. nov.‚ Ceratocader spiculas sp. nov.‚ Coolacader cupido sp. nov.‚ Coolacader kardia sp. nov. and Coolacader valentine sp. nov. The nymph of Ceratocader is detailed for the first time‚ and the nymphs of three species of Coolacader gen. nov. are described. Allocader cordatus (Hacker‚ 1927) is transferred to Coolacader gen. nov.‚ resulting in a new combination Coolacader cordatus (Hacker‚ 1927) comb. nov.‚ and Allocader nesiotes Drake & Ruhoff‚ 1962 is transferred to the genus Caledoderus‚ resulting in a new combination Caledoderus nesiotes (Drake & Ruhoff‚ 1962) comb. nov.. This work increases the number of species in the tribe from 13 to 19. A revised key to the genera and species of the Ceratocaderini is provided.
    Citation

    Moir, M. L. (2022). Revision of the lacebug tribe Ceratocaderini (Hemiptera: Tingidae). Austral Entomology, 61(3), 277–301. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12613

  130. Phillips, A. L., Ferguson, S., Watson-Haigh, N. S., Jones, A. W., Borevitz, J. O., Burton, R. A., & Atwell, B. J. (2022). The first long-read nuclear genome assembly of Oryza australiensis, a wild rice from northern Australia. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 12(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14893-5
    Place: London, United States
    Publisher: Nature Publishing Group

    Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group)
    Abstract

    Oryza australiensis is a wild rice native to monsoonal northern Australia. The International Oryza Map Alignment Project emphasises its significance as the sole representative of the EE genome clade. Assembly of the O. australiensis genome has previously been challenging due to its high Long Terminal Repeat (LTR) retrotransposon (RT) content. Oxford Nanopore long reads were combined with Illumina short reads to generate a high-quality \textasciitilde 858 Mbp genome assembly within 850 contigs with 46× long read coverage. Reference-guided scaffolding increased genome contiguity‚ placing 88.2% of contigs into 12 pseudomolecules. After alignment to the Oryza sativa cv. Nipponbare genome‚ we observed several structural variations. PacBio Iso-Seq data were generated for five distinct tissues to improve the functional annotation of 34‚587 protein-coding genes and 42‚329 transcripts. We also report SNV numbers for three additional O. australiensis genotypes based on Illumina re-sequencing. Although genetic similarity reflected geographical separation‚ the density of SNVs also correlated with our previous report on variations in salinity tolerance. This genome re-confirms the genetic remoteness of the O. australiensis lineage within the O. officinalis genome complex. Assembly of a high-quality genome for O. australiensis provides an important resource for the discovery of critical genes involved in development and stress tolerance.
    Citation

    Phillips, A. L., Ferguson, S., Watson-Haigh, N. S., Jones, A. W., Borevitz, J. O., Burton, R. A., & Atwell, B. J. (2022). The first long-read nuclear genome assembly of Oryza australiensis, a wild rice from northern Australia. Scientific Reports (Nature Publisher Group), 12(1). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-14893-5

  131. McEvey, S. (2022). Southern distribution of Graphium eurypylus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.18954530.v2

    Figshare
    Figshare
    Abstract

    Graphium eurypylus (Linnaeus‚ 1758) (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae) occurs throughout tropical Australia. The subspecies Graphium eurypylus lycaon (C. & R. Felder‚ 1865) occurs in eastern Australia from Cape York Peninsula to southern Queensland and less commonly in New South Wales; the southernmost museum-record reported in Atlas of Living Australia is Port Macquarie‚ NSW. Martin Purvis‚ has photographed the species in Royal Botanic Gardens‚ Sydney‚ -33.865° 151.218° (28 January 2008); Stephen Brown has listed (in 2005) the species from Mount Gibraltar near Bowral‚ NSW (-34.468° 150.429°; see The Gib: Mount Gibraltar: Southern Highlands); and it is reported in the Australian Faunal Directory as a rare vagrant in the Australian Capital Territory (Canberra in Fig. 4). Two observations were made by the author of this species at localities further south than Port Macquarie during the unusually wet Summer of 2021-2022: (a) a female was observed ovipositing on Magnolia grandiflora (Fig. 1) in a Stroud garden (-32.408° 151.967°) on 30 December 2021‚ a larva (Fig. 2) was observed a week later; and (b) four first instar larvae (one of which shown in Fig. 3) were observed on potted Magnolia grandiflora in a plant nursery at Tilba Tilba‚ NSW (-36.325° 150.062°) on 14 January 2022‚ the plants had been delivered to the nursery from Melbourne more than three weeks earlier. Tilba Tilba is now the southernmost record for this species (Fig. 4). Copyright: CC BY 4.0
    Citation

    McEvey, S. (2022). Southern distribution of Graphium eurypylus (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae). Figshare. https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.18954530.v2

  132. Kaminskas, S. (2022). Alien fish ascendancy and native fish extinction: Ecological history and observations on the Lower Goodradigbee River, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21048

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Context: The Murray-Darling Basin - Australia’s largest river system - is heavily dominated by alien fish. Native fish species have suffered numerous localised extinctions and ∼47% are listed on federal and/or state threatened species lists. Aims: This paper explores the hypothesis that alien fish and alien fish stockings can be the primary cause of decline and localised extinction of large-bodied native fish species‚ as opposed to habitat degradation and river regulation. The Lower Goodradigbee River‚ which is unregulated‚ in excellent instream health over the great majority of its course‚ and replete with high quality habitat‚ is utilised as a case study. Methods: I investigated the hypothesis by synthesising historical records with contemporary scientific research and recent field observations. The role of alien fish species‚ particularly alien trout species (Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta) and constant stockings of them‚ were closely examined. Results: Data support the hypothesis that domination by alien trout species and their continual stocking have lead to historical declines and localised extinctions of large-bodied native fish species. Continued alien trout stockings‚ along with more recent invasions of alien carp (Cyprinus carpio) and alien redfin perch (Perca fluviatilis)‚ are inhibiting native fish recovery. A suspected field sighting of the alien fish pathogen atypical Aeromonas salmonicida is reported‚ and the status of the declining native crayfish Murray cray (Euastacus armatus)‚ and potential alien fish impacts upon them‚ are examined. Conclusions: The impacts of alien fish and alien fish stocking in Australia require major re-evaluation and dedicated research. Implications: It is strongly recommended that stocking of alien trout into the Lower Goodradigbee River for angling cease in order to conserve surviving native fish and Murray cray populations. Conservation stockings to effect a Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) recovery in the Lower Goodradigbee River are warranted. © 2022 Journal of Physical Chemistry. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Kaminskas, S. (2022). Alien fish ascendancy and native fish extinction: Ecological history and observations on the Lower Goodradigbee River, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21048

  133. Wellington, C. N., Vaillancourt, R. E., Potts, B. M., Worledge, D., & O’grady, A. P. (2022). Genetic Variation in Flowering Traits of Tasmanian Leptospermum scoparium and Association with Provenance Home Site Climatic Factors. Plants, 11(8). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081029

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    Leptospermum scoparium is emerging as an economically important plant for the commercial production of mānuka honey and essential oils‚ both exhibiting unique antibacterial attributes. To support its domestication this is the first quantitative genetic study of variation for L. scoparium traits. It utilised plants from 200 open-pollinated families derived from 40 native populations‚ from across the species range in Tasmania‚ grown in a common garden field trial. The traits studied were survival‚ growth‚ and the flowering traits precocity‚ the timing of seasonal peak flowering‚ flowering duration‚ and flowering intensity. Significant genetic variation was evident at the population level for all traits studied and at the family level for three traits—growth‚ flowering precocity‚ and time to peak flowering. These three traits had moderate to high narrow-sense heritability estimates ranging from 0.27 to 0.69. For six of the traits studied‚ population differences were associated with climate attributes at the locations where seed was collected‚ suggesting adaptation to the local climate may have contributed to the observed population differentiation. Population level geographical trends suggest that genotypes to focus on for domestication originate from the eastern half of Tasmania for precociousness and the western half of Tasmania for earlier time to peak flowering and extended flowering duration. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI‚ Basel‚ Switzerland.
    Citation

    Wellington, C. N., Vaillancourt, R. E., Potts, B. M., Worledge, D., & O’grady, A. P. (2022). Genetic Variation in Flowering Traits of Tasmanian Leptospermum scoparium and Association with Provenance Home Site Climatic Factors. Plants, 11(8). Scopus. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11081029

  134. Hemming, K. (2022). Native and introduced Australian grass (Poaceae) records. https://www.webofscience.com/wos/drci/full-record/DRCI:DATA2022079024161381?AlertId=550fd645-229c-4423-a8fc-eb4d5484cf25&SID=EUW1ED0E85ZVf1xkqyxQb8DlxEj2j

    Abstract

    Cleaned and filtered Australian grass (Poaceae) occurrence records from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA)‚ downloaded 3 January 2020. The data file is in an R format (.RDS file). This can be converted and saved into a .csv file in R. I also assigned species photosynthetic pathway (either C3 or C4 photosynthesis) to each species in the data set.I converted the cleaned record into species richness (the number of unique species in 100 x 100 km areas across Australia). I tied native and introduced C3 and C4 grass species richness to key environmental variables to build species distribution models. I expected native and introduced grasses to have similar responses to environmental gradients meaning native species richness patterns could provide a template for potential introduced species richness. These records could be used for other SDM contexts (single-species or within States or Territories). Or for statistical analyses on the phylogenetic (species‚ generic) composition of grass records in Australia. The location tags on the records‚ however‚ provide use for assessing the geographic distribution of the records/species across Australia at different spatial scales and extents and with coupling to environmental data‚ as I did for these records. Nonnative = introduced (i.e. not native to Australia).
    Citation

    Hemming, K. (2022). Native and introduced Australian grass (Poaceae) records. https://www.webofscience.com/wos/drci/full-record/DRCI:DATA2022079024161381?AlertId=550fd645-229c-4423-a8fc-eb4d5484cf25&SID=EUW1ED0E85ZVf1xkqyxQb8DlxEj2j

  135. European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Niers, T., Jakuschona, N., Stenkamp, J., Bartoschek, T., Schade, S., & Cardoso, A. C. (2022). Evaluating image-based species recognition models suitable for citizen science application to support European invasive alien species policy. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/97305

    abstract
    Citation

    European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Niers, T., Jakuschona, N., Stenkamp, J., Bartoschek, T., Schade, S., & Cardoso, A. C. (2022). Evaluating image-based species recognition models suitable for citizen science application to support European invasive alien species policy. Publications Office. https://data.europa.eu/doi/10.2760/97305

  136. Kindler, G., Kelly, Dr. N., Watson, Prof. J., & Carden, T. (2022). Threatened Australians. https://www.threatened.org.au/

    Abstract

    Threatened species in Australia are in trouble. Learn about the animals and plants closest to you and how to help them.
    Citation

    Kindler, G., Kelly, Dr. N., Watson, Prof. J., & Carden, T. (2022). Threatened Australians. https://www.threatened.org.au/

2021

  1. Brim Box, J., Leiper, I., Nano, C., Stokeld, D., Jobson, P., Tomlinson, A., Cobban, D., Bond, T., Randall, D., & Box, P. (2021). Mapping terrestrial groundwater-dependent ecosystems in arid Australia using Landsat-8 time-series data and singular value decomposition. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.254
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/rse2.254

    Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    The spatial extent of terrestrial vegetation types reliant on groundwater in arid Australia is poorly known‚ largely because they are located in remote areas that are expensive to survey. In previous attempts‚ the use of traditional remote sensing approaches failed to discriminate vegetation using groundwater from surrounding vegetation. Difficulties in discerning vegetation groundwater use by remote sensing may be exacerbated by the unpredictable rainfall patterns and lack of annual wet and dry seasons common in arid Australia. This study presents a novel approach to mapping terrestrial groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) by applying singular value decomposition (SVD) to time-series of vegetation indices derived from Landsat-8 data‚ to isolate the temporal and spatial sources of variation associated with groundwater use. In-situ data from 442 sites were used to supervise and validate logistic regression models and neural networks‚ to determine whether sites could be correctly classified as GDEs using components obtained from the SVD. These results were used to produce a probability map of GDE occurrence across a 557 000 ha study area. Overall accuracy of the final classification map was 79%‚ with 72% of sites correctly identified as GDEs (true positives) and 16% incorrectly classified as GDEs (false positives). The approach is broadly applicable in arid regions globally‚ and is easily validated if general background knowledge of regional vegetation exists. Globally‚ and going forward‚ increased water extraction is expected to severely limit water available for GDEs. Successfully mapping GDEs in arid environments is a critical step towards their sustainable management‚ and the human and natural systems reliant upon them.
    Citation

    Brim Box, J., Leiper, I., Nano, C., Stokeld, D., Jobson, P., Tomlinson, A., Cobban, D., Bond, T., Randall, D., & Box, P. (2021). Mapping terrestrial groundwater-dependent ecosystems in arid Australia using Landsat-8 time-series data and singular value decomposition. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.254

  2. Hansen, B. d., Rogers, D. i., Watkins, D., Weller, D. r., Clemens, R. s., Newman, M., Woehler, E. j., Mundkur, T., & Fuller, R. a. (2021). Generating population estimates for migratory shorebird species in the world’s largest flyway. Ibis. https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13042
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ibi.13042

    Ibis
    Ibis
    Abstract

    Population estimates are widely used to underpin conservation decisions. However‚ determining accurate population estimates for migratory species is especially challenging‚ since they are often widespread and it is rarely possible to survey them throughout their full distribution. In the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF)‚ this problem is compounded by its size (85 million square kilometres) and the number of migratory species it supports (nearly 500). Here‚ we provide analytical approaches for addressing this problem‚ presenting a revision of the EAAF population estimates for 37 migratory shorebird species protected under Australian national environmental legislation. Population estimates were generated by (i) summarising existing count data in the non-breeding range‚ (ii) spatially extrapolating across uncounted areas‚ and (iii) modelling abundance on the basis of estimates of breeding range and density. Expert review was used to adjust modelled estimates‚ particularly in under-counted areas. There were many gaps in shorebird monitoring data‚ necessitating substantial use of extrapolation and expert review‚ the extent of which varied among species. Spatial extrapolation to under-counted areas often produced estimates that were much higher than the observed data‚ and expert review was used to cross-check and adjust these where necessary. Estimates of population size obtained through analyses of breeding ranges and density indicated that 18 species were poorly represented by counts in the non-breeding season. It was difficult to determine independently the robustness of these estimates‚ but these breeding ground estimates were considered the best available data for ten species‚ that mostly use poorly-surveyed freshwater or pelagic habitats in the non-breeding season. We discuss the rationale and limitations of these approaches to population estimation‚ and how they could be modified for other applications. Data available for population estimates will vary in quality and extent among species‚ regions and migration stage‚ and approaches need to be flexible enough to provide useful information for conservation policy and planning.
    Citation

    Hansen, B. d., Rogers, D. i., Watkins, D., Weller, D. r., Clemens, R. s., Newman, M., Woehler, E. j., Mundkur, T., & Fuller, R. a. (2021). Generating population estimates for migratory shorebird species in the world’s largest flyway. Ibis. https://doi.org/10.1111/ibi.13042

  3. Liu, Z., Ślipiński, A., & Pang, H. (2021). Salsolaius gen. nov. a new genus of Apalochrini (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Malachiinae) from the salt Lake Way of Western Australia. Zootaxa, 5082(4), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5082.4.7

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Apalochrini comprises nearly half of the genera of Australian Melyridae‚ which are all recognized by male specific characters‚ and are commonly found on grasses‚ flowers and riverside or seashore rocks. Here we describe a new genus Salsolaius gen. nov. from Lake Way of Western Australia‚ representing the first known genus of Australian Melyridae inhabitating in salt lakes. The new genus can be easily distinguished by asymmetrically biserrate antennae and exposed apical abdomen from above in both male and female‚ the former characters is firstly found in Melyridae. Consequently‚ Salsolaius biserratus sp. nov. was described as the type species of this genus. An updated key to genera of Australian Apalochrini is provided.
    Citation

    Liu, Z., Ślipiński, A., & Pang, H. (2021). Salsolaius gen. nov. a new genus of Apalochrini (Coleoptera, Melyridae, Malachiinae) from the salt Lake Way of Western Australia. Zootaxa, 5082(4), 393–400. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5082.4.7

  4. Sleeth, M., Eipper, S., & Madani, G. (2021). Opportunistic observations of climbing behaviour and arboreality in Australian terrestrial elapid snakes (Elapidae:Hyrophiinae). Herpetology Notes, 14, 1407–1415.

    Herpetology Notes
    abstract
    Citation

    Sleeth, M., Eipper, S., & Madani, G. (2021). Opportunistic observations of climbing behaviour and arboreality in Australian terrestrial elapid snakes (Elapidae:Hyrophiinae). Herpetology Notes, 14, 1407–1415.

  5. Cecino, G., Valavi, R., & Treml, E. A. (2021). Testing the Influence of Seascape Connectivity on Marine-Based Species Distribution Models. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 766915. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.766915

    Frontiers in Marine Science
    Front. Mar. Sci.
    Abstract

    Species distribution models (SDMs) are commonly used in ecology to predict species occurrence probability and how species are geographically distributed. Here‚ we propose innovative predictive factors to efficiently integrate information on connectivity into SDMs‚ a key element of population dynamics strongly influencing how species are distributed across seascapes. We also quantify the influence of species-specific connectivity estimates (i.e.‚ larval dispersal vs. adult movement) on the marine-based SDMs outcomes. For illustration‚ seascape connectivity was modeled for two common‚ yet contrasting‚ marine species occurring in southeast Australian waters‚ the purple sea urchin‚
    Heliocidaris erythrogramma
    ‚ and the Australasian snapper‚
    Chrysophrys auratus
    . Our models illustrate how different species-specific larval dispersal and adult movement can be efficiently accommodated. We used network-based centrality metrics to compute patch-level importance values and include these metrics in the group of predictors of correlative SDMs. We employed boosted regression trees (BRT) to fit our models‚ calculating the predictive performance‚ comparing spatial predictions and evaluating the relative influence of connectivity-based metrics among other predictors. Network-based metrics provide a flexible tool to quantify seascape connectivity that can be efficiently incorporated into SDMs. Connectivity across larval and adult stages was found to contribute to SDMs predictions and model performance was not negatively influenced from including these connectivity measures. Degree centrality‚ quantifying incoming and outgoing connections with habitat patches‚ was the most influential centrality metric. Pairwise interactions between predictors revealed that the species were predominantly found around hubs of connectivity and in warm‚ high-oxygenated‚ shallow waters. Additional research is needed to quantify the complex role that habitat network structure and temporal dynamics may have on SDM spatial predictions and explanatory power.
    Citation

    Cecino, G., Valavi, R., & Treml, E. A. (2021). Testing the Influence of Seascape Connectivity on Marine-Based Species Distribution Models. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8, 766915. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.766915

  6. Woinarski, J. C. Z., Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Garnett, S. T., Gentle, M. N., Legge, S. M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Thompson, E., Turpin, J., & Murphy, B. P. (2021). Compounding and complementary carnivores: Australian bird species eaten by the introduced European red fox Vulpes vulpes and domestic cat Felis catus. Bird Conservation International, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270921000460
    Publisher: Cambridge University Press

    Bird Conservation International
    Abstract

    Two introduced carnivores‚ the European red fox Vulpes vulpes and domestic cat Felis catus‚ have had extensive impacts on Australian biodiversity. In this study‚ we collate information on consumption of Australian birds by the fox‚ paralleling a recent study reporting on birds consumed by cats. We found records of consumption by foxes on 128 native bird species (18% of the non-vagrant bird fauna and 25% of those species within the fox’s range)‚ a smaller tally than for cats (343 species‚ including 297 within the fox’s Australian range‚ a subset of that of the cat). Most (81%) bird species eaten by foxes are also eaten by cats‚ suggesting that predation impacts are compounded. As with consumption by cats‚ birds that nest or forage on the ground are most likely to be consumed by foxes. However‚ there is also some partitioning‚ with records of consumption by foxes but not cats for 25 bird species‚ indicating that impacts of the two predators may also be complementary. Bird species ≥3.4 kg were more likely to be eaten by foxes‚ and those <3.4 kg by cats. Our compilation provides an inventory and describes characteristics of Australian bird species known to be consumed by foxes‚ but we acknowledge that records of predation do not imply population-level impacts. Nonetheless‚ there is sufficient information from other studies to demonstrate that fox predation has significant impacts on the population viability of some Australian birds‚ especially larger birds‚ and those that nest or forage on the ground.
    Citation

    Woinarski, J. C. Z., Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Garnett, S. T., Gentle, M. N., Legge, S. M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Thompson, E., Turpin, J., & Murphy, B. P. (2021). Compounding and complementary carnivores: Australian bird species eaten by the introduced European red fox Vulpes vulpes and domestic cat Felis catus. Bird Conservation International, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0959270921000460

  7. Dutson, G., Appleby, G., Byrne, A., & Lingham, B. (2021). A relict population of “Pseudophryne” toadlets in the ocean grove nature reserve, Southern Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist, 138(6), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.225602348430603
    Publisher: Field Naturalists Club of Victoria

    The Victorian Naturalist
    Abstract

    Six individual ’Pseudophryne’ toadlets were heard calling in the Ocean Grove Nature Reserve‚ south of Geelong in Victoria‚ in autumn 2020. Three individuals had patterns intermediate between ’P. bibronii and P. semimarmorata’‚ and it is concluded that this population is an intergrade. Another five were detected in autumn 2021. This population is potentially at risk from a reduction in autumn rainfall and consequent changes to the local hydrology. Additional surveys for calling Pseudophryne at historical locations and other suitable habitat within 40 km of Ocean Grove failed to find any calling individuals.
    Citation

    Dutson, G., Appleby, G., Byrne, A., & Lingham, B. (2021). A relict population of “Pseudophryne” toadlets in the ocean grove nature reserve, Southern Victoria. The Victorian Naturalist, 138(6), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.3316/informit.225602348430603

  8. Castillo-Infante, F. R., Mendoza-González, G., Rioja-Nieto, R., & Gallego-Fernández, J. B. (2021). Range Shifts in the Worldwide Expansion of Oenothera drummondii subsp. drummondii, a Plant Species of Coastal Dunes. Diversity, 13(11), 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110603

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    Oenothera drummondii is a coastal dunes plant species from the North American continent that has affected the natural structure and dynamics of Spanish‚ Israeli‚ and Chinese shores as an invasive species. In South Africa‚ Australia‚ New Zealand‚ and France‚ it is reported as a naturalized species. Ecological niche and species distribution modeling has been widely used as a tool to find potential global invasions and assess invasion effects. Herein‚ we modeled the ecological niche and the potential distribution of Oenothera drummondii‚ using the Köppen–Geiger climate classification‚ bioclimatic variables and occurrence records that have been validated in their native and non-native distribution. In the native area‚ the temperature and precipitation values are higher compared to non-native zones‚ where the low temperatures and the absence of humidity are the main climatic limitations for the species. In the environmental space‚ new distribution areas were identified and a partial overlap between the native and non-native niches detected. This suggests that climate matching is not occurring for the species‚ and that the potential invasion of coastal dune areas seems to be higher than previously observed. Therefore‚ new potential invasion areas‚ where the species is not yet distributed‚ were also identified. Our predictions could be used to establish ecosystem management measures to mitigate the invasion of Oenothera drummondii‚ helping to prevent possible negative impacts on fragile coastal ecosystems.
    Citation

    Castillo-Infante, F. R., Mendoza-González, G., Rioja-Nieto, R., & Gallego-Fernández, J. B. (2021). Range Shifts in the Worldwide Expansion of Oenothera drummondii subsp. drummondii, a Plant Species of Coastal Dunes. Diversity, 13(11), 603. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13110603

  9. Hao, T., Bal, P., & May, T. (2021). Data for chapter ’The impacts of the 2019-20 wildfires on Australian fungi ’ in “Australia’s 2019-20 megafires: biodiversity impacts and lessons for the future.” CSIRO publishing. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5651391

    Abstract

    Dataset includes raw data downloaded from the following sources: Atlas of Living Australia occurrence download: https://doi.org/10.26197/ala.9e0ca388-9da2-4096-b1a3-26e2aaa51d8a. Accessed 2021-09-16. GBIF.org (16 September 2021) GBIF Occurrence Download https://doi.org/10.15468/dl.secenk Fungimap (https://fungimap.org.au/ (data obtained directly from Fungimap Inc.) MycoPortal (https://mycoportal.org/portal/index.php) iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/home)
    Citation

    Hao, T., Bal, P., & May, T. (2021). Data for chapter ’The impacts of the 2019-20 wildfires on Australian fungi ’ in “Australia’s 2019-20 megafires: biodiversity impacts and lessons for the future.” CSIRO publishing. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5651391

  10. Mahony, M. J., Hines, H. B., Mahony, S. V., Moses, B., Catalano, S. R., Myers, S., & Donnellan, S. C. (2021). A new hip-pocket frog from mid-eastern Australia (Anura: Myobatrachidae: Assa). Zootaxa, 5057(4), 451–486. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5057.4.1

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The hip-pocket frog (Assa darlingtoni)‚ a small terrestrial myobatrachid frog found in mid-eastern Australia‚ has a highly derived‚ unusual‚ reproductive mode involving a unique form of male parental care. Males have subcutaneous pouches that open near the hip‚ and the developing tadpoles are carried in these pouches to post metamorphosis. It is found on several isolated mountain ranges in closed forest habitats‚ associated with high rainfall and temperate or sub-tropical climates. We established genetic relationships among specimens sampled across the range using phylogenetic analyses of thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the nuclear genome and mitochondrial ND2 gene nucleotide sequences. These analyses uncovered two lineages that are genetically distinct in both nDNA and mtDNA analyses and that have low levels of divergence in male advertisement calls and are morphologically cryptic. Our data support separate species status for each lineage‚ based on the molecular genetic data. The first‚ which we name as a new species‚ Assa wollumbin sp. nov.‚ is restricted to a single mountain‚ Wollumbin (= Mount Warning)‚ the eroded cone of an ancient shield volcano—the Tweed Volcano. The second‚ the nominal species A. darlingtoni‚ has a wider distribution in five geographically disjunct subpopulations along 430 km of the Great Dividing Range in south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. The distributions of the two species closely approach within 15 km of each other on the central plug and rim of the caldera of the Tweed Volcano. Assa wollumbin sp. nov. meets the conservation criteria for Critically Endangered [A3(e)‚ B2(a‚b)]. When all subpopulations of A. darlingtoni are combined the conservation assessment is Endangered [A3(e)‚ B2(a‚b)]. Because of the fragmented nature of the distribution of A. darlingtoni‚ combined with the genetic evidence of concordant sub-structuring‚ we also conducted a conservation assessment on the five subpopulations. Two were assessed as Critically Endangered (D’Aguilar Range and Conondale/Blackall Ranges)‚ and the remainder as Endangered (Dorrigo Plateau‚ McPherson Ranges‚ and Gibraltar Ranges/Washpool).
    Citation

    Mahony, M. J., Hines, H. B., Mahony, S. V., Moses, B., Catalano, S. R., Myers, S., & Donnellan, S. C. (2021). A new hip-pocket frog from mid-eastern Australia (Anura: Myobatrachidae: Assa). Zootaxa, 5057(4), 451–486. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5057.4.1

  11. Nge, F. J., Biffin, E., Waycott, M., & Thiele, K. R. (2021). Phylogenomics and continental biogeographic disjunctions – insight from the Australian starflowers ( Calytrix ). American Journal of Botany, ajb2.1790. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1790

    American Journal of Botany
    Am J Bot
    abstract
    Citation

    Nge, F. J., Biffin, E., Waycott, M., & Thiele, K. R. (2021). Phylogenomics and continental biogeographic disjunctions – insight from the Australian starflowers ( Calytrix ). American Journal of Botany, ajb2.1790. https://doi.org/10.1002/ajb2.1790

  12. Davies, C., Wright, W., Wedrowicz, F., Pacioni, C., & Hogan, F. E. (2021). Delineating genetic management units of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in south-eastern Australia, using opportunistic tissue sampling and targeted scat collection. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19235

    Wildlife Research
    Wildl. Res.
    Abstract

    Context. Invasive species are major drivers of biodiversity loss‚ requiring management to reduce their ecological impacts. Population genetics can be applied to delineate management units‚ providing information that can help plan and improve control strategies.
    Citation

    Davies, C., Wright, W., Wedrowicz, F., Pacioni, C., & Hogan, F. E. (2021). Delineating genetic management units of sambar deer (Rusa unicolor) in south-eastern Australia, using opportunistic tissue sampling and targeted scat collection. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19235

  13. Hooker, N. (2021). Grasses of the Burra Range. James Cook University. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355338121_Grasses_of_the_Burra_Range?enrichId=rgreq-fa8af526818ff106a0ca94d667147fea-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM1NTMzODEyMTtBUzoxMDc5NDMwNTc5NTMxNzc3QDE2MzQzNjc3MTMxODA%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

    Abstract

    Welcome to the grasses of the Burra Range area. The species covered in this treatment are those found in southern and eastern part of White Mountains National Park area.
    The aim of this book is to provide information about common species. The grasses belong to a very widespread and large family called the Poaceae. It is one of the largest flowering plant families of the world‚ comprising more than 10‚000 species. In Australia there are over 1300 species including non-native grasses‚ in the Burra Range area there are more than 75 species.
    Citation

    Hooker, N. (2021). Grasses of the Burra Range. James Cook University. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/355338121_Grasses_of_the_Burra_Range?enrichId=rgreq-fa8af526818ff106a0ca94d667147fea-XXX&enrichSource=Y292ZXJQYWdlOzM1NTMzODEyMTtBUzoxMDc5NDMwNTc5NTMxNzc3QDE2MzQzNjc3MTMxODA%3D&el=1_x_2&_esc=publicationCoverPdf

  14. Dorey, J. B., Rebola, C. M., Davies, O. K., Prendergast, K. S., Parslow, B. A., Hogendoorn, K., Leijs, R., Hearn, L. R., Leitch, E. J., O’Reilly, R. L., Marsh, J., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Caddy‐Retalic, S. (2021). Continental risk assessment for understudied taxa post‐catastrophic wildfire indicates severe impacts on the Australian bee fauna. Global Change Biology, gcb.15879. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15879

    Global Change Biology
    Glob Change Biol
    Abstract

    The 2019–2020 Australian Black Summer wildfires demonstrated that single events can have widespread and catastrophic impacts on biodiversity‚ causing a sudden and marked reduction in population size for many species. In such circumstances‚ there is a need for conservation managers to respond rapidly to implement priority remedial management actions for the most-affected species to help prevent extinctions. To date‚ priority responses have been biased towards high-profile taxa with substantial information bases. Here‚ we demonstrate that sufficient data are available to model the extinction risk for many less well-known species‚ which could inform much broader and more effective ecological disaster responses. Using publicly available collection and GIS datasets‚ combined with life-history data‚ we modelled the extinction risk from the 2019–2020 catastrophic Australian wildfires for 553 Australian native bee species (33% of all described Australian bee taxa). We suggest that two species are now eligible for listing as Endangered and nine are eligible for listing as Vulnerable under IUCN criteria‚ on the basis of fire overlap‚ intensity‚ frequency‚ and life-history traits: this tally far exceeds the three Australian bee species listed as threatened prior to the wildfire. We demonstrate how to undertake a wide-scale assessment of wildfire impact on a poorly understood group to help to focus surveys and recovery efforts. We also provide the methods and the script required to make similar assessments for other taxa or in other regions.
    Citation

    Dorey, J. B., Rebola, C. M., Davies, O. K., Prendergast, K. S., Parslow, B. A., Hogendoorn, K., Leijs, R., Hearn, L. R., Leitch, E. J., O’Reilly, R. L., Marsh, J., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Caddy‐Retalic, S. (2021). Continental risk assessment for understudied taxa post‐catastrophic wildfire indicates severe impacts on the Australian bee fauna. Global Change Biology, gcb.15879. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15879

  15. Flores‐Rentería, L., Rymer, P. D., Ramadoss, N., & Riegler, M. (2021). Major biogeographic barriers in eastern Australia have shaped the population structure of widely distributed Eucalyptus moluccana and its putative subspecies. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.8169. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8169

    Ecology and Evolution
    Ecol Evol
    Abstract

    We have investigated the impact of recognized biogeographic barriers on genetic differentiation of grey box (Eucalyptus moluccana)‚ a common and widespread tree species of the family Myrtaceae in eastern Australian woodlands‚ and its previously proposed four subspecies moluccana‚ pedicellata‚ queenslandica‚ and crassifolia. A range of phylogeographic analyses were conducted to examine the population genetic differentiation and subspecies genetic structure in E. moluccana in relation to biogeographic barriers. Slow evolving markers uncovering long term processes (chloroplast DNA) were used to generate a haplotype network and infer phylogeographic barriers. Additionally‚ fast evolving‚ hypervariable markers (microsatellites) were used to estimate demographic processes and genetic structure among five geographic regions (29 populations) across the entire distribution of E. moluccana. Morphological features of seedlings‚ such as leaf and stem traits‚ were assessed to evaluate population clusters and test differentiation of the putative subspecies. Haplotype network analysis revealed twenty chloroplast haplotypes with a main haplotype in a central position shared by individuals belonging to the regions containing the four putative subspecies. Microsatellite analysis detected the genetic structure between Queensland (QLD) and New South Wales (NSW) populations‚ consistent with the McPherson Range barrier‚ an east-west spur of the Great Dividing Range. The substructure was detected within QLD and NSW in line with other barriers in eastern Australia. The morphological analyses supported differentiation between QLD and NSW populations‚ with no difference within QLD‚ yet some differentiation within NSW populations. Our molecular and morphological analyses provide evidence that several geographic barriers in eastern Australia‚ including the Burdekin Gap and the McPherson Range have contributed to the genetic structure of E. moluccana. Genetic differentiation among E. moluccana populations supports the recognition of some but not all the four previously proposed subspecies‚ with crassifolia being the most differentiated.
    Citation

    Flores‐Rentería, L., Rymer, P. D., Ramadoss, N., & Riegler, M. (2021). Major biogeographic barriers in eastern Australia have shaped the population structure of widely distributed Eucalyptus moluccana and its putative subspecies. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.8169. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8169

  16. Calvert, B., Olsen, A., Whinney, J., & Rahimi Azghadi, M. (2021). Robotic Spot Spraying of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) in Grazing Pastures of the Australian Rangelands. Plants, 10(10), 2054. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102054

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    Harrisia cactus‚ Harrisia martinii‚ is a serious weed affecting hundreds of thousands of hectares of native pasture in the Australian rangelands. Despite the landmark success of past biological control agents for the invasive weed and significant investment in its eradication by the Queensland Government (roughly 156M since 1960)‚ it still takes hold in the cooler rangeland environments of northern New South Wales and southern Queensland. In the past decade‚ landholders with large infestations in these locations have spent approximately 20‚000 to 30‚000 per annum on herbicide control measures to reduce the impact of the weed on their grazing operations. Current chemical control requires manual hand spot spraying with high quantities of herbicide for foliar application. These methods are labour intensive and costly‚ and in some cases inhibit landholders from performing control at all. Robotic spot spraying offers a potential solution to these issues‚ but existing solutions are not suitable for the rangeland environment. This work presents the methods and results of an in situ field trial of a novel robotic spot spraying solution‚ AutoWeed‚ for treating harrisia cactus that (1) more than halves the operation time‚ (2) can reduce herbicide usage by up to 54% and (3) can reduce the cost of herbicide by up to 18.15 per ha compared to the existing hand spraying approach. The AutoWeed spot spraying system used the MobileNetV2 deep learning architecture to perform real time spot spraying of harrisia cactus with 97.2% average recall accuracy and weed knockdown efficacy of up to 96%. Experimental trials showed that the AutoWeed spot sprayer achieved the same level of knockdown of harrisia cactus as traditional hand spraying in low‚ medium and high density infestations. This work represents a significant step forward for spot spraying of weeds in the Australian rangelands that will reduce labour and herbicide costs for landholders as the technology sees more uptake in the future.
    Citation

    Calvert, B., Olsen, A., Whinney, J., & Rahimi Azghadi, M. (2021). Robotic Spot Spraying of Harrisia Cactus (Harrisia martinii) in Grazing Pastures of the Australian Rangelands. Plants, 10(10), 2054. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10102054

  17. Donoghue, S., & Turner, P. A. M. (2021). A review of Australian tree fern ecology in forest communities. Austral Ecology, aec.13103. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13103

    Austral Ecology
    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Australian forest ecosystems cover almost 16% of Australia’s landmass. As the seventh-largest forested area worldwide‚ these forest ecosystems have largely evolved in the face of a changing climate and fire regime‚ drought and human land use practice. Australian tree ferns contribute to both the unique biodiversity of these forests and current forest product markets. We review the Australian tree fern literature including: the importance of tree ferns for other components of biodiversity; their response to disturbance such as fire and silviculture; and the management of tree ferns as a product for the horticultural market. Most studies focused on tree fern response to wildfire and clearfell burn and sow logging following management and horticultural industry changes. Survival and recruitment of tree ferns after a single fire/logging disturbance event found short-lived negative impacts. Studies of tree ferns over time include research on growth‚ with non-linear growth models found to best describe tree fern age; Cyathea australia grows 2.2 - 4.0 times faster than Dicksonia antarctica on average. Tree ferns perform a keystone function through habitat for epiphytes at the local scale‚ but it is unknown if this has an impact on biodiversity at the landscape scale. Our review found few studies on survival and recruitment following drought; multiple disturbance events such as repeated logging; and silvicultural techniques other than clearfell burn and sow. No studies had investigated the response of tree ferns to changing climate‚ invasive species‚ changes in fire frequency or effect of megafire. We conclude with recommendations for key areas of research including‚ future impacts due to changing climate‚ synecology‚ influence on forests‚ the impact of silvicultural techniques and the influence of megafires on survival. © 2021 Ecological Society of Australia.
    Citation

    Donoghue, S., & Turner, P. A. M. (2021). A review of Australian tree fern ecology in forest communities. Austral Ecology, aec.13103. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13103

  18. Salgotra, R., & Chauhan, B. S. (2021). The First Report of Target-Site Resistance to Glyphosate in Sweet Summer Grass (Moorochloa eruciformis). Plants, 10(9), 1885. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091885

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    Sweet summer grass is a problematic weed in the central Queensland region of Australia. This study found glyphosate resistance in two biotypes (R1 and R2) of sweet summer grass. The level of resistance in these biotypes was greater than 8-fold. The glyphosate dose required to reduce dry matter by 50% (GR50) for the resistant populations varied from 1993 to 2100 g ha−1. A novel glyphosate resistance double point mutation in the 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene was identified for the first time in sweet summer grass. Multiple mutations‚ including multiple amino acid changes at the glyphosate target site‚ as well as mutations involving two nucleotide changes at a single amino acid codon‚ were observed. Both resistant biotypes exhibited a nucleotide change of CAA to ACA in codon 106‚ which predicts an amino acid change of proline to a threonine (Pro-106-Thr). In addition‚ the R1 biotype also possessed a mutation at codon 100‚ where a nucleotide substitution of T for G occurred (GCT to TCT)‚ resulting in a substitution of serine for alanine (Ala-100-Ser). Understanding the molecular mechanism of glyphosate resistance will help to design effective management strategies to control invasive weeds.
    Citation

    Salgotra, R., & Chauhan, B. S. (2021). The First Report of Target-Site Resistance to Glyphosate in Sweet Summer Grass (Moorochloa eruciformis). Plants, 10(9), 1885. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10091885

  19. Finlayson, G., Taggart, P., & Cooke, B. (2021). Recovering Australia’s arid‐zone ecosystems: Learning from continental‐scale rabbit control experiments. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13552

    Restoration Ecology
    Restor Ecol
    Abstract

    Introduced rabbits are a continuing threat to native Australian flora and fauna. Three interventions using biological control agents: myxomatosis‚ European rabbit fleas and rabbit hemorrhagic disease‚ have reduced rabbit abundance and kept numbers low over the last 70 years. We considered the benefits of biological control for native fauna to put the role of rabbits in influencing vegetation cover‚ food supply and predation into better perspective. Numerous examples exist demonstrating increases in native vegetation and the expansion and recovery of native animal populations at landscape scales following intense rabbit suppression. Ongoing research on methods for supplementing the impact of biological control agents and managing introduced predators are needed to restore Australia’s arid-zone ecosystems. However‚ many biologists and rangeland managers first need to re-evaluate the misconception that removing rabbits also introduces other serious and insurmountable problems such as prey-switching by introduced cats and foxes.
    Citation

    Finlayson, G., Taggart, P., & Cooke, B. (2021). Recovering Australia’s arid‐zone ecosystems: Learning from continental‐scale rabbit control experiments. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.13552

  20. EcoCommons. (2021, September 7). How Australian mega-fires impacted the Superb Lyrebird and Greater Sooty Owl. EcoCommons. https://www.ecocommons.org.au/how-australian-mega-fires-impacted-the-superb-lyrebird-and-greater-sooty-owl/

    Abstract

    How Australian mega-fires impacted the Superb Lyrebird and Greater Sooty Owl
    Citation

    EcoCommons. (2021, September 7). How Australian mega-fires impacted the Superb Lyrebird and Greater Sooty Owl. EcoCommons. https://www.ecocommons.org.au/how-australian-mega-fires-impacted-the-superb-lyrebird-and-greater-sooty-owl/

  21. Booth, T. H. (2021). A problem with variable selection in a comparison of correlative and process‐based species distribution models: Comments on Higgins et al., 2020. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.7496. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7496

    Ecology and Evolution
    Ecol Evol
    Abstract

    Comments are presented on an article published in October 2020 in Ecology and Evolution (“Predictive ability of a process-based versus a correlative species distribution model”) by Higgins et al. This analyzed natural distributions of Australian eucalypt and acacia species and assessed the adventive range of selected species outside Australia. Unfortunately‚ inappropriate variables were used with the MaxEnt species distribution model outside Australia‚ so that large climatically suitable areas in the Northern Hemisphere were not identified. Examples from a previous analysis and from the use of the freely available spatial portal of the Atlas of Living Australia are provided to illustrate how the problem can be overcome. The comparison of methods described in the Higgins et al. paper is worthwhile‚ and it is hoped that the authors will be able to repeat their analyses using appropriate variables with the correlative model.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2021). A problem with variable selection in a comparison of correlative and process‐based species distribution models: Comments on Higgins et al., 2020. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.7496. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7496

  22. Higgins, S. I., Larcombe, M. J., Beeton, N. J., & Conradi, T. (2021). Transferability of correlative and process‐based species distribution models revisited: A response to Booth. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.8081. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8081

    Ecology and Evolution
    Ecol Evol
    Abstract

    Here‚ we respond to Booth’s criticism of our paper‚
    “Predictive ability of a process-based versus a correlative
    species distribution model.” Booth argues that our usage of
    the MaxEnt model was flawed and that the conclusions of
    our paper are by implication flawed. We respond by clarifying that the error Booth implies we made was not made
    in our analysis‚ and we repeat statements from the original
    manuscript which anticipated such criticisms. In addition‚
    we illustrate that using BIOCLIM variables in a MaxEnt
    analysis as recommended by Booth does not change the
    conclusions of the original analysis. That is‚ high performance in the training data domain did not equate to reliable predictions in novel data domains‚ and the process
    model transferred into novel data domains better than the
    correlative model did. We conclude by discussing a hidden
    implication of our study‚ namely‚ that process-based SDMs
    negate the need for BIOCLIM-type variables and therefore
    reframe the variable selection problem in species distribution modeling.
    Citation

    Higgins, S. I., Larcombe, M. J., Beeton, N. J., & Conradi, T. (2021). Transferability of correlative and process‐based species distribution models revisited: A response to Booth. Ecology and Evolution, ece3.8081. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.8081

  23. Coleman, D., Merchant, A., & Salter, W. T. (2021). Vulnerability to cavitation is linked to home climate precipitation across eight eucalypt species [Preprint]. Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.09.05.459049
    DOI: 10.1101/2021.09.05.459049

    Abstract

    Vulnerability to cavitation in leaves is the result of highly adaptive anatomical and physiological traits that can be linked to water availability in a species’ climate of origin. Despite similar gross leaf morphology‚ eucalypt species are often confined to specific climate envelopes across the variable rainfall environments of Australia. In this study‚ we investigate how the progression of cavitation differs among eucalypts and whether this is related to other hydraulic and physical leaf traits. We used the Optical Visualisation technique to capture cavitation progression across the leaves of eight eucalypt species (
    Angophora crassifolia‚ Corymbia tessellaris‚ Eucalyptus atrata‚ Eucalyptus grandis‚ Eucalyptus laevopinea‚ Eucalyptus longifolia‚ Eucalyptus macrandra‚ Eucalyptus tereticornis
    ) from a wide range of climates and grown in a common garden setting. Vulnerability to cavitation‚ represented by the leaf water potential required for 50% cavitation of leaf vessels‚ varied significantly among species (−3.48 MPa to −8.25 MPa) and correlated linearly with home climate precipitation and leaf SLA (
    R
    2
    of 0.64 and 0.75‚ respectively). P12-P88‚ the range of water potentials between which 12% to 88% of cavitation occurs‚ was decoupled from P50 but also correlated with leaf SLA (
    R
    2
    of 0.72). We suggest the magnitude of P12-P88 may be representative of a species’ drought strategy – a large P12-P88 signifying leaves that exhibit drought tolerance (retention of leaves under drought conditions) and a small P12-P88 signifying drought avoidance (leaf shedding after a threshold of drought is reached). Our results agree with other studies that highlight these cavitation metrics as genetically fixed traits. Turgor loss point‚ on the other hand‚ may be more plastic‚ as evidenced by the low variability of this trait across these eucalypt species grown in a common garden environment. Further study will help to establish the SLA-related anatomical traits that impart cavitation resistance and to extend these conclusions to a greater number of species and home climates.
    Citation

    Coleman, D., Merchant, A., & Salter, W. T. (2021). Vulnerability to cavitation is linked to home climate precipitation across eight eucalypt species [Preprint]. Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.09.05.459049

  24. Ward, S., Umina, P. A., Polaszek, A., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2021). Study of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Australian grain production landscapes. Austral Entomology, aen.12562. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12562

    Austral Entomology
    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae) were surveyed within grain production landscapes in Victoria‚ Australia‚ between 2017 and 2018‚ as well as more sporadically nationwide between 2016 and 2019. In addition‚ Aphidiinae records were collated from insect depositories around Australia and online databases. The 5525 specimens recorded constituted a total of 23 species and seven genera. Diaeretiella rapae (M’Intosh) was the most common species‚ representing more than 70% of all Aphidiinae recorded. This species also showed a greater northerly geographical range than other Aphidiinae. During sampling between 2017 and 2019‚ Aphidiinae were reared from mummies to ascertain host–parasitoid relationships. Diaeretiella rapae was again the most commonly reared parasitoid‚ although parasitoid preference varied with aphid host and between states and territories. An illustrated dichotomous key to Australian Aphidiinae in grain production landscapes is provided for the 11 species sampled in our field surveys. This is the first comprehensive review of Aphidiinae sampled within Australia in over two decades. Knowledge about the diversity and distribution of these parasitoids is important for understanding their impact on current and future invasions of aphid species. In addition‚ understanding the interactions between grain aphids and their associated parasitoids will further support the inclusion of parasitoid wasps into integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
    Citation

    Ward, S., Umina, P. A., Polaszek, A., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2021). Study of aphid parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) in Australian grain production landscapes. Austral Entomology, aen.12562. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12562

  25. Morin, S., Ainsa, A., Radji, R., Archambeau, A.-S., Chevillotte, H., Chenin, E., Pamerlon, S., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2021). Connecting West and Central African Herbaria Data: A new Living Atlases regional data platform. Biodiversity Information Science and Standards. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.5.74362
    Place: Sofia, Bulgaria
    Publisher: Pensoft Publishers
    Section: Conference Abstract

    Biodiversity Information Science and Standards
    Abstract

    The label transcription and imaging of specimens in key African herbaria has been ongoing since the early 2000s. Many collections in Benin‚ Cameroon‚ Côte d’Ivoire‚ Gabon‚ Guinea Conakry‚ and Togo are now fully transcribed and partially digitized. More than 200 000 transcribed specimens are available with the following distribution:
    Benin: 45 000
    Cameroon: 70 000
    Côte d’Ivoire: 18 000
    Gabon: 70 000
    Guinea Conakry: 5 000
    Togo: 15 000
    In April 2021‚ aBID projectwas started to deliver a regional data platform of West and Central African herbaria. Biodiversity Information for Development (BID) is a multi-year programme funded by the European Union and led by GBIF with the aim of enhancing capacity for effective mobilization and use of biodiversity data in research and policy in the ’ACP’ nations of sub-Saharan Africa‚ the Caribbean and the Pacific. Our project’s funding runs from April 2021 to April 2023.
    At this stage of the project‚ we are working on defining the information technology (IT) architecture (Fig.1) and selecting the tools that we will be using to achieve our goals. In the talk‚ we will present our conclusions through architecture schemas and tools demonstrations.
    Each of the 6 countries will have its own PostgreSQL database‚ storing its data. They will also have access to theRIHAdata management platform (Réseau Informatique des Herbiers d’Afrique / Digital Network of African Herbaria). This is a web application‚ developed inPHP‚ allowing full management of the data by herbarium administrators (Fig.2).
    AnIntegrated Publishing Toolkit(IPT) will fetch these herbaria data from the databases‚ create theDarwin Corearchives‚ and connect these data automatically togbif.orgon a periodic basis (Fig.3).
    On the databases‚ we will use a PostgreSQL view to ease conversion from the RIHA data model to the Darwin Core model. On the IPT‚ we will create one dataset per country‚ linked to each PostgreSQL view. The SQL query will be configured to only fetch validated data‚ depending on the herbarium administrator’s validation in the RIHA platform.
    The automatic and periodic data transmission to gbif.org is a feature available in the IPT‚ and recently improved by the GBIF France team‚ which contributes to the IPT development.
    Another part of the automatic data workflow will be to feed aLiving Atlasesportal for the West and Central African herbaria. This web application will allow public users to search‚ display and download herbaria data from West and Central Africa (Fig.4).
    Internally‚ this Living Atlases application will reuse open source modules developed by theAtlas of Living Australia(ALA). The application is mainly written in Java‚ uses JQuery/Bootstrap for the interface and relies onSolRandSparkin the backend. It has been developed to be easily reusable‚ by only modifying configuration and doing web customization (HTML /CSS)‚ hiding most of the backend technological complexity.
    The automatic data workflow will transfer datasets generated by the IPT‚ in Darwin Core Archive format‚ to the Living Atlases portal backend. A technical task orchestrator‚ yet to be selected‚ will implement this feature.
    Living Atlasessubportals‚ limited to data of one participating country‚ could be easily set up‚ leveraging the existing backend resources (Fig.5).
    One of the benefits of the Living Atlases portal is that we can easily deploy additional front end applications with limited data‚ configured by a filter (here‚ a filter on the data owner country). Only configuration and web customization (HTML / CSS) are required. All the backend modules‚ especially the ones storing data‚ are shared by the multiple front-ends‚ limiting the hardware consumption and data administration.
    The full automation of the workflow will allow this platform to run at a very low maintenance cost for IT administrators. Moreover‚ adding a new herbarium member from West and Central Africa will be quite easy thanks to the architecture of theIntegrated Publishing ToolkitandLiving Atlasestools (Fig.6).
    Citation

    Morin, S., Ainsa, A., Radji, R., Archambeau, A.-S., Chevillotte, H., Chenin, E., Pamerlon, S., & Link to external site, this link will open in a new window. (2021). Connecting West and Central African Herbaria Data: A new Living Atlases regional data platform. Biodiversity Information Science and Standards. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.5.74362

  26. Adam, A. A. S., Garcia, R. A., Galaiduk, R., Tomlinson, S., Radford, B., Thomas, L., & Richards, Z. T. (2021). Diminishing potential for tropical reefs to function as coral diversity strongholds under climate change conditions. Diversity and Distributions, ddi.13400. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13400

    Diversity and Distributions
    Divers Distrib
    Abstract

    Aim
    Forecasting the influence of climate change on coral biodiversity and reef functioning is important for informing policy decisions. Dominance shifts‚ tropicalization and local extinctions are common responses of climate change‚ but uncertainty surrounds the reliability of predicted coral community transformations. Here‚ we use species distribution models (SDMs) to assess changes in suitable coral habitat and associated patterns in biodiversity across Western Australia (WA) under present-day and future climate scenarios (RCP 2.6 and RCP 8.5).
    Location
    Coral reef systems and communities in WA.
    Methods
    We developed SDMs with model prediction uncertainty analyses‚ using specimen-based occurrence records of 188 hermatypic scleractinian coral species and seven variables to estimate present-day and future changes to coral species distribution and biodiversity patterns in WA under climate change conditions.
    Results
    We found that suitable habitat is predicted to increase across all regions in WA under urn:x-wiley:13669516:media:ddi13400:ddi13400-math-0001‚ urn:x-wiley:13669516:media:ddi13400:ddi13400-math-0002 and urn:x-wiley:13669516:media:ddi13400:ddi13400-math-0003 scenarios with all tropical and subtropical regions remaining coral biodiversity strongholds. Under the extreme urn:x-wiley:13669516:media:ddi13400:ddi13400-math-0004 scenario‚ however‚ a clear tropicalization trend could be observed with coral species expanding their range to mid-high latitude regions‚ while a substantial drop in coral species richness was predicted at low latitude tropical coral reefs‚ such as the inshore Kimberley and offshore NW reefs. Despite the predicted expansion south‚ we identified a net decline in coral biodiversity across the WA coastline.
    Main conclusions
    Results from the models predicted higher net coral biodiversity loss at low latitude tropical regions compared with net gains at mid-high latitude regions under urn:x-wiley:13669516:media:ddi13400:ddi13400-math-0005. These results are likely to be representative of latitudinal trends across the Southern Hemisphere and highlight that increases in habitat suitability at higher latitudes may not lead to equivalent biodiversity benefits. Urgent action is needed to limit climate change to prevent spatial erosion of tropical coral communities‚ extinction events and loss of tropical ecosystem services.
    Citation

    Adam, A. A. S., Garcia, R. A., Galaiduk, R., Tomlinson, S., Radford, B., Thomas, L., & Richards, Z. T. (2021). Diminishing potential for tropical reefs to function as coral diversity strongholds under climate change conditions. Diversity and Distributions, ddi.13400. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13400

  27. van der Heyde, M., Bateman, P. W., Bunce, M., Wardell-Johnson, G., White, N. E., & Nevill, P. (2021). Scat DNA provides important data for effective monitoring of mammal and bird biodiversity. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02264-x

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    Biodivers Conserv
    Abstract

    Despite the roles they play in ecosystem function‚ animals have have long been neglected in the monitoring of ecological restoration. Vertebrate surveys can be time consuming and costly‚ often requiring multiple methodologies and taxonomic expertise‚ making comprehensive monitoring cost prohibitive. Here‚ we evaluate a new method of assessing mammal and bird diversity through the genetic identification of scat collections. Using DNA metabarcoding of scat collections from three bioregions‚ we generated bird and mammalian assemblage data and distinguished between sites with different restoration histories. However‚ scat detectability was affected by environmental conditions (e.g. rainfall and vegetative cover)‚ suggesting that our approach is most applicable at certain times of year or in arid (or semi-arid) environments with rocky soils‚ where conditions are favourable for scat preservation. Taken together these data provide a pathway to: plan‚ monitor and establish best-practice when restoring landscapes and add to the growing body of literature on the value of DNA metabarcoding in biomonitoring applications.
    Citation

    van der Heyde, M., Bateman, P. W., Bunce, M., Wardell-Johnson, G., White, N. E., & Nevill, P. (2021). Scat DNA provides important data for effective monitoring of mammal and bird biodiversity. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02264-x

  28. Kemp, C., Tibby, J., Barr, C., & Arnold, L. (2021). Climate, fire and vegetation history from subtropical North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), eastern Australia, during the last three interglacials. Journal of Quaternary Science, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3355

    Journal of Quaternary Science
    J. Quaternary Sci
    Abstract

    Records of Australian palaeoclimate beyond the last glacial cycle are rare‚ limiting detailed analysis of
    long‐term climate trends and associated ecosystem responses. This study analyses a discontinuous pollen and
    charcoal record from Fern Gully Lagoon‚ North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah)‚ subtropical Queensland‚ Australia‚
    which covers much of the last \textasciitilde210 ‚000 years. Climate variation is inferred from changes in vegetation‚ while
    analysis of micro‐ and macrocharcoal is used to infer fire activity. Pollen assemblages consist of \textasciitilde40% rainforest taxa
    during marine isotope stage (MIS) 7a–c and early MIS 5. These are inferred to result from high rainfall in the
    Australian subtropics‚ which was also evident in north‐east and central Australia. Human impact from 21 ‚000 years
    ago likely supressed post‐MIS 2 rainforest expansion to some extent. However‚ the increased Holocene abundance of
    herbs and grasses and reduced representation of aquatic taxa suggest that the Holocene was relatively dry when
    compared with early MIS 5 and MIS 7a–c. Similar MIS 5 and early MIS 7a–c climates‚ in contrast to a notably drier
    Holocene‚ suggest that the progressive interglacial drying trend most strongly recorded in central Australia was not a
    major feature of subtropical eastern Australian climates.
    Citation

    Kemp, C., Tibby, J., Barr, C., & Arnold, L. (2021). Climate, fire and vegetation history from subtropical North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah), eastern Australia, during the last three interglacials. Journal of Quaternary Science, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.3355

  29. Reichgelt, T., & Lee, W. G. (2021). Geographic variation of leaf form among indigenous woody angiosperms in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2021.1960384

    New Zealand Journal of Botany
    New Zealand Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Correlations of non-monocot woody angiosperm leaf traits to macroclimate are often used to reconstruct terrestrial paleoclimate under the assumption that macroclimate correlates with leaf phenotype are globally uniform‚ regardless of evolutionary history. Here‚ we evaluate if global trends in leaf trait variation with macroclimate are observed in the predominantly evergreen indigenous flora of New Zealand. A dataset of 557 indigenous woody dicot species and over 100‚000 occurrences was employed to investigate community-level relationships of four leaf characters (leaf pubescence‚ margin teeth‚ area and length-to-width ratio) with geographic variation in temperature‚ precipitation‚ water deficit and solar radiation. Leaf area and the frequency of toothed leaves decline at higher latitudes in New Zealand. Variation in leaf pubescence and leaf teeth is associated primarily with measures of water availability‚ such as annual rainfall and annual water deficit; whereas leaf size is associated primarily with temperature. Variation in leaf length-to-width ratio was weakly correlated to climate parameters. The New Zealand relationship of leaf area with temperature aligns with global patterns‚ highlighting the importance of small leaves in limiting night-time chilling. The global negative correlation of leaf teeth with temperature is apparent in New Zealand trees and vines‚ but not in shrubs or all woody dicots combined. However‚ the primary correlate of leaf teeth in New Zealand is water availability‚ showing that the response of this trait to macroclimate is not globally uniform. The high occurrence of pubescent leaves in low rainfall and drought-prone environments in New Zealand suggests that the trait is associated with water retention in drier climates.
    Citation

    Reichgelt, T., & Lee, W. G. (2021). Geographic variation of leaf form among indigenous woody angiosperms in New Zealand. New Zealand Journal of Botany, 1–25. https://doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2021.1960384

  30. Mokany, K., Ware, C., Harwood, T., Schmidt, B., Campbell Tetreault, S., & Ferrier, S. (2021). Biodiversity in the Gunbower-Koondrook Perricoota Forest Icon Site and the Murray-Darling Basin - A technical report for the Land and Ecosystem Accounts Project. (p. 89) [Technical Report]. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. https://doi.org/10.25919/nzg6-0819

    Abstract

    Here we provide a biodiversity assessment for the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest Icon Site (GKP) and the Murray-Darling Basin‚ as the basis for biodiversity accounts in the Valuing Parks Case Study Project‚ part of the Land and Ecosystem Accounts Project. This biodiversity assessment links to associated assessments of land cover‚ ecosystem extent and ecosystem condition.
    Citation

    Mokany, K., Ware, C., Harwood, T., Schmidt, B., Campbell Tetreault, S., & Ferrier, S. (2021). Biodiversity in the Gunbower-Koondrook Perricoota Forest Icon Site and the Murray-Darling Basin - A technical report for the Land and Ecosystem Accounts Project. (p. 89) [Technical Report]. Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. https://doi.org/10.25919/nzg6-0819

  31. Osipitan, O., Hanson, B., Goldwasser, Y., Fatino, M., & Mesgaran, M. (2021). The potential threat of branched broomrape for California processing tomato: A review. California Agriculture, 75(2), 64–73. http://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.2021a0012
    Publisher: University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources

    California Agriculture
    Abstract

    Branched broomrape (Phelipanche ramosa)‚ a parasitic weed that was the focus of a 1.5 million eradication effort four decades ago in California‚ has recently re-emerged in tomato fields in several Central Valley counties. Processing tomatoes are important to the California agricultural economy; the state produced over 90% of the 12 million tons of tomatoes grown in the United States in 2018. Branched broomrape is listed as an “A” noxious weed by the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA); discovery of broomrape in California tomato fields leads to quarantine and crop destruction without harvest‚ resulting in significant economic loss to growers. In countries where broomrape is common‚ yield reductions caused by this parasitic weed can range from moderate to 80%‚ depending upon the infestation level‚ host and environmental conditions. Developing a detailed understanding of the biology of this weed under local conditions is an important step towards developing effective management plans for California. In this review‚ we discuss branched broomrape in the context of California production systems‚ particularly of tomato. We also discuss the potential management practices that could help to prevent or reduce the impacts of branched broomrape in tomatoes and other host crops.
    Citation

    Osipitan, O., Hanson, B., Goldwasser, Y., Fatino, M., & Mesgaran, M. (2021). The potential threat of branched broomrape for California processing tomato: A review. California Agriculture, 75(2), 64–73. http://calag.ucanr.edu/Archive/?article=ca.2021a0012

  32. Rahman, Z. U. (2021). Remote sensing analysis of unnamed crater in Eastern Australia. Natural and Applied Sciences International Journal (NASIJ), 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.nasij/2.1.1

    Natural and Applied Sciences International Journal (NASIJ)
    Nat. App. Sci. Int. J.
    Abstract

    Remote sensing (RS) can certainly provide deep insights about detecting the terrestrial structure of unknown origin. In this paper‚ we also detected impact crater of unknown origin in northeast Australia by RS techniques‚ specifically to enhance the credibility of scientific database on the possible impact craters in the continent of Australia. Following the RS procedures‚ a circular-shaped unnamed crater‚ hereafter the Winton crater‚ was detected with a diameter of approximately 130-km. Furthermore‚ the topographical parameter was obtained from RS data‚ which showed that the area‚ depth and volume of the crater are \textasciitilde100-m2‚ \textasciitilde130-m and \textasciitilde99.8-m3‚ respectively. The geological data revealed that inside the crater‚ the outcrops are mainly consisted of sedimentary and low grade metamorphic rock‚ specifically included the mixed sediments and conglomerates‚ limestone and siltstone of the Craterous period. However‚ the exterior of the circular shaped in the southern part is consisted of unconsolidated deposits of the Tertiary period. The positive value of gravity anomaly for the major part of the crater is 3000 mGal and Bouguer gravity onshore grid has an anomaly of 900 mGal over the impact crater. It showed that the Winton crater could not be the due to any volcanic or karstic processes. On the other hand‚ a detailed field and petrology investigation should need to distinguish the origin of the crater of old and fossil travertine or an impact crater.
    Citation

    Rahman, Z. U. (2021). Remote sensing analysis of unnamed crater in Eastern Australia. Natural and Applied Sciences International Journal (NASIJ), 2(1), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.nasij/2.1.1

  33. Hopley, T., Webber, B. L., Raghu, S., Morin, L., & Byrne, M. (2021). Revealing the Introduction History and Phylogenetic Relationships of Passiflora foetida sensu lato in Australia. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 651805. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.651805

    Frontiers in Plant Science
    Front. Plant Sci.
    Abstract

    Genomic analysis can be a valuable tool to assistmanagement of non-native invasive species‚ through determining source and number of introductions as well as clarifying phylogenetic relationships. Here‚ we used whole chloroplast sequencing to investigate the introduction history of Passiflora foetida sensu lato in Australia and clarify its relationship with other Passiflora species present. Phylogenetic analysis of chloroplast genome data identified three separate genetic lineages of P. foetida present in Australia‚ indicating multiple introductions. These lineages had affinities to samples from three separate areas within the native range in Central and South America that represented phylogenetically distinct lineages. These results provide a basis for a targeted search of the native range of P.
    foetida s. l. for candidate biological control agents that have co-evolved with this species and are thus better adapted to the lineages that are present in Australia. Results also indicated that the Passiflora
    species native to Australia are in a separate clade to that of P. foetida s and other introduced Passiflora species cultivated in Australia. This knowledge is important to assess the likelihood of finding biological control agents for P. foetida that will be sufficiently host-specific for introduction in Australia. As
    P. foetida s is a widespread non-native invasive species across many regions of the world‚ outcomes from this work highlight the importance of first evaluating the specific entities present in a country before the initiation of a biological control program.
    Citation

    Hopley, T., Webber, B. L., Raghu, S., Morin, L., & Byrne, M. (2021). Revealing the Introduction History and Phylogenetic Relationships of Passiflora foetida sensu lato in Australia. Frontiers in Plant Science, 12, 651805. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2021.651805

  34. Pettit, L., Crowther, M. S., Ward-Fear, G., & Shine, R. (2021). Divergent long-term impacts of lethally toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) on two species of apex predators (monitor lizards, Varanus spp.). PLOS ONE, 16(7), e0254032. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254032

    PLOS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Biological invasions can massively disrupt ecosystems‚ but evolutionary and ecological adjustments may modify the magnitude of that impact through time. Such post-colonisation shifts can change priorities for management. We quantified the abundance of two species of giant monitor lizards‚ and of the availability of their mammalian prey‚ across 45 sites distributed across the entire invasion trajectory of the cane toad (
    Rhinella marina
    ) in Australia. One varanid species (
    Varanus panoptes
    from tropical Australia) showed dramatic population collapse with toad invasion‚ with no sign of recovery at most (but not all) sites that toads had occupied for up to 80 years. In contrast‚ abundance of the other species (
    Varanus varius
    from eastern-coastal Australia) was largely unaffected by toad invasion. That difference might reflect availability of alternative food sources in eastern-coastal areas‚ perhaps exacerbated by the widespread prior collapse of populations of small mammals across tropical (but not eastern) Australia. According to this hypothesis‚ the impact of cane toads on apex predators has been exacerbated and prolonged by a scarcity of alternative prey. More generally‚ multiple anthropogenically-induced changes to natural ecosystems may have synergistic effects‚ intensifying the impacts beyond that expected from either threat in isolation.
    Citation

    Pettit, L., Crowther, M. S., Ward-Fear, G., & Shine, R. (2021). Divergent long-term impacts of lethally toxic cane toads (Rhinella marina) on two species of apex predators (monitor lizards, Varanus spp.). PLOS ONE, 16(7), e0254032. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254032

  35. Bajwa, A. A., Latif, S., Borger, C., Iqbal, N., Asaduzzaman, M., Wu, H., & Walsh, M. (2021). The Remarkable Journey of a Weed: Biology and Management of Annual Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in Conservation Cropping Systems of Australia. Plants, 10(8), 1505. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081505

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    Annual ryegrass (Lolium rigidum Gaud.)‚ traditionally utilised as a pasture species‚ has become the most problematic and difficult-to-control weed across grain production regions in Australia. Annual ryegrass has been favoured by the adoption of conservation tillage systems due to its genetic diversity‚ prolific seed production‚ widespread dispersal‚ flexible germination requirements and competitive growth habit. The widespread evolution of herbicide resistance in annual ryegrass has made its management within these systems extremely difficult. The negative impacts of this weed on grain production systems result in annual revenue losses exceeding 93 million (AUD) for Australian grain growers. No single method of management provides effective and enduring control hence the need of integrated weed management programs is widely accepted and practiced in Australian cropping. Although annual ryegrass is an extensively researched weed‚ a comprehensive review of the biology and management of this weed in conservation cropping systems has not been conducted. This review presents an up-to-date account of knowledge on the biology‚ ecology and management of annual ryegrass in an Australian context. This comprehensive account provides pragmatic information for further research and suitable management of annual ryegrass.
    Citation

    Bajwa, A. A., Latif, S., Borger, C., Iqbal, N., Asaduzzaman, M., Wu, H., & Walsh, M. (2021). The Remarkable Journey of a Weed: Biology and Management of Annual Ryegrass (Lolium rigidum) in Conservation Cropping Systems of Australia. Plants, 10(8), 1505. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10081505

  36. Nyboer, E. A., Lin, H., Bennett, J. R., Gabriel, J., Twardek, W., Chhor, A. D., Daly, L., Dolson, S., Guitard, E., Holder, P., Mozzon, C. M., Trahan, A., Zimmermann, D., Kesner‐Reyes, K., Garilao, C., Kaschner, K., & Cooke, S. J. (2021). Global assessment of marine and freshwater recreational fish reveals mismatch in climate change vulnerability and conservation effort. Global Change Biology, gcb.15768. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15768

    Global Change Biology
    Glob Change Biol
    abstract
    Citation

    Nyboer, E. A., Lin, H., Bennett, J. R., Gabriel, J., Twardek, W., Chhor, A. D., Daly, L., Dolson, S., Guitard, E., Holder, P., Mozzon, C. M., Trahan, A., Zimmermann, D., Kesner‐Reyes, K., Garilao, C., Kaschner, K., & Cooke, S. J. (2021). Global assessment of marine and freshwater recreational fish reveals mismatch in climate change vulnerability and conservation effort. Global Change Biology, gcb.15768. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.15768

  37. Scott, J. (2021). Conservation Assessment of Lobelia claviflora Albr. & R.W.Jobson (Campanulaceae) [Conservation Assessment]. NSW Threatened Species Scientific Comittee. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Animals-and-plants/Scientific-Committee/Determinations/Preliminaries/conservation-assessment-lobelia-claviflora-preliminary-determination.pdf?la=en&hash=E41A14CE9F26EF8C13F79E2D35905CA8EF14BDD5

    Abstract

    Summary of Conservation Assessment
    Lobelia claviflora was found to be eligible for listing as Critically Endangered under
    Criterion B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii).
    The main reasons for this species being eligible are: i) it has a very highly restricted geographical range; ii) it is only found at a single location; and (iii) there is inferred continuing decline due to habitat disturbance from feral pigs‚ stock grazing and further loss of potential habitat.
    Citation

    Scott, J. (2021). Conservation Assessment of Lobelia claviflora Albr. & R.W.Jobson (Campanulaceae) [Conservation Assessment]. NSW Threatened Species Scientific Comittee. https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Animals-and-plants/Scientific-Committee/Determinations/Preliminaries/conservation-assessment-lobelia-claviflora-preliminary-determination.pdf?la=en&hash=E41A14CE9F26EF8C13F79E2D35905CA8EF14BDD5

  38. Xu, G.-Q., Farrell, C., & Arndt, S. K. (2021). Climate of origin has no influence on drought adaptive traits and the drought responses of a widely distributed polymorphic shrub. Tree Physiology, tpab085. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpab085

    Tree Physiology
    Abstract

    Abstract
    Climate has a significant influence on species distribution and the expression of functional traits in different plant species. However‚ it is unknown if subspecies with different climate envelopes also show differences in their expression of plant functional traits or if they respond differently to drought stress. We measured functional traits and drought responses of five subspecies of a widely distributed‚ cosmopolitan polymorphic shrub‚ Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. in an experiment with one-year old plants. Functional traits‚ such as leaf size‚ specific leaf area‚ turgor loss point (ΨTLP)‚ maximum stomatal conductance and maximum plant hydraulic conductance differed among the five subspecies. However‚ while the were some differences among traits‚ these were not related to their climate of origin‚ as measured by mean annual temperature‚ mean annual precipitation and mean annual aridity index. Drought response was also not related to climate of origin‚ and all subspecies showed a combination of drought avoiding and drought tolerance responses. All subspecies closed their stomata at very high water potentials (between −1.0 to −1.3 MPa) and had large hydraulic safety margins (drought avoidance). All subspecies adjusted their ΨTLP via osmotic adjustment‚ and subspecies with inherently lower ΨTLP showed greater osmotic adjustment (drought tolerance). All subspecies adjusted their midday water potentials in response to drought but subspecies from more arid environments did not show greater adjustments. The results indicated that climate niche was not related to plant trait expression or response to drought. The combination of drought avoidance and drought tolerance behavior seems to be a successful strategy for this widely distributed species that occupies many different climate zones and ecosystems. Hence‚ the wide distribution of D. viscosa seems to be related to plasticity of trait expression and drought response rather than long-term genetic adaptations to different environmental conditions.
    Citation

    Xu, G.-Q., Farrell, C., & Arndt, S. K. (2021). Climate of origin has no influence on drought adaptive traits and the drought responses of a widely distributed polymorphic shrub. Tree Physiology, tpab085. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpab085

  39. Santos, A. A., Hancox, T. J. J., Picanço, M. C., Delaporte, K., & Hogendoorn, K. (2021). Potential distribution of Leptospermum species (Myrtaceae) in Australia for bioactive honey production purposes. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01140671.2021.1951306

    New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science
    New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science
    Abstract

    The genus Leptospermum (Myrtaceae) is widespread in Australia and contains several species that are of increasing interest to produce bioactive honey. Here‚ we used the Maxent algorithm to investigate bioclimatic‚ climatic‚ and soil variables as predictors for potential distributions of seven Leptospermum species that have been identified as useful for bioactive honey production in Australia (L. lanigerum‚ L. liversidgei‚ L. nitens‚ L. polygalifolium‚ L. scoparium‚ L. speciosum‚ and L. whitei). Bioclimatic and climatic variables‚ mainly those related to moist conditions‚ were the best predictors for the distribution of the species. Leptospermum lanigerum and L. scoparium were suitable species in areas in southwestern Australia and Tasmania‚ while L. polygalifolium was suitable for eastern Australia. For L. nitens‚ appropriate areas were found only in western and southern regions‚ whereas only border ranges in Queensland and New South Wales were considered suitable for L. liversidgei‚ L. speciosum‚ and L. whitei. Notably‚ the latter areas were identified as a potential ‘hotspot’ for Leptospermum species. Our study can assist the incipient Leptospermum honey industry in Australia in identifying suitable local species and the local maintenance requirements for the species chosen.
    Citation

    Santos, A. A., Hancox, T. J. J., Picanço, M. C., Delaporte, K., & Hogendoorn, K. (2021). Potential distribution of Leptospermum species (Myrtaceae) in Australia for bioactive honey production purposes. New Zealand Journal of Crop and Horticultural Science, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1080/01140671.2021.1951306

  40. Köhler, M., & Font, F. (2021). Opuntia leoglossa sp. nov. (Cactaceae): a new identity for the aloctone “Lion’s Tongue” cactus. Phytotaxa, 510(3). https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.510.3.8

    Phytotaxa
    Phytotaxa
    Abstract

    Recent studies have shown that a worldwide cultivated plant known as “Lion’s Tongue” has been historically and wrongly assigned to another taxon name (Opuntia schickendantzii). After a literature study and the examination of herbarium specimens‚ we propose to describe the “Lion’s Tongue” as Opuntia leoglossa sp. nov. Although a hybrid origin or artificial selection is speculated‚ further studies must be carried out to better understand this taxon which has a hitherto unknown origin.
    Citation

    Köhler, M., & Font, F. (2021). Opuntia leoglossa sp. nov. (Cactaceae): a new identity for the aloctone “Lion’s Tongue” cactus. Phytotaxa, 510(3). https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.510.3.8

  41. Buckley, S. J., Brauer, C., Unmack, P. J., Hammer, M. P., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2021). The roles of aridification and sea level changes in the diversification and persistence of freshwater fish lineages. Molecular Ecology, 30(19), 4866–4883. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.16082
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/mec.16082

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    While the influence of Pleistocene climatic changes on divergence and speciation has been well-documented across the globe‚ complex spatial interactions between hydrology and eustatics over longer timeframes may also determine species evolutionary trajectories. Within the Australian continent‚ glacial cycles were not associated with changes in ice cover and instead largely resulted in fluctuations from moist to arid conditions across the landscape. We investigated the role of hydrological and coastal topographic changes brought about by Plio-Pleistocene climatic changes on the biogeographic history of a small Australian freshwater fish‚ the southern pygmy perch Nannoperca australis. Using 7958 ddRAD-seq (double digest restriction-site associated DNA) loci and 45‚104 filtered SNPs‚ we combined phylogenetic‚ coalescent and species distribution analyses to assess the various roles of aridification‚ sea level and tectonics and associated biogeographic changes across southeast Australia. Sea-level changes since the Pliocene and reduction or disappearance of large waterbodies throughout the Pleistocene were determining factors in strong divergence across the clade‚ including the initial formation and maintenance of a cryptic species‚ N. ’flindersi’. Isolated climatic refugia and fragmentation due to lack of connected waterways maintained the identity and divergence of inter- and intraspecific lineages. Our historical findings suggest that predicted increases in aridification and sea level due to anthropogenic climate change might result in markedly different demographic impacts‚ both spatially and across different landscape types.
    Citation

    Buckley, S. J., Brauer, C., Unmack, P. J., Hammer, M. P., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2021). The roles of aridification and sea level changes in the diversification and persistence of freshwater fish lineages. Molecular Ecology, 30(19), 4866–4883. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.16082

  42. Roycroft, E., MacDonald, A. J., Moritz, C., Moussalli, A., Portela Miguez, R., & Rowe, K. C. (2021). Museum genomics reveals the rapid decline and extinction of Australian rodents since European settlement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(27), e2021390118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2021390118

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    Proc Natl Acad Sci USA
    Abstract

    Australia has the highest historically recorded rate of mammalian extinction in the world‚ with 34 terrestrial species declared extinct since European colonization in 1788. Among Australian mammals‚ rodents have been the most severely affected by these recent extinctions; however‚ given a sparse historical record‚ the scale and timing of their decline remain unresolved. Using museum specimens up to 184 y old‚ we generate genomic-scale data from across the entire assemblage of Australian hydromyine rodents (i.e.‚ eight extinct species and their 42 living relatives). We reconstruct a phylogenomic tree for these species spanning ∼5.2 million years‚ revealing a cumulative total of 10 million years (>10%) of unique evolutionary history lost to extinction within the past ∼150 y. We find no evidence for reduced genetic diversity in extinct species just prior to or during decline‚ indicating that their extinction was extremely rapid. This suggests that populations of extinct Australian rodents were large prior to European colonization‚ and that genetic diversity does not necessarily protect species from catastrophic extinction. In addition‚ comparative analyses suggest that body size and biome interact to predict extinction and decline‚ with larger species more likely to go extinct. Finally‚ we taxonomically resurrect a species from extinction‚ Gould’s mouse (
    Pseudomys gouldii
    Waterhouse‚ 1839)‚ which survives as an island population in Shark Bay‚ Western Australia (currently classified as
    Pseudomys fieldi
    Waite‚ 1896). With unprecedented sampling across a radiation of extinct and living species‚ we unlock a previously inaccessible historical perspective on extinction in Australia. Our results highlight the capacity of collections-based research to inform conservation and management of persisting species.
    Citation

    Roycroft, E., MacDonald, A. J., Moritz, C., Moussalli, A., Portela Miguez, R., & Rowe, K. C. (2021). Museum genomics reveals the rapid decline and extinction of Australian rodents since European settlement. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 118(27), e2021390118. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2021390118

  43. Wilde, B. C., & Barrett, R. L. (2021). Hiding in plain sight, Ficus desertorum (Moraceae), a new species of rock fig for Central Australia. Telopea, 24(0), 283–301. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea14668
    Number: 0

    Telopea
    Telopea
    Abstract

    A new species of lithophytic fig‚ Ficus desertorum B.C.Wilde & R.L.Barrett‚ endemic to arid Central Australia‚ is described and illustrated. It is distinguished from other species in Ficus section Malvanthera Corner by having stiff lanceolate‚ dark green‚ discolorous leaves; many parallel‚ often obscure lateral veins; petioles that are continuous with the midrib; with minute‚ usually white hairs and non- or slightly sunken intercostal regions on the lower surface. Previously included under broad concepts of either Ficus platypoda (Miq.) Miq. or Ficus brachypoda (Miq.) Miq.‚ this species has a scattered distribution throughout Central Australia on rocky outcrops‚ jump-ups (mesas) and around waterholes. This culturally significant plant‚ colloquially referred to as the desert fig‚ grows on elevated landscapes in central Australia‚ including Uluru (Ayers Rock)‚ Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)‚ three of Central Australia’s best-known natural landmarks. Evidence is provided to show these plants are geographically and morphologically distinct from Ficus brachypoda‚ justifying the recognition of F. desertorum as a new species. Taxonomic issues with F. brachypoda and F. atricha D.J.Dixon are also discussed. Lectotypes are selected for Urostigma platypodum forma glabrior Miq. and Ficus platypoda var. minor Benth.
    Citation

    Wilde, B. C., & Barrett, R. L. (2021). Hiding in plain sight, Ficus desertorum (Moraceae), a new species of rock fig for Central Australia. Telopea, 24(0), 283–301. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea14668

  44. Hassan, R. A., & Hamdy, R. S. (2021). Synoptic Overview of Exotic Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia (Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoid Clade, Fabaceae) in Egypt. Plants, 10(7), 1344. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071344

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    For the first time‚ an updated checklist of Acacia‚ Senegalia and Vachellia species in Egypt is provided‚ focusing on the exotic species. Taking into consideration the retypification of genus Acacia ratified at the Melbourne International Botanical Congress (IBC‚ 2011)‚ a process of reclassification has taken place worldwide in recent years. The review of Acacia and its segregates in Egypt became necessary in light of the available information cited in classical works during the last century. In Egypt‚ various taxa formerly placed in Acacia s.l.‚ have been transferred to Acacia s.s.‚ Acaciella‚ Senegalia‚ Parasenegalia and Vachellia. The present study is a contribution towards clarifying the nomenclatural status of all recorded species of Acacia and its segregate genera. This study recorded 144 taxa (125 species and 19 infraspecific taxa). Only 14 taxa (four species and 10 infraspecific taxa) are indigenous to Egypt (included now under Senegalia and Vachellia). The other 130 taxa had been introduced to Egypt during the last century. Out of the 130 taxa‚ 79 taxa have been recorded in literature. The focus of this study is the remaining 51 exotic taxa that have been traced as living species in Egyptian gardens or as herbarium specimens in Egyptian herbaria. The studied exotic taxa are accommodated under Acacia s.s. (24 taxa)‚ Senegalia (14 taxa) and Vachellia (13 taxa). Identification keys for the studied genera‚ generic groups and species have been provided using different taxonomic criteria. For each taxon‚ the validated name with the first citation followed by relevant Egyptian citations‚ typification‚ synonyms‚ distinctive features‚ origin‚ ecology (when available)‚ utilisation and selected specimens are provided. The study revealed the presence of 22 newly recorded taxa in Egypt. Additionally‚ a list of excluded‚ unvalidated and unresolved names is given.
    Citation

    Hassan, R. A., & Hamdy, R. S. (2021). Synoptic Overview of Exotic Acacia, Senegalia and Vachellia (Caesalpinioideae, Mimosoid Clade, Fabaceae) in Egypt. Plants, 10(7), 1344. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10071344

  45. Fischer, S. E., Edwards, A. C., Weber, P., Garnett, S. T., & Whiteside, T. G. (2021). The Bird Assemblage of the Darwin Region (Australia): What Is the Effect of Twenty Years of Increasing Urbanisation? Diversity, 13(7), 294. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13070294

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    There has been considerable urban development in the Darwin region over the last twenty years; as for most fauna in Australia since colonisation‚ the potential effects to the bird assemblage were expected to be disastrous. To provide a broad overview of changes‚ bird survey data from 1998 and 2018 were extracted from BirdLife Australia’s ‘Atlas of Australian Birds’ database. A total of 165 species were categorised into primary food source feeding guilds and levels of food specialisation. This was integrated into ArcGIS along with land use change mapping from 1998 and 2018 to investigate its impact on bird assemblages. There was no significant change in overall species numbers when all sites were analysed. However‚ when sites were separated into those with increased urbanisation or decreased greenspace‚ several sites showed a significant change in the number of species. For the majority of species‚ analysis of primary food types found no difference in the proportion of species within the assemblages between 1998 and 2018‚ regardless of the level of urbanisation or greenspace; the exception being those species that primarily feed on insects‚ where the difference was just significant. An analysis using bird community data sorted into levels of food specialisation also found no difference between 1998 and 2018 despite habitat changes. These findings suggest that although there has been considerable urban development in the Darwin region‚ bird communities are remaining relatively stable.
    Citation

    Fischer, S. E., Edwards, A. C., Weber, P., Garnett, S. T., & Whiteside, T. G. (2021). The Bird Assemblage of the Darwin Region (Australia): What Is the Effect of Twenty Years of Increasing Urbanisation? Diversity, 13(7), 294. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13070294

  46. Hogg, C. J., Morrison, C., Dudley, J. S., Alquezar‐Planas, D. E., Beasley‐Hall, P. G., Magrath, M. J. L., Ho, S. Y. W., Lo, N., Johnson, R. N., & Grueber, C. E. (2021). Using phylogenetics to explore interspecies genetic rescue options for a critically endangered parrot. Conservation Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.483

    Conservation Science and Practice
    Conservat Sci and Prac
    Abstract

    As the global biodiversity crisis deepens‚ with increasing habitat fragmentation and a changing climate‚ innovative options for conserving species are being explored. One such conservation action is genetic rescue: introduction of new alleles to promote population fitness. However‚ for critically endangered species where only one viable population remains‚ options for introducing new alleles are limited. Interspecies hybridization offers a potential solution but requires resolution of evolutionary relationships‚ a sound understanding of species biology‚ social license‚ and permissive legislative frameworks. Here‚ we show how phylogenetics and species biology can inform genetic rescue options for the orange-bellied parrot (OBP; Neophema chrysogaster)‚ a critically endangered Australian bird with one small remaining wild population. Our phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial genomes and nuclear loci for all congeneric species provided strong support for OBPs being the sister species to a group comprising elegant‚ rock‚ and blue-winged parrots. Accounting for species distribution‚ behavior‚ and ecology‚ a captive trial of interspecific hybridization with the blue-winged parrot is recommended‚ including assessment of the fitness of hybrid individuals. Introduction of new alleles into the OBP genome would achieve the conservation goal of improving genetic diversity in a critically endangered species. Concurrently‚ legislative issues will need to be resolved.
    Citation

    Hogg, C. J., Morrison, C., Dudley, J. S., Alquezar‐Planas, D. E., Beasley‐Hall, P. G., Magrath, M. J. L., Ho, S. Y. W., Lo, N., Johnson, R. N., & Grueber, C. E. (2021). Using phylogenetics to explore interspecies genetic rescue options for a critically endangered parrot. Conservation Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.483

  47. Hsieh, J., Krause, S. T., Kainer, D., Degenhardt, J., Foley, W. J., & Külheim, C. (2021). Characterization of terpene biosynthesis in Melaleuca quinquenervia and ecological consequences of terpene accumulation during myrtle rust infection. Plant-Environment Interactions, pei3.10056. https://doi.org/10.1002/pei3.10056

    Plant-Environment Interactions
    Plant-Environment Interactions
    Abstract

    Plants use a wide array of secondary metabolites including terpenes as defense against herbivore and pathogen attack‚ which can be constitutively expressed or induced. Here‚ we investigated aspects of the chemical and molecular basis of resistance against the exotic rust fungus Austropuccinia psidii in Melaleuca quinquenervia‚ with a focus on terpenes. Foliar terpenes of resistant and susceptible plants were quantified‚ and we assessed whether chemotypic variation contributed to resistance to infection by A. psidii. We found that chemotypes did not contribute to the resistance and susceptibility of M. quinquenervia. However‚ in one of the chemotypes (Chemotype 2)‚ susceptible plants showed higher concentrations of several terpenes including α-pinene‚ limonene‚ 1‚8-cineole‚ and viridiflorol compared with resistant plants. Transcriptome profiling of these plants showed that several TPS genes were strongly induced in response to infection by A. psidii. Functional characterization of these TPS showed them to be mono- and sesquiterpene synthases producing compounds including 1‚8-cineole‚ β-caryophyllene‚ viridiflorol and nerolidol. The expression of these TPS genes correlated with metabolite data in a susceptible plant. These results suggest the complexity of resistance mechanism regulated by M. quinquenervia and that modulation of terpenes may be one of the components that contribute to resistance against A. psidii.
    Citation

    Hsieh, J., Krause, S. T., Kainer, D., Degenhardt, J., Foley, W. J., & Külheim, C. (2021). Characterization of terpene biosynthesis in Melaleuca quinquenervia and ecological consequences of terpene accumulation during myrtle rust infection. Plant-Environment Interactions, pei3.10056. https://doi.org/10.1002/pei3.10056

  48. White, H. A., Scott, J. K., & Didham, R. K. (2021). Evidence of Range Shifts in Riparian Plant Assemblages in Response to Multidecadal Streamflow Declines. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, 605951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.605951

    Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
    Front. Ecol. Evol.
    Abstract

    Riparian corridors are thought to form hydrological refugia that may buffer species and communities against regional climate changes. In regions facing a warming and drying climate‚ however‚ the hydrological regime driving riparian communities is also under threat. We examined recruitment in response to streamflow declines for species inhabiting the riparian zone in southwest Western Australia‚ testing the extent to which the riparian system has buffered riparian communities from the drying climate. We stratified 49 vegetation transects across the &gt;600 mm per annum regional rainfall gradient encompassed by the Warren River Catchment. Local hydrological conditions were estimated over two 10-year periods; 1980–1989‚ and 2001–2010‚ to quantify changes in the flood regime. Mixed effects models tested the relationship between rainfall and flooding on the relative frequency of immature to mature individuals of 17 species of trees and shrubs common to the riparian zones. At the low-rainfall extent of their geographic range‚ the relative frequency of immature riparian species decreased with declining flow‚ whereas at the high-rainfall extent of their geographic range the relative frequency of immature individuals increased with declining flow. These results suggest that the geographic ranges of riparian species may be contracting at the low-rainfall margin of their range‚ while at the high-rainfall margin of their geographic range‚ reduced flooding regimes appear to be opening up new habitat suitable for recruitment and narrowing the river corridor. No such patterns were observed in upland species‚ suggesting the river may be buffering upland species. We discuss these findings and their implications for ongoing management and species conservation in a region projected to face further‚ significant rainfall declines.
    Citation

    White, H. A., Scott, J. K., & Didham, R. K. (2021). Evidence of Range Shifts in Riparian Plant Assemblages in Response to Multidecadal Streamflow Declines. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 9, 605951. https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.605951

  49. Peristiwady, T. (2021). Ichthyological Research and Biodiversity of Marine Fishes in Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 789(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/789/1/012009

    IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
    IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci.
    abstract
    Citation

    Peristiwady, T. (2021). Ichthyological Research and Biodiversity of Marine Fishes in Indonesia. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 789(1), 012009. https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/789/1/012009

  50. Cunningham, M., Aisthorpe, R., Johnson, R., Hardwick, L., & Eddie, C. (2021). Broad-scale Ecological Assessment Report: Fariview Optimisation and Electrification Project (pp. 1–74) [Consultants Report]. Boobook Ecological Consulting. https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ecological-Assessment-Report-Fairview-Optimisation-and-Electrification-Project.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Cunningham, M., Aisthorpe, R., Johnson, R., Hardwick, L., & Eddie, C. (2021). Broad-scale Ecological Assessment Report: Fariview Optimisation and Electrification Project (pp. 1–74) [Consultants Report]. Boobook Ecological Consulting. https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Ecological-Assessment-Report-Fairview-Optimisation-and-Electrification-Project.pdf

  51. Haff, T. M., Tees, N., Wood, K., Cawsey, E. M., Joseph, L., & Holleley, C. E. (2021). Collection, curation and the use of humidification to restore nest shape in a research museum bird nest collection. Avian Research, 12(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-021-00266-5

    Avian Research
    Avian Res
    Abstract

    Abstract
    Background
    Bird nests are an important part of avian ecology. They are a powerful tool for studying not only the birds that built them‚ but a wide array of topics ranging from parasitology‚ urbanisation and climate change to evolution. Despite this‚ bird nests tend to be underrepresented in natural history collections‚ a problem that should be redressed through renewed focus by collecting institutions.
    Methods
    Here we outline the history and current best practice collection and curatorial methods for the nest collection of the Australian National Wildlife Collection (ANWC). We also describe an experiment conducted on nests in the ANWC using ultrasonic humidification to restore the shape of nests damaged by inappropriate storage.
    Results
    The experiment showed that damaged nests can be successfully reshaped to close to their original dimensions. Indeed‚ restored nests were significantly closer to their original shape than they were prior to restoration. Thus‚ even nests damaged by years of neglect may be fully incorporated into active research collections. Best practice techniques include extensive note taking and photography in the field‚ subsampling of nests that cannot or should not be collected‚ appropriate field storage‚ metadata management‚ and prompt treatment upon arrival at the collection facility.
    Conclusions
    Renewed focus on nest collections should include appropriate care and restoration of current collections‚ as well as expansion to redress past underrepresentation. This could include collaboration with researchers studying or monitoring avian nesting ecology‚ and nest collection after use in bird species that rebuild anew each nesting attempt. Modern expansion of museum nest collections will allow researchers and natural history collections to fully realise the scientific potential of these complex and beautiful specimens.
    Citation

    Haff, T. M., Tees, N., Wood, K., Cawsey, E. M., Joseph, L., & Holleley, C. E. (2021). Collection, curation and the use of humidification to restore nest shape in a research museum bird nest collection. Avian Research, 12(1), 34. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40657-021-00266-5

  52. Lee, J. S., Letnic, M., & Mills, C. H. (2021). Diet and occurrences of the letter-winged kite in a predation refuge. The Science of Nature, 108(6), 61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01772-8

    The Science of Nature
    Sci Nat
    Abstract

    Nomadism is an advantageous life history strategy for specialised predators because it enables the predator to respond rapidly to changes in prey populations. The letter-winged kite (Elanus scriptus) is a nomadic nocturnal bird of prey endemic to arid and semi-arid zones of Australia. Letter-winged kites prey almost exclusively on nocturnal rodents and are often associated with rodent irruptions‚ but little is known about the ecology of letter-winged kites inside their core range. The Strzelecki Desert contains a known dingo-mediated predation refuge for native rodents. In this manuscript‚ we compare kite sightings‚ predator activity‚ and small mammal populations across survey sites in the Strzelecki Desert where dingoes were common and where dingoes were rare and use publicly available data from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) to assess trends in the occurrence of kites in the region. Ninety-five percent of ALA observations occurred in areas where dingoes were common. Similarly‚ all our observations of kites occurred where dingoes were common and during an extended population irruption of Notomys fuscus. Notomys fuscus was the most frequent item in the letter-winged kite diet at our study sites. We suggest that there is significant evidence that these sites in the Strzelecki Desert form part of the core range for the letter-winged kite whose use of this area is facilitated by a predation refuge for rodents mediated by the dingo. We conclude that predation refuges mediated by dingoes could be a factor driving the distributions of letter-winged kites and other predators of rodents‚ particularly nomadic predators.
    Citation

    Lee, J. S., Letnic, M., & Mills, C. H. (2021). Diet and occurrences of the letter-winged kite in a predation refuge. The Science of Nature, 108(6), 61. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01772-8

  53. Andres, S. E., Powell, J. R., Emery, N. J., Rymer, P. D., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Does threatened species listing status predict climate change risk? A case study with Australian Persoonia (Proteaceae) species. Global Ecology and Conservation, 31, e01862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01862

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Global Ecology and Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Andres, S. E., Powell, J. R., Emery, N. J., Rymer, P. D., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Does threatened species listing status predict climate change risk? A case study with Australian Persoonia (Proteaceae) species. Global Ecology and Conservation, 31, e01862. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01862

  54. McCulloch-Jones, E., Kraaij, T., Crouch, N., & Fritz, H. (2021). The effect of horticultural trade on establishment success in alien terrestrial true ferns (Polypodiophyta). Biological Invasions, 23(11), 3583–3596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02599-0

    Biological Invasions
    Biol Invasions
    Abstract

    Wildlife trade imposes direct and indirect negative impacts on the environment but particularly through the continual introduction of species beyond their native range. The high demand for various ornamental plant species at global scale‚ combined with modern and more efficient modes of trade (i.e.‚ e-commerce) highlight the horticultural trade industry as a point of major conservation concern. Historically‚ ferns are well documented as being a popular ornamental plant group and recent studies have highlighted their high propensity towards invasion. Despite this‚ no studies have considered the role of trade as a driver of invasiveness in this large plant group. In this study we developed an inventory of traded terrestrial true ferns (Polypodiophyta) using catalogues from on-ground (i.e.‚ brick and mortar) and e-commerce (i.e.‚ online) nurseries across 6 major trading countries: Australia‚ Canada‚ New Zealand‚ South Africa‚ the United Kingdom‚ and the United States of America. A total of 382 traded ferns including alien and native species were identified. Generalised linear models were used to determine which market and species traits influenced the probability of establishment success in the country of trade. The final model highlighted that various market traits positively affected the likelihood of establishment success in alien ferns‚ i.e.‚ the number of varieties and cultivars available for a species (a proxy for the effects of horticultural manipulation and ecotypic variation)‚ a high market presence‚ and trade via e-commerce. Species traits such as a broad native range and successful establishment elsewhere were also important predictors. Three families (Dryopteridaceae‚ Pteridaceae‚ and Polypodiaceae) were identified as the most popular fern families in trade. These families have also contributed a significant portion of alien and invasive ferns in this and previous studies and are commonly promoted by horticulturalists. Twenty-nine out of 261 traded alien fern species were identified as having successfully invaded regions other than the country of trade as well as having a high market presence‚ with Dryopteris erythrosora‚ Dryopteris cycadina‚ Polystichum polyblepharum‚ and Cyrtomium falcatum being of particular concern. This study emphasised the role of horticultural trade in invasion success in alien ferns and highlighted the value of early detection through screening horticultural catalogues to identify introduced and potentially invasive species that should be monitored in trade.
    Citation

    McCulloch-Jones, E., Kraaij, T., Crouch, N., & Fritz, H. (2021). The effect of horticultural trade on establishment success in alien terrestrial true ferns (Polypodiophyta). Biological Invasions, 23(11), 3583–3596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02599-0

  55. Kolanowska, M., Michalska, E., & Konowalik, K. (2021). The impact of global warming on the niches and pollinator availability of sexually deceptive orchid with a single pollen vector. Science of The Total Environment, 795, 148850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148850

    Science of The Total Environment
    Science of The Total Environment
    abstract
    Citation

    Kolanowska, M., Michalska, E., & Konowalik, K. (2021). The impact of global warming on the niches and pollinator availability of sexually deceptive orchid with a single pollen vector. Science of The Total Environment, 795, 148850. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148850

  56. Baxter, P. W. J., Rogers, A. M., & Kark, S. (2021). Saving Species on Australian islands Final Report. Threatened Species Recovery Hub (National Environmental Science Programme), The University of Queensland, Charles Darwin University. https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/d4dh0lqg/4-2-1-saving-species-on-australian-islands-final-report_v4.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Baxter, P. W. J., Rogers, A. M., & Kark, S. (2021). Saving Species on Australian islands Final Report. Threatened Species Recovery Hub (National Environmental Science Programme), The University of Queensland, Charles Darwin University. https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/d4dh0lqg/4-2-1-saving-species-on-australian-islands-final-report_v4.pdf

  57. Hao, T., Elith, J., Guillera-Arroita, G., Lahoz-Monfort, J. J., & May, T. W. (2021). Enhancing repository fungal data for biogeographic analyses. Fungal Ecology, 53, 101097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2021.101097

    Fungal Ecology
    Fungal Ecology
    Abstract

    Open-access occurrence data are useful for studying spatial patterns of fungi‚ but often have quality issues. These include errors in taxonomy and geo-coordinates‚ and incomplete coverage across areas and taxonomic groups. We identify 15 quality issues that can lead to incorrect biogeographic inference‚ and develop a reproducible pipeline that flags and removes problematic entries. This pipeline tests accuracy of geographic records and names. Then‚ if information on non-native status is unavailable or unreliable‚ it detects non-native species via a predictive model. Finally‚ it identifies spatial and environmental outliers and removes them when biologically improbable. We test the pipeline by cleaning data for Australian fungi‚ with 251‚642 records retained after cleaning the initial 1‚034‚601 records. Exploratory analysis showed that the cleaned data is useful for analyses such as biogeographic regionalisation‚ but recording gaps and lack of saturation in collection effort also caution that more surveys are needed to improve collection completeness.
    Citation

    Hao, T., Elith, J., Guillera-Arroita, G., Lahoz-Monfort, J. J., & May, T. W. (2021). Enhancing repository fungal data for biogeographic analyses. Fungal Ecology, 53, 101097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2021.101097

  58. Lohr, C. A., Dziminski, M., Dunlop, J., Miller, E., & Morris, K. (2021). Reintroduction of Bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) to Matuwa, an Indigenous Protected Area in Western Australia. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 78, 67–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2021.05.005

    Rangeland Ecology & Management
    Rangeland Ecology & Management
    Abstract

    The greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) once occupied much of Australia’s mainland. Bilbies are now listed as vulnerable and only occur in 20% of their former range. Operation Rangeland Restoration aims to to restore an ex −pastoral lease; reintroduce several species of locally extirpated fauna‚ including the bilby; and maintain the area in perpetuity for the conservation of Australian arid zone species. Bilbies were reintro- duced to the Matuwa Indigenous Protected Area between 2007 and 2010 and‚ with ongoing landscape- scale control of feral predators‚ herbivores‚ and fire‚ have thrived. Here‚ we present a detailed account of the methods used during the reintroduction‚ showing that between 2007 and 2019 there has been an 88% increase in the area of occupancy by bilbies at Matuwa. The results of 2-ha track plot surveys conducted by the traditional owners of Matuwa suggest that the reintroduced bilbies are emigrating out of Matuwa. In addition‚ in 2018 and 2019 we used 120 camera-traps over 18 mo and occupancy analysis to confirm the widespread presence of bilbies across Matuwa and define significant habitat correlates. Bilbies were more likely to be detected on sandplains with Eucalyptus species as overstorey vegetation and Triodia as understorey vegetation. Bilbies were not detected in habitats with ≥75% bare ground. We attribute the success of the bilby reintroduction at Matuwa to the consistent implementation of landscape-scale control of feral predators.
    Citation

    Lohr, C. A., Dziminski, M., Dunlop, J., Miller, E., & Morris, K. (2021). Reintroduction of Bilbies (Macrotis lagotis) to Matuwa, an Indigenous Protected Area in Western Australia. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 78, 67–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2021.05.005

  59. Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Gentle, M. N., Legge, S. M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Thompson, E., Turpin, J., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2021). Sharing meals: Predation on Australian mammals by the introduced European red fox compounds and complements predation by feral cats. Biological Conservation, 261, 109284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109284

    Biological Conservation
    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Two introduced carnivores‚ the European red fox Vulpes vulpes and domestic cat Felis catus‚ have had‚ and continue to have‚ major impacts on wildlife‚ particularly mammals‚ across Australia. Based mainly on the contents of almost 50‚000 fox dietary samples‚ we provide the first comprehensive inventory of Australian mammal species known to be consumed by foxes‚ and compare this with a similar assessment for cats.
    We recorded consumption by foxes of 114 species of Australian land mammal (40% of extant species)‚ fewer than consumed by cats (173 species). Foxes are known to consume 42 threatened mammal species (50% of Australia’s threatened land mammals and 66% of those within the fox’s Australian range). Reflecting the importance of mammals in their diet‚ foxes are known to consume a far higher proportion of Australian mammal species (40%) than of Australian birds (24%) and reptiles (16%).
    Both foxes and cats were most likely to consume medium-sized mammals‚ with the likelihood of predation by foxes peaking for mammals of ca. 280 g and by cats at ca. 130 g. For non-flying mammals‚ threatened species had a higher relative likelihood of predation by foxes than non-threatened species. Using trait-based modelling‚ we estimate that many now-extinct Australian mammal species had very high likelihoods of predation by foxes and cats‚ although we note that for some of these species‚ extinction likely pre-dated the arrival of foxes. These two predators continue to have compounding and complementary impacts on Australian mammals. Targeted and integrated management of foxes and cats is required to help maintain and recover the Australian mammal fauna.
    Citation

    Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Crawford, H. M., Dawson, S. J., Dickman, C. R., Doherty, T. S., Fleming, P. A., Gentle, M. N., Legge, S. M., Newsome, T. M., Palmer, R., Rees, M. W., Ritchie, E. G., Speed, J., Stuart, J.-M., Thompson, E., Turpin, J., & Woinarski, J. C. Z. (2021). Sharing meals: Predation on Australian mammals by the introduced European red fox compounds and complements predation by feral cats. Biological Conservation, 261, 109284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109284

  60. Hale, J. (2021). Lake Colac Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade: Ecological Risk Assessment [Consultants Report]. Jennifer Hale Aquatic Ecology Consultant.

    Abstract

    The Colac Wastewater Reclamation Plant (WRP) is located on the south eastern shore of Lake Colac in the Western Victorian town of Colac. The WRP treats industrial and domestic wastewater from the town of Colac‚ producing Class C recycled water discharged to Lake
    Colac under a Victorian EPA Licence. Barwon Water is planning an upgrade of the Colac WRP‚ which will require a Works Approval and an associated licence amendment from EPA Victoria. As a part of the works approval‚ an environmental risk assessment (ERA)‚ consistent with the Victorian EPA Guidelines for Risk Assessment of Wastewater Discharges to
    Waterways (EPA Victoria 2009) is required.
    This report provides an ERA on the potential environmental impacts (both positive and negative) associated with Barwon Water’s proposed upgrade to the Colac WRP to the receiving waters (Lake Colac) in accordance with EPA Guidelines for Risk Assessment of
    Wastewater Discharges to Waterways (EPA Victoria 2009). Lake Colac was once a permanent waterbody‚ but the effects of climate change and drainage
    schemes have resulted in a lake that periodically dries and has a more variable water regime.The lake is turbid‚ alkaline and eutrophic‚ but supports several beneficial uses and values including: a diversity and abundance of waterbirds‚ commercial and recreational fishing and
    water-based recreation. The Colac WRP has operated within its EPA discharge licence conditions for the past five
    years but has occasional peak ammonia concentrations above guideline values. The planned upgrade will increase the discharge volume over time from a maximum of 5.7 ML/day to
    7 ML/day. Barwon Water have made a commitment to reduce the licence quality limits associated with the discharge with a reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.The upgrade will also result in a significant improvement in the worst-case peak ammonia concentration in the effluent.
    Citation

    Hale, J. (2021). Lake Colac Water Reclamation Plant Upgrade: Ecological Risk Assessment [Consultants Report]. Jennifer Hale Aquatic Ecology Consultant.

  61. Wassens, S., Poynter, C., Brooks, S., & McGinness, H. (2021). Basin-scale evaluation of 2019–20 Commonwealth environmental water: Species Diversity (Commonwealth Environmental Water Office: Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Program). Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and Flow Monitoring and Research. https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/202766228/202764172_Published_report.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Wassens, S., Poynter, C., Brooks, S., & McGinness, H. (2021). Basin-scale evaluation of 2019–20 Commonwealth environmental water: Species Diversity (Commonwealth Environmental Water Office: Monitoring, Evaluation and Research Program). Commonwealth Environmental Water Office and Flow Monitoring and Research. https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/ws/portalfiles/portal/202766228/202764172_Published_report.pdf

  62. Richards, Z. T., Juszkiewicz, D. J., & Hoggett, A. (2021). Spatio-temporal persistence of scleractinian coral species at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs, 40(4), 1369–1378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-021-02144-4

    Coral Reefs
    Coral Reefs
    Abstract

    The Great Barrier Reef is a diverse ecosystem of outstanding universal value that is under an increasing level of cumulative threat. The status of biodiversity‚ particularly that of habitat-forming taxa is not known‚ and more data are needed to evaluate this. Here‚ we summarize scleractinian coral distribution records in the Lizard Island reef system from 1976 to 2020 to explore the persistence of the local species pool across 44 years. By undertaking replicated spatio-temporal biodiversity surveys (2011‚ 2015‚ 2017‚ 2020) at 14 sites and compiling published species records from this location (1976–2020)‚ we determine that 368 species of hermatypic scleractinian coral have been recorded from Lizard Island and/or nearby reefs over the last 44 years. Two hundred and eighty-four of those species (77.2%) have ongoing records across this time period indicating temporal persistence at the local scale. However‚ 28 species (7.6%) that were reliably recorded prior to 2011 have not been recorded in subsequent years and may be at risk of local extinction. A further 31 species (8.4%) may be at risk of local range reduction as they have not been recorded at Lizard Island and/or at nearby reefs since 2015. The remaining 25 species (6.8%) were deemed taxonomically unreliable records. Fifty-three species are recorded from Lizard Island for the first time in the 2011–2020 surveys‚ however‚ further integrated taxonomic research is required to verify some of these records. At a site level‚ species diversity has been in a state of flux over the 2011–2020 period with significant declines in species richness notable from 2011 to 2017‚ and significant recovery from 2017 to 2020. Overall‚ this dataset indicates local extinction or local range reduction is a tangible risk for 59 species (16% of the species pool) in the Lizard Island region. Additional targeted searching for these species along with temporal monitoring of species abundance and size structure is warranted to better understand the status of coral biodiversity at this globally significant location.
    Citation

    Richards, Z. T., Juszkiewicz, D. J., & Hoggett, A. (2021). Spatio-temporal persistence of scleractinian coral species at Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef. Coral Reefs, 40(4), 1369–1378. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00338-021-02144-4

  63. Erickson, K. D., & Smith, A. B. (2021). Accounting for imperfect detection in data from museums and herbaria when modeling species distributions: combining and contrasting data‐level versus model‐level bias correction. Ecography, ecog.05679. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05679

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Erickson, K. D., & Smith, A. B. (2021). Accounting for imperfect detection in data from museums and herbaria when modeling species distributions: combining and contrasting data‐level versus model‐level bias correction. Ecography, ecog.05679. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.05679

  64. Kirk, H., Garrard, G. E., Croeser, T., Backstrom, A., Berthon, K., Furlong, C., Hurley, J., Thomas, F., Webb, A., & Bekessy, S. A. (2021). Building biodiversity into the urban fabric: A case study in applying Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD). Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 62, 127176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127176

    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Urban Forestry & Urban Greening
    Abstract

    Biodiversity within cities is fundamental for human health and well-being‚ and delivers a wide range of critical
    ecosystem services. However‚ biodiversity is often viewed as an afterthought or final addition once an urban development nears completion. As such‚ provisions for biodiversity are typically tokenistic and do not achieve the experience of everyday nature that people need. Considering biodiversity requirements at the start of an urban development allows for strategic‚ intentional design with biodiversity enhancement in mind. Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) is a protocol that aims to create urban areas that deliver on-site benefit to native species and ecosystems through the provision of essential habitat and food resources. Here we present a case
    study demonstrating how BSUD methods can be used to (a) encourage successful outcomes for nature‚ (b) improve the aesthetics and liveability of the urban form‚ and (c) engage stakeholders in a process that supports other aspects of urban design including park and streetscape design. Fishermans Bend (Melbourne) is the largest urban renewal project in Australia‚ and one of the first of this scale to explicitly include biodiversity targets. We outline the methods used to co-create biodiversity objectives with diverse stakeholders‚ and how these‚ combined with a quantitative analysis of their potential biodiversity impact‚ were translated into clear design and planning recommendations. We critically reflect on the success of this method for 1) communicating and facilitating provisions for biodiversity across different stakeholders and 2) providing clear messaging around biodiversity across different planning disciplines.
    Citation

    Kirk, H., Garrard, G. E., Croeser, T., Backstrom, A., Berthon, K., Furlong, C., Hurley, J., Thomas, F., Webb, A., & Bekessy, S. A. (2021). Building biodiversity into the urban fabric: A case study in applying Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD). Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 62, 127176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2021.127176

  65. Booth, T. (2021). doi:10.5061/dryad.6m905qfzt">Western Australian distribution of Acacia saligna (Version 5). https://doi.org/10.5061/DRYAD.6M905QFZT
    Pages: 438060 bytes
    Publication Title: John Wiley & Sons
    Artwork Size: 438060 bytes

    Abstract

    Comments were presented on an article published in October 2020 in Ecology and Evolution (“Predictive ability of a process-based versus a correlative species distribution model”) by Higgins et al. This analyzed natural distributions of Australian eucalypt and acacia species and assessed the adventive range of selected species outside Australia. Unfortunately‚ inappropriate variables were used with the example MaxEnt species distribution model of Acacia saligna when applied outside Australia‚ so that large climatically suitable areas in the Mediterranean area of the Northern Hemisphere were not identified. To illustrate the problem‚ data from the natural distribution of A. saligna in Western Australia were accessed using the spatial portal of the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA‚ spatial.ala.org.au). The MaxEnt analysis method available in the ALA was used to show that large areas of the Mediterranean Basin are climatically suitable for A. saligna.
    Citation

    Booth, T. (2021). Western Australian distribution of Acacia saligna (Version 5). https://doi.org/10.5061/DRYAD.6M905QFZT

  66. Bello, C., Cintra, A. L. P., Barreto, E., Vancine, M. H., Sobral-Souza, T., Graham, C. H., & Galetti, M. (2021). Environmental niche and functional role similarity between invasive and native palms in the Atlantic Forest. Biological Invasions, 23(3), 741–754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02400-8
    PMID: 33679211
    PMCID: PMC7900028

    Biological Invasions
    Biol Invasions
    Abstract

    Invasive species can significantly affect native species when their niches are similar. Ecological and morphological similarities between the invasive Australian palm‚ Archontophoenix cunninghamiana‚ and the native palm from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest‚ Euterpe edulis‚ suggest that they have similar environmental requirements and functional roles (i.e.‚ the function a species performs in an ecosystem). This similarity raises concerns about how the invasive palm could impact the native species in the present and future. We used spatial (species occurrences) and ecological information (frugivory events) to characterize the environmental niche and functional role of the two palms and assess their overlap. In addition‚ we predicted the potential area of occurrence of each palm within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest under current and future climate conditions.We estimated the environmental conditions used by the invasive plant based on its native distribution only‚ and based on all areas where the species is able to establish across the globe. We found that the environmental niches of the two palm species overlap up to 39%‚ which corresponds to 50% of the current geographic distribution of E. edulis in the Atlantic Forest. In the areas where the two species potentially co-occur‚ the impact of the invasive species on the native should be influenced by the invasive species interactions with frugivores. We found that the frugivory functional role of the two palms was similar (84% overlap) which suggest that A. cunninghamiana might disrupt the seed dispersal of the native palm. However‚ co-occurrence between the palms may decline with future climate change‚ as the potentially environmental suitable area for the invasive palm is predicted to decline by 10% to 55%. Evaluating the similarity in both the environmental niche‚ of the native and global extent‚ and the functional role of native and invasive plants provides a detailed understanding of the potential impact of invasive species on native species now and in the future.
    Citation

    Bello, C., Cintra, A. L. P., Barreto, E., Vancine, M. H., Sobral-Souza, T., Graham, C. H., & Galetti, M. (2021). Environmental niche and functional role similarity between invasive and native palms in the Atlantic Forest. Biological Invasions, 23(3), 741–754. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02400-8

  67. Freitas, J. R. S. (2021). Web-Based Interface for Environmental Niche Modelling [M.E., Universidade da Madeira (Portugal)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2675223293/abstract/D612A39219BD4744PQ/1
    ISBN: 9798819341315

    Abstract

    Marine species are subject to anthropogenic impacts‚ such as noise pollution‚ marine litter‚ and direct impact collisions. While there are efforts in the marine community and crowd-sourcing to report the occurrence of marine species‚ not enough projects explore the prediction of where such animals may be.
    This dissertation analyzes the state of the art in species distribution model ing (SDM) systems‚ capable of reporting and predicting marine biodiversity. The proposal implements the algorithms for predicting species through publicly avail able repositories of data‚ provides means to ease the upload and management of occurrence points as well as methods for prediction analysis. A web-based user interface is proposed using Ecological Niche Modelling (ENM) as an automated alerting mechanism towards ecological awareness.
    Performed user studies evaluate marine biodiversity concerns from fisherman and whale-watching sea-vessels‚ assessing attitudes‚ threats‚ values‚ and motiva tion of both samples. Further‚ biologists and experts on ENMs will evaluate the workflow and interface‚ reviewing the proposal’s potential to enable ecologists to create solutions for their custom problems using simple protocols without the need for any third-party entities and extensive knowledge in programming.
    Alternate abstract:
    Espécies marinhas estão sujeitas a impactos antropogênicos‚ tais como poluição sonora‚ lixo marinho‚ e colisões com tráfego marinho. Apesar de existirem al guns esforços da comunidade marinha e crowdsourcing relativamente ao registo de ocorrências de biodiversidade marinha‚ não existem projeto suficientes que exploram as previsões de onde estas espécies poderão estar.
    Esta dissertação analisa o estado da arte em sistemas de modelação de dis tribuição de espécies‚ capazes de relatar e prever biodiversidade marinha. A pro posta implementa os algoritmos para prever espécies por meio de repositórios consolidados de dados disponíveis online‚ fornece meios para facilitar o carrega mento e gestão de pontos de ocorrência‚ bem como métodos para análise das previsões. Uma interface web de utilizador é proposta utilizando Ecological Niche Modeling como um mecanismo de alerta automatizado para incrementar a con sciência ecológica.
    Os estudos do sistema irão avaliar as preocupações relativas a biodiversi dade marinha de embarcações de pesca e navios de observação de baleias. Desta forma é possível determinar atitudes‚ ameaças‚ valores e motivação de ambas as amostras para com a biodiversidade marinha. Além disso‚ biólogos e espe cialistas nesta tipologia de sistemas‚ avaliarão o fluxo de trabalho e a inter face desenvolvida‚ avaliando o potencial do sistema‚ permitindo aos ecologistas criar soluções personalizados através de protocolos simples‚ sem a necessidade de quaisquer entidades terceirizadas e conhecimento em programação.
    Citation

    Freitas, J. R. S. (2021). Web-Based Interface for Environmental Niche Modelling [M.E., Universidade da Madeira (Portugal)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2675223293/abstract/D612A39219BD4744PQ/1

  68. Zhao, Y., Mohammadian, M., Romero, J., & Sarbazhosseini, H. (2021). Issues Related to Modelling and Parameter Settings of Models for Ecological Systems the Case of Distribution of Koalas. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSDE53843.2021.9718495

    Abstract

    Ecological modelling assists in providing better environmental protection strategy and decision-making criteria frameworks. Data sets that are collected about ecological systems and species are large and complex. This increases the difficulties in ecological species modelling. The purpose of this paper is to advance Koala distribution modelling by evaluating and providing several modelling techniques with robustness criteria operation framework‚ to improve modelling of Koala distribution in Australia. This paper develops and compares different modelling techniques for Koala distribution. It also discusses which models would be more suitable for a field-based implementation‚ based on parameters setting. © IEEE 2022.
    Citation

    Zhao, Y., Mohammadian, M., Romero, J., & Sarbazhosseini, H. (2021). Issues Related to Modelling and Parameter Settings of Models for Ecological Systems the Case of Distribution of Koalas. Scopus. https://doi.org/10.1109/CSDE53843.2021.9718495

  69. Maxwell, S. J., Watt, J., Rymer, T. L., & Congdon, B. B. (2021). A checklist of near-shore strombidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neostromboidae) on Green Island, Queensland. Biogeographia : The Journal of Integrative Biogeography, 36. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.21426/B636050688
    Place: Berkeley, United States
    Publisher: University of California Digital Library - eScholarship
    Section: Articles

    Biogeographia : the Journal of Integrative Biogeography
    Abstract

    This study provides a checklist of the distribution and relative abundance of Strombidae from the near-shore environment of Green Island‚ Queensland‚ Australia. Historical records indicate that this island has not been surveyed for at least half a century. We used an opportunistic sighting survey method‚ where we walked the path of the receding tidal line around the island‚ counting and measuring all species that we observed directly. We also recorded the substrate on which each individual was collected as sand‚ sand-seagrass or seagrass. Eleven species of Strombidae were found. The survey provided the first record of Ministrombus athenius (Duclos‚ 1844) from North Queensland. This study provides base-line data on the presence and distribution of near-shore Stromboidea that will enable future studies to detect and monitor changes in the composition of near-shore strombid species.
    Citation

    Maxwell, S. J., Watt, J., Rymer, T. L., & Congdon, B. B. (2021). A checklist of near-shore strombidae (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Neostromboidae) on Green Island, Queensland. Biogeographia : The Journal of Integrative Biogeography, 36. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.21426/B636050688

  70. Weinstein, A. M. (2021). Pollination Ecology of Australian Sexually Deceptive Orchids with Contrasting Patterns of Pollinator Exploitation [Ph.D., The Australian National University (Australia)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2665127530/abstract/E74CDEA8739D49FCPQ/1
    ISBN: 9798426881938

    Abstract

    Sexual deception‚ entailing the pollination of flowers through mimicry of female insects‚ is one of the most remarkable pollination strategies to have evolved. This thesis explores two Australian sexually deceptive orchid systems with contrasting patterns of pollinator exploitation.
    The first three chapters focus on the orchid genus Cryptostylis‚ a system with a unique case of pollinator sharing - five Australian species‚ four of which are largely sympatric‚ all deceive the same male ichneumonid wasp pollinator Lissopimpla excelsa. In Chapter One (published in Biological Journal of the Linnaean Society)‚ mark-recapture experiments were used to investigate the consequences of ichneumonid pollination on pollen movement in C. ovata. A high pollinator revisitation rate indicated some potential for self-pollination. In Chapter Two‚ reproductive barriers contributing to the absence of hybrids between Cryptostylis species were investigated. Pre-pollination barriers‚ assessed in field experiments‚ did not prevent hybridisation. Hand cross-pollinations conducted among the four common Cryptostylis species in a greenhouse all produced fruits‚ however seed mass and the percentage of formed embryos were reduced in hybrids. Major differences in ploidy and chromosome number likely explain this post-pollination fitness reduction. Two species of Cryptostylis were found to be self-incompatible‚ marking the first case of self-incompatibility in the Diurideae. The unique reproductive biology of Australian Cryptostylis‚ encompassing pollinator sharing‚ self-incompatibility‚ and post-pollination reproductive isolation driven by large ploidy differences‚ may indicate that its mode of diversification may differ greatly to those in other sexually deceptive genera. Chapter Three presents the first phylogeny to encompass both Australian and Asiatic Cryptostylis. An Australian origin of Cryptostylis is supported‚ with a likely single subsequent dispersal event to Asia. Ploidy variation and geographic barriers appear to have played a role in diversification across Cryptostylis.
    In Chapter Four‚ the potential presence of pollination ecotypes in the sexually deceptive Drakaea livida was tested for. Patterns of chemical diversity and pollinator availability across the distribution of the species were investigated. Pollinator choice trials revealed the presence of three discrete ecotypes each attracting its own pollinator species. Patterns of pollinator availability did not correlate with ecotype distribution. Each ecotype possessed a significantly different floral volatile composition. Using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA)‚ the presence-absence of a subset of taxonomically informative compounds could be used to accurately predict the ecotype of a flower. Different classes of electrophysiologically active compounds were present in different ecotypes. These marked differences in chemical composition between the ecotypes suggest either a long time since their divergence and may hint at a scenario of convergent evolution of floral morphology. In Chapter Five‚ the ecotype geographic ranges and methods of identifying the ecotypes were investigated. Species distribution modelling predicted each ecotype to have a different core range. Two ecotypes were widespread‚ while one had a limited distribution within extensively cleared agricultural land‚ raising conservation concerns. PLS-DA correctly identified the ecotype of a flower when labella extracts were made from pollinated flowers‚ thereby providing a non-destructive identification technique. The pollinator specificity‚ morphology‚ floral chemistry‚ and ranges of the ecotypes supported them as Evolutionary Significant Units.
    In conclusion‚ the ecological and evolutionary consequences of pollination by sexual deception may vary extensively between plant taxa in accordance with their different patterns of pollinator exploitation. The taxonomy‚ species richness of the pollinator group‚ and the plant species to pollinator species ratio all influence the evolution and diversification of sexually deceptive orchids.
    Citation

    Weinstein, A. M. (2021). Pollination Ecology of Australian Sexually Deceptive Orchids with Contrasting Patterns of Pollinator Exploitation [Ph.D., The Australian National University (Australia)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2665127530/abstract/E74CDEA8739D49FCPQ/1

  71. Lázaro-Lobo, A., Ervin, G. N., Caño, L., & Panetta, F. D. (2021). Biological invasion by Baccharis. In G. W. Fernandes, Y. Oki, & M. Barbosa (Eds.), Baccharis: From Evolutionary and Ecological Aspects to Social Uses and Medicinal Applications. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83511-8
    DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-83511-8

    Abstract

    In this chapter‚ we present and discuss information regarding biological
    invasions by species in the genus Baccharis L. around the world: in native‚ expansive‚ and introduced distributional ranges. Baccharis halimifolia L. is the invasive
    species par excellence of this genus. Therefore‚ we dedicate a great part of the chapter to describe (1) its distribution and introduction history; (2) abiotic and biotic
    factors that affect its invasion; (3) types of ecosystems invaded and environmental‚
    economic‚ and social impacts; and (4) management of the species. Lastly‚ we collate
    all the available information in the literature regarding other species of this genus
    that are considered invasive or potentially invasive in both native and introduced
    areas. Those species are Baccharis coridifolia DC.‚ Baccharis dracunculifolia DC.‚
    Baccharis neglecta Britton.‚ Baccharis pilularis DC.‚ Baccharis pteronioides DC.‚
    Baccharis salicifolia (Ruiz & Pav.) Pers.‚ Baccharis salicina Torr. & A.Gray‚
    Baccharis sarothroides A.Gray‚ Baccharis spicata (Lam.) Baill.‚ and Baccharis
    ulicina Hook. & Arn.
    Citation

    Lázaro-Lobo, A., Ervin, G. N., Caño, L., & Panetta, F. D. (2021). Biological invasion by Baccharis. In G. W. Fernandes, Y. Oki, & M. Barbosa (Eds.), Baccharis: From Evolutionary and Ecological Aspects to Social Uses and Medicinal Applications. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-83511-8

  72. Singor, M. (2021). Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: A review of recent records from Western Australia and Australian external territories. Australian Field Ornithology, 38, 119–123. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38119123

    Australian Field Ornithology
    Australian Field Ornithology
    Abstract

    All Australian records of the Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo are summarised. Before 2016‚ the only Australian records of the Eurasian Hobby were on external territories to the north-west of the mainland. Each year between 2016 and 2021 a single Eurasian Hobby was observed as an austral summer visitor to the Swan Coastal Plain in south-western Western Australia. These sightings involved an adult in 2016‚ 2019 and 2020‚ and single immature birds in 2017–2018. The age of the Hobby seen in 2020–2021 was undetermined. As it appears that multiple individuals have been recorded across years‚ it is likely that the species is now more than just an accidental vagrant to Australia.
    Citation

    Singor, M. (2021). Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo: A review of recent records from Western Australia and Australian external territories. Australian Field Ornithology, 38, 119–123. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38119123

  73. Yasui, S.-L. E. (2021). Managing the community: Assessing the efficacy of invasive plant control strategies in Australian grassy ecosystems from deserts to dairy country [PhD, Queensland University of Technology]. https://doi.org/10.5204/thesis.eprints.213051
    DOI: 10.5204/thesis.eprints.213051

    abstract
    Citation

    Yasui, S.-L. E. (2021). Managing the community: Assessing the efficacy of invasive plant control strategies in Australian grassy ecosystems from deserts to dairy country [PhD, Queensland University of Technology]. https://doi.org/10.5204/thesis.eprints.213051

  74. Bally, J., Marks, C. E., Jung, H., Jia, F., Roden, S., Cooper, T., Newbigin, E., & Waterhouse, P. M. (2021). Nicotiana paulineana, a new Australian species in Nicotiana section Suaveolentes. Australian Systematic Botany, 34(5), 477. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB20025

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Aust. Systematic Bot.
    abstract
    Citation

    Bally, J., Marks, C. E., Jung, H., Jia, F., Roden, S., Cooper, T., Newbigin, E., & Waterhouse, P. M. (2021). Nicotiana paulineana, a new Australian species in Nicotiana section Suaveolentes. Australian Systematic Botany, 34(5), 477. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB20025

  75. Tarburton, M. (2021). Recent increase in knowledge about numbers and flight behaviour in the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus. Australian Field Ornithology, 38, 124–130. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38124130

    Australian Field Ornithology
    Australian Field Ornithology
    Abstract

    I have reviewed data from Australian and Asian published sources and from my own observations in Victoria‚ New South Wales and Queensland as well as from hundreds of observers who have sent their observations directly to me for the decade 2011–2020. These data show that the average flock size of the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus in Australia was 33‚ being nine smaller than the average for the previous decade. In the decade 2011–2020‚ we have also learnt that many of these birds migrate through southern Thailand to Malaysia‚ then into Indonesia following the archipelago to Papua New Guinea and then across Torres Strait to Cape York. We have also learnt that at least some of those breeding in northern Japan fly from various parts of Japan westwards to China‚ then southwards‚ then back eastwards over the Pacific Ocean passing north of the Philippines until north of New Guinea. Then they fly southwards over New Guinea to reach Cape York. When departing‚ these birds fly westwards over Australia‚ then northwards‚ leaving Australia from Western Australia or the Northern Territory. While in Australia‚ they are almost constantly on the move and‚ because they fly for 1–2 hours after dark as well as before sunrise‚ they can collide with and be killed by the blades of wind turbines. The ongoing loss of nesting hollows in the Needletail’s breeding grounds is still likely to be a major cause of the species’ decline‚ but wind turbines in Australia may present a new and emerging risk and further research is required to determine whether or not the numbers killed are significant. Experiments in Japan have shown for the first time that this species will nest in man-made nest boxes.
    Citation

    Tarburton, M. (2021). Recent increase in knowledge about numbers and flight behaviour in the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus. Australian Field Ornithology, 38, 124–130. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38124130

  76. Geyle, H. M., Hoskin, C. J., Bower, D. S., Catullo, R., Clulow, S., Driessen, M., Daniels, K., Garnett, S. T., Gilbert, D., Heard, G. W., Hero, J.-M., Hines, H. B., Hoffmann, E. P., Hollis, G., Hunter, D. A., Lemckert, F., Mahony, M., Marantelli, G., McDonald, K. R., … Gillespie, G. R. (2021). Red hot frogs: identifying the Australian frogs most at risk of extinction. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21019

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Pac. Conserv. Biol.
    Abstract

    More than a third of the world’s amphibian species are listed as Threatened or Extinct‚ with a recent assessment identifying 45 Australian frogs (18.4% of the currently recognised species) as ‘Threatened’ based on IUCN criteria. We applied structured expert elicitation to 26 frogs assessed as Critically Endangered and Endangered to estimate their probability of extinction by 2040. We also investigated whether participant experience (measured as a self-assigned categorical score‚ i.e. ‘expert’ or ‘non-expert’) influenced the estimates. Collation and analysis of participant opinion indicated that eight species are at high risk (>50% chance) of becoming extinct by 2040‚ with the disease chytridiomycosis identified as the primary threat. A further five species are at moderate–high risk (30–50% chance)‚ primarily due to climate change. Fourteen of the 26 frog species are endemic to Queensland‚ with many species restricted to small geographic ranges that are susceptible to stochastic events (e.g. a severe heatwave or a large bushfire). Experts were more likely to rate extinction probability higher for poorly known species (those with <10 experts)‚ while non-experts were more likely to rate extinction probability higher for better-known species. However‚ scores converged following discussion‚ indicating that there was greater consensus in the estimates of extinction probability. Increased resourcing and management intervention are urgently needed to avert future extinctions of Australia’s frogs. Key priorities include developing and supporting captive management and establishing or extending in-situ population refuges to alleviate the impacts of disease and climate change.
    Citation

    Geyle, H. M., Hoskin, C. J., Bower, D. S., Catullo, R., Clulow, S., Driessen, M., Daniels, K., Garnett, S. T., Gilbert, D., Heard, G. W., Hero, J.-M., Hines, H. B., Hoffmann, E. P., Hollis, G., Hunter, D. A., Lemckert, F., Mahony, M., Marantelli, G., McDonald, K. R., … Gillespie, G. R. (2021). Red hot frogs: identifying the Australian frogs most at risk of extinction. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC21019

  77. Cargill, D. C., Beckmann, K., & Seppelt, R. (2021). Taxonomic revision of Riccia (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) in the monsoon tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia. Australian Systematic Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB20030

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Aust. Systematic Bot.
    Abstract

    The genus Riccia L. in the monsoon tropics of the Northern Territory north of the 18°S latitude is revised. Sixteen species are described in detail‚ including four new species (R. abdita Cargill‚ R. chrysocrinita Cargill‚ R. obchantiana Cargill and R. verrucosa Cargill)‚ with accompanying images and line drawings. A key to the species and distribution maps are provided.
    Citation

    Cargill, D. C., Beckmann, K., & Seppelt, R. (2021). Taxonomic revision of Riccia (Ricciaceae, Marchantiophyta) in the monsoon tropics of the Northern Territory, Australia. Australian Systematic Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB20030

  78. Walton, L., Jacobsen, I., & Lawson, A. (2021). Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment Reef Line Fishery (p. 83) [Technical Report]. Fisheries Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. http://era.daf.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/8206/1/Reef%20Line%20Fishery%20Level%202%20ERA%20%5BFINAL%20AUGUST%202021%5D.pdf

    Abstract

    A Scoping Study and Level 1 Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) for the Reef Line Fishery was released in July 2019 (Jacobsen et al. 2019). The Level 1 assessment identified ecological components at higher risk from line fishing activities‚ and these were progressed to a Level 2 assessment. Level 2 ERAs are focused at the species level with risk evaluations based on a Productivity & Susceptibility Analysis (PSA). The PSA evaluates risk for each species through an assessment of seven biological attributes and up to seven fisheries-specific attributes.
    This Level 2 ERA examined the risk posed to 35 target & byproduct species (Other Species quota management unit)‚ and four protected teleosts. Collectively‚ 17 species were found to be at high risk from line fishing activities‚ and the remaining 22 species were assessed as a medium risk. Risk profiles were influenced by data deficiencies‚ an underdeveloped management regime‚ and cumulative fishing pressures. For a portion of these species‚ final risk ratings were precautionary and are more representative of the potential risk. Management of precautionary risks beyond what is already being undertaken as part of the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 is not considered a priority.
    The Level 2 ERA made a list of recommendations to assist in the management and mitigation of risk in the Reef Line Fishery. A number of these measures are already being discussed or addressed through the Queensland Sustainable Fisheries Strategy 2017–2027 and the Reef Line Fishery Harvest Strategy. As the Level 2 ERA commenced prior to the implementation of the harvest strategy‚ the results are based on the previous management regime. The harvest strategy will be taken into consideration is subsequent ERAs.
    Citation

    Walton, L., Jacobsen, I., & Lawson, A. (2021). Level 2 Ecological Risk Assessment Reef Line Fishery (p. 83) [Technical Report]. Fisheries Queensland, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries. http://era.daf.qld.gov.au/id/eprint/8206/1/Reef%20Line%20Fishery%20Level%202%20ERA%20%5BFINAL%20AUGUST%202021%5D.pdf

  79. Briggs, A., & Noske, R. A. (2021). The avifauna of Rockhampton revisited after 45 years: additions, deletions and a checklist covering 135 years. Sunbird, 49(1), 39. https://birdsqueensland.org.au/sunbird_issues/articles/Vol_49/Briggs_2021_v49_1_1-39.pdf

    Sunbird
    Sunbird
    Abstract

    The avifauna of the Rockhampton region‚ in central coastal Queensland‚ was first documented in 1887‚ based on six months of observations‚ then again in 1924‚ based on sightings made during a campout of one week. These and other historical records of birds in the region (comprising c.10‚500 km2)‚ as well as in the neighbouring Shoalwater Bay Training Area‚ were summarised by Longmore (1978)‚ who resided in Rockhampton for 20 months during 1973-1974‚ adding 88 species to previous lists. Longmore listed 324 currently recognised species‚ but after scrutinising the literature and available online data‚ we conclude that 17 of these species are insufficiently documented to be considered valid. On the other hand‚ we found reports of eight species that were recorded prior to the 1970s‚ yet were not listed by Longmore‚ and all have since been recorded at least once. Since 1975‚ no fewer than 35 species have been added to the region’s checklist‚ doubtless the result of larger numbers of resident and visiting birdwatchers‚ as well as birding sites. Of the 35 additional species‚ 13 (37%) are shorebirds and seven (20%) are seabirds‚ most of which were added during the late 1970s and 1980s‚ during and after the first national atlas of Australian birds. Twelve species (35%) are Palearctic migrants. Only seven of the additional species have been added since 2000. At least five tropical species‚ including three mangrovedependent sedentary species‚ appear to have expanded their range southwards into the region in recent decades‚ possibly due to increasing temperatures associated with climate change. Eleven species have been extirpated from the region over 135 years‚ resulting in one of the highest regional extinction rates in Australia. A checklist‚ summarising the past and present status of all 350 validated species of the region‚ is provided in the appendix.
    Citation

    Briggs, A., & Noske, R. A. (2021). The avifauna of Rockhampton revisited after 45 years: additions, deletions and a checklist covering 135 years. Sunbird, 49(1), 39. https://birdsqueensland.org.au/sunbird_issues/articles/Vol_49/Briggs_2021_v49_1_1-39.pdf

  80. Nguyen, H.-T.-M., Ha, P. V., & Kompas, T. (2021). Optimal surveillance against bioinvasions: a sample average approximation method applied to an agent-based spread model. Ecological Applications, 31(8), e02449. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2449
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/eap.2449

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    Trade-offs exist between the point of early detection and the future cost of controlling any invasive species. Finding optimal levels of early detection‚ with post-border active surveillance‚ where time‚ space and randomness are explicitly considered‚ is computationally challenging. We use a stochastic programming model to find the optimal level of surveillance and predict damages‚ easing the computational challenge by combining a sample average approximation (SAA) approach and parallel processing techniques. The model is applied to the case of Asian Papaya Fruit Fly (PFF)‚ a highly destructive pest‚ in Queensland‚ Australia. To capture the non-linearity in PFF spread‚ we use an agent-based model (ABM)‚ which is calibrated to a highly detailed land-use raster map (50 m × 50 m) and weather-related data‚ validated against a historical outbreak. The combination of SAA and ABM sets our work apart from the existing literature. Indeed‚ despite its increasing popularity as a powerful analytical tool‚ given its granularity and capability to model the system of interest adequately‚ the complexity of ABM limits its application in optimizing frameworks due to considerable uncertainty about solution quality. In this light‚ the use of SAA ensures quality in the optimal solution (with a measured optimality gap) while still being able to handle large-scale decision-making problems. With this combination‚ our application suggests that the optimal (economic) trap grid size for PFF in Queensland is ˜0.7 km‚ much smaller than the currently implemented level of 5 km. Although the current policy implies a much lower surveillance cost per year‚ compared with the 2.08 million under our optimal policy‚ the expected total cost of an outbreak is 23.92 million‚ much higher than the optimal policy of roughly 7.74 million.
    Citation

    Nguyen, H.-T.-M., Ha, P. V., & Kompas, T. (2021). Optimal surveillance against bioinvasions: a sample average approximation method applied to an agent-based spread model. Ecological Applications, 31(8), e02449. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2449

  81. Foster, N. J., Maloney, R. F., Seddon, P. J., Recio, M. R., Khan, S. I., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Altitudinal distribution of the entire invasive small mammal guild in the eastern dryland zone of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Biological Invasions, 23(6), 1837–1857. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02474-y
    10.1007/s10530-021-02474-y

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    New Zealand faces significant ecological problems caused by the introduction of a variety of invasive small mammal species. Many of these species originate from temperate to subarctic climates and occur across wide elevations in their native range‚ and so arrived predisposed to adapt to a variety of habitats and bioclimatic zones in their new environs‚ including the alpine zone. Almost all of New Zealand’s invasive small mammal species have been recorded in the country’s alpine zones‚ yet neither the altitudinal distribution nor the extent to which such species use high elevation areas has been clearly defined. We conducted extensive camera trap surveys in summer to autumn periods of 2019 and 2020 across an elevation range of 500–2250 m above sea level‚ and used detection rates and occupancy modelling to reveal the altitudinal distributions and habitat associations of all 10 invasive small mammals that occur in the dryland zone of the central South Island. We found altitudinal distributions varied greatly across species‚ and that while most exhibited decreasing detection rates and site occupancy probabilities with increasing elevation‚ some used the subalpine and alpine zones to a greater degree than adjacent lower elevations. There were clear habitat associations‚ as well as interspecific associations that helped to explain the altitudinal distribution of some species. Understanding how such factors influence the distribution of invasive small mammals has both broad implications for invasive species management‚ and direct applications in evaluating threats to native taxa‚ advancing management strategies‚ and benchmarking distributions in a changing climate.
    Citation

    Foster, N. J., Maloney, R. F., Seddon, P. J., Recio, M. R., Khan, S. I., & van Heezik, Y. (2021). Altitudinal distribution of the entire invasive small mammal guild in the eastern dryland zone of New Zealand’s Southern Alps. Biological Invasions, 23(6), 1837–1857. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-021-02474-y

  82. White, K., Waters, J., Willsher, S., Penson, D., & Meiklejohn, R. (2021). Vegetation, Flora, Fauna and Environmental Considerations, and Targeted Flora Report. Shire of Esperance. https://ftp.dwer.wa.gov.au/permit/9341/CPS%209341-1%20-%20Supporting%20Information%20-%20Survey%20-%20Site%20P,%20Merivale%20Rd%20Widening,%20Enviro%20assessment%20and%20targeted%20flora%20survey.PDF

    Abstract

    This ‘Vegetation‚ Flora‚ Fauna and Environmental Considerations and Targeted Flora Report’ has been
    undertaken in accordance with the ‘Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) Technical Guidance‚
    Terrestrial Flora and Vegetation Surveys for Environmental Impact Assessment in Western Australia
    (2016)’ as part of the application to the Department of Water and Environmental Regulations (DWER)
    to clear 5.18 ha of native vegetation within a 10.91 ha footprint for the purpose of road widening.
    Citation

    White, K., Waters, J., Willsher, S., Penson, D., & Meiklejohn, R. (2021). Vegetation, Flora, Fauna and Environmental Considerations, and Targeted Flora Report. Shire of Esperance. https://ftp.dwer.wa.gov.au/permit/9341/CPS%209341-1%20-%20Supporting%20Information%20-%20Survey%20-%20Site%20P,%20Merivale%20Rd%20Widening,%20Enviro%20assessment%20and%20targeted%20flora%20survey.PDF

  83. Hutley, L. B., Duvert, C., Setterfield, S. A., Bourke, A., Canham, C. A., Freestone, F. L., Cavalieri, O. O., Alvarez-Cortez, D., & Brand, M. (2021). Ecohydrology and sensitivity of riparian flora, Magela Creek, Ranger uranium mine [Environmental Assessment]. Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub “National Environmental Science Programme”, Charles Darwin University, The University of Western Australia, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

    abstract
    Citation

    Hutley, L. B., Duvert, C., Setterfield, S. A., Bourke, A., Canham, C. A., Freestone, F. L., Cavalieri, O. O., Alvarez-Cortez, D., & Brand, M. (2021). Ecohydrology and sensitivity of riparian flora, Magela Creek, Ranger uranium mine [Environmental Assessment]. Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub “National Environmental Science Programme”, Charles Darwin University, The University of Western Australia, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

  84. Catullo, R., & Moritz, C. (2021). Genetic assessment of bushfire-impacted vertebrate species (Final Report No. 8.3.3). NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Project. https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/knef0ifv/8-3-3-genetic-assessment-of-bushfire-impacted-vertebrate-species-final-report_v2.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Catullo, R., & Moritz, C. (2021). Genetic assessment of bushfire-impacted vertebrate species (Final Report No. 8.3.3). NESP Threatened Species Recovery Hub Project. https://www.nespthreatenedspecies.edu.au/media/knef0ifv/8-3-3-genetic-assessment-of-bushfire-impacted-vertebrate-species-final-report_v2.pdf

  85. Watson, D. M., Whisson, D., Driscoll, D., & Watson, M. J. (2021). Feral horses will rule one third of the fragile Kosciuszko National Park under a proposed NSW government plan. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/feral-horses-will-rule-one-third-of-the-fragile-kosciuszko-national-park-under-a-proposed-nsw-government-plan-169248

    The Conversation
    Abstract

    Feral horses trample endangered plant communities‚ destroy threatened species’ habitat and damage Aboriginal cultural heritage — and their numbers are increasing.
    Citation

    Watson, D. M., Whisson, D., Driscoll, D., & Watson, M. J. (2021). Feral horses will rule one third of the fragile Kosciuszko National Park under a proposed NSW government plan. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/feral-horses-will-rule-one-third-of-the-fragile-kosciuszko-national-park-under-a-proposed-nsw-government-plan-169248

  86. Trees for Life. (2021). Bush For Life Management Plan for Lower Field River (pp. 1–48). City of Marion. https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/FoLFR_BFL-Action-Plan_March_2021.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Trees for Life. (2021). Bush For Life Management Plan for Lower Field River (pp. 1–48). City of Marion. https://cdn.marion.sa.gov.au/sp/FoLFR_BFL-Action-Plan_March_2021.pdf

  87. von Takach, B., Penton, C. E., Murphy, B. P., Radford, I. J., Davies, H. F., Hill, B. M., & Banks, S. C. (2021). Population genomics and conservation management of a declining tropical rodent. Heredity, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-021-00418-9

    Heredity
    Heredity
    Abstract

    Conservation management is improved by incorporating information about the spatial distribution of population genetic diversity into planning strategies. Northern Australia is the location of some of the world’s most severe ongoing declines of endemic mammal species‚ yet we have little genetic information from this regional mammal assemblage to inform a genetic perspective on conservation assessment and planning. We used next-generation sequencing data from remnant populations of the threatened brush-tailed rabbit-rat (Conilurus penicillatus) to compare patterns of genomic diversity and differentiation across the landscape and investigate standardised hierarchical genomic diversity metrics to better understand brush-tailed rabbit-rat population genomic structure. We found strong population structuring‚ with high levels of differentiation between populations (FST = 0.21–0.78). Two distinct genomic lineages between the Tiwi Islands and mainland are also present. Prioritisation analysis showed that one population in both lineages would need to be conserved to retain at least \textasciitilde80% of alleles for the species. Analysis of standardised genomic diversity metrics showed that approximately half of the total diversity occurs among lineages (δ = 0.091 from grand total γ = 0.184). We suggest that a focus on conserving remnant island populations may not be appropriate for the preservation of species-level genomic diversity and adaptive potential‚ as these populations represent a small component of the total diversity and a narrow subset of the environmental conditions in which the species occurs. We also highlight the importance of considering both genomic and ecological differentiation between source and receiving populations when considering translocations for conservation purposes.
    Citation

    von Takach, B., Penton, C. E., Murphy, B. P., Radford, I. J., Davies, H. F., Hill, B. M., & Banks, S. C. (2021). Population genomics and conservation management of a declining tropical rodent. Heredity, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41437-021-00418-9

  88. McDonald, P. J., Jobson, P., Köhler, F., Nano, C. E. M., & Oliver, P. M. (2021). The living heart: Climate gradients predict desert mountain endemism. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7333

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Mountain regions are centers of biodiversity endemism at a global scale but the role of arid-zone mountain ranges in shaping biodiversity patterns is poorly understood. Focusing on three guilds of taxa from a desert upland refugium in Australia‚ we sought to determine: (a) the relative extent to which climate‚ terrain or geological substrate predict endemism‚ and (b) whether patterns of endemism are complimentary across broad taxonomic guilds. We mapped regional endemism for plants‚ land snails‚ and vertebrates using combined Species Distribution Models (SDMs) for all endemic taxa (n = 82). We then modelled predictors of endemism using Generalised Additive Models (GAMs) and geology‚ terrain‚ and climate variables. We tested for the presence of inter- and intraguild hotspots of endemism. Many individual plant and land snail taxa were tightly linked with geology‚ corresponding to small distributions. Conversely‚ most vertebrate taxa were not constrained to specific geological substrates and occurred over larger areas. However‚ across all three guilds climate was the strongest predictor of regional endemism‚ particularly for plants wherein discrete hotspots of endemism were buffered from extreme summer temperatures. Land snail and vertebrate endemism peaked in areas with highest precipitation in the driest times of the year. Hotspots of endemism within each guild poorly predicted endemism in other guilds. We found an overarching signal that climatic gradients play a dominant role in the persistence of endemic taxa in an arid-zone mountain range system. An association with higher rainfall and cooler temperatures indicates that continuing trends toward hotter and drier climates may lead to range contractions in this‚ and potentially other‚ arid-zone mountain biotas. Contrasting patterns of endemism across guilds highlight the need to couple comprehensive regional planning for the protection of climate refugia‚ with targeted management of more localized and habitat specialist taxa.
    Citation

    McDonald, P. J., Jobson, P., Köhler, F., Nano, C. E. M., & Oliver, P. M. (2021). The living heart: Climate gradients predict desert mountain endemism. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7333

  89. Nawaz, M., McCulloch, G. A., Brookes, D. R., Zonneveld, R., & Walter, G. H. (2021). Native range surveys for host-specific Acacia auriculiformis biocontrol agents – A role for DNA barcoding. Biological Control, 158, 104594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104594

    Biological Control
    Abstract

    Acacia auriculiformis is a native Australian tree that has developed into a damaging environmental weed in Florida‚ USA. We conducted field surveys to collect insect herbivores from A. auriculiformis and three closely related allopatric congeners (A. crassa‚ A. leiocalyx‚ and A. concurrens) across the native distribution of each plant species. We collected over 800 specimens‚ comprising a diversity of herbivorous insect groups‚ and successfully sequenced 480 specimens for DNA barcoding to group them into molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs) as a first step in documenting this diversity. Most herbivores (85%) were found on only a single Acacia species‚ suggesting each Acacia species hosts its own unique herbivore complex. The Northern Territory and Far North Queensland A. auriculiformis populations are allopatric in relation to one another but hosted a similar suite of herbivores. Calomela intemerata and seven lepidopteran species (including three species of Macrobathra moths) were particularly abundant across both regions. These herbivores look promising as potential biological control agents‚ though their host-specificity and genetic diversity should be investigated further.
    Citation

    Nawaz, M., McCulloch, G. A., Brookes, D. R., Zonneveld, R., & Walter, G. H. (2021). Native range surveys for host-specific Acacia auriculiformis biocontrol agents – A role for DNA barcoding. Biological Control, 158, 104594. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104594

  90. Dorph, A., Swan, M., Di Stefano, J., & Penman, T. D. (2021). Relating mammal species richness to landscape patterns across multiple spatial scales. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-021-01208-8

    Landscape Ecology
    Abstract

    Understanding the relationships between spatial pattern‚ spatial scale and biodiversity can help ecologists to assess the impacts of environmental change and inform management plans. Spatial pattern research has often focussed on the effect of modified landscapes on species diversity. However‚ few studies have examined species responses to spatial pattern from other sources‚ including those which vary over time‚ such as fire.
    Citation

    Dorph, A., Swan, M., Di Stefano, J., & Penman, T. D. (2021). Relating mammal species richness to landscape patterns across multiple spatial scales. Landscape Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-021-01208-8

  91. Gallagher, R. V., Allen, S., Mackenzie, B. D. E., Yates, C. J., Gosper, C. R., Keith, D. A., Merow, C., White, M. D., Wenk, E., Maitner, B. S., He, K., Adams, V. M., & Auld, T. D. (2021). High fire frequency and the impact of the 2019–2020 megafires on Australian plant diversity. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13265

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim To quantify the impact of the 2019–2020 megafires on Australian plant diversity by assessing burnt area across 26‚062 species ranges and the effects of fire history on recovery potential. Further‚ to exemplify a strategic approach to prioritizing plant species affected by fire for recovery actions and conservation planning at a national scale. Location Australia. Methods We combine data on geographic range‚ fire extent‚ response traits and fire history to assess the proportion of species ranges burnt in both the 2019–2020 fires and the past. Results Across Australia‚ suitable habitat for 69% of all plant species was burnt (17‚197 species) by the 2019–2020 fires and herbarium specimens confirm the presence of 9‚092 of these species across the fire extent since 1950. Burnt ranges include those of 587 plants listed as threatened under national legislation (44% of Australia’s threatened plants). A total of 3‚998 of the 17‚197 fire-affected species are known to resprout after fire‚ but at least 2‚928 must complete their entire life cycle—from germinant to reproducing adult—prior to subsequent fires‚ as they are killed by fire. Data on previous fires show that‚ for 257 species‚ the historical intervals between fire events across their range are likely too short to allow regeneration. For a further 411 species‚ future fires during recovery will increase extinction risk as current populations are dominated by immature individuals. Main conclusion Many Australian plant species have strategies to persist under certain fire regimes‚ and will recover given time‚ suitable conditions and low exposure to threats. However‚ short fire intervals both before and after the 2019–2020 fire season pose a serious risk to the recovery of at least 595 species. Persistent knowledge gaps about species fire response and post-fire population persistence threaten the effective long-term management of Australian vegetation in an increasingly pyric world.
    Citation

    Gallagher, R. V., Allen, S., Mackenzie, B. D. E., Yates, C. J., Gosper, C. R., Keith, D. A., Merow, C., White, M. D., Wenk, E., Maitner, B. S., He, K., Adams, V. M., & Auld, T. D. (2021). High fire frequency and the impact of the 2019–2020 megafires on Australian plant diversity. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13265

  92. Dong, C. M., Johnston, G. R., Stuart-Fox, D., Moussalli, A., Rankin, K. J., & McLean, C. A. (2021). Elevation of Divergent Color Polymorphic and Monomorphic Lizard Lineages (Squamata: Agamidae) to Species Level. Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1643/h2020064

    Ichthyology & Herpetology
    Abstract

    The Australian Tawny Dragon lizard (Ctenophorus decresii)‚ as currently recognized‚ comprises two genetically divergent lineages‚ northern and southern‚ that differ notably in male coloration. A narrow contact zone exists between the lineages with asymmetric and limited hybridization‚ indicating incompatibility and highlighting the need for further taxonomic assessment. Here‚ we evaluate morphological variation in C. decresii and elevate the lineages to separate species. The southern lineage retains the name C. decresii (Duméril and Bibron‚ 1837)‚ and we formally reinstate C. modestus for the northern lineage‚ which was previously a synonym of C. decresii (Amphibolurus modestus‚Ahl‚ 1926). We redescribe C. modestus and C. decresii and highlight important considerations for reevaluation of their conservation statuses. Recognition of C. modestus represents another species that may have differentiated in relatively mesic mountainous refugia during Pleistocene glacial-interglacial cycles‚ and underscores the importance of divergence in male coloration as a driver of speciation in the rock dragon species group.
    Citation

    Dong, C. M., Johnston, G. R., Stuart-Fox, D., Moussalli, A., Rankin, K. J., & McLean, C. A. (2021). Elevation of Divergent Color Polymorphic and Monomorphic Lizard Lineages (Squamata: Agamidae) to Species Level. Ichthyology & Herpetology, 109(1), 43–54. https://doi.org/10.1643/h2020064

  93. Dorey, J. B. (2021). Missing for almost 100 years: the rare and potentially threatened bee, Pharohylaeus lactiferus (Hymenoptera, Colletidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 81, 165–180. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.81.59365

    Journal of Hymenoptera Research
    Abstract

    The Australian endemic bee‚ Pharohylaeus lactiferus (Colletidae: Hylaeinae) is a rare species that requires conservation assessment. Prior to this study‚ the last published record of this bee species was from 1923 in Queensland‚ and nothing was known of its biology. Hence‚ I aimed to locate extant populations‚ provide biological information and undertake exploratory analyses relevant to its assessment. Pharohylaeus lactiferus was recently rediscovered as a result of extensive sampling of 225 general and 20 targeted sampling sites across New South Wales and Queensland. Collections indicate possible floral and habitat specialisation with specimens only found near Tropical or Sub-Tropical Rainforest and only visiting Stenocarpus sinuatus (Proteaceae) and Brachychiton acerifolius (Malvaceae)‚ to the exclusion of other available floral resources. Three populations were found by sampling bees visiting these plant species along much of the Australian east coast‚ suggesting population isolation. GIS analyses used to explore habitat destruction in the Wet Tropics and Central Mackay Coast bioregions indicate susceptibility of Queensland rainforests and P. lactiferus populations to bushfires‚ particularly in the context of a fragmented landscape. Highly fragmented habitat and potential host specialisation might explain the rarity of P. lactiferus. Targeted sampling and demographic analyses are likely required to thoroughly assess the status of this species and others like it.
    Citation

    Dorey, J. B. (2021). Missing for almost 100 years: the rare and potentially threatened bee, Pharohylaeus lactiferus (Hymenoptera, Colletidae). Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 81, 165–180. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.81.59365

  94. Senior, K. L., Giljohann, K. M., McCarthy, M. A., Rainsford, F. W., & Kelly, L. T. (2021). Predicting mammal responses to pyrodiversity: From microbats to macropods. Biological Conservation, 256, 109031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109031

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Fire has shaped Australia’s diverse mammal fauna for millennia. However‚ ongoing changes to fire regimes threaten native mammal populations‚ and a significant conservation challenge is to understand and promote desirable forms of pyrodiversity (variation in fire regimes). A way forward is to quantify how different aspects of pyrodiversity influence whole mammal assemblages and produce dynamic maps of species distributions to inform conservation. We aimed to determine and map how spatial and temporal variation in fire regimes correlates with a diverse mammal assemblage comprising macropods‚ microbats‚ rodents‚ small marsupials and a monotreme. We built species distribution models for 17 species against fire‚ climate and environmental covariates in fire-prone woodlands of semi-arid Australia. Spatial measures of fire included the area‚ diversity and configuration of landscape elements‚ and temporal measures included time since fire and fire frequency. Native mammals showed a variety of responses to pyrodiversity. Microbats were more likely to occur as time since fire increased‚ whereas rodents were correlated with recently burned areas. Small dasyurid marsupials were correlated with the area of older post-fire age-classes‚ while western grey kangaroo occurrence was positively associated with high diversity of post-fire ages. Our new approach‚ using predictive models to map mammal distributions in relation to spatial and temporal variation in fire regimes‚ provides outputs that managers can use to improve conservation planning. This enables the positive and negative effects of fire to be better understood and will assist in achieving desirable forms of pyrodiversity that meet the needs of whole mammal assemblages.
    Citation

    Senior, K. L., Giljohann, K. M., McCarthy, M. A., Rainsford, F. W., & Kelly, L. T. (2021). Predicting mammal responses to pyrodiversity: From microbats to macropods. Biological Conservation, 256, 109031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2021.109031

  95. Swan, M., Le Pla, M., Di Stefano, J., Pascoe, J., & Penman, T. D. (2021). Species distribution models for conservation planning in fire‐prone landscapes. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02136-4

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    Abstract

    Species distribution models are an essential tool for biodiversity conservation‚ with important applications such as spatial prioritisation of conservation actions and elucidating relationships between environmental predictors and species responses. These models are most useful to conservation managers when they include factors that can be readily manipulated‚ such as fire. In this study‚ we collated a comprehensive dataset of mammal records from a fire-prone region in south-east Australia where mammals have suffered declines in recent decades. We used species distribution modelling to (1) determine the relative influence of climate‚ fire‚ vegetation and topography on ground-dwelling mammal distributions; (2) determine species responses to time since fire‚ and; (3) provide spatial predictions of habitat suitability for conservation planning. Climate was the predominant driver of habitat suitability for most species‚ although other factors were influential in some cases. Time since fire was an important factor driving the distribution of only two of 16 modelled species which were more likely to be recorded in recently burnt vegetation. Habitat suitability varied spatially among species however multi-species habitat suitability was highest in the drier and hotter eastern section of the landscape‚ highlighting a key area for conservation efforts. The outputs from our models can be used for practical conservation actions such as finding new populations or identifying sites for reintroductions. We conclude that presence-only species distribution models are useful for determining species fire responses‚ complementing more systematic methods‚ and that including dynamic variables‚ such as time since fire‚ can increase their conservation relevance.
    Citation

    Swan, M., Le Pla, M., Di Stefano, J., Pascoe, J., & Penman, T. D. (2021). Species distribution models for conservation planning in fire‐prone landscapes. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-021-02136-4

  96. Noske, R. (2021). New localities for nine bird species in Arnhem Land, including those for the notable Gouldian Finch, Red Goshawk and Hooded Robin. Northern Territory Naturalist, 30, 50–70.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349724494

    Northern Territory Naturalist
    Abstract

    Due to its remoteness and restricted access‚ Arnhem Land remains one of the least ornithologically explored regions of Australia. This paper documents records of nine bird species which result from bird tours and surveys in the area surrounding Arnhem Land Barramundi Lodge‚ south of Maningrida‚ western Arnhem Land‚ from 2008 to 2018‚ and assesses their significance based on the historical literature‚ two national bird atlases and online database records. Three species‚ Red Goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiatus Accipitridae)‚ Rufous Owl (Ninox rufa Strigilidae) and Gouldian Finch (Chloebia gouldiae Estrildidae)‚ are historically known from localities to the west (Gunbalanya and King River) and east (Gove Peninsula)‚ so their presence in the study area might be expected. Observations of two nesting pairs of Red Goshawks represent the first breeding records of this rare species for Arnhem Land. Annual sightings of predominantly juvenile Gouldian Finches and a record of recently-fledged birds suggest local breeding. Four other species‚ Hooded Parrot (Psephotellus dissimilis Psittaculidae)‚ Yellow-tinted Honeyeater (Ptilotula flavescens Meliphagidae)‚ Black-chinned Honeyeater (Melithreptus gularis laetior Meliphagidae) and Hooded Robin (Melanodryas cucullata Petroicidae)‚ are largely known in the Top End from the semi-arid Katherine-Mataranka region‚ and the near-coastal observations documented here represent considerable extensions of the geographical ranges of all but the Hooded Parrot. All four species were associated with the seasonally-inundated paperbark woodland of the Tomkinson floodplain‚ though only the Yellow-tinted Honeyeater was abundant. The small population of Hooded Robins appears to be highly isolated and thus vulnerable to local‚ if not regional‚ extinction. Finally‚ I summarise records of the Mangrove Grey Fantail (Rhipidura phasiana Rhipiduridae) and the migratory Grey Fantail (Rhipidura albiscapa Rhipiduridae) in Arnhem Land‚ which help to define their ranges in the Top End of the Northern Territory.
    Citation

    Noske, R. (2021). New localities for nine bird species in Arnhem Land, including those for the notable Gouldian Finch, Red Goshawk and Hooded Robin. Northern Territory Naturalist, 30, 50–70.

  97. Crates, R., Langmore, N., Ranjard, L., Stojanovic, D., Rayner, L., Ingwersen, D., & Heinsohn, R. (2021). Loss of vocal culture and fitness costs in a critically endangered songbird. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 288(1947), 20210225. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0225

    Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
    Abstract

    Cultures in humans and other species are maintained through interactions among conspecifics. Declines in population density could be exacerbated by culture loss‚ thereby linking culture to conservation. We combined historical recordings‚ citizen science and breeding data to assess the impact of severe population decline on song culture‚ song complexity and individual fitness in critically endangered regent honeyeaters (Anthochaera phrygia). Song production in the remaining wild males varied dramatically‚ with 27% singing songs that differed from the regional cultural norm. Twelve per cent of males‚ occurring in areas of particularly low population density‚ completely failed to sing any species-specific songs and instead sang other species’ songs. Atypical song production was associated with reduced individual fitness‚ as males singing atypical songs were less likely to pair or nest than males that sang the regional cultural norm. Songs of captive-bred birds differed from those of all wild birds. The complexity of regent honeyeater songs has also declined over recent decades. We therefore provide rare evidence that a severe decline in population density is associated with the loss of vocal culture in a wild animal‚ with concomitant fitness costs for remaining individuals. The loss of culture may be a precursor to extinction in declining populations that learn selected behaviours from conspecifics‚ and therefore provides a useful conservation indicator.
    Citation

    Crates, R., Langmore, N., Ranjard, L., Stojanovic, D., Rayner, L., Ingwersen, D., & Heinsohn, R. (2021). Loss of vocal culture and fitness costs in a critically endangered songbird. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 288(1947), 20210225. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2021.0225

  98. Andrew, S. C., Mokany, K., Falster, D. S., Wenk, E., Wright, I. J., Merow, C., Adams, V., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Functional diversity of the Australian flora: strong links to species richness and climate. Journal of Vegetation Science, e13018. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.13018

    Journal of Vegetation Science
    Abstract

    Questions The taxonomic and functional composition of plant communities capture different dimensions of diversity. Functional diversity (FD) – as calculated from species traits – typically increases with species richness in communities and is expected to be higher in less extreme environments‚ where a broader range of functional strategies can persist. Further‚ woody and herbaceous plant families may contribute disproportionately to FD in different bioregions. To build an understanding of these questions using Australia as a case study we aimed to quantify how FD varies: (1) with species richness‚ (2) with climate‚ and (3) between major plant families representing different growth forms. Location Australia. Methods Data on species distribution and functional traits for 14‚003 species were combined and FD approximated using hypervolumes (i.e. multidimensional species assemblage trait niche) based on three traits key to understanding plant ecological strategies: leaf size‚ seed mass and adult height. Plant assemblage hypervolumes were calculated including all species with suitable habitat in each 10 × 10 km grid cell across Australia‚ and in each of 85 bioregions. Within bioregions FD was also calculated separately for a suite of largely woody and herbaceous plant families. Relationships between FD‚ species richness and climate were explored. Results As predicted‚ FD was positively related to species richness and annual precipitation‚ and negatively related to summer maximum temperature‚ both in analyses of 10 × 10 km grid cells and of bioregions (all p <0.005). However‚ FD was lowest at intermediate winter minimum temperatures. Patterns identified in families representing different growth forms varied to those observed for all species analysed together. Conclusions Strong links between FD and climate could mean significant shifts in the FD of ecosystems with climate change. Monitoring changes in FD and associated ecosystem functions requires a detailed understanding of FD‚ which we begin to develop in this study.
    Citation

    Andrew, S. C., Mokany, K., Falster, D. S., Wenk, E., Wright, I. J., Merow, C., Adams, V., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Functional diversity of the Australian flora: strong links to species richness and climate. Journal of Vegetation Science, e13018. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.13018

  99. Champion, C., Brodie, S., & Coleman, M. A. (2021). Climate-Driven Range Shifts Are Rapid Yet Variable Among Recreationally Important Coastal-Pelagic Fishes. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.622299

    Frontiers in Marine Science
    Abstract

    Shifts in species distributions are occurring globally in response to climate change‚ but robust comparisons of redistribution rates among species are often prevented by methodological inconsistences‚ challenging the identification of species that are most rapidly undergoing range shifts. In particular‚ comparable assessments of redistributions among harvested species are essential for identifying climate-driven changes in fishing opportunities and prioritising the development of management strategies. Here we utilise consistent datasets and decision rules to comparably analyse rates of climate-driven range shifts over 21 years for four recreationally important coastal-pelagic fishes (Australian bonito‚ Australian spotted mackerel‚ narrow-barred Spanish mackerel and common dolphinfish) from the eastern Australian ocean warming hotspot. Latitudinal values corresponding to the poleward edge of species’ core oceanographic habitats were extracted from species distribution models. Rates of poleward shifts in core oceanographic habitats ranged between 104.3 (i.e. common dolphinfish) and 289.1 (i.e. narrow-barred Spanish mackerel) km per decade for all species over the study period. However‚ rates of redistribution varied by approximately 180 km per decade among species‚ demonstrating that subtle differences in species’ environmental responses can manifest in highly variable rates of climate-driven range shifts. These findings highlight the capacity for coastal-pelagic species to undergo rapid‚ yet variable‚ poleward range shifts‚ which have implications for ecosystem structure and the changing availability of key resources to fisheries.
    Citation

    Champion, C., Brodie, S., & Coleman, M. A. (2021). Climate-Driven Range Shifts Are Rapid Yet Variable Among Recreationally Important Coastal-Pelagic Fishes. Frontiers in Marine Science, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.622299

  100. Madani, G. F. (2021). Range extensions and habitat use of Forrest’s mouse (Leggadina forresti) in New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20036

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    Rodent populations are dynamic‚ and fluctuate with environmental conditions and threatening processes‚ so their numbers and distributions are not spatially static. Many arid and semi-arid areas also remain poorly surveyed‚ limiting our understanding of species’ distributions. Fauna surveys in the western division of New South Wales recorded new localities for a previously undetected species – Forrest’s mouse (Leggadina forresti) – in Culgoa and Ledknapper National Parks‚ equating to an easterly range extension of 430 km. Forrest’s mouse appears to persist in riverine plains‚ and this habitat may serve as important residual intact habitat within the rangelands of NSW. As a native and vulnerable rodent species that occurs at low density‚ has low trapping success and occurs in an area that is poorly sampled outside of the reserve system‚ it should be the target of future survey and conservation efforts within the region.
    Citation

    Madani, G. F. (2021). Range extensions and habitat use of Forrest’s mouse (Leggadina forresti) in New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20036

  101. Canning, A. D., & Waltham, N. J. (2021). Ecological impact assessment of climate change and habitat loss on wetland vertebrate assemblages of the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the influence of survey bias. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7412

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Wetlands are among the most vulnerable ecosystems‚ stressed by habitat loss and degradation from expanding and intensifying agricultural and urban areas. Climate change will exacerbate the impacts of habitat loss by altering temperature and rainfall patterns. Wetlands within Australia’s Great Barrier Reef (GBR) catchment are not different‚ stressed by extensive cropping‚ urban expansion‚ and alteration for grazing. Understanding how stressors affect wildlife is essential for the effective management of biodiversity values and minimizing unintended consequences when trading off the multiple values wetlands support. Impact assessment is difficult‚ often relying on an aggregation of ad hoc observations that are spatially biased toward easily accessible areas‚ rather than systematic and randomized surveys. Using a large aggregate database of ad hoc observations‚ this study aimed to examine the influence of urban proximity on machine-learning models predicting taxonomic richness and assemblage turnover‚ relative to other habitat‚ landscape‚ and climate variables‚ for vertebrates dwelling in the wetlands of the GBR catchment. The distance from the nearest city was‚ by substantial margins‚ the most influential factor in predicting the richness and assemblage turnover of all vertebrate groups‚ except fish. Richness and assemblage turnover was predicted to be greatest nearest the main urban centers. The extent of various wetland habitats was highly influential in predicting the richness of all groups‚ while climate (predominately the rainfall in the wettest quarter) was highly influential in predicting assemblage turnover for all groups. Bias of survey records toward urban centers strongly influenced our ability to model wetland-affiliated vertebrates and may obscure our understanding of how vertebrates respond to habitat loss and climate change. This reinforces the need for randomized and systematic surveys to supplement existing ad hoc surveys. We urge modelers in other jurisdictions to better portray the potential influence of survey biases when modeling species distributions.
    Citation

    Canning, A. D., & Waltham, N. J. (2021). Ecological impact assessment of climate change and habitat loss on wetland vertebrate assemblages of the Great Barrier Reef catchment and the influence of survey bias. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7412

  102. Stenhouse, A., Perry, T., Grützner, F., Lewis, M., & Koh, L. P. (2021). EchidnaCSI – Improving monitoring of a cryptic species at continental scale using Citizen Science. Global Ecology and Conservation, 28, e01626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01626

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) are a cryptic and iconic monotreme found throughout the continent of Australia. Despite observational records spanning many years aggregated in national and state biodiversity databases‚ the spatial and temporal intensity of sightings is limited. Although the species is of least conservation concern at the global level‚ a subspecies has been declared endangered on Kangaroo Island in South Australia. We need better population data over the whole continent to inform this species’ conservation management. To increase the temporal and spatial resolution of observations which may be used for more accurate population assessments‚ we developed a mobile app for citizen scientists to easily record echidna sightings and improve the quantity‚ quality and distribution of data collected for monitoring this species. EchidnaCSI is a free‚ cross-platform (Android & iOS)‚ open-source app that we developed to collect echidna observational data around Australia. EchidnaCSI has been in use since September 2017 and uses mobile phone sensors to transparently and automatically record metadata‚ such as species observation location and time and GPS location precision. We examine differences in spatial coverage between these observations and those in existing data repositories in the Atlas of Living Australia and state biodiversity databases‚ especially in relation to observations in protected areas and to an index of remoteness and accessibility. EchidnaCSI has contributed over 8000 echidna observations from around Australia‚ more than recorded in all state systems combined‚ with similar spatial distribution. Although coverage was more limited in some protected areas than the reference data sources‚ numbers of observations in all remote areas were greater than the reference scientific data except for very remote regions. EchidnaCSI has improved the spatial and temporal intensity of observations for this iconic species and provides a complement to scientific surveys‚ which might usefully focus on highly protected areas and very remote regions.
    Citation

    Stenhouse, A., Perry, T., Grützner, F., Lewis, M., & Koh, L. P. (2021). EchidnaCSI – Improving monitoring of a cryptic species at continental scale using Citizen Science. Global Ecology and Conservation, 28, e01626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2021.e01626

  103. Teo, E. J. M., Hailu, S., Kelava, S., Zalucki, M. P., Furlong, M. J., Nakao, R., Barker, D., & Barker, S. C. (2021). Climatic requirements of the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, with a consideration of its host, Vombatus ursinus, and the possible geographic range of the tick up to 2090. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 12(5), 101758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101758

    Ticks and Tick-borne Diseases
    Abstract

    The southern paralysis tick‚ Ixodes cornuatus‚ is a tick of veterinary and medical importance in Australia. We use two methods‚ CLIMEX‚ and an envelope-model approach which we name the ‘climatic-range method’ to study the climatic requirements of I. cornuatus and thus to attempt to account for the geographic distribution of I. cornuatus. CLIMEX and our climatic-range method allowed us to account for 94% and 97% of the records of I. cornuatus respectively. We also studied the host preferences of I. cornuatus which we subsequently used in conjunction with our species distribution methods to account for the presence and the absences of I. cornuatus across Australia. Our findings indicate that the actual geographic distribution of I. cornuatus is smaller than the potential geographic range of this tick‚ and thus‚ that there are regions in Australia which may be suitable for I. cornuatus where this tick has not been recorded. Although our findings indicate that I. cornuatus might be able to persist in these currently unoccupied regions‚ our findings also indicate that the potential geographic range of I. cornuatus may shrink by 51 to 76% by 2090‚ depending on which climate change scenario comes to pass.
    Citation

    Teo, E. J. M., Hailu, S., Kelava, S., Zalucki, M. P., Furlong, M. J., Nakao, R., Barker, D., & Barker, S. C. (2021). Climatic requirements of the southern paralysis tick, Ixodes cornuatus, with a consideration of its host, Vombatus ursinus, and the possible geographic range of the tick up to 2090. Ticks and Tick-Borne Diseases, 12(5), 101758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ttbdis.2021.101758

  104. Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Cremona, T., Murphy, B. P., & Carthew, S. M. (2021). Resource availability drives variation in a marsupial glider’s home-range size. Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12906

    Journal of Zoology
    Abstract

    Numerous studies have detailed the home-range size of a variety of species. However‚ few have been able to determine the underlying contribution of species’ traits (e.g. body mass and diet) versus the external environment (e.g. resource availability) on variation in home-range size. We investigated the importance of body mass and resource availability on the home-range size of a marsupial‚ the savanna glider (Petaurus ariel)‚ in the tropical savannas of northern Australia. A strong rainfall gradient occurs over the region‚ resulting in substantial variation in resource availability throughout the geographic range of P. ariel. To determine P. ariel home-range size‚ we radio-tracked individuals from populations at the climatic extremes of the species’ geographic range‚ representing areas of high and low rainfall (mean annual rainfall: 1695 mm and 1074 mm‚ respectively). Additionally‚ we conducted spotlight surveys at each site to determine population density and collated live-trapping data to model the body mass of P. ariel over its geographic range. We found an almost 10-fold increase in P. ariel’s seasonal home-range size between the two study areas (high rainfall: 2.5 ha vs. low rainfall: 23.0 ha). Body mass (67.5 g vs. 101.1 g) and density (1.1 individuals ha–1 vs. 0.2 individuals ha–1) also varied significantly between the high and low rainfall populations‚ respectively. The mean seasonal home-range size of P. ariel was larger than any other similar-sized Australian Petaurid and was in the top 6% of home-range size‚ relative to body mass‚ of terrestrial‚ omnivorous mammals globally. The disproportionately large home-range size of P. ariel is most likely driven by low resource availability within the species’ geographic range. Our findings highlight that when resources are limiting‚ home-range size can far exceed what is predicted by body mass and diet alone.
    Citation

    Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Cremona, T., Murphy, B. P., & Carthew, S. M. (2021). Resource availability drives variation in a marsupial glider’s home-range size. Journal of Zoology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzo.12906

  105. Scott, S., & Biffin, R. (2021). Notes on a newly discovered population of the Pygmy Copperhead Austrelaps labialis (Jan, 1859) in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2021.013

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    The Pygmy Copperhead Austrelaps labialis is South Australia’s only endemic snake‚ being native to the Adelaide Mount Lofty Ranges and Fleurieu Peninsula; with an additional allopatric population on Kangaroo Island. Within the AMLR‚ it inhabits stringybark forests and adjacent dense vegetation‚ occupying a total area of \textasciitilde150 km2. Here‚ we document a newly discovered and seemingly isolated population at the north-eastern extent of its known mainland distribution. We visited Lobethal Bushland Park from 2013–2018 and observed snakes of varying age and size‚ while documenting their ecology and behaviour. In late 2019‚ the site was decimated by catastrophic wildfire and its persistence here remains unknown. Alongside descriptions of our observations‚ we suggest measures for the conservation of this vulnerable population in its remnant habitat if it has survived the impacts of wildfire.
    Citation

    Scott, S., & Biffin, R. (2021). Notes on a newly discovered population of the Pygmy Copperhead Austrelaps labialis (Jan, 1859) in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2021.013

  106. Wilde, B. C., Rutherford, S., Yap, J. Y. S., & Rossetto, M. (2021). Allele Surfing and Holocene Expansion of an Australian Fig (Ficus—Moraceae). Diversity, 13(6), 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13060250

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    The creek sandpaper fig of southeastern Australia‚ Ficus coronata Spin‚ is culturally significant to Australian traditional owners who made use of the leaves to smooth timber and ate the fruit. The species is thought to have a long history on the continent‚ with some suggesting a Gondwanan origin. However‚ distributional patterns and overall ecology suggest a recent expansion across suitable habitats. We used landscape genomic techniques and environmental niche modelling to reconstruct its history and explore whether the species underwent a recent and rapid expansion along the east coast of New South Wales. Genomic analysis of 178 specimens collected from 32 populations throughout the species’ New South Wales distribution revealed a lack of genetic diversity and population structure. Some populations at the species’ southern and western range limits displayed unexpected diversity‚ which appears to be the result of allele surfing. Field work and genetic evidence suggest a Holocene expansion which may have increased since European colonisation. We also present a novel method for detecting allele surfing—MAHF (minor allele at highest frequency).
    Citation

    Wilde, B. C., Rutherford, S., Yap, J. Y. S., & Rossetto, M. (2021). Allele Surfing and Holocene Expansion of an Australian Fig (Ficus—Moraceae). Diversity, 13(6), 250. https://doi.org/10.3390/d13060250

  107. Haug, G. T., Haug, C., van der Wal, S., Müller, P., & Haug, J. T. (2021). Split-footed lacewings declined over time: indications from the morphological diversity of their antlion-like larvae. PalZ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-021-00550-1

    PalZ
    PalZ
    Abstract

    Nymphidae‚ the group of split-footed lacewings‚ is a rather species-poor group. Split-footed lacewings nowadays are restricted to Australasia‚ while fossil forms are also known from other areas of the world‚ indicating that the group was more species-rich and therefore likely diverse in the past. Split-footed lacewings have rather distinct larvae‚ roughly resembling antlion larvae‚ but differing from the latter especially with regard to the mandibles. Antlion larvae usually have three prominent teeth on each mandible‚ while at least extant larvae of split-footed lacewings only have a single prominent tooth per mandible. Fossils interpreted as larvae of split-footed lacewings are well known from amber from Myanmar (ca. 100 myr; Burmese amber) and by a single specimen from Baltic amber (about 40 myr). We here report additional fossil specimens from Myanmar amber‚ expanding the known record of fossil forms from six depicted specimens to 15. For the extant fauna‚ we could compile 25 larvae. We compare the diversity of shape of extant and fossil larvae through time using an outline analysis (based on elliptic Fourier transformation) of the head. The results of this analysis indicate that the morphological diversity‚ or disparity‚ of split-footed lacewing larvae was higher in the past than it is today. With this type of analysis‚ we can show a loss of diversity over time‚ without the necessity to identify the fossil larvae down to a narrow taxonomical range. A similar pattern has already been recognised in silky lacewings‚ Psychopsidae. This might indicate a general loss of diversity of lacewing larvae.
    Citation

    Haug, G. T., Haug, C., van der Wal, S., Müller, P., & Haug, J. T. (2021). Split-footed lacewings declined over time: indications from the morphological diversity of their antlion-like larvae. PalZ. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12542-021-00550-1

  108. Blyth, C., Christmas, M. J., Bickerton, D. C., Breed, M. F., Foster, N. R., Guerin, G. R., Mason, A. R. G., & Lowe, A. J. (2021). Genomic, Habitat, and Leaf Shape Analyses Reveal a Possible Cryptic Species and Vulnerability to Climate Change in a Threatened Daisy. Life, 11(6), 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060553

    Life
    Life
    Abstract

    Olearia pannosa is a plant species listed as vulnerable in Australia. Two subspecies are currently recognised (O. pannosa subsp. pannosa (silver daisy) and O. pannosa subsp. cardiophylla (velvet daisy))‚ which have overlapping ranges but distinct leaf shape. Remnant populations face threats from habitat fragmentation and climate change. We analysed range-wide genomic data and leaf shape variation to assess population diversity and divergence and to inform conservation management strategies. We detected three distinct genetic groupings and a likely cryptic species. Samples identified as O. pannosa subsp. cardiophylla from the Flinders Ranges in South Australia were genetically distinct from all other samples and likely form a separate‚ range-restricted species. Remaining samples formed two genetic clusters‚ which aligned with leaf shape differences but not fully with current subspecies classifications. Levels of genetic diversity and inbreeding differed between the three genetic groups‚ suggesting each requires a separate management strategy. Additionally‚ we tested for associations between genetic and environmental variation and carried out habitat suitability modelling for O. pannosa subsp. pannosa populations. We found mean annual maximum temperature explained a significant proportion of genomic variance. Habitat suitability modelling identified mean summer maximum temperature‚ precipitation seasonality and mean annual rainfall as constraints on the distribution of O. pannosa subsp. pannosa‚ highlighting increasing aridity as a threat for populations located near suitability thresholds. Our results suggest maximum temperature is an important agent of selection on O. pannosa subsp. pannosa and should be considered in conservation strategies. We recommend taxonomic revision of O. pannosa and provide conservation management recommendations.
    Citation

    Blyth, C., Christmas, M. J., Bickerton, D. C., Breed, M. F., Foster, N. R., Guerin, G. R., Mason, A. R. G., & Lowe, A. J. (2021). Genomic, Habitat, and Leaf Shape Analyses Reveal a Possible Cryptic Species and Vulnerability to Climate Change in a Threatened Daisy. Life, 11(6), 553. https://doi.org/10.3390/life11060553

  109. Sritharan, M. S., Hemmings, F. A., & Moles, A. T. (2021). Few changes in native Australian alpine plant morphology, despite substantial local climate change. Ecology and Evolution, 11(9), 4854–4865. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7392

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Rapid evolution is likely to be an important mechanism allowing native species to adapt to changed environmental conditions. Many Northern Hemisphere species have undergone substantial recent changes in phenology and morphology. However‚ we have little information about how native species in the Southern Hemisphere are responding to climate change. We used herbarium specimens from 21 native alpine plant species in Kosciuszko National Park‚ Australia‚ to make over 1‚500 measurements of plant size‚ leaf thickness‚ leaf mass per area‚ leaf shape‚ and leaf size across the last 126 years. Only two out of 21 species (9%) showed significant changes in any of the measured traits. The number of changes we observed was not significantly different to what we would expect by chance alone‚ based on the number of analyses performed. This lack of change is not attributable to methodology—an earlier study using the same methods found significant changes in 70% of species introduced to southeast Australia. Australia’s native alpine plants do not appear to be adapting to changed conditions‚ and because of the low elevation of Australia’s mountains‚ they do not have much scope for uphill migration. Thus‚ our findings suggest that Australia’s native alpine plants are at even greater risk in the face of future climate change than was previously understood.
    Citation

    Sritharan, M. S., Hemmings, F. A., & Moles, A. T. (2021). Few changes in native Australian alpine plant morphology, despite substantial local climate change. Ecology and Evolution, 11(9), 4854–4865. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7392

  110. Bradshaw, C. J. A., Johnson, C. N., Llewelyn, J., Weisbecker, V., Strona, G., & Saltré, F. (2021). Relative demographic susceptibility does not explain the extinction chronology of Sahul’s megafauna. ELife, 10, e63870. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.63870

    eLife
    eLife
    Abstract

    The causes of Sahul’s megafauna extinctions remain uncertain‚ although several interacting factors were likely responsible. To examine the relative support for hypotheses regarding plausible ecological mechanisms underlying these extinctions‚ we constructed the first stochastic‚ age-structured models for 13 extinct megafauna species from five functional/taxonomic groups‚ as well as 8 extant species within these groups for comparison. Perturbing specific demographic rates individually‚ we tested which species were more demographically susceptible to extinction‚ and then compared these relative sensitivities to the fossil-derived extinction chronology. Our models show that the macropodiformes were the least demographically susceptible to extinction‚ followed by carnivores‚ monotremes‚ vombatiform herbivores‚ and large birds. Five of the eight extant species were as or more susceptible than the extinct species. There was no clear relationship between extinction susceptibility and the extinction chronology for any perturbation scenario‚ while body mass and generation length explained much of the variation in relative risk. Our results reveal that the actual mechanisms leading to the observed extinction chronology were unlikely related to variation in demographic susceptibility per se‚ but were possibly driven instead by finer-scale variation in climate change and/or human prey choice and relative hunting success.
    Citation

    Bradshaw, C. J. A., Johnson, C. N., Llewelyn, J., Weisbecker, V., Strona, G., & Saltré, F. (2021). Relative demographic susceptibility does not explain the extinction chronology of Sahul’s megafauna. ELife, 10, e63870. https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.63870

  111. Nolan, R. H., Gauthey, A., Losso, A., Medlyn, B. E., Smith, R., Chhajed, S. S., Fuller, K., Song, M., Li, X., Beaumont, L. J., Boer, M. M., Wright, I. J., & Choat, B. (2021). Hydraulic failure and tree size linked with canopy die-back in eucalypt forest during extreme drought. New Phytologist, 230(4), 1354–1365. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.17298

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Eastern Australia was subject to its hottest and driest year on record in 2019. This extreme drought resulted in massive canopy die-back in eucalypt forests. The role of hydraulic failure and tree size on canopy die-back in three eucalypt tree species during this drought was examined. We measured pre-dawn and midday leaf water potential (Ψleaf)‚ per cent loss of stem hydraulic conductivity and quantified hydraulic vulnerability to drought-induced xylem embolism. Tree size and tree health was also surveyed. Trees with most‚ or all‚ of their foliage dead exhibited high rates of native embolism (78–100%). This is in contrast to trees with partial canopy die-back (30–70% canopy die-back: 72–78% native embolism)‚ or relatively healthy trees (little evidence of canopy die-back: 25–31% native embolism). Midday Ψleaf was significantly more negative in trees exhibiting partial canopy die-back (−2.7 to −6.3 MPa)‚ compared with relatively healthy trees (−2.1 to −4.5 MPa). In two of the species the majority of individuals showing complete canopy die-back were in the small size classes. Our results indicate that hydraulic failure is strongly associated with canopy die-back during drought in eucalypt forests. Our study provides valuable field data to help constrain models predicting mortality risk.
    Citation

    Nolan, R. H., Gauthey, A., Losso, A., Medlyn, B. E., Smith, R., Chhajed, S. S., Fuller, K., Song, M., Li, X., Beaumont, L. J., Boer, M. M., Wright, I. J., & Choat, B. (2021). Hydraulic failure and tree size linked with canopy die-back in eucalypt forest during extreme drought. New Phytologist, 230(4), 1354–1365. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.17298

  112. Ryan, A., Colloff, M. J., Pittock, J., Ryan, A., Colloff, M. J., & Pittock, J. (2021). Flow to nowhere: the disconnect between environmental watering and the conservation of threatened species in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21057

    Marine and Freshwater Research
    Abstract

    The Murray–Darling Basin Plan was established with the objective of restoring water from irrigation to the environment‚ thereby conserving wetlands and biodiversity. We examined whether the Plan is achieving this objective by assessing whether environmental watering has helped conserve threatened flow-dependent fauna. Two frog species‚ two waterbirds and four fishes‚ were assessed for their conservation status in relation to (1) whether they were targeted in environmental watering plans‚ (2) whether population monitoring had occurred and (3) evidence of population recovery. We determined indicators of abundance and occurrence of species between 2012–13 and 2018–19 and found widespread inconsistencies in the targeting of environmental watering for these species‚ including their being overlooked in watering plans and actions in several catchments. Environmental watering had some positive outcomes for some threatened species in some locations on some occasions‚ but benefits‚ and their monitoring and reporting‚ are patchy and inconsistent. Monitoring of temporal trends in distribution‚ occurrence and abundance of species is inadequate to evaluate success. If the Plan is to achieve its objective and uphold Australia’s international environmental treaty obligations‚ more needs to be done to target and deliver environmental water for threatened species and improve the monitoring and reporting of outcomes.
    Citation

    Ryan, A., Colloff, M. J., Pittock, J., Ryan, A., Colloff, M. J., & Pittock, J. (2021). Flow to nowhere: the disconnect between environmental watering and the conservation of threatened species in the Murray–Darling Basin, Australia. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF21057

  113. Brunton, M. A. L., Gaskett, A. C., & O’Hanlon, J. C. (2021). Museum records indicate male bias in pollinators of sexually deceptive orchids. The Science of Nature, 108(4), 25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01737-x

    The Science of Nature
    Abstract

    Deception has evolved in a range of taxa. When deception imposes costs‚ yet persists over generations‚ exploited species typically have traits to help them bear or minimise costs. The sexually deceptive orchids‚ Cryptostylis spp.‚ are pollinated by tricking male haplodiploid wasps (Lissopimpla excelsa) into mating with flowers‚ which offer no reward and often elicit sperm wastage. We hypothesise that by attracting haplodiploid species‚ orchids have a pollinator ideally suited to withstand the costs of sexual deception—and a selective advantage compared to other orchids. Haplodiploid females can reproduce with or without sperm—albeit when spermless‚ females can only have sons. Through orchid deception and sperm wastage‚ deceived haplodiploid populations could become male biased‚ providing enough males to share between orchids and females. In this way‚ pollinator populations can persist despite high densities of sexually deceptive orchids. Here‚ we aim to broadly test this prediction using museum and digital records of the pollinator‚ L. excelsa‚ from sites with or without orchids. For robustness‚ we also analyse the sex ratio of a sister ichneumonid species that occurs in the same areas but is not deceived by orchids. We found that at sites with orchids‚ L. excelsa was significantly more male biased than at sites without orchids and significantly more male biased than the sister ichneumonid. This survey is the first to test the population-level effects of sexually deceptive orchids on their pollinator. It supports our prediction that orchid deception can drive male-biased sex ratios in exploited pollinators.
    Citation

    Brunton, M. A. L., Gaskett, A. C., & O’Hanlon, J. C. (2021). Museum records indicate male bias in pollinators of sexually deceptive orchids. The Science of Nature, 108(4), 25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00114-021-01737-x

  114. Milla, L., Sniderman, K., Lines, R., Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, M., & Encinas-Viso, F. (2021). Pollen DNA metabarcoding identifies regional provenance and high plant diversity in Australian honey. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7679

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Accurate identification of the botanical components of honey can be used to establish its geographical provenance‚ while also providing insights into honeybee (Apis mellifera L.) diet and foraging preferences. DNA metabarcoding has been demonstrated as a robust method to identify plant species from pollen and pollen-based products‚ including honey. We investigated the use of pollen metabarcoding to identify the floral sources and local foraging preferences of honeybees using 15 honey samples from six bioregions from eastern and western Australia. We used two plant metabarcoding markers‚ ITS2 and the trnL P6 loop. Both markers combined identified a total of 55 plant families‚ 67 genera‚ and 43 species. The trnL P6 loop marker provided significantly higher detection of taxa‚ detecting an average of 15.6 taxa per sample‚ compared to 4.6 with ITS2. Most honeys were dominated by Eucalyptus and other Myrtaceae species‚ with a few honeys dominated by Macadamia (Proteaceae) and Fabaceae. Metabarcoding detected the nominal primary source provided by beekeepers among the top five most abundant taxa for 85% of samples. We found that eastern and western honeys could be clearly differentiated by their floral composition‚ and clustered into bioregions with the trnL marker. Comparison with previous results obtained from melissopalynology shows that metabarcoding can detect similar numbers of plant families and genera‚ but provides significantly higher resolution at species level. Our results show that pollen DNA metabarcoding is a powerful and robust method for detecting honey provenance and examining the diet of honeybees. This is particularly relevant for hives foraging on the unique and diverse flora of the Australian continent‚ with the potential to be used as a novel monitoring tool for honeybee floral resources.
    Citation

    Milla, L., Sniderman, K., Lines, R., Mousavi-Derazmahalleh, M., & Encinas-Viso, F. (2021). Pollen DNA metabarcoding identifies regional provenance and high plant diversity in Australian honey. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7679

  115. Chowdhury, S., Zalucki, M. P., Amano, T., Woodworth, B. K., Venegas-Li, R., & Fuller, R. A. (2021). Seasonal spatial dynamics of butterfly migration. Ecology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13787

    Ecology Letters
    Abstract

    Understanding the seasonal movements of migratory species underpins ecological studies. Several hundred butterfly species show migratory behaviour‚ yet the spatial pattern of these migrations is poorly understood. We developed climatic niche models for 405 migratory butterfly species globally to estimate patterns of seasonal movement and the distribution of seasonal habitat suitability. We found strong seasonal variation in habitat suitability for most migratory butterflies with >75% of pixels within their distributions showing seasonal switching in predicted occupancy for 85% of species. The greatest rate of seasonal switching occurred in the tropics. Several species showed extreme range fluctuations between seasons‚ exceeding 10-fold for 53 species (13%) and more than 100-fold for nine species (2%)‚ suggesting that such species may be at elevated extinction risk. Our results can be used to search for the ecological processes that underpin migration in insects‚ as well as to design conservation interventions for declining migratory insects.
    Citation

    Chowdhury, S., Zalucki, M. P., Amano, T., Woodworth, B. K., Venegas-Li, R., & Fuller, R. A. (2021). Seasonal spatial dynamics of butterfly migration. Ecology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13787

  116. Guilbault, E., Renner, I., Mahony, M., & Beh, E. (2021). How to make use of unlabeled observations in species distribution modeling using point process models. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7411

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Species distribution modeling‚ which allows users to predict the spatial distribution of species with the use of environmental covariates‚ has become increasingly popular‚ with many software platforms providing tools to fit such models. However‚ the species observations used can have varying levels of quality and can have incomplete information‚ such as uncertain or unknown species identity. In this paper‚ we develop two algorithms to classify observations with unknown species identities which simultaneously predict several species distributions using spatial point processes. Through simulations‚ we compare the performance of these algorithms using 7 different initializations to the performance of models fitted using only the observations with known species identity. We show that performance varies with differences in correlation among species distributions‚ species abundance‚ and the proportion of observations with unknown species identities. Additionally‚ some of the methods developed here outperformed the models that did not use the misspecified data. We applied the best-performing methods to a dataset of three frog species (Mixophyes). These models represent a helpful and promising tool for opportunistic surveys where misidentification is possible or for the distribution of species newly separated in their taxonomy.
    Citation

    Guilbault, E., Renner, I., Mahony, M., & Beh, E. (2021). How to make use of unlabeled observations in species distribution modeling using point process models. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7411

  117. Moore, M. D., Beaver, E. P., Velasco-Castrillón, A., & Stevens, M. I. (2021). Two new endemic species of Abantiades Herrich-Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) from Kangaroo Island, Australia. Zootaxa, 4951(3), 571–597. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4951.3.9

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Abantiades penneshawensis Moore & Beaver sp. nov. and Abantiades rubrus Moore & Beaver sp. nov. are described as new. Both species are endemic to Kangaroo Island‚ and although both are related to species that occur on the Australian mainland and other islands‚ they are distinguished from those sister and phenotypically similar species by morphology and mtDNA (COI) barcodes. These two new species raise the number of Abantiades species on Kangaroo Island to six‚ three being endemic‚ and 45 species in the genus for the whole of Australia. There are now 13 species of Hepialidae (one undescribed) known from Kangaroo Island and we discuss the potential effects of recent catastrophic fire on some distributions.
    Citation

    Moore, M. D., Beaver, E. P., Velasco-Castrillón, A., & Stevens, M. I. (2021). Two new endemic species of Abantiades Herrich-Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) from Kangaroo Island, Australia. Zootaxa, 4951(3), 571–597. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4951.3.9

  118. Hope, B., Bilney, R. J., & Peterie, J. (2021). Targeted survey for the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) in the Nungatta and Yambulla areas of southern New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20060

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    Following the report of a photograph of an eastern quoll in 2013 from the Nungatta area‚ near Eden in southern New South Wales‚ we investigated whether the species may persist in the area. This involved reviewing existing wildlife records‚ speaking to landholders and ecologists who have recently surveyed the area‚ and performing a targeted survey totalling 1893 camera-nights across 59 sites in May–July 2019 in the general vicinity of the sighting. We were not able to independently verify the presence of a wild population as no additional record of an eastern quoll was obtained.
    Citation

    Hope, B., Bilney, R. J., & Peterie, J. (2021). Targeted survey for the eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) in the Nungatta and Yambulla areas of southern New South Wales. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20060

  119. Hunter, J. T., & Growns, I. (2021). Semi-supervised delineation of riparian Macrogroups in plot deficient regions within eastern Australia using generalised dissimilarity modelling. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20029

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    In areas of poor plot data‚ limited funding and expertise‚ alternate approaches are needed to create elements of a hierarchical classification schema to assist in landscape planning. This is especially important for vulnerable systems under pressure from human activities. Within this paper we introduce an approach to help create a consistent classification section for riparian vegetation at a subcontinental scale‚ within the context of low plot data availability. We collated occurrence data for selected dominant plants known to occur within riparian environments from electronic databases and our own unpublished survey data. We used generalised dissimilarity modelling (GDM)‚ which models species turnover between pairs of 0.01° grid cells as a function of environmental differences between those cells. Eight climatic and landscape variables were derived for each grid cell. Average temperature and average rainfall had the greatest contribution to species turnover followed by elevation. A model incorporating eight climatic‚ physiognomic and spatial variables accounted for 48% of the turnover of species. Six ecoregions were defined and used to circumscribe the equivalent number of interim Macrogroups based on the GLM outputs and diagnostic species.
    Citation

    Hunter, J. T., & Growns, I. (2021). Semi-supervised delineation of riparian Macrogroups in plot deficient regions within eastern Australia using generalised dissimilarity modelling. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20029

  120. Bazyari, N., & Sajedi, H. (2021). A Reconcile of Density Based and Hierarchical Clustering Based on the Laws of Physics. 15th International Conference on Ubiquitous Information Management and Communication (IMCOM), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1109/IMCOM51814.2021.9377417

    15th International Conference on Ubiquitous Information Management and Communication (IMCOM)
    IMCOM
    Abstract

    In this paper a new approach toward data processing is proposed that is inspired by all the prominent data clustering algorithms proposed by scholars. The main motif that drove this approach was to mix hierarchical clustering methods with Gaussian Estimators as to find a hidden structure in data that was not reachable using traditional bandwidth estimators. Instead the criteria for assessing similarity among data was the principles for Newtonian Physics.
    Citation

    Bazyari, N., & Sajedi, H. (2021). A Reconcile of Density Based and Hierarchical Clustering Based on the Laws of Physics. 15th International Conference on Ubiquitous Information Management and Communication (IMCOM), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1109/IMCOM51814.2021.9377417

  121. Beckmann, C., Major, R. E., Frankham, G. J., Thomas, S., Biro, P. A., Ujvari, B., & Neaves, L. (2021). Genetic structure and gene flow in the Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea). Emu, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2021.1925921

    Emu
    Emu
    Abstract

    Robins in the family Petroicidae are characteristic of the woodland bird community that is threatened in Australia as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation. Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea) populations declined by 56% between 1980 and 2000‚ with habitat loss likely being the primary cause. Given that Flame Robins primarily breed at high elevation‚ populations may become more isolated due to anthropogenic change‚ resulting in increased inbreeding and loss of genetic diversity that may accelerate local extinction. We estimated the genetic structure and recent gene flow among four populations (n = 70 birds) of this vulnerable (NSWSC) species across a 670 km portion of its range in temperate south-eastern Australia using 14 genetic markers. We found no significant differences in genetic diversity amongst populations and little population structuring – only the northernmost population showing a weak signal of differentiation. However‚ we detected little recent migration between the northern and southern sites‚ possibly due to recent fragmentation. We conclude that habitat loss is a conservation concern for this Vulnerable species and further work and ongoing genetic monitoring is needed‚ particularly given high elevation breeding sites that are vulnerable in the face of a changing climate.
    Citation

    Beckmann, C., Major, R. E., Frankham, G. J., Thomas, S., Biro, P. A., Ujvari, B., & Neaves, L. (2021). Genetic structure and gene flow in the Flame Robin (Petroica phoenicea). Emu, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2021.1925921

  122. Allsopp, P. G. (2021). The Australian endemic genera Mesystoechus Waterhouse, 1878, Amblochilus Blanchard, 1851, and Bilobatus Machatschke, 1970 revisited (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini). Zootaxa, 4965(2), 363–374. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4965.2.9

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The endemic Australian ruteline genus Mesystoechus Waterhouse‚ 1878 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini: Schizognathina) is revised and compared with Amblochilus Blanchard‚ 1851 and Bilobatus Machatschke‚ 1970. Mesystoechus lithgowae new species is described from inland southeastern Queensland. Diagnostic characters and information on the distribution‚ natural history‚ and ecology of the two previously described species (M. ciliatus Waterhouse‚ 1878 and M. costatus Carne‚ 1958) and a description of the female of M. costatus are given. A key to males of the genus is proposed. Lectotypes are designated for Amblochilus bicolor Blanchard‚ 1851‚ Mesystoechus ciliatus Waterhouse‚ 1878‚ Homotropus luridipennis Waterhouse‚ 1878 (now Bilobatus luridipennis)‚ and Homotropus testaceipennis Ohaus‚ 1901 (now Bilobatus testaceipennis)‚ and their distributions are clarified.
    Citation

    Allsopp, P. G. (2021). The Australian endemic genera Mesystoechus Waterhouse, 1878, Amblochilus Blanchard, 1851, and Bilobatus Machatschke, 1970 revisited (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anoplognathini). Zootaxa, 4965(2), 363–374. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4965.2.9

  123. Joseph, L. (2021). Challenges for research on the Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum in north Queensland. Australian Field Ornithology, 38. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38059065

    Australian Field Ornithology
    Abstract

    A case is made for why researchers should consider the possibilities that the north Queensland population of Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum discovered in 2008 may be neither geographically or genetically isolated nor taxonomically distinct. Field and museum work are clearly needed to address these questions as well as the biology of the
    north Queensland population itself.
    Citation

    Joseph, L. (2021). Challenges for research on the Spotted Quail-thrush Cinclosoma punctatum in north Queensland. Australian Field Ornithology, 38. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo38059065

  124. Kriesner, P., & Weeks, A. (2021). Assessing genetic risks to Victorian flora and fauna (p. 58).
    https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0029/518492/Genetic-Risk-Index-Report.pdf

    Abstract

    -
    Citation

    Kriesner, P., & Weeks, A. (2021). Assessing genetic risks to Victorian flora and fauna (p. 58).

  125. 5 nocturnal birds found in South Australia that love the winter solstice. (2021).
    https://www.environment.sa.gov.au/goodliving/posts/2021/06/nocturnal-birds-south-australia

    Abstract

    Discover five common native nocturnal birds that will be loving the long dark nights as we humans hibernate inside.
    Citation

    5 nocturnal birds found in South Australia that love the winter solstice. (2021).

  126. Udyawer, V., Oxenham, K., Hourston, M., & Heupel, M. R. (2021). Distribution, fisheries interactions and assessment of threats to Australia’s sea snakes. nespmarine.edu.au.
    https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/distribution-fisheries-interactions-and-assessment-threats-australia%E2%80%99s-sea-snakes

    Abstract

    This project integrated existing sea snake occurrence data‚ field surveys and trawl interaction data to define the habitat suitability‚ distribution and area of occurrence of 27 species of sea snakes within the Australian Economic Exclusion Zone (EEZ). Areas of high diversity and endemism within the North-west and Northern marine region were defined‚ identifying south-west Gulf of Carpentaria as a region with the highest diversity‚ with the North-west Shelf region (i.e. Scott Reef and the north-west shoals) as a region of high sea snake endemism. Habitat suitability model spatial outputs were overlayed with annual fishing effort data using Automated Identification System (AIS) data from fishing vessels‚ to assess sea snake species exposure to trawl fishing. Overlap analysis identified regions along the Pilbara coastline and within the Gulf of Carpentaria as regions with significant overlap between trawl fishing effort and highly suitable habitats for sea snakes. Species with restricted ranges that fell within fishing grounds within the North-west marine region were identified to have high levels of spatial exposure to fishing activities.
    Citation

    Udyawer, V., Oxenham, K., Hourston, M., & Heupel, M. R. (2021). Distribution, fisheries interactions and assessment of threats to Australia’s sea snakes. nespmarine.edu.au.

  127. Post, A., Przeslawski, R., Huang, Z., Smith, D., Kirkendale, L., & Wilson, N. (2021). An eco-narrative of the Gascoyne Marine Park, North-west marine region. nespmarine.edu.au.
    https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/eco-narrative-gascoyne-marine-park-north-west-marine-region

    Abstract

    This report is one in a series of eco-narratives that synthesise our existing knowledge of Australian Marine Parks. Eco-narratives are intended to enable managers and practitioners to rapidly ascertain the ecological characteristics of each park‚ and to highlight knowledge gaps for future research focus. Gascoyne Marine Park is dominated by two submarine canyons that incise the continental slope of the western Australian margin and provide some degree of connectivity between the continental shelf and abyssal plain. The park is characterised by a range of benthic environments‚ including near-vertical cliffs of exposed bedrock in the canyons‚ and sediment covered slopes on the continental slope that grade to abyssal plains that occupy the greater proportion of the park.
    Citation

    Post, A., Przeslawski, R., Huang, Z., Smith, D., Kirkendale, L., & Wilson, N. (2021). An eco-narrative of the Gascoyne Marine Park, North-west marine region. nespmarine.edu.au.

  128. Farquhar, J. E., Russell, W., & Gale, N. (2021). A significant range extension for the mountain skink Liopholis montana (Donnellan, Hutchinson, Dempsey & Osborne, 2002) on the Western Uplands of Victoria. Herpetology Notes, 14, 877–882. https://doi.org/-
    https://www.biotaxa.org/hn/article/view/66978

    Herpetology Notes
    Abstract

    -
    Citation

    Farquhar, J. E., Russell, W., & Gale, N. (2021). A significant range extension for the mountain skink Liopholis montana (Donnellan, Hutchinson, Dempsey & Osborne, 2002) on the Western Uplands of Victoria. Herpetology Notes, 14, 877–882. https://doi.org/-

  129. Tierney, D. A., Gallagher, R. V., Allen, S., & Auld, T. D. (2021). Multiple analyses redirect management and restoration priorities for a critically endangered ecological community. Austral Ecology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13003

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Accurately assessing community diversity patterns across distributional ranges is critically important for informed and effective management of ecological communities. Yet‚ for many wide-ranging communities diversity patterns across broad ranges are poorly known. We apply a range of analytical approaches to an extensively studied ecological community to determine the relative utility and complementarity of these analytical approaches and their applicability for improved management. White Box Yellow Box Blakely’s Red Gum Woodland (herein abbreviated to BGW) occurs across seven bioregions in New South Wales‚ eastern Australia. Previous work has suggested either small levels of regional variation in floristic patterns or‚ contrastingly‚ up to 80 variants determined by expert-driven assessment. We undertook floristic survey and analysed floristic patterns using multivariate dispersion‚ diversity metrics (alpha (α) diversity‚ beta (β) diversity‚ gamma (γ) diversity and zeta (ζ) diversity; including assessments of β turnover and nestedness and higher order ζ diversity). Expert-derived BGW variants were not clearly related to patterns of floristic variation. In this study‚ multivariate interactions were critical to identifying patterns of floristic variation. ζ diversity provided insights into bioregional variation not detected via other analytics and was more robust to unbalanced data than β diversity. However‚ β diversity provided important insights‚ detecting changing community patterns within a bioregion that would otherwise not be detected and allowing for some comparison of our results with other studies. This study highlights the value of applying multiple analytical approaches to the understanding of floristic patterns. Conservation of floristic diversity in BGW requires protection and management across its range‚ something which has not previously been adequately addressed.
    Citation

    Tierney, D. A., Gallagher, R. V., Allen, S., & Auld, T. D. (2021). Multiple analyses redirect management and restoration priorities for a critically endangered ecological community. Austral Ecology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.13003

  130. Venter, S. (2021). A taxonomic revision of the Australasian genera Dracophyllum and Richea (Richeeae: Styphelioideae: Ericaceae). Australian Systematic Botany, 34(2), 1–205. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB19049

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    The genus Dracophyllum Labill. is revised‚ with a total of 61 species being recognised in four subgenera and two species (Dracophyllum minimum F.Muell. and D. strictum Hook.f.) are listed as incertae sedis. The genus Richea R.Br. is reduced to synonymy under Dracophyllum where it is divided into two new subgenera‚ namely‚ Dracophyllum subgenus Cystanthe (R.Br.) S.Venter and D. subgenus Richea (R.Br.) S.Venter. Replacement names published here are Dracophyllum laciniatum S.Venter‚ D. persistentifolium S.Venter and D. tasmanicum S.Venter‚ and new combinations published here are Dracophyllum alpinum (Menadue) S.Venter‚ D. continentis (B.L.Burtt) S.Venter‚ D. desgrazii (Hombr. ex Decne.) S.Venter‚ D. gunnii (Hook.f.) S.Venter‚ D. pandanifolia (Hook.f.) S.Venter‚ D. procerum (F.Muell.) S.Venter‚ D. sprengelioides (R.Br.) S.Venter and D. victorianum (Menadue) S.Venter. Nomenclature‚ descriptions‚ illustrations‚ photographs and distribution maps are provided for each species and lectotypes are designated where necessary. A key to the subgenera and keys to species within these are provided.
    Citation

    Venter, S. (2021). A taxonomic revision of the Australasian genera Dracophyllum and Richea (Richeeae: Styphelioideae: Ericaceae). Australian Systematic Botany, 34(2), 1–205. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB19049

  131. Oyanoghafo, O. O., O’ Brien, C., Choat, B., Tissue, D., & Rymer, P. D. (2021). Vulnerability to xylem cavitation of Hakea species (Proteaceae) from a range of biomes and life-histories predicted by climatic niche. Annals of Botany, mcab020. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab020

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    Extreme drought conditions across the globe are impacting biodiversity with serious implications for the persistence of native species. However‚ quantitative data on physiological tolerance is not available for diverse flora to inform conservation management. We quantified physiological resistance to cavitation in the diverse Hakea genus (Proteaceae) to test predictions based on climatic-origin‚ life history and functional traits.We sampled terminal branches of replicate plants of 16 species in a common garden. Xylem cavitation was induced in branches under varying water potential (tension) in a centrifuge and the tension generating 50% loss of conductivity (stem P50) was characterized as a metric for cavitation resistance. The same branches were used to estimate plant functional traits‚ including wood density‚ specific leaf area‚ and Huber value (sap flow area to leaf area ratio).There was significant variation in stem P50 among species‚ which was negatively associated with the species climate-origin (rainfall and aridity). Cavitation resistance did not differ among life histories; however‚ a drought avoidance strategy with terete leaf form and greater Huber value may be important for species to colonize and persist in the arid biome.This study highlights climate (rainfall and aridity)‚ rather than life history and functional traits‚ as the key predictor of variation in cavitation resistance (stem P50). Rainfall for species origin was the best predictor of cavitation resistance‚ explaining variation in stem P50‚ which appears to be a major determinant of species distribution. This study also indicates that stem P50 is an adaptive trait‚ genetically determined‚ and hence reliable and robust for predicting species vulnerability to climate change. Our findings will contribute to future prediction of species vulnerability to drought and adaptive management under climate change.
    Citation

    Oyanoghafo, O. O., O’ Brien, C., Choat, B., Tissue, D., & Rymer, P. D. (2021). Vulnerability to xylem cavitation of Hakea species (Proteaceae) from a range of biomes and life-histories predicted by climatic niche. Annals of Botany, mcab020. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcab020

  132. Muscatello, A., Elith, J., & Kujala, H. (2021). How decisions about fitting species distribution models affect conservation outcomes. Conservation Biology, n/a(n/a). http://dx.doi.org/10.26188/11864643.v1. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13669

    Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly used in conservation and land-use planning as inputs to describe biodiversity patterns. These models can be built in different ways‚ and decisions about data preparation‚ selection of predictor variables‚ model fitting‚ and evaluation all alter the resulting predictions. Commonly‚ the true distribution of species is unknown and independent data to verify which SDM variant to choose are lacking. Such model uncertainty is of concern to planners. We analyzed how 11 routine decisions about model complexity‚ predictors‚ bias treatment‚ and setting thresholds for predicted values altered conservation priority patterns across 25 species. Models were created with MaxEnt and run through Zonation to determine the priority rank of sites. Although all SDM variants performed well (area under the curve >0.7)‚ they produced spatially different predictions for species and different conservation priority solutions. Priorities were most strongly altered by decisions to not address bias or to apply binary thresholds to predicted values; on average 40% and 35%‚ respectively‚ of all grid cells received an opposite priority ranking. Forcing high model complexity altered conservation solutions less than forcing simplicity (14% and 24% of cells with opposite rank values‚ respectively). Use of fewer species records to build models or choosing alternative bias treatments had intermediate effects (25% and 23%‚ respectively). Depending on modeling choices‚ priority areas overlapped as little as 10–20% with the baseline solution‚ affecting top and bottom priorities differently. Our results demonstrate the extent of model-based uncertainty and quantify the relative impacts of SDM building decisions. When it is uncertain what the best SDM approach and conservation plan is‚ solving uncertainty or considering alterative options is most important for those decisions that change plans the most.
    Citation

    Muscatello, A., Elith, J., & Kujala, H. (2021). How decisions about fitting species distribution models affect conservation outcomes. Conservation Biology, n/a(n/a). http://dx.doi.org/10.26188/11864643.v1. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13669

  133. Llewelyn, J., Strona, G., McDowell, M. C., Johnson, C. N., Peters, K. J., Stouffer, D. B., Visser, S. N., Saltré, F., & Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2021). Sahul’s megafauna were vulnerable to extinction due to their position in the trophic network. BioRxiv, 2021.01.19.427338. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.19.427338

    bioRxiv
    bioRxiv
    Abstract

    Extinctions stemming from environmental change often trigger trophic cascades and coextinctions. However‚ it remains unclear whether trophic cascades were a large contributor to the megafauna extinctions that swept across several continents in the Late Pleistocene. The pathways to megafauna extinctions are particularly unclear for Sahul (landmass comprising Australia and New Guinea)‚ where extinctions happened earlier than on other continents. We investigated the role of bottom-up trophic cascades in Late Pleistocene Sahul by constructing pre-extinction (\textasciitilde 80 ka) trophic network models of the vertebrate community of Naracoorte‚ south-eastern Australia. These models allowed us to predict vertebrate species9 vulnerability to cascading extinctions based on their position in the network. We tested whether the observed extinctions could be explained by bottom-up cascades‚ or if they should be attributed to other external causes. Species that disappeared from the community were more vulnerable‚ overall‚ to bottom-up cascades than were species that survived. The position of extinct species in the network - having few or no predators - also suggests they might have been particularly vulnerable to a new predator. These results provide quantitative evidence that trophic cascades and naivety to predators could have contributed to the megafauna extinction event in Sahul.
    Citation

    Llewelyn, J., Strona, G., McDowell, M. C., Johnson, C. N., Peters, K. J., Stouffer, D. B., Visser, S. N., Saltré, F., & Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2021). Sahul’s megafauna were vulnerable to extinction due to their position in the trophic network. BioRxiv, 2021.01.19.427338. https://doi.org/10.1101/2021.01.19.427338

  134. Pettit, L., Ward-Fear, G., & Shine, R. (2021). Invasion of cane toads (Rhinella marina) affects the problem-solving performance of vulnerable predators (monitor lizards, Varanus varius). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 75(2), 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-021-02978-6

    Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology
    Abstract

    Variation in morphological‚ genetic‚ or behavioural traits within and among native species can modify vulnerability to impacts from an invasive species. If an individual’s vulnerability depends upon its cognitive performance‚ we may see adaptive shifts in cognitive traits post-invasion. Commonly‚ animals with enhanced cognitive abilities perform better in novel tasks‚ often by prioritising decision accuracy over decision speed. In eastern Australia‚ giant monitor lizards (Varanus varius) are fatally poisoned if they ingest invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina)‚ but vulnerability is lower for individuals that carefully evaluate the novel prey type before swallowing it. To test if toad-imposed selection for neophobia and caution affected cognitive performance‚ we tested free-ranging monitors with a device that required lizards to manipulate the apparatus in order to obtain food. Success at accomplishing that task‚ and the speed of that success‚ was lower and slower in lizards from long-colonised sites than from uninvaded sites. Our results suggest that toad invasion has modified cognitive phenotypes within populations of this apex predator‚ a change that might have substantial effects on other species.
    Citation

    Pettit, L., Ward-Fear, G., & Shine, R. (2021). Invasion of cane toads (Rhinella marina) affects the problem-solving performance of vulnerable predators (monitor lizards, Varanus varius). Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 75(2), 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00265-021-02978-6

  135. Hopper, S. D., Fiedler, P. L., & Yates, C. J. (2021). Inselberg floristics exemplify the coast to inland OCBIL transition in a global biodiversity hotspot. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa188. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa188

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    We examined the floristics of granitoid inselbergs in the hitherto poorly documented south-eastern region of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR) and adjacent Great Western Woodlands‚ addressing several hypotheses of OCBIL (old‚ climatically buffered‚ infertile landscapes) theory. We found exceptional taxon richness (1550 taxa on 89 inselbergs‚ with 58 well-sampled inselbergs and 1493 taxa chosen for detailed analyses). Granite inselberg endemism declined towards the arid inland‚ although taxon richness did not. OCBILs are likely to be found up to 500 km inland‚ not \textasciitilde300 km as previously hypothesized. Hybrids were extremely rare on the 58 inselbergs analysed‚ whereas rare species‚ including singletons‚ were abundant. Conversely‚ exotic weeds were less common than in the whole SWAFR flora (8.2% vs 12.8%). Granite plant communities were distributed in bands parallel to the south coast‚ approximating the general transition from the Esperance and Boylya Floristic Districts across the SWAFR boundary north into the Arid Zone’s Great Western Woodlands. Positive correlations were found between several plant life forms and inselberg area. There was a decrease from the coast inland for most life forms‚ except for annual and graminoid herbs that increased in taxa inland. Thus‚ inselberg floristics exemplify the coast-to-inland OCBIL transition in this global biodiversity hotspot.
    Citation

    Hopper, S. D., Fiedler, P. L., & Yates, C. J. (2021). Inselberg floristics exemplify the coast to inland OCBIL transition in a global biodiversity hotspot. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa188. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa188

  136. Cowan, M. F., Blomstedt, C. K., Møller, B. L., Henry, R. J., & Gleadow, R. M. (2021). Variation in production of cyanogenic glucosides during early plant development: A comparison of wild and domesticated sorghum. Phytochemistry, 184, 112645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112645

    Phytochemistry
    Abstract

    Domestication has narrowed the genetic diversity found in crop wild relatives‚ potentially reducing plasticity to cope with a changing climate. The tissues of domesticated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor)‚ especially in younger plants‚ are cyanogenic and potentially toxic. Species of wild sorghum produce lower levels of the cyanogenic glucoside (CNglc) dhurrin than S. bicolor at maturity‚ but it is not known if this is also the case during germination and early growth. CNglcs play multiple roles in primary and specialised metabolism in domesticated sorghum and other crop plants. In this study‚ the temporal and spatial distribution of dhurrin in wild and domesticated sorghum at different growth stages was monitored in leaf‚ sheath and root tissues up to 35 days post germination using S. bicolor and the wild species S. brachypodum and S. macrospermum as the experimental systems. Growth parameters were also measured and allocation of plant total nitrogen (N%) to both dhurrin and nitrate (NO3−) was calculated. Negligible amounts of dhurrin were produced in the leaves of the two wild species compared to S. bicolor. The morphology of the two wild sorghums also differed from S. bicolor‚ with the greatest differences observed for the more distantly related S. brachypodum. S. bicolor had the highest leaf N% whilst the wild species had significantly higher root N%. Allocation of nitrogen to dhurrin in aboveground tissue was significantly higher in S. bicolor compared to the wild species but did not differ in the roots across the three species. The differences in plant morphology‚ dhurrin content and re-mobilisation‚ and nitrate/nitrogen allocation suggest that domestication has affected the functional roles of dhurrin in sorghum.
    Citation

    Cowan, M. F., Blomstedt, C. K., Møller, B. L., Henry, R. J., & Gleadow, R. M. (2021). Variation in production of cyanogenic glucosides during early plant development: A comparison of wild and domesticated sorghum. Phytochemistry, 184, 112645. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2020.112645

  137. Florin, S. A., Roberts, P., Marwick, B., Patton, N. R., Shulmeister, J., Lovelock, C. E., Barry, L. A., Hua, Q., Nango, M., Djandjomerr, D., Fullagar, R., Wallis, L. A., Fairbairn, A. S., & Clarkson, C. (2021). Pandanus nutshell generates a palaeoprecipitation record for human occupation at Madjedbebe, northern Australia. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-01379-8

    Nature Ecology & Evolution
    Abstract

    Little is known about the Pleistocene climatic context of northern Australia at the time of early human settlement. Here we generate a palaeoprecipitation proxy using stable carbon isotope analysis of modern and archaeological pandanus nutshell from Madjedbebe‚ Australia’s oldest known archaeological site. We document fluctuations in precipitation over the last 65‚000 years and identify periods of lower precipitation during the penultimate and last glacial stages‚ Marine Isotope Stages 4 and 2. However‚ the lowest effective annual precipitation is recorded at the present time. Periods of lower precipitation‚ including the earliest phase of occupation‚ correspond with peaks in exotic stone raw materials and artefact discard at the site. This pattern is interpreted as suggesting increased group mobility and intensified use of the region during drier periods.
    Citation

    Florin, S. A., Roberts, P., Marwick, B., Patton, N. R., Shulmeister, J., Lovelock, C. E., Barry, L. A., Hua, Q., Nango, M., Djandjomerr, D., Fullagar, R., Wallis, L. A., Fairbairn, A. S., & Clarkson, C. (2021). Pandanus nutshell generates a palaeoprecipitation record for human occupation at Madjedbebe, northern Australia. Nature Ecology & Evolution, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-020-01379-8

  138. Crowe-Riddell, J. M., Dix, S., Pieterman, L., Nankivell, J. H., Ford, M., Ludington, A. J., Simões, B. F., Dunstan, N., Partridge, J. C., Sanders, K. L., & Allen, L. (2021). From matte banded to glossy black: structures underlying colour change in the caudal lures of southern death adders (Acanthophis antarcticus, Reptilia: Elapidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa218. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa218

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Many ambush-foraging snakes move their tails to entice prey within striking range (‘caudal luring’). During ontogeny‚ the conspicuous hues of caudal lures change to match the cryptic patterning of the body/head. This coincides with decreased luring behaviour and reflects the trade-off between prey acquisition and camouflage as the snake grows. Australo-Papuan death adders (Acanthophis‚ Elapidae) are unique in that both juveniles and adults use caudal luring‚ but ontogenetic colour change has not been investigated. We examined the spectral reflectance‚ microstructure and pigmentation of caudal skin in wild-sourced and captive bred Acanthopihs antarcticus ranging in body size (snout-vent length 116–674 mm; mass 3–832 g; N = 33) to test whether colour properties change as snakes grow. We found that lure colour is distinct from the cryptic body skin across the life history‚ and changes from a matte banding pattern (grey/black) in neonates/juveniles‚ to uniform and glossy black with a yellow ventral stripe in larger snakes. These colour changes are caused by increases in dermal pigmentation and a transition to a smooth‚ interlocking epidermal microstructure. To understand the selection pressures that might be driving ontogenetic colour change in this species‚ further studies should test how different prey types respond to distinct lure morphologies.
    Citation

    Crowe-Riddell, J. M., Dix, S., Pieterman, L., Nankivell, J. H., Ford, M., Ludington, A. J., Simões, B. F., Dunstan, N., Partridge, J. C., Sanders, K. L., & Allen, L. (2021). From matte banded to glossy black: structures underlying colour change in the caudal lures of southern death adders (Acanthophis antarcticus, Reptilia: Elapidae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa218. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa218

  139. Drielsma, M., & Love, J. (2021). An equitable method for evaluating habitat amount and potential occupancy. Ecological Modelling, 440, 109388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109388

    Ecological Modelling
    Abstract

    Landscape connectivity measures based on metapopulation theory were developed over 20 years ago. Initially‚ they applied classic metapopulation models to simple patch-based representations of landscapes using vector spatial data structures. Realism was improved by developing dynamic estimates of occupancy and metapopulation capacity‚ the latter providing a measure of the integrated habitat amount. Such measures are used to estimate the ability of habitat networks to support metapopulation persistence. The original methods for occupancy mapping and metapopulation capacity were adapted to work with fine-grained‚ continuous-value raster data. That step shifted the method outside of the classic metapopulation model which left some methodological issues unresolved; in particular‚ what has been termed the deceptive paradox of patch-based connectivity whereby perverse and what we describe as inequitable results are obtained through arbitrary circumscription of the analysis grid and through the trading of habitat between habitat quality‚ extent and connectivity. We provide a solution to this issue and apply it within the frame of Drielsma and Ferrier’s (2009) raster-based Rapid Evaluation of Metapopulation Persistence (REMP). We demonstrate our solution using simple hypothetical examples; and in order to demonstrate the practicality of our approach to real-world settings‚ we apply the approach to habitat suitability mapping of the White-browed Treecreeper (Climacteris affinis) in south eastern New South Wales‚ Australia.
    Citation

    Drielsma, M., & Love, J. (2021). An equitable method for evaluating habitat amount and potential occupancy. Ecological Modelling, 440, 109388. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109388

  140. Ewart, K. M., Johnson, R. N., Joseph, L., Ogden, R., Frankham, G. J., & Lo, N. (2021). Phylogeography of the iconic Australian pink cockatoo, Lophochroa leadbeateri. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa225. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa225

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    The pink cockatoo (Lophochroa leadbeateri; or Major Mitchell’s cockatoo) is one of Australia’s most iconic bird species. Two subspecies based on morphology are separated by a biogeographical divide‚ the Eyrean Barrier. Testing the genetic basis for this subspecies delineation‚ clarifying barriers to gene flow and identifying any cryptic genetic diversity will likely have important implications for conservation and management. Here‚ we used genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and mitochondrial DNA data to conduct the first range-wide genetic assessment of the species. The aims were to investigate the phylogeography of the pink cockatoo‚ to characterize conservation units and to reassess subspecies boundaries. We found consistent but weak genetic structure between the two subspecies based on nuclear SNPs. However‚ phylogenetic analysis of nuclear SNPs and mitochondrial DNA sequence data did not recover reciprocally monophyletic groups‚ indicating incomplete evolutionary separation between the subspecies. Consequently‚ we have proposed that the two currently recognized subspecies be treated as separate management units rather than evolutionarily significant units. Given that poaching is suspected to be a threat to this species‚ we assessed the utility of our data for wildlife forensic applications. We demonstrated that a subspecies identification test could be designed using as few as 20 SNPs.
    Citation

    Ewart, K. M., Johnson, R. N., Joseph, L., Ogden, R., Frankham, G. J., & Lo, N. (2021). Phylogeography of the iconic Australian pink cockatoo, Lophochroa leadbeateri. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, blaa225. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blaa225

  141. Godfree, R. C., Knerr, N., Encinas-Viso, F., Albrecht, D., Bush, D., Christine Cargill, D., Clements, M., Gueidan, C., Guja, L. K., Harwood, T., Joseph, L., Lepschi, B., Nargar, K., Schmidt-Lebuhn, A., & Broadhurst, L. M. (2021). Implications of the 2019–2020 megafires for the biogeography and conservation of Australian vegetation. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21266-5

    Nature Communications
    Abstract

    Australia’s 2019–2020 ‘Black Summer’ bushfires burnt more than 8 million hectares of vegetation across the south-east of the continent‚ an event unprecedented in the last 200 years. Here we report the impacts of these fires on vascular plant species and communities. Using a map of the fires generated from remotely sensed hotspot data we show that‚ across 11 Australian bioregions‚ 17 major native vegetation groups were severely burnt‚ and up to 67–83% of globally significant rainforests and eucalypt forests and woodlands. Based on geocoded species occurrence data we estimate that >50% of known populations or ranges of 816 native vascular plant species were burnt during the fires‚ including more than 100 species with geographic ranges more than 500 km across. Habitat and fire response data show that most affected species are resilient to fire. However‚ the massive biogeographic‚ demographic and taxonomic breadth of impacts of the 2019–2020 fires may leave some ecosystems‚ particularly relictual Gondwanan rainforests‚ susceptible to regeneration failure and landscape-scale decline.
    Citation

    Godfree, R. C., Knerr, N., Encinas-Viso, F., Albrecht, D., Bush, D., Christine Cargill, D., Clements, M., Gueidan, C., Guja, L. K., Harwood, T., Joseph, L., Lepschi, B., Nargar, K., Schmidt-Lebuhn, A., & Broadhurst, L. M. (2021). Implications of the 2019–2020 megafires for the biogeography and conservation of Australian vegetation. Nature Communications, 12(1), 1023. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-21266-5

  142. Braby, M. F., Williams, M. R., Douglas, F., Beardsell, C., & Crosby, D. F. (2021). Changes in a peri-urban butterfly assemblage over 80 years near Melbourne, Australia. Austral Entomology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12514

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Although changes‚ particularly declines‚ in Australian terrestrial insects and other invertebrates have long been suspected and well-documented for some species‚ the magnitude‚ rate and spatial extent of decline remain unclear. Here we use a combination of alternative‚ qualitative approaches (expert opinion‚ historical records and temporal replication of surveys) to standardised monitoring and mapping programs to investigate the extent of change of a peri-urban butterfly assemblage. This assemblage‚ comprising 52 species‚ of which 46 are residents or seasonal immigrants‚ was studied at three spatial scales (local 0.01 km2‚ intermediate 9 km2 and regional 100 km2) in the Eltham district near Melbourne based on presence/absence data over the past 40 (1981–2020) and 80 years (1941–2020). We then consider the causal factors or drivers that have led to changes‚ and we explore the timing and ecological patterns underpinning extirpations. Long-term records reveal substantial changes (mostly decline) in composition and species richness of the 46 breeding species at all spatial scales and time frames analysed. Although the magnitude and rate of decline were higher at the smaller‚ local to intermediate scales (29–43% decline over 40 years‚ loss rate of 0.20–0.25 species/year) compared with the larger‚ regional scale (26% decline over 80 years‚ loss rate of 0.15 species/year)‚ extirpations at the larger scale were more alarming because they are indicative of widespread population collapse. Declines in relative abundance and occupancy were also recorded at the intermediate and regional spatial scales. Further decline (extinction debt) is anticipated for several ecological specialists currently known from very few sites. Historical extirpations mostly involved obligate myrmecophilous lycaenids and appear to have been largely driven by a combination of urbanisation (habitat loss‚ degradation and fragmentation) and vegetation encroachment. More recent extirpations consist mainly of grass-feeding and mistletoe-feeding specialists and are more worrying because they have predominantly occurred within the past 20–30 years. An interaction of urbanisation (tree canopy death and decline of mistletoes and their host trees from ecosystem dysfunction) and climate change (water stress and heat waves) are considered to be the most likely drivers for these ecological guilds.
    Citation

    Braby, M. F., Williams, M. R., Douglas, F., Beardsell, C., & Crosby, D. F. (2021). Changes in a peri-urban butterfly assemblage over 80 years near Melbourne, Australia. Austral Entomology, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12514

  143. Buzatto, B. A., Haeusler, L., & Tamang, N. (2021). Trapped indoors? Long-distance dispersal in mygalomorph spiders and its effect on species ranges. Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 10456f18-6141-323e-a60a-c4e89dcf7f10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-020-01459-x

    Journal of Comparative Physiology A
    Abstract

    The Mygalomorphae includes tarantulas‚ trapdoor‚ funnel-web‚ purse-web and sheet-web spiders‚ species known for poor dispersal abilities. Here‚ we attempted to compile all the information available on their long-distance dispersal mechanisms from observations that are often spread throughout the taxonomic literature. Mygalomorphs can disperse terrestrially‚ and in some tarantulas‚ for example‚ spiderlings walk together in single files away from their maternal burrow‚ a mechanism limited in distance covered. Conversely‚ at least eight species disperse aerially‚ via dropping on drag lines from elevated positions and being passively blown off (‘suspended ballooning’). The first record of this behaviour is 135 years old‚ but we still know very little about it. Phylogeographic studies suggest several occurrences of transcontinental dispersal in the evolutionary history of mygalomorphs‚ but these might result from contingent rafting events‚ rather than regular dispersal mechanisms. We use occurrence data to show that suspended ballooning increases the species ranges in Australian mygalomorph families where this behaviour has been recorded. We also identified Anamidae‚ Idiopidae‚ and especially Atracidae‚ as families that might employ suspended ballooning or another efficient but undiscovered dispersal mechanism. Finally‚ we suggest that molecular studies with mitochondrial genes will help disentangle behavioural limitations of dispersal from ecological or physical ones.
    Citation

    Buzatto, B. A., Haeusler, L., & Tamang, N. (2021). Trapped indoors? Long-distance dispersal in mygalomorph spiders and its effect on species ranges. Journal of Comparative Physiology A. 10456f18-6141-323e-a60a-c4e89dcf7f10. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00359-020-01459-x

  144. Bouchet, P. J., Thiele, D., Marley, S. A., Waples, K., Weisenberger, F., Rangers, B., Rangers, B. J., Rangers, D., Rangers, N. B. Y., Rangers, N. N., Rangers, U., Raudino, H., Morlumbun, M., Sampi, C., Callaghan, K., Adams, J., Djanghara, D., Karadada, R., Mangolamara, S., … Williams, D. (2021). Regional Assessment of the Conservation Status of Snubfin Dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in the Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.614852

    Frontiers in Marine Science
    Abstract

    Implementing conservation measures for data-limited species is a fundamental challenge for wildlife managers and policy-makers‚ and proves difficult for cryptic marine animals occurring in naturally low numbers across remote seascapes. There is currently scant information on the abundance and habitat preferences of Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) throughout much of their geographical range‚ and especially within the Kimberley region of northern Western Australia. Such knowledge gaps curtail rigorous threat assessments on both local and regional scales. To address this and assist future conservation listings‚ we built the first comprehensive catalogue of snubfin dolphin sightings for the Kimberley. We used these data to estimate the species’ extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) along the region’s 7‚000 km coastline‚ following a simple Bootstrap bivariate kernel approach to combine datasets of varying quality and quantify uncertainty. Our catalogue consists of 1‚597 visual detections of snubfin dolphins made over a period of 17 years (2004–2020) and collated from multiple sources‚ including online biodiversity repositories‚ peer-reviewed scientific articles‚ citizen-science programmes‚ as well as dedicated marine wildlife surveys with local Indigenous communities and Ranger groups. Snubfin dolphins were consistently encountered in shallow waters (< 21 m depth) close to (< 15 km) freshwater inputs‚ with high detection rates in known hotspots (e.g.‚ Roebuck Bay‚ Cygnet Bay) as well as in coastal habitats suspected to be suitable (e.g.‚ Prince Regent River and surrounds‚ King Sound‚ Doubtful Bay‚ Napier Broome Bay and the upper Cambridge Gulf). Bootstrap estimates of EOO and AOO were 38‚300 (95% CI: 25‚451–42‚437) km2 and 700 (656–736) km2 respectively‚ suggesting that snubfin dolphins in the Kimberley are likely Vulnerable under IUCN criteria B2 at a regional scale‚ in keeping with their global classification. Our study offers insights into the distribution of a vulnerable coastal cetacean species and demonstrates the value of integrating multiple data sources for informing conservation assessments in the face of uncertainty.
    Citation

    Bouchet, P. J., Thiele, D., Marley, S. A., Waples, K., Weisenberger, F., Rangers, B., Rangers, B. J., Rangers, D., Rangers, N. B. Y., Rangers, N. N., Rangers, U., Raudino, H., Morlumbun, M., Sampi, C., Callaghan, K., Adams, J., Djanghara, D., Karadada, R., Mangolamara, S., … Williams, D. (2021). Regional Assessment of the Conservation Status of Snubfin Dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni) in the Kimberley Region, Western Australia. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2020.614852

  145. Comben, D. F., McCulloch, G. A., Dhileepan, K., & Walter, G. H. (2021). Genetic identity of Australian prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica, Fabales: Mimosoideae) – Assessing the target for biological control. Biological Control, 155, 104540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104540

    Biological Control
    Abstract

    Prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica) has been the target of biological control programmes in Australia for over three decades‚ with little success. Control efforts may have been hindered by poor characterisation of the plants in Australia‚ and the ambiguous taxonomy of the species. Nine subspecies of this weed have been described‚ with only one subspecies identified in Australia (subsp. indica)‚ though previous genetic screening identified a unique genotype in Australia that allegedly did not match any of the previously described subspecies (dubbed the “Pakistan genotype”). We used gene sequencing to characterise this weed in Australia‚ and to assess the native range distribution of the invasive subspecies. Two widespread ITS1 haplotypes were identified from 25 localities across northern Australia‚ corresponding to subsp. indica and the undescribed “Pakistan genotype”. Many plants were heterozygous at the ITS1 locus‚ indicating plants with the distinct genotypes are freely interbreeding. The “Pakistan genotype”‚ which has no defining morphological characters‚ was found across the native range of subsp. indica (including Ethiopia‚ where this subspecies has only recently been detected). The “Pakistan genotype” is not‚ in other words‚ a distinct subspecies‚ but simply represents genetic variation within subsp. indica. No genetic structuring was found across the native distribution of subsp. indica‚ so the precise provenance of the Australian plants could not be determined. Future studies should use microsatellites or genotyping-by-sequencing approaches to provide a finer-scale assessment of the provenance of the Australian plants.
    Citation

    Comben, D. F., McCulloch, G. A., Dhileepan, K., & Walter, G. H. (2021). Genetic identity of Australian prickly acacia (Vachellia nilotica, Fabales: Mimosoideae) – Assessing the target for biological control. Biological Control, 155, 104540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocontrol.2021.104540

  146. Backhouse, F., Dalziell, A. H., Magrath, R. D., Rice, A. N., Crisologo, T. L., & Welbergen, J. A. (2021). Differential geographic patterns in song components of male Albert’s lyrebirds. Ecology and Evolution, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7225

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Geographic variation in bird song has received much attention in evolutionary studies‚ yet few consider components within songs that may be subject to different constraints and follow different evolutionary trajectories. Here‚ we quantify patterns of geographic variation in the socially transmitted “whistle” song of Albert’s lyrebirds (Menura alberti)‚ an oscine passerine renowned for its remarkable vocal abilities. Albert’s lyrebirds are confined to narrow stretches of suitable habitat in Australia‚ allowing us to map likely paths of cultural transmission using a species distribution model and least cost paths. We use quantitative methods to divide the songs into three components present in all study populations: the introductory elements‚ the song body‚ and the final element. We compare geographic separation between populations with variation in these components as well as the full song. All populations were distinguishable by song‚ and songs varied according to the geographic distance between populations. However‚ within songs‚ only the introductory elements and song body could be used to distinguish among populations. The song body and final element changed with distance‚ but the introductory elements varied independently of geographic separation. These differing geographic patterns of within-song variation are unexpected‚ given that the whistle song components are always produced in the same sequence and may be perceived as a temporally discrete unit. Knowledge of such spatial patterns of within-song variation enables further work to determine possible selective pressures and constraints acting on each song component and provides spatially explicit targets for preserving cultural diversity. As such‚ our study highlights the importance for science and conservation of investigating spatial patterns within seemingly discrete behavioral traits at multiple levels of organization.
    Citation

    Backhouse, F., Dalziell, A. H., Magrath, R. D., Rice, A. N., Crisologo, T. L., & Welbergen, J. A. (2021). Differential geographic patterns in song components of male Albert’s lyrebirds. Ecology and Evolution, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7225

  147. Benítez‐Benítez, C., Martín‐Bravo, S., Bjorå, C. S., Gebauer, S., Hipp, A. L., Hoffmann, M. H., Luceño, M., Pedersen, T. M., Reznicek, A., Roalson, E., Volkova, P., Yano, O., Spalink, D., & Jiménez‐Mejías, P. (2021). Geographical vs. ecological diversification patterns in Carex section Phacocystis (Cyperaceae): patterns hidden behind a twisted taxonomy. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jse.12731

    Journal of Systematics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Carex section Phacocystis (Cyperaceae) is one of the most diverse and taxonomically complex groups of sedges (between 116-147 spp.) with a worldwide distribution in a wide array of biomes. It has a very complicated taxonomic history‚ with numerous disagreements among different treatments. We studied the biogeography and niche evolution in a phylogenetic framework to unveil the relative contribution of geographical and ecological drivers to diversification of the group. We used a large species sampling of the section (82% of extant species) to build a phylogeny based on four DNA regions‚ constrained with a phylogenomic HybSeq tree and dated with six fossil calibrations. Our phylogenetic results recovered sect. Phacocystis s.s. (core Phacocystis) as sister to section Praelongae. Ancestral area reconstruction points to the N Pacific as the cradle for the crown diversification of section Phacocystis during the Middle Miocene. Wide distributions were recurrently inferred across deep nodes. Large Northern Hemisphere lineages with geographical congruence were retrieved‚ pointing to the importance of allopatric divergence at deep phylogenetic levels‚ whereas within-area speciation emerges as the predominant pattern at shallow phylogenetic level. The Southern Hemisphere (Neotropics‚ SW Pacific) was colonized several times from the Northern Hemisphere. The global expansion of Carex section Phacocystis did not entail major ecological changes along the inner branches of the phylogeny. Nevertheless‚ ecological differentiation seems to gain importance towards recent times. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Benítez‐Benítez, C., Martín‐Bravo, S., Bjorå, C. S., Gebauer, S., Hipp, A. L., Hoffmann, M. H., Luceño, M., Pedersen, T. M., Reznicek, A., Roalson, E., Volkova, P., Yano, O., Spalink, D., & Jiménez‐Mejías, P. (2021). Geographical vs. ecological diversification patterns in Carex section Phacocystis (Cyperaceae): patterns hidden behind a twisted taxonomy. Journal of Systematics and Evolution, n/a(n/a). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/jse.12731

  148. Alfonzetti, M., Rivers, M. C., Auld, T. D., Breton, T. L., Cooney, T., Stuart, S., Zimmer, H., Makinson, R., Wilkins, K., Delgado, E., Dimitrova, N., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Shortfalls in extinction risk assessments for plants. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(6), 466–471. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20106

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Research on species recovery‚ reintroduction‚ and conservation disproportionally focusses on birds and mammals. Typically‚ less attention is given to hyper-diverse but ecologically important groups such as plants and invertebrates. In this study‚ we focussed on a continent with one of the world’s highest proportions of endemic plant species (Australia) comparing the number of extinction risk assessments relative to birds and mammals. Specifically‚ we generated a checklist of Australian endemic vascular plants and used three resources which differ in styles and scope to collate information on how many have an extinction risk assessment – the ThreatSearch database‚ International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List‚ and Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999‚ (EPBC Act). Between 76 and 93% of endemic Australian plants examined lack an extinction risk assessment based on data from our three sources. We also compared the proportions of endemic plants assessed relative to birds and mammals. Of all endemic plant taxa examined‚ only 6.8% have been assessed under the EPBC Act‚ compared with 9.4% of birds and 28.9% of mammals. Similarly‚ only 8.8% of endemic plants have been assessed for the IUCN Red List‚ compared with 29.1% of birds and 61.1% of mammals‚ whereas all birds and mammals have been examined in National Action Plans. This represents a significant underestimation of the actual proportion of Australian endemic plants that are likely to satisfy extinction-risk criteria for listing as threatened. This shortfall in risk assessments for plants is a matter of international significance for conservation given Australia’s high rate of plant endemism. A change in policy and approach to assessing extinction risk is needed to ensure adequate assessment effort across different taxonomic groups.
    Citation

    Alfonzetti, M., Rivers, M. C., Auld, T. D., Breton, T. L., Cooney, T., Stuart, S., Zimmer, H., Makinson, R., Wilkins, K., Delgado, E., Dimitrova, N., & Gallagher, R. V. (2021). Shortfalls in extinction risk assessments for plants. Australian Journal of Botany, 68(6), 466–471. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT20106

  149. Ryeland, J., Derham, T. T., & Spencer, R. J. (2021). Past and future potential range changes in one of the last large vertebrates of the Australian continent, the emu Dromaius novaehollandiae. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 851. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79551-0

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    In Australia‚ significant shifts in species distribution have occurred with the loss of megafauna‚ changes in indigenous Australian fire regime and land-use changes with European settlement. The emu‚ one of the last megafaunal species in Australia‚ has likely undergone substantial distribution changes‚ particularly near the east coast of Australia where urbanisation is extensive and some populations have declined. We modelled emu distribution across the continental mainland and across the Great Dividing Range region (GDR) of eastern Australia‚ under historical‚ present and future climates. We predicted shifts in emu distribution using ensemble modelling‚ hindcasting and forecasting distribution from current emu occurrence data. Emus have expanded their range northward into central Australia over the 6000 years modelled here. Areas west of the GDR have become more suitable since the mid-Holocene‚ which was unsuitable then due to high precipitation seasonality. However‚ the east coast of Australia has become climatically sub-optimal and will remain so for at least 50 years. The north east of NSW encompasses the range of the only listed endangered population‚ which now occurs at the margins of optimal climatic conditions for emus. Being at the fringe of suitable climatic conditions may put this population at higher risk of further decline from non-climatic anthropogenic disturbances e.g. depredation by introduced foxes and pigs. The limited scientific knowledge about wild emu ecology and biology currently available limits our ability to quantify these risks.
    Citation

    Ryeland, J., Derham, T. T., & Spencer, R. J. (2021). Past and future potential range changes in one of the last large vertebrates of the Australian continent, the emu Dromaius novaehollandiae. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 851. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-79551-0

  150. Lozano, V. (2021). Distribution of Five Aquatic Plants Native to South America and Invasive Elsewhere under Current Climate. Ecologies, 2(1), 27–42. https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies2010003

    Ecologies
    Ecologies
    Abstract

    Biological invasions and climate pose two of the most important challenges facing global biodiversity. Certainly‚ climate change may intensify the impacts of invasion by allowing invasive plants to increase in abundance and further expand their ranges. For example‚ most aquatic alien plants in temperate climate are of tropical and subtropical origins and the northern limits of their ranges are generally determined by minimum winter temperatures‚ and they will probably expand their distributions northwards if climate warms. The distribution of five invasive aquatic plants in freshwater systems across continents were investigated. Their global distributions in the current climate were modeled using a recently developed ensemble species distribution model approach‚ specifically designed to account for dispersal constraints on the distributions of range-expanding species. It was found that the species appear capable of substantial range expansion‚ and that low winter temperature is the strongest factor limiting their invasion. These findings can be used to identify areas at risk of recently introduction of neophytes‚ and develop future monitoring programs for aquatic ecosystems‚ prioritizing control efforts‚ which enables the effective use of ecological niche models to forecast aquatic invasion in other geographic regions.
    Citation

    Lozano, V. (2021). Distribution of Five Aquatic Plants Native to South America and Invasive Elsewhere under Current Climate. Ecologies, 2(1), 27–42. https://doi.org/10.3390/ecologies2010003

  151. Lucas, J., & Harris, R. M. B. (2021). Changing Climate Suitability for Dominant Eucalyptus Species May Affect Future Fuel Loads and Flammability in Tasmania. Fire, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4010001

    Fire
    Fire
    Abstract

    Fire management is becoming increasingly relevant in our changing climate as fire frequency and intensity increases both on a global scale and locally in Tasmania. The distribution of fuel across the landscape has significant impacts on fire regimes‚ influencing connectivity and flammability of fuel load. Remote sensing techniques are often used to assess current fuel loads‚ but projections of future fuel distributions are necessary for longer term planning of fire management. Eucalyptus species are an important‚ dominant component of many Tasmanian forests‚ influencing fuel load and flammability. We modelled the current and future climate suitability for two Eucalyptus species (E. delegatensis and E. obliqua)‚ using a suite of species distribution models (SDMs) and global climate models (GCMs) for mid (2041&ndash;2060) and end of century (2061&ndash;2080) time periods. The implications these changes may have for the distribution of these important fuel species in the future are discussed. All GCMs projected notable changes in potential distribution‚ with both species contracting substantially in some areas and E. obliqua also exhibiting considerable expansions in the west of Tasmania. On average‚ suitability for E. delegatensis expanded by 5% &plusmn; 1.8% (1658 km2)‚ contracted by 67% &plusmn; 22.7% (24‚591 km2) and remained unchanged in 26% &plusmn; 7.8% (8783 km2) by the end of the century. For E. obliqua suitability expanded by a much greater 17% &plusmn; 6.3% (24‚398 km2)‚ contracted by slightly less at 55% &plusmn; 16.8% (81‚098 km2) and remained unchanged in 45% &plusmn; 16.8% (63‚474 km2) by the end of the century. These changes in climate suitability have the potential to cause changes in the composition and structure of Tasmania&rsquo;s forests‚ impacting fuel loads. However‚ the two species exhibited different responses‚ reflecting their current distributions and suggesting that generalisations regarding species&rsquo; responses to changing climates are not appropriate‚ even where the species are closely related. These results suggest that future fuel loads and flammability at the landscape scale may change‚ requiring longitudinal‚ flexible and adaptive future fire management. Assessing the specific effects of distributional changes and the mechanisms driving different responses to climate change are highlighted as further research opportunities.
    Citation

    Lucas, J., & Harris, R. M. B. (2021). Changing Climate Suitability for Dominant Eucalyptus Species May Affect Future Fuel Loads and Flammability in Tasmania. Fire, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire4010001

  152. Sheahan, J. (2021). Plant Recommendation Systems With Tensorflow - Using Machine Learning to Encourage Greater Biodiversity in Species Selection.
    https://www.uncultivate.com/2021-02-15-Plant-Recommendation-Systems/

    abstract
    Citation

    Sheahan, J. (2021). Plant Recommendation Systems With Tensorflow - Using Machine Learning to Encourage Greater Biodiversity in Species Selection.

2020

  1. Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2020). Maratus tiddalik, a new peacock spider in the flavus group from Western Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini). Peckhamia, 223(1), 1–26. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_223.1.pdf

    Peckhamia
    Peckhamia
    Abstract

    A new peacock spider‚ Maratus tiddalik‚ is described from Cape Naturaliste in Western Australia. This spider is closely related to M. boranup. The biogeography and scope of the Maratus flavus group is also reviewed.
    Citation

    Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2020). Maratus tiddalik, a new peacock spider in the flavus group from Western Australia (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini). Peckhamia, 223(1), 1–26. https://peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_223.1.pdf

  2. Quigley, B. L., & Timms, P. (2020). Helping koalas battle disease – Recent advances in Chlamydia and koala retrovirus (KoRV) disease understanding and treatment in koalas. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 44(5), 583–605. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuaa024
    Num Pages: 583-605
    Place: Delft, United Kingdom
    Publisher: Oxford University Press

    FEMS Microbiology Reviews
    Abstract

    The iconic Australian marsupial‚ the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)‚ has suffered dramatic population declines as a result of habitat loss and fragmentation‚ disease‚ vehicle collision mortality‚ dog attacks‚ bushfires and climate change. In 2012‚ koalas were officially declared vulnerable by the Australian government and listed as a threatened species. In response‚ research into diseases affecting koalas has expanded rapidly. The two major pathogens affecting koalas are Chlamydia pecorum‚ leading to chlamydial disease and koala retrovirus (KoRV). In the last eight years‚ these pathogens and their diseases have received focused study regarding their sources‚ genetics‚ prevalence‚ disease presentation and transmission. This has led to vast improvements in pathogen detection and treatment‚ including the ongoing development of vaccines for each as a management and control strategy. This review will summarize and highlight the important advances made in understanding and combating C. pecorum and KoRV in koalas‚ since they were declared a threatened species. With complementary advances having also been made from the koala genome sequence and in our understanding of the koala immune system‚ we are primed to make a significant positive impact on koala health into the future.
    Citation

    Quigley, B. L., & Timms, P. (2020). Helping koalas battle disease – Recent advances in Chlamydia and koala retrovirus (KoRV) disease understanding and treatment in koalas. FEMS Microbiology Reviews, 44(5), 583–605. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsre/fuaa024

  3. Xu, G.-Q., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Arndt, S. K., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, & Farrell, C. (2020). Leaf Traits of Drought Tolerance for 37 Shrub Species Originating from a Moisture Gradient. Water, 12(6), 1626. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061626
    Num Pages: 1626
    Place: Basel, Switzerland
    Publisher: MDPI AG

    Water
    Water
    Abstract

    Identifying the drought-tolerance traits of plant species originating from a moisture gradient will increase our understanding of the differences and similarities in plant drought tolerance. However‚ which traits can be used to evaluate drought tolerance remain an open question. Here‚ we conducted a common-garden experiment on 37 shrub species originating from desert to humid regions. The correlations between plant traits and the native environmental conditions were studied. Leaf sizes and Huber values were significantly correlated with most climate variables of the shrubs’ origins. The osmotic potentials at full turgor (π100)‚ turgor loss point (ΨTLP)‚ and midday leaf water potential (Ψmid) were significantly correlated with most climate variables of their origins. We proposed using leaf sizes‚ Huber values‚ and ΨTLP as predictors of drought tolerance across shrub species and shrub biomes. Statistically significant correlations were found between π100‚ ΨTLP‚ and specific leaf area (SLA). However‚ owing to the weak correlations between SLA and the climate variables of the shrubs origins and between Huber values and leaf size and turgor loss traits‚ it was difficult to integrate leaf morphological traits with physiological traits to find a simple way to accurately quantify drought-tolerance-related differences among these shrub species.
    Citation

    Xu, G.-Q., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Arndt, S. K., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, & Farrell, C. (2020). Leaf Traits of Drought Tolerance for 37 Shrub Species Originating from a Moisture Gradient. Water, 12(6), 1626. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.3390/w12061626

  4. Camarretta, N., Harrison, P. A., Lucieer, A., Potts, B. M., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Davidson, N., & Hunt, M. (2020). From Drones to Phenotype: Using UAV-LiDAR to Detect Species and Provenance Variation in Tree Productivity and Structure. Remote Sensing, 12(19), 3184. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12193184
    Num Pages: 3184
    Place: Basel, Switzerland
    Publisher: MDPI AG

    Remote Sensing
    Abstract

    The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for remote sensing of natural environments has increased over the last decade. However‚ applications of this technology for high-throughput individual tree phenotyping in a quantitative genetic framework are rare. We here demonstrate a two-phased analytical pipeline that rapidly phenotypes and filters for genetic signals in traditional and novel tree productivity and architectural traits derived from ultra-dense light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point clouds. The goal of this study was rapidly phenotype individual trees to understand the genetic basis of ecologically and economically significant traits important for guiding the management of natural resources. Individual tree point clouds were acquired using UAV-LiDAR captured over a multi-provenance common-garden restoration field trial located in Tasmania‚ Australia‚ established using two eucalypt species (Eucalyptus pauciflora and Eucalyptus tenuiramis). Twenty-five tree productivity and architectural traits were calculated for each individual tree point cloud. The first phase of the analytical pipeline found significant species differences in 13 of the 25 derived traits‚ revealing key structural differences in productivity and crown architecture between species. The second phase investigated the within species variation in the same 25 structural traits. Significant provenance variation was detected for 20 structural traits in E. pauciflora and 10 in E. tenuiramis‚ with signals of divergent selection found for 11 and 7 traits‚ respectively‚ putatively driven by the home-site environment shaping the observed variation. Our results highlight the genetic-based diversity within and between species for traits important for forest structure‚ such as crown density and structural complexity. As species and provenances are being increasingly translocated across the landscape to mitigate the effects of rapid climate change‚ our results that were achieved through rapid phenotyping using UAV-LiDAR‚ raise the need to understand the functional value of productivity and architectural traits reflecting species and provenance differences in crown structure and the interplay they have on the dependent biotic communities.
    Citation

    Camarretta, N., Harrison, P. A., Lucieer, A., Potts, B. M., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, Davidson, N., & Hunt, M. (2020). From Drones to Phenotype: Using UAV-LiDAR to Detect Species and Provenance Variation in Tree Productivity and Structure. Remote Sensing, 12(19), 3184. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs12193184

  5. Armstrong, K. N., Clarke, S., Linke, A., Scanlon, A., Roetman, P., Wilson, J., Hitch, A. T., & Donnellan, S. C. (2020). Citizen science implements the first intensive acoustics-based survey of insectivorous bat species across the Murray–Darling Basin of South Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 68(6), 364. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO20051

    Australian Journal of Zoology
    Aust. J. Zool.
    Abstract

    Effective land management and biodiversity conservation policy relies on good records of native species occurrence and habitat association‚ but for many animal groups these data are inadequate. In the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB)‚ the most environmentally and economically important catchment in Australia‚ knowledge gaps exist on the occurrence and habitat associations of insectivorous bat species. We relied on the interest and effort of citizen scientists to assist with the most intensive insectivorous bat survey ever undertaken in the MDB region of South Australia. We used an existing network of Natural Resource Management groups to connect interested citizens and build on historical observations of bat species using a fleet of 30 Anabat Swift bat detectors. The survey effort more than doubled the number of bat occurrence records for the area in two years (3000 records; cf. 2693 records between 1890 and 2018; freely available through the Atlas of Living Australia). We used multinomial logistic regression to look at the relationship between three types of environmental covariates: flight space‚ nearest open water source and vegetation type. There were no differences in species richness among the environmental covariates. The records have been‚ and will continue to be‚ used to inform government land management policy‚ more accurately predict the impact of development proposals on bat populations‚ and update conservation assessments for microbat species. A social survey tool also showed that participation in the project led to positive behaviours‚ and planned positive behaviours‚ for improving bat habitat on private land.
    Citation

    Armstrong, K. N., Clarke, S., Linke, A., Scanlon, A., Roetman, P., Wilson, J., Hitch, A. T., & Donnellan, S. C. (2020). Citizen science implements the first intensive acoustics-based survey of insectivorous bat species across the Murray–Darling Basin of South Australia. Australian Journal of Zoology, 68(6), 364. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO20051

  6. Wapstra, M., Baker, M., & Daniels, G. (2020). Collecting history and distribution of the potentially invasive Disa bracteata (South African orchid) in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania, 154, 51–60. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.154.51

    Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania
    PPRST
    Abstract

    The collecting history of Disa bracteata Sw. (South African orchid) in Tasmania (Australia)‚ the state’s only naturalised member of the
    Orchidaceae family‚ is presented. Details of its distribution in Tasmania‚ since it was first discovered in 2005‚ are included and discussed
    with information on habitat‚ abundance and management. The species is primarily distributed across the north coast (Smithton to Musselroe) with an outlier in Huonville in the state’s south. Most sites are from verges along public roads and highways‚ but the species has also
    been detected on several private properties and other less disturbed habitats. Many sites with the species have been actively managed with
    the objective of eradication‚ although some sites are now well-established so eradication will require concerted effort. It is recommended
    that the species be added to the Tasmanian Weed Management Act 1999 as a declared species with the primary objective of eradication.
    Citation

    Wapstra, M., Baker, M., & Daniels, G. (2020). Collecting history and distribution of the potentially invasive Disa bracteata (South African orchid) in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania, 154, 51–60. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.154.51

  7. Turner, P., Wapstra, M., Woolley, A., Hopkins, K., Koch, A., & Duncan, F. (2020). Long-term monitoring of the threatened lesser guineaflower Hibbertia calycina (DC.) N.A.Wakef. (Dilleniaceae) in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania, 154, 61–82. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.154.61

    Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania
    PPRST
    Abstract

    This paper describes the distribution of the threatened shrub Hibbertia calycina (DC.) N.A.Wakef.‚ a distinctive plant restricted to northeast
    Tasmania. It compares changes over time in population size and evaluates the species response to disturbance. Results found H. calycina
    distribution is restricted to isolated clumps on highly insolated ridges and steep upper slopes of fine-grained Mathinna-series sedimentary
    rocks in dry sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus sieberi L.Johnson. Nine populations were documented with an estimated area of
    occupancy of 0.43 km2 and area of extent measuring 95 km2‚ demonstrating that the current listing of H. calycina as vulnerable is appropriate on Tasmania’s Threatened Species Protection Act 1995. We believe that the distribution of the present population is a result of natural
    factors (i.e.‚ restricted habitat range and natural fire events) and anthropogenic factors (managed fire regime and illegal firewood cutting).
    Although frequent fire and roading have the potential to impact populations‚ H. calycina appears to be stable without active management
    in a landscape of patchy‚ regular‚ low severity fire. Our results indicate susceptibility to the soil-borne pathogen Phytophthora cinnamomi is
    likely less problematic than previously postulated‚ yet more data and research is required before management is changed.
    Citation

    Turner, P., Wapstra, M., Woolley, A., Hopkins, K., Koch, A., & Duncan, F. (2020). Long-term monitoring of the threatened lesser guineaflower Hibbertia calycina (DC.) N.A.Wakef. (Dilleniaceae) in Tasmania. Papers and Proceedings of The Royal Society of Tasmania, 154, 61–82. https://doi.org/10.26749/rstpp.154.61

  8. Oliver, P. M., Rittmeyer, E. N., Torkkola, J., Donnellan, S. C., Dahl, C., & Richards, S. J. (2020). Multiple trans-Torres Strait colonisations by tree frogs in the Litoria caerulea group, with the description of a new species from New Guinea. Australian Journal of Zoology, 68(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO20071

    Australian Journal of Zoology
    Aust. J. Zool.
    Abstract

    Australia and New Guinea (together referred to as Sahul) were linked by land for much of the late Tertiary and share many biotic elements. However‚ New Guinea is dominated by rainforest‚ and northern Australia by savannah. Resolving patterns of biotic interchange between these two regions is critical to understanding the expansion and contraction of both habitat types. The green tree frog (Litoria caerulea) has a vast range across northern and eastern Australia and New Guinea. An assessment of mitochondrial and morphological diversity in this nominal taxon in New Guinea reveals two taxa. True Litoria caerulea occurs in disjunct savannahs of the Trans-Fly‚ Central Province and across northern Australia‚ with very low genetic divergence‚ implying late Pleistocene connectivity. A previously unrecognised taxon is endemic to New Guinea and widespread in lowland swampy rainforest. Date estimates for the divergence of the new species suggest Pliocene connectivity across lowland tropical habitats of northern Australia and New Guinea. In contrast‚ the new species shows shallow phylogeographic structuring across the central mountains of New Guinea‚ implying recent dispersal between the northern and southern lowlands. These results emphasise that the extent and connectivity of lowland rainforest and savannah environments across northern Australia and southern New Guinea have undergone profound shifts since the late Pliocene.
    http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A577A415-0B71-4663-B4C1-7271B97298CD
    Citation

    Oliver, P. M., Rittmeyer, E. N., Torkkola, J., Donnellan, S. C., Dahl, C., & Richards, S. J. (2020). Multiple trans-Torres Strait colonisations by tree frogs in the Litoria caerulea group, with the description of a new species from New Guinea. Australian Journal of Zoology, 68(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO20071

  9. Kingsford, R. (2020). Submission on EPBC Act referral 2020/8652: WaterNSW Macquarie River Reregulating Storage.
    https://www.ecosystem.unsw.edu.au/sites/default/files/2020-06/Kingsford_UNSW_Centre%20for%20Ecosystem%20Science_Macquarie_Reregulating%20Storage_Submission_EPBC%20Referral_2020_8652.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Kingsford, R. (2020). Submission on EPBC Act referral 2020/8652: WaterNSW Macquarie River Reregulating Storage.

  10. Hansen, N. A., & Oliver, D. L. (2020). Observations of an aggregation between two species of Australian elapid snakes: the threatened Little Whip Snake Parasuta flagellum and Common Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2020.030

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    This short note presents field observations of a pair of adult threatened Little Whip Snakes Parasuta flagellum and a pair of juvenile Common Eastern Brown Snakes Pseudonaja textilis in an aggregation beneath artificially placed Masonite board used in the Turallo Nature Reserve long-term Little Whip Snake monitoring program. The observation represents the first documented record of an interspecific aggregation between these two species. Presumably‚ there may be thermal or anti-predatory advantages for the Little Whip Snake by aggregating with other snakes‚ particularly when both species are of a similar size. However‚ similar behaviours may also have fitness disadvantages including food competition‚ and potentially predation as the Common Eastern Brown Snake neonates grow and surpass the substantially smaller Little Whip Snake and warrants further experimental research.
    Citation

    Hansen, N. A., & Oliver, D. L. (2020). Observations of an aggregation between two species of Australian elapid snakes: the threatened Little Whip Snake Parasuta flagellum and Common Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2020.030

  11. Nipperess, D., Faith, D., Williams, K., King, D., Manion, G., Ware, C., Schmidt, B., Love, J., Drielsma, M., Allen, S., & Gallagher, R. (2020). Expected survival and state of all known species: Data packages for the Biodiversity Indicator Program, first assessment.
    https://doi.org/10.25919/5e6618470379f

    abstract
    Citation

    Nipperess, D., Faith, D., Williams, K., King, D., Manion, G., Ware, C., Schmidt, B., Love, J., Drielsma, M., Allen, S., & Gallagher, R. (2020). Expected survival and state of all known species: Data packages for the Biodiversity Indicator Program, first assessment.

  12. Nipperess, D., Faith, D., Williams, K., King, D., Manion, G., Ware, C., Schmidt, B., Love, J., Drielsma, M., Allen, S., & Gallagher, R. (2020). Representative species sets for vascular plants generated for the Biodiversity Indicator Program, first assessment: expected survival and state of all known species - supplementary data package.
    https://doi.org/10.25919/5e6618be700ca

    Abstract

    This collection contains the data‚ processes and descriptions of workflows required to produce the representative species sets for vascular plants used in the NSW Biodiversity Indicator Program first assessment. The labels given to the datasets in this collection are defined in the workflow diagram and data links spreadsheet. This is a supplementary dataset that was used as an input to the three derived indicators for vascular plants: 1.2a expected survival of all known species 2.1a within-species genetic diversity (for all known species) 2.1b extant area occupied (for all known species). Details are given in the explanatory notes attached with this package and the method implementation report (Nipperess DA‚ Faith DP‚ Williams KJ‚ King D‚ Manion G‚ Ware C‚ Schmidt R‚ Love J‚ Drielsma M‚ Allen S & Ware C 2019‚ Expected survival and state of all known species: Data packages for the Biodiversity Indicator Program‚ first assessment.) accessed through the NSW Biodiversity Indicator Program website (see related links).
    Citation

    Nipperess, D., Faith, D., Williams, K., King, D., Manion, G., Ware, C., Schmidt, B., Love, J., Drielsma, M., Allen, S., & Gallagher, R. (2020). Representative species sets for vascular plants generated for the Biodiversity Indicator Program, first assessment: expected survival and state of all known species - supplementary data package.

  13. Nolan, R. H., Blackman, C. J., de Dios, V. R., Choat, B., Medlyn, B. E., Li, X., Bradstock, R. A., & Boer, M. M. (2020). Linking Forest Flammability and Plant Vulnerability to Drought. Forests, 11(7), 779. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11070779

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Globally‚ fire regimes are being altered by changing climatic conditions. New fire regimes have the potential to drive species extinctions and cause ecosystem state changes‚ with a range of consequences for ecosystem services. Despite the co-occurrence of forest fires with drought‚ current approaches to modelling flammability largely overlook the large body of research into plant vulnerability to drought. Here‚ we outline the mechanisms through which plant responses to drought may affect forest flammability‚ specifically fuel moisture and the ratio of dead to live fuels. We present a framework for modelling live fuel moisture content (moisture content of foliage and twigs) from soil water content and plant traits‚ including rooting patterns and leaf traits such as the turgor loss point‚ osmotic potential‚ elasticity and leaf mass per area. We also present evidence that physiological drought stress may contribute to previously observed fuel moisture thresholds in south-eastern Australia. Of particular relevance is leaf cavitation and subsequent shedding‚ which transforms live fuels into dead fuels‚ which are drier‚ and thus easier to ignite. We suggest that capitalising on drought research to inform wildfire research presents a major opportunity to develop new insights into wildfires‚ and new predictive models of seasonal fuel dynamics.
    Citation

    Nolan, R. H., Blackman, C. J., de Dios, V. R., Choat, B., Medlyn, B. E., Li, X., Bradstock, R. A., & Boer, M. M. (2020). Linking Forest Flammability and Plant Vulnerability to Drought. Forests, 11(7), 779. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11070779

  14. Hsiao, Y., & Oberprieler, R. G. (2020). A review of the trunk-boring cycad weevils in Australia, with description of a second species of Demyrsus Pascoe, 1872 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Austral Entomology, 59(4), 677–700. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12498

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    The Australian trunk-boring cycad weevils of the genera Demyrsus Pascoe‚ 1872 and Siraton Hustache‚ 1934 (Molytinae) are sometimes considered as cycad pests when they infest planted cycads and can be transported to other countries. In the present study‚ the taxonomy of Demyrsus and Siraton is reviewed‚ and four species are recognised: D. meleoides Pascoe‚ 1872‚ D. digmon sp. nov.‚ S. internatus (Pascoe‚ 1870) and S. roei (Boheman‚ 1843). The discovery of a second species of Demyrsus illustrates a larger diversity of cycad-associated weevils in Australia than currently known and identifies a further species with the potential to damage and kill cultivated cycads. The species descriptions and diagnoses are supplemented with illustrations of the habitus and salient structures‚ a distribution map and an identification key to all species of trunk-boring cycad weevils in Australia. Their potential hosts are identified from a spatial analysis of their distributions and the distributions of the cycad taxa occurring in this range.
    Citation

    Hsiao, Y., & Oberprieler, R. G. (2020). A review of the trunk-boring cycad weevils in Australia, with description of a second species of Demyrsus Pascoe, 1872 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Austral Entomology, 59(4), 677–700. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12498

  15. Roberts, J. D. (2020). The Frog Fauna of Southwestern Australia: Diverse, Bizarre, Old, and Polyandrous. Journal of Herpetology, 54(3), 306–316. https://doi.org/10.1670/19-024

    Journal of Herpetology
    Abstract

    My research on anurans has been diverse: biogeography‚ speciation‚ acoustics‚ polyandry‚ sperm competition‚ and conservation. My interests in biology started in natural history but‚ in the late 1960s as an undergraduate student‚ I was receptive to emerging new ideas in biogeography and evolutionary biology: continental drift and neutral theory. My focus in this “Perspective” is an explanation of how diversity has evolved in the frog fauna of southwestern Australia‚ where I have worked since 1978. I discuss the roles of range fragmentation‚ genetic drift‚ directional sexual selection‚ polyploidy‚ and simultaneous polyandry as processes driving the evolution of diversity in the sometimes-bizarre frog fauna of southwestern Australia. I identify features that can characterize polyandrous anurans: e.g.‚ large testes‚ sperm morphology‚ and‚ possibly‚ complex calls with an example of the latter in Geocrinia leai. I discuss how current anuran life histories vary across rainfall and temperature gradients and how derivation of more-arid adapted forms is a well-defined historic biogeographic pattern in southwestern Australia. My observations over time leave me cautiously optimistic about the prospects for frogs affected by global warming.
    Citation

    Roberts, J. D. (2020). The Frog Fauna of Southwestern Australia: Diverse, Bizarre, Old, and Polyandrous. Journal of Herpetology, 54(3), 306–316. https://doi.org/10.1670/19-024

  16. Beaver, E. P. (2020). Revision of the genus Metura (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) with description of two new species. Zootaxa, 4861(2), 188–210. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.2.2

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The genus Metura Walker‚ 1855 is revised‚ with all species figured‚ diagnosed‚ and redescribed. Two new species are described from Australia: Metura phyllosacca sp. n. from south eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales‚ and M. falcata sp. n. from Lord Howe Island. The species Oiketicus aristocosma Lower‚ 1908 is here recognised as Metura aristocosma (Lower‚ 1908) comb. n. The mature larval bags‚ diagnostic by way of their structure‚ are figured for all species. A key is provided for the adult males and larval bags of this genus. A brief discussion is included‚ outlining potential research directions.
    Citation

    Beaver, E. P. (2020). Revision of the genus Metura (Lepidoptera: Psychidae) with description of two new species. Zootaxa, 4861(2), 188–210. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.2.2

  17. Collette, J. C., & Ooi, M. K. J. (2020). Distribution of seed dormancy classes across a fire-prone continent: effects of rainfall seasonality and temperature. Annals of Botany, mcaa203. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa203

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    Different seed dormancy classes control the timing of germination via different cues. The ecological dissimilarities between classes therefore suggest that they are likely to be subject to different selective pressures‚ and that species within each class will have diverse functional responses‚ we aimed to investigate this by assessing how variation in the distribution of dormancy classes is correlated with regional environmental factors‚ in particular‚ rainfall seasonality and temperature. Additionally‚ we compare the relative proportions of species with physiological (PD) or physical (PY) dormancy to assess whether dormancy class influences their ability to persist under different rainfall seasonality regimes.Dormancy class was assigned for 3990 species from 281 genera occurring across two climate regions‚ with either winter or aseasonal rainfall‚ across temperate fire-prone Australia. All regions have similar vegetation and fire regimes. Using a Bayesian framework‚ we compared the distribution of dormancy classes across temperature and rainfall climate gradients‚ for threatened and common species.A high ratio of dormant:non-dormant species highlighted the critical role of dormancy across our study regions. Critically‚ PD species were more likely to be threatened in aseasonal rainfall climate regions.Our results support the assumption that dormancy is favoured in environments with stochastic disturbance.
    Citation

    Collette, J. C., & Ooi, M. K. J. (2020). Distribution of seed dormancy classes across a fire-prone continent: effects of rainfall seasonality and temperature. Annals of Botany, mcaa203. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcaa203

  18. Burwell, C. J., Hobson, R. G., Hines, H. B., Jefferies, M. G., Power, N. P., & White, D. (2020). Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the Granite Belt Region, South-Eastern Queensland, Australia. Australian Entomologist, 47(1), 1.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/343841907

    Australian Entomologist
    Abstract

    Records of species of dragonflies and damselflies were collated from the Granite Belt region (more or less equivalent to the IBRA subregion of the Stanthorpe Plateau) in southeastern Queensland. The Granite Belt is the most northerly extent of the New England Tablelands bioregion and is an elevated region (mostly above 800 m) characterised by adamellite domes and tors. Records of odonate species were collated from our own observations‚ photographs and collecting activities‚ specimens in the Queensland Museum‚ and specimens from other Australian museum collections and observational records from the Atlas of Living Australia. To date‚ a total of 58 species of Odonata have been recorded from the Granite Belt‚ 19 species of damselflies from seven families and 39 species of dragonflies from six families. The odonate fauna of the Granite Belt has strong southern affinities with almost all of the region’s species occurring in the southern half of the continent. In terms of their distributions in Queensland‚ a little over half the species recorded from the Granite Belt are widespread extending north into the tropics. Most of the remaining species are restricted to south-eastern Queensland with 13 species potentially restricted within Queensland to the Granite Belt which is the northernmost extent of their national ranges. Some of these restricted species are associated with riverine habitats but more are associated with swamps and wet heaths in the south-eastern parts of Girraween National Park. The long-term persistence of these species in Queensland is at risk due to rising temperatures‚ more severe and prolonged droughts and more severe and frequent fires due to climate change.
    Citation

    Burwell, C. J., Hobson, R. G., Hines, H. B., Jefferies, M. G., Power, N. P., & White, D. (2020). Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the Granite Belt Region, South-Eastern Queensland, Australia. Australian Entomologist, 47(1), 1.

  19. Chowdhury, S., Braby, M. F., Fuller, R. A., & Zalucki, M. P. (2020). Coasting along to a wider range: niche conservatism in the recent range expansion of the Tawny Coster, Acraea terpsicore (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13200

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim The Tawny Coster Acraea terpsicore is a highly mobile butterfly that has recently expanded its spatial distribution from South Asia to South-East Asia and Australia. Here‚ we determine if the realized climatic niche has changed during the expansion and analyse the geographic pattern of spread in Australia. Location Asia and Australia. Methods We collated occurrence records‚ divided the geographic range into three spatio-temporal phases (pre-expansion‚ early-expansion and late-expansion) and then developed ecological niche models for each phase. To determine whether the realized niche has changed during the range expansion‚ we performed a principal component analyses and niche overlap analysis. Finally‚ we calculated the annual rate of range expansion to estimate the speed and pattern of geographic spread. Results The climatic niche of A. terpsicore differs only slightly in the pre-expansion and late-expansion ranges and was most distinct in the early-expansion range. The species’ range in Australia expanded at an average rate of 135 km/year (range: 34–359 km/year). Female-biased migration occurred in north-eastern Queensland at the leading edge of the range‚ the first documentation of this phenomenon in butterflies. Main Conclusions Acraea terpsicore represents one of the fastest documented geographic range expansions of any species‚ highlighting how rapidly butterflies can colonize new areas‚ even where environmental conditions are substantially different to those in their original distribution. However‚ we found little evidence of climatic niche shift‚ and only a minor niche shift is apparent in the early-expansion and late-expansion ranges. It remains unclear what triggered the sudden expansion‚ but it has been hypothesized that tropical deforestation provided conditions that initiated local range expansion‚ and further work on the possible mechanisms involved is required.
    Citation

    Chowdhury, S., Braby, M. F., Fuller, R. A., & Zalucki, M. P. (2020). Coasting along to a wider range: niche conservatism in the recent range expansion of the Tawny Coster, Acraea terpsicore (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae). Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13200

  20. Lucas, J. (2020). Eucalyptus Obliqua and Eucalyptus Delegatensis Occurances Tasmania (ALA Cleaned).
    https://doi.org/10.17632/bmx6zsjxy8.1

    Abstract

    Occurrence points of Eucalyptus obliqua and Eucalyptus delegatensis in Tasmania from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) at March 2019‚ cleaned to remove suspected erroneous data and preserved specimens.
    Citation

    Lucas, J. (2020). Eucalyptus Obliqua and Eucalyptus Delegatensis Occurances Tasmania (ALA Cleaned).

  21. Smith, J., & Smith, P. (2020). Outstanding Terrestrial Vertebrate Faunal Diversity in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 142(1).
    https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/LIN/article/view/14557

    Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
    Abstract

    We have compiled a comprehensive account of the native terrestrial vertebrate fauna of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area. A total of 432 species has been reliably recorded within the area since European settlement‚ including 68 mammal‚ 254 bird‚ 74 reptile and 36 frog species. At least five species are represented by more than one subspecies. There have been losses: one mammal species is now totally extinct and eight others appear to be extinct in the World Heritage Area. Seventy-three species are currently listed as threatened under NSW and Commonwealth legislation‚ including 28 mammal‚ 34 bird‚ 4 reptile and 7 frog species. It is still a rich and diverse fauna of international significance‚ but it is a fauna under threat‚ a situation made worse by the bushfires of 2019-20‚ which burnt a globally unprecedented proportion of Australia’s temperate forests‚ including 75% of the World Heritage Area. There is much to be done to support the recovery of the region’s biodiversity after the fires. This should include an increase in land management staff and resources and the establishment of a systematic‚ comprehensive‚ long-term biodiversity monitoring program as a basis for effective adaptive management practices in these uncertain times.
    Citation

    Smith, J., & Smith, P. (2020). Outstanding Terrestrial Vertebrate Faunal Diversity in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area, New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 142(1).

  22. Sultana, S., Baumgartner, J. B., Dominiak, B. C., Royer, J. E., & Beaumont, L. J. (2020). Impacts of climate change on high priority fruit fly species in Australia. PLoS ONE, 15(2), e0213820. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213820

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Tephritid fruit flies are among the most destructive horticultural pests posing risks to Australia’s multi-billion-dollar horticulture industry. Currently‚ there are 11 pest fruit fly species of economic concern in Australia. Of these‚ nine are native to this continent (Bactrocera aquilonis‚ B. bryoniae‚ B. halfordiae‚ B. jarvisi‚ B. kraussi‚ B. musae‚ B. neohumeralis‚ B. tryoni and Zeugodacus cucumis)‚ while B. frauenfeldi and Ceratitis capitata are introduced. To varying degrees these species are costly to Australia’s horticulture through in-farm management‚ monitoring to demonstrate pest freedom‚ quarantine and trade restrictions‚ and crop losses. Here‚ we used a common species distribution model‚ Maxent‚ to assess climate suitability for these 11 species under baseline (1960–1990) and future climate scenarios for Australia. Projections indicate that the Wet Tropics is likely to be vulnerable to all 11 species until at least 2070‚ with the east coast of Australia also likely to remain vulnerable to multiple species. While the Cape York Peninsula and Northern Territory are projected to have suitable climate for numerous species‚ extrapolation to novel climates in these areas decreases confidence in model projections. The climate suitability of major horticulture areas currently in eastern Queensland‚ southern-central New South Wales and southern Victoria to these pests may increase as climate changes. By highlighting areas at risk of pest range expansion in the future our study may guide Australia’s horticulture industry in developing effective monitoring and management strategies.
    Citation

    Sultana, S., Baumgartner, J. B., Dominiak, B. C., Royer, J. E., & Beaumont, L. J. (2020). Impacts of climate change on high priority fruit fly species in Australia. PLoS ONE, 15(2), e0213820. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0213820

  23. Rabitsch, W., Adriaens, T., Bacher, S., Booy, O., Chapman, D., Genovesi, P., Moore, N., & Scalera, R. (2020). Study on Invasive Alien Species –  Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention - Annex 8: Risk Assessment for Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792).
    https://doi.org/10.2779/56374

    Abstract

    Evidence-based assessments of the risks posed by invasive alien species (IAS) are critical to underpin policies and prioritise action. Over the last three years‚ a template for producing structured risk assessments has been developed and tested for thirty selected species spanning various taxonomic groups across marine‚ terrestrial and freshwater environments. Here we present ten risk assessments and associated management annexes for IAS produced over the last year. The selected species were Channa argus (northern snakehead)‚ Ameiurus melas (black bullhead)‚ Ameiurus nebulosus (brown bullhead)‚ Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant)‚ Axis axis (chital)‚ Pycnonotus cafer (red-vented bulbul)‚ Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian vine)‚ Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed)‚ Boccardia proboscidea (polychaete worm)‚ Schizoporella japonica (orange ripple bryozoan). The risk assessments and associated management annexes were produced alongside tasks to develop and maintain a risk assessment template and to collect evidence on management techniques‚ implementation costs and cost-effectiveness. A two-day workshop was held to finalise the risk assessments following peer-review. The risk assessments will be used as evidence to inform whether the target species should be considered for inclusion on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern under Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (the IAS Regulation).
    Citation

    Rabitsch, W., Adriaens, T., Bacher, S., Booy, O., Chapman, D., Genovesi, P., Moore, N., & Scalera, R. (2020). Study on Invasive Alien Species –  Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention - Annex 8: Risk Assessment for Trichosurus vulpecula (Kerr, 1792).

  24. Scalera, R., Rabitsch, W., Genovesi, P., Bacher, S., Adriaens, T., Verzelen, Y., Robertson, P., & Beckmann, B. (2020). Study on Invasive Alien Species –  Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention - Risk Assessment for Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777).
    https://doi.org/10.2779/56374

    Abstract

    Evidence-based assessments of the risks posed by invasive alien species (IAS) are critical to underpin policies and prioritise action. Over the last three years‚ a template for producing structured risk assessments has been developed and tested for thirty selected species spanning various taxonomic groups across marine‚ terrestrial and freshwater environments. Here we present ten risk assessments and associated management annexes for IAS produced over the last year. The selected species were Channa argus (northern snakehead)‚ Ameiurus melas (black bullhead)‚ Ameiurus nebulosus (brown bullhead)‚ Wasmannia auropunctata (little fire ant)‚ Axis axis (chital)‚ Pycnonotus cafer (red-vented bulbul)‚ Fallopia baldschuanica (Russian vine)‚ Phytolacca americana (American pokeweed)‚ Boccardia proboscidea (polychaete worm)‚ Schizoporella japonica (orange ripple bryozoan). The risk assessments and associated management annexes were produced alongside tasks to develop and maintain a risk assessment template and to collect evidence on management techniques‚ implementation costs and cost-effectiveness. A two-day workshop was held to finalise the risk assessments following peer-review. The risk assessments will be used as evidence to inform whether the target species should be considered for inclusion on the list of invasive alien species of Union concern under Regulation (EU) 1143/2014 on the prevention and management of the introduction and spread of invasive alien species (the IAS Regulation).
    Citation

    Scalera, R., Rabitsch, W., Genovesi, P., Bacher, S., Adriaens, T., Verzelen, Y., Robertson, P., & Beckmann, B. (2020). Study on Invasive Alien Species –  Development of risk assessments to tackle priority species and enhance prevention - Risk Assessment for Axis axis (Erxleben, 1777).

  25. Oellermann, M., Hickey, A. J. R., Fitzgibbon, Q. P., & Smith, G. (2020). Thermal sensitivity links to cellular cardiac decline in three spiny lobsters. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56794-0

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    Understanding mechanisms of thermal sensitivity is key to predict responses of marine organisms to changing temperatures. Sustaining heart function is critical for complex organisms to oxygenate tissues‚ particularly under temperature stress. Yet‚ specific mechanisms that define thermal sensitivity of cardiac function remain unclear. Here we investigated whole animal metabolism‚ cardiac performance and mitochondrial function in response to elevated temperatures for temperate‚ subtropical and tropical spiny lobster species. While oxygen demands increased with rising temperatures‚ heart function became limited or declined in all three species of lobsters. The decline in cardiac performance coincided with decreases in mitochondrial efficiency through increasing mitochondrial proton leakage‚ which predicts impaired compensation of ATP production. Species differences were marked by shifts in mitochondrial function‚ with the least thermal scope apparent for tropical lobsters. We conclude that acute temperature stress of spiny lobsters‚ irrespective of their climatic origin‚ is marked by declining cellular energetic function of the heart‚ contributing to an increasing loss of whole animal performance. Better understanding of physiological thermal stress cascades will help to improve forecasts of how changing environmental temperatures affect the fitness of these ecologically and commercially important species.
    Citation

    Oellermann, M., Hickey, A. J. R., Fitzgibbon, Q. P., & Smith, G. (2020). Thermal sensitivity links to cellular cardiac decline in three spiny lobsters. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-56794-0

  26. White, L., Catterall, C., Tomlinson, S., & Taffs, K. (2020). Rare or overlooked? The distribution of Hairy Jointgrass in north coast New South Wales, Australia, and implications for its conservation status. Journal for Nature Conservation, 125792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125792

    Journal for Nature Conservation
    Abstract

    Efficient threatened species prioritisation and management is critical to the overall success of biodiversity conservation. Insufficient species information can make it challenging to accurately assess a species’ extinction risk and develop appropriate management strategies. In this study we undertook field surveys and spatial data analysis to better understand the habitat and distribution of the threatened annual grass Arthraxon hispidus (Thunb.) Makino (Hairy Jointgrass) within its north coast New South Wales range. We developed and tested a high-resolution maximum entropy (MaxEnt) model‚ using field survey population mapping and freely available spatial data (e.g. soil‚ topography‚ foliage cover‚ hydrology) to identify its landscape distribution drivers‚ to predict its suitable habitat areas and to estimate its abundance. The model indicated that A. hispidus habitat occurs in non-woody vegetation in areas of high topographic wetness and persistent moisture‚ particularly in and around drainage lines or on south-facing slopes. We found that A. hispidus appears to be much more widespread than previously known‚ with high rates of occurrence at predicted but previously unsurveyed sites‚ and approximately 15% of the study area projected to be suitable habitat for the species. We estimated that the extent of occurrence and area of occupancy of the species exceeded vulnerable species listing criteria thresholds within IUCN guidelines. This study demonstrates how species distribution modelling can add to existing resources to provide cost-effective data to inform and streamline conservation planning.
    Citation

    White, L., Catterall, C., Tomlinson, S., & Taffs, K. (2020). Rare or overlooked? The distribution of Hairy Jointgrass in north coast New South Wales, Australia, and implications for its conservation status. Journal for Nature Conservation, 125792. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnc.2020.125792

  27. Hall, M. J., Burns, A. L., Martin, J. M., & Hochuli, D. F. (2020). Flight initiation distance changes across landscapes and habitats in a successful urban coloniser. Urban Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-020-00969-5

    Urban Ecosystems
    Abstract

    Urbanisation is a major land use change that introduces novel sources of disturbance and risk into an ecosystem. Successful urban species modify their fear behaviour in response to the new conditions‚ as evolutionary mismatches between fear responses and environmental conditions are likely to have negative fitness consequences. Here we tested the effect of urbanisation on the fear response of a successful urban coloniser‚ the Australian Brush-turkey (Alectura lathami)‚ using flight initiation distance (FID) as a measure of boldness. We predicted that Brush-turkeys in areas of natural vegetation would have longer FIDs than birds in more urbanised environments‚ and that males would have shorter FIDs than females. We recorded the FIDs of 80 Brush-turkeys across the Sydney region. We found that Brush-turkeys in natural vegetation and urban bushland reserves had longer FIDs than birds in urban streets and lawns. However‚ there was no difference in FID between sites in natural vegetation and urban bushland reserves. There was no difference in FID between male and female Brush-turkeys‚ between birds engaged in different behaviours‚ or between birds approached in the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Our results identified that Brush-turkeys displayed reduced fear behaviour in response to humans in more urban environments.
    Citation

    Hall, M. J., Burns, A. L., Martin, J. M., & Hochuli, D. F. (2020). Flight initiation distance changes across landscapes and habitats in a successful urban coloniser. Urban Ecosystems. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11252-020-00969-5

  28. Umbrello, L. S., Didham, R. K., How, R. A., & Huey, J. A. (2020). Multi-Species Phylogeography of Arid-Zone Sminthopsinae (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) Reveals Evidence of Refugia and Population Expansion in Response to Quaternary Change. Genes, 11(9), 963. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11090963

    Genes
    Genes
    Abstract

    Historical population contraction and expansion events associated with Pleistocene climate change are important drivers of intraspecific population structure in Australian arid-zone species. We compared phylogeographic patterns among arid-adapted Dasyuridae (Sminthopsis and Planigale) with close phylogenetic relationships and similar ecological roles to investigate the drivers of phylogeographic structuring and the importance of historical refugia. We generated haplotype networks for two mitochondrial (control region and cytochrome b) and one nuclear (omega-globin) gene from samples distributed across each species range. We used &Phi;ST to test for a genetic population structure associated with the four Pilbara subregions‚ and we used expansion statistics and Bayesian coalescent skyline analysis to test for signals of historical population expansion and the timing of such events. Significant population structure associated with the Pilbara and subregions was detected in the mitochondrial data for most species‚ but not with the nuclear data. Evidence of population expansion was detected for all species‚ and it likely began during the mid-late Pleistocene. The timing of population expansion suggests that these species responded favorably to the increased availability of arid habitats during the mid-late Pleistocene‚ which is when previously patchy habitats became more widespread. We interpret our results to indicate that the Pilbara region could have acted as a refugium for small dasyurids.
    Citation

    Umbrello, L. S., Didham, R. K., How, R. A., & Huey, J. A. (2020). Multi-Species Phylogeography of Arid-Zone Sminthopsinae (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) Reveals Evidence of Refugia and Population Expansion in Response to Quaternary Change. Genes, 11(9), 963. https://doi.org/10.3390/genes11090963

  29. Zilli, A. (2020). Review of forest-dwelling noctuid moths of the genus Pachythrix Turner, 1942 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): reassessment of the type species and description of a new species from the Bismarck Archipelago. Austral Entomology, 59(4), 758–769. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12504

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    The scattered information regarding the Australo-Papuan noctuid genus Pachythrix Turner‚ 1942 is consolidated to provide an overview of this little-known group of bright green and black-coloured moths. Nomenclatural comments are provided to challenge current opinion that the genus is based on a misidentified type species. Current evidence supporting its systematic relationships and subfamilial placement is reviewed‚ showing that the present concepts of genera like Thalatha Walker‚ 1862 and Pachythrix itself are polyphyletic. Pachythrix mniochlora (Meyrick‚ 1889) is shown to be misplaced in the genus. Pachythrix chlorophylla sp. nov. from the Bismarck Archipelago is described. This species is the first member of the genus to have been recorded from the Bismarck Archipelago‚ the others occurring in New Guinea and Australia. The new species can easily be distinguished from its congeners superficially by more extended green areas on the fore wing and fewer black‚ subterminal wedges. Diagnostic criteria and illustrations of all species currently assigned to the genus are provided.
    Citation

    Zilli, A. (2020). Review of forest-dwelling noctuid moths of the genus Pachythrix Turner, 1942 (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): reassessment of the type species and description of a new species from the Bismarck Archipelago. Austral Entomology, 59(4), 758–769. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12504

  30. Rowland, J., Hoskin, C. J., & Burnett, S. (2020). Distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Australia, with a focus on the upland rainforest. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19201

    Wildlife Research
    Abstract

    Abstract Context Feral cats have been identified as a key threat to Australia’s biodiversity‚ particularly in arid areas and tropical woodlands. Their presence‚ abundance and potential impacts in rainforest have received less attention. Aims To investigate the distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in upland rainforest of the Wet Tropics. Methods We collated available occurrence records from the Wet Tropics‚ and data from upland camera-trapping surveys over an 8-year period‚ to assess geographic and elevational distribution of feral cats in the bioregion. We also assessed the diet of feral cats from scats collected at upland sites. Key results Feral cats are widespread through the Wet Tropics bioregion‚ from the lowlands to the peaks of the highest mountains (>1600 m)‚ and in all vegetation types. Abundance appears to vary greatly across the region. Cats were readily detected during camera-trap surveys in some upland rainforest areas (particularly in the southern Atherton Tablelands and Bellenden Ker Range)‚ but were never recorded in some areas (Thornton Peak‚ the upland rainforest of Windsor Tableland and Danbulla National Park) despite numerous repeated camera-trap surveys over the past 8 years at some of these sites. Scat analysis suggested that small mammals comprise \textasciitilde70% of the diet of feral cats at an upland rainforest site. Multivariate analysis could not detect a difference in mammal community at sites where cats were detected or not. Conclusions Feral cats are widespread in the Wet Tropics and appear to be common in some upland areas. However‚ their presence and abundance are variable across the region‚ and the drivers of this variability are not resolved. Small mammals appear to be the primary prey in the rainforest‚ although the impacts of cats on the endemic and threatened fauna of the Wet Tropics is unknown. Implications Given their documented impact in some ecosystems‚ research is required to examine the potential impact of cats on Wet Tropics fauna‚ particularly the many upland endemic vertebrates. Studies are needed on (1) habitat and prey selection‚ (2) population dynamics‚ and (3) landscape source–sink dynamics of feral cats in the Wet Tropics.
    Citation

    Rowland, J., Hoskin, C. J., & Burnett, S. (2020). Distribution and diet of feral cats (Felis catus) in the Wet Tropics of north-eastern Australia, with a focus on the upland rainforest. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR19201

  31. Rutherford, S., Wan, J. S. H., Cohen, J. M., Benson, D., & Rossetto, M. (2020). Looks can be deceiving: speciation dynamics of co-distributed Angophora (Myrtaceae) species in a varying landscape. Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14140

    Evolution
    Evolution
    Abstract

    Understanding the mechanisms underlying species divergence remains a central goal in evolutionary biology. Landscape genetics can be a powerful tool for examining evolutionary processes. We used genome-wide scans to genotype samples from populations of eight Angophora species. Angophora is a small genus within the eucalypts comprising common and rare species in a heterogeneous landscape‚ making it an appropriate group to study speciation. We found A. hispida was highly differentiated from the other species. Two subspecies of A. costata (subsp. costata and subsp. euryphylla) formed a group‚ while the third (subsp. leiocarpa‚ which is only distinguished by its smooth fruits and provenance) was supported as a distinct pseudocryptic species. Other species that are morphologically distinct could not be genetically differentiated (e.g.‚ A. floribunda and A. subvelutina). Distribution and genetic differentiation within Angophora were strongly influenced by temperature and humidity‚ as well as biogeographic barriers‚ particularly rivers and higher elevation regions. While extensive introgression was found between many populations of some species (e.g.‚ A. bakeri and A. floribunda)‚ others only hybridized at certain locations. Overall‚ our findings suggest multiple mechanisms drove evolutionary diversification in Angophora and highlight how genome-wide analyses of related species in a diverse landscape can provide insights into speciation. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
    Citation

    Rutherford, S., Wan, J. S. H., Cohen, J. M., Benson, D., & Rossetto, M. (2020). Looks can be deceiving: speciation dynamics of co-distributed Angophora (Myrtaceae) species in a varying landscape. Evolution. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.14140

  32. Pritzkow, C., Szota, C., Williamson, V. G., & Arndt, S. K. (2020). Phenotypic Plasticity of Drought Tolerance Traits in a Widespread Eucalypt (Eucalyptus obliqua). Forests, 11(12), 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11121371

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Long-term studies of tree responses to drought stress help us to understand the capacity of species to adapt to their environment. In this study‚ we investigated how Eucalyptus obliqua adjusts physiological and morphological traits in response to seasonal and multi-year droughts. We monitored physiological and morphological traits over multiple years in undisturbed control and throughfall reduction plots in a eucalypt forest in south-eastern Australia. The throughfall reduction treatment did not induce significantly lower soil moisture in the throughfall reduction plots compared with the control plots. However‚ natural variability in precipitation and evaporative demand induced drought stress of varying intensity each summer in all plots. We observed a significant relationship between seasonal precipitation and leaf pre-dawn water potential (&Psi;PD)‚ with less precipitation over summer‚ resulting in a decline in &Psi;PD and drought stress when &Psi;PD fell below &minus;0.75 MPa. Eucalyptus obliqua responded to short-term summer drought through rapid leaf osmotic adjustment which lowered the leaf water potential at the turgor loss point beyond the minimum leaf water potential. Morphological adjustments‚ such as the reduction of leaf area to sapwood area (higher Huber Value) were moderate during the measurement period and only occurred under severe drought stress (pre-dawn water potential &lt; &minus;1.2 MPa). Overall‚ E. obliqua responded to short-term mild drought stress through physiological trait plasticity‚ while morphological adjustment only occurred under a more severe water deficit.
    Citation

    Pritzkow, C., Szota, C., Williamson, V. G., & Arndt, S. K. (2020). Phenotypic Plasticity of Drought Tolerance Traits in a Widespread Eucalypt (Eucalyptus obliqua). Forests, 11(12), 1371. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11121371

  33. Rodriguez-Cubillo, D., Prior, L. D., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2020). Variation in Eucalyptus delegatensis post-fire recovery strategies: The Tasmanian subspecies is a resprouter whereas the mainland Australian subspecies is an obligate seeder. Forest Ecology and Management, 473, 118292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118292

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Abstract

    Eucalyptus delegatensis is native to the Australian Alps (subsp. delegatensis) and montane Tasmania (subsp. tasmaniensis). Post-fire regeneration mechanisms of the obligate-seeder subspecies on the Australian mainland are well-known‚ but less is known about the resprouter Tasmanian subspecies. In January 2016‚ large tracts of Eucalyptus delegatensis forests in central Tasmania‚ logged at different intensities‚ were burnt by low- and high-severity fire. We used statistical modelling to understand how tree survival‚ vegetative regeneration and seedling recruitment differed according to understorey type‚ fire severity‚ logging intensity and tree size (DBH). Fire severity‚ defined as unburnt‚ low-severity (fire scarring on the stem and/or lower canopy burnt) and high-severity (full canopy burnt)‚ affected tree survival: 84% of trees were alive in unburnt transects‚ compared with 43% in low-severity transects and 36% in high-severity transects. Epicormic resprouting was the dominant mode of vegetative recovery‚ with < 1% of total trees recovering solely by basal resprouting. Fire severity significantly affected epicormic resprouting‚ with 70% of live stems resprouting post-fire in low-severity transects and 99% in high-severity transects‚ compared with 4% in unburnt transects. Tree survival was strongly influenced by tree size: in high-severity transects‚ 24% of trees with DBH < 20 cm were alive‚ compared with 88% of trees with DBH ≥ 20 cm. These differences in survival were primarily because large trees were more likely to resprout epicormically‚ with epicormic shoots present on 24% of live trees with DBH < 20 cm‚ compared with 79% of live trees with DBH ≥ 80 cm. The strong effect of tree size renders clear-felled forests especially vulnerable to fire during the several decades when all the regenerating trees are small (DBH < 20 cm). Seedling recruitment was uncommon‚ independent of understorey type and logging intensity‚ but with higher occurrence on high-severity (54%) than low-severity (19%) or unburnt (15%) transects. When present‚ seedling densities were typically low: median = 400 and maximum = 4·104 seedlings ha−1. This study highlights that mature forests of Eucalyptus delegatensis in Tasmania are more resilient (able to return to pre-disturbance conditions) to single high-severity fires than their mainland counterparts‚ because they can recover more quickly through epicormic resprouting. However‚ clear-felling reduces this resilience for several decades because it decreases median tree size and‚ hence‚ leads to higher post-fire mortality. It is difficult to predict how the Tasmanian subspecies will respond to an increased frequency of high-severity fires associated with a projected warmer and drier climate.
    Citation

    Rodriguez-Cubillo, D., Prior, L. D., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2020). Variation in Eucalyptus delegatensis post-fire recovery strategies: The Tasmanian subspecies is a resprouter whereas the mainland Australian subspecies is an obligate seeder. Forest Ecology and Management, 473, 118292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2020.118292

  34. Rowe, K. C., Soini, H. A., Rowe, K. M. C., Adams, M., & Novotny, M. V. (2020). Odorants differentiate Australian Rattus with increased complexity in sympatry. Records of the Australian Museum, 72(5). https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.72.2020.1721

    Records of the Australian Museum
    Abstract

    Odorant cues play a critical role in premating isolation among many species. In mammals‚ they have been most well-studied in rodents‚ but only in a handful of species. The genus Rattus is one of the most species-rich genera of mammals‚ with a natural distribution from Asia to Australia and a nearly global distribution for a few species that spread through human commensalism. More than one-third of Rattus species are the result of a recent and rapid radiation on continental Australia (Sahul) centred on the island of New Guinea. The two most widespread species resulting from this radiation‚ Rattus fuscipes and Rattus leucopus‚ occur sympatrically in the Wet Tropics region of Queensland‚ Australia. Despite their recent divergence‚ morphological similarity‚ and ability to produce fertile offspring in captivity‚ hybrids of the two species have not been reported in the wild‚ suggesting that premating isolation mechanisms maintain the species’ boundaries. Odorant cues are a plausible mechanism that these species could use to identify mates of the same species‚ but the chemical composition of their odours has not been characterized. With allozyme data from 166 specimens of the two species we confirmed the absence of gene flow between the species in sympatry. From chemical analysis of preputial glands of 32 males from sympatric and allopatric populations of the two species we identified 120 volatile organic compounds of which 80 were reliably quantitated for statistical analysis. Some of these chemicals have been indicated as signalling compounds in other species of mammals‚ including seven thiazolines. Among them two (2-sec-butylthiazoline and 2-isopropythiazoline) have been previously detected in a rodent‚ the House Mouse‚ Mus musculus‚ and are involved in social interactions including attracting females. We demonstrate that R. fuscipes and R. leucopus are quantitatively and qualitatively distinguishable by the chemical composition of their preputial gland secretions. In comparison to allopatric subspecies‚ sympatric species contained more unique chemical compounds and a higher abundance of compounds overall‚ suggesting that sympatric populations have more complex and concentrated odours. Together these results indicate that odorant chemistry has evolved rapidly in these two species‚ with substantial differences among species and subspecies‚ especially in sympatry. Ultimately‚ the rapid evolution of chemical signals involved in mate recognition may help to explain the exceptional diversity of species in the genus Rattus.
    Citation

    Rowe, K. C., Soini, H. A., Rowe, K. M. C., Adams, M., & Novotny, M. V. (2020). Odorants differentiate Australian Rattus with increased complexity in sympatry. Records of the Australian Museum, 72(5). https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.72.2020.1721

  35. Stenhouse, A., Roetman, P., Lewis, M., & Koh, L. P. (2020). Koala Counter: Recording Citizen Scientists’ search paths to Improve Data Quality. Global Ecology and Conservation, 24, e01376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01376

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Biodiversity monitoring is key for developing informed solutions to the threats facing our environment‚ including habitat loss‚ increasing pollution‚ wildlife trafficking and climate change. Citizen science is increasingly used for collecting species observational data at wide spatial and temporal scales that are difficult and expensive to achieve using traditional means. Current apps used for citizen science biodiversity monitoring provide methods to record observational data on species’ presence‚ including photos‚ location‚ date‚ time and an assortment of other data. However‚ data about species absences as well as automatically generated and accurate data on both search effort and search locations have been lacking. Koala Counter is a free‚ cross-platform (Android & iOS)‚ open-source app that was developed for a citizen science project to collect koala population data to inform koala conservation and management in South Australia. The app uses mobile phone sensors to transparently and automatically record metadata such as species observation location and time‚ the search path the user takes‚ the time taken while searching and GPS location precision. We tested this in the Citizen Science event “The Great Koala Count 2” in South Australia during November 2016. Observations‚ paths and search effort data were accurate overall. Location accuracy was good‚ with some exceptions. Use of the app indicated a number of potential improvements that would further increase data quality. Recording search paths offers a potentially valuable method of recording spatial and temporal components of search effort‚ improving on simple records of species observations and time taken‚ especially when no observations are made. These data may enable better ecological modelling by supplying accurate search effort data as well as enabling improved inference of species absence. Search paths also show locations that have not been searched‚ which is valuable information in management of citizen science monitoring programs.
    Citation

    Stenhouse, A., Roetman, P., Lewis, M., & Koh, L. P. (2020). Koala Counter: Recording Citizen Scientists’ search paths to Improve Data Quality. Global Ecology and Conservation, 24, e01376. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01376

  36. Robinson, N. M., Blanchard, W., MacGregor, C., Brewster, R., Dexter, N., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (2020). Finding food in a novel environment: The diet of a reintroduced endangered meso-predator to mainland Australia, with notes on foraging behaviour. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0243937. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243937

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Translocated captive-bred predators are less skilled at hunting than wild-born predators and more prone to starvation post-release. Foraging in an unfamiliar environment presents many further risks to translocated animals. Knowledge of the diet and foraging behaviour of translocated animals is therefore an important consideration of reintroductions. We investigated the diet of the endangered meso-predator‚ the eastern quoll Dasyurus viverrinus. We also opportunistically observed foraging behaviour‚ enabling us to examine risks associated with foraging. Sixty captive-bred eastern quolls were reintroduced to an unfenced reserve on mainland Australia (where introduced predators are managed) over a two year period (2018‚ 2019). Quolls were supplementary fed macropod meat but were also able to forage freely. Dietary analysis of scats (n = 56) revealed that quolls ate macropods‚ small mammals‚ birds‚ invertebrates‚ fish‚ reptiles and frogs‚ with some between-year differences in the frequency of different diet categories. We also observed quolls hunting live prey. Quolls utilised supplementary feeding stations‚ indicating that this may be an important strategy during the establishment phase. Our study demonstrated that‚ in a novel environment‚ captive-bred quolls were able to locate food and hunt live prey. However‚ foraging was not without risks; with the ingestion of toxic substances and foraging in dangerous environments found to be potentially harmful. Knowledge of the diet of reintroduced fauna in natural landscapes is important for understanding foraging behaviour and evaluating habitat suitability for future translocations and management.
    Citation

    Robinson, N. M., Blanchard, W., MacGregor, C., Brewster, R., Dexter, N., & Lindenmayer, D. B. (2020). Finding food in a novel environment: The diet of a reintroduced endangered meso-predator to mainland Australia, with notes on foraging behaviour. PLoS ONE, 15(12), e0243937. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0243937

  37. Gorman, J. T., Bentivoglio, M., Brady, C., Wurm, P., Vemuri, S., & Sultanbawa, Y. (2020). Complexities in developing Australian Aboriginal enterprises based on natural resources. The Rangeland Journal. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ20010

    The Rangeland Journal
    Abstract

    Across the world’s rangelands‚ livelihoods of millions of people are dependent on customary and commercial use of wildlife. Many Australian Aboriginal communities also aspire towards developing natural resource-based enterprises but there is a unique combination of historical‚ legislative and cultural factors that make this process complex. Typically‚ government support for Indigenous enterprise development has focussed largely on development of ‘social enterprise’‚ with subsidies coming from various government community development programs. This has resulted in some increase in participation and employment‚ but often inadequate attention to economic aspects of enterprise development leading to low levels of business success. This paper will examine historical‚ legislative and institutional dimensions in business development in Aboriginal communities. It does this through a case study of business enterprise development of the Kakadu Plum products by the Indigenous people of the Thamarrurr Region of the Northern Territory‚ Australia‚ using a participant observation research method. We found that attention on important economic criteria was subsumed by a focus on social enterprise priorities during the development of this natural resource-based enterprise. This resulted in a very slow transition of the ‘social enterprise’ to the ‘financial enterprise’‚ due largely to fragmented business decisions and inefficient value chains. We call for a refocus of natural resource-based enterprise development programs in remote Australian Aboriginal townships to incorporate greater emphasis on business acumen within the complex social‚ cultural and political fabric.
    Citation

    Gorman, J. T., Bentivoglio, M., Brady, C., Wurm, P., Vemuri, S., & Sultanbawa, Y. (2020). Complexities in developing Australian Aboriginal enterprises based on natural resources. The Rangeland Journal. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ20010

  38. Hsiao, Y., & Oberprieler, R. G. (2020). Bionomics and rearing of Miltotranes prosternalis (Lea, 1929) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a mutualistic cycad pollinator in Australia. Entomological Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/ens.12434

    Entomological Science
    Abstract

    Pollination is the crucial stage for reproduction and survival of plants‚ therefore knowledge about the bionomics of pollinators is often critical for plant conservation. Bowenia spectabilis (Cycadales: Stangeriaceae) is a CITES-protected cycad species endemic to the Wet Tropics Bioregion of Queensland‚ Australia. It is pollinated by a host-specific weevil species‚ Miltotranes prosternalis (Lea‚ 1929) (Curculionidae: Molytinae)‚ which breeds in its male cones but also visits its female cones and pollinates them. The association between the cycad and the weevil is an obligate brood-site reward pollination system‚ in which the weevil is provided with food and a brood site by the plant in “return” for the service of pollinating it. To facilitate the knowledge of the natural history of this unique Bowenia pollinator‚ we developed a method for rearing mature larvae of M. prosternalis collected from the field in the laboratory. Furthermore‚ we summarize biological information of M. prosternalis gathered from previous studies and by firsthand observations in the wild and during rearing in captivity.
    Citation

    Hsiao, Y., & Oberprieler, R. G. (2020). Bionomics and rearing of Miltotranes prosternalis (Lea, 1929) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), a mutualistic cycad pollinator in Australia. Entomological Science. https://doi.org/10.1111/ens.12434

  39. Jucker, T., Long, V., Pozzari, D., Pedersen, D., Fitzpatrick, B., Yeoh, P. B., & Webber, B. L. (2020). Developing effective management solutions for controlling stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida) and promoting the recovery of native biodiversity in Northern Australia. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02295-5

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    Invasive alien plants pose a growing threat to native biodiversity and are a burden to local livelihoods through their impacts on cultural values‚ agriculture‚ farming and tourism. A prime example of this is stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida)‚ a herbaceous vine that has invaded across the global tropics‚ including vast tracts of remote northern Australia. Yet despite its ubiquity in the landscape and growing concerns about its impacts on native biodiversity‚ surprisingly little is known about how to effectively control stinking passionflower. To address this knowledge gap‚ we established an 18 month long field experiment in the semi-arid Pilbara region of Western Australia to (i) understand seasonal variation in the growth phenology of stinking passionflower and identify optimal time windows for management; (ii) compare the effectiveness of different methods for controlling stinking passionflower‚ including both physical removal and chemical treatments; and (iii) understand the knock-on implications of these treatments for the recruitment of new cohorts of stinking passionflower seedlings and the recovery of native plant species. We found that biomass growth was tightly coupled with rainfall events‚ which are largely unpredictable in the study region. We also found substantial differences in the effectiveness of the different control treatments we trialled‚ with glyphosate foliar spray proving highly effective while plants recovered quickly following stem cutting. However‚ the application of glyphosate foliar spray without the removal of the dead biomass resulted in the rapid regeneration of stinking passionflower seedlings‚ whereas native plant species largely failed to recover.
    Citation

    Jucker, T., Long, V., Pozzari, D., Pedersen, D., Fitzpatrick, B., Yeoh, P. B., & Webber, B. L. (2020). Developing effective management solutions for controlling stinking passionflower (Passiflora foetida) and promoting the recovery of native biodiversity in Northern Australia. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02295-5

  40. Mesibov, R., & Rodriguez, J. (2020). A new genus and species of narrow-range millipede (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Dalodesmidae) from Tasmania, Australia. ZooKeys, 966, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.966.56308

    ZooKeys
    ZooKeys
    Abstract

    Kebodesmus zonarius gen. nov. et sp. nov. is only known from a small area on the Great Western Tiers in northern Tasmania‚ Australia‚ and like species of Paredrodesmus Mesibov‚ 2003 has no detectable paranota on the diplosegments. The gonopod telopodite of the new species is divided into a large‚ lateral‚ cowl-like structure‚ a solenomere and a medial branch with three processes.
    Citation

    Mesibov, R., & Rodriguez, J. (2020). A new genus and species of narrow-range millipede (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Dalodesmidae) from Tasmania, Australia. ZooKeys, 966, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.966.56308

  41. Mahony, M., Moses, B., Mahony, S. V., Lemckert, F. L., & Donnellan, S. (2020). A new species of frog in the Litoria ewingii species group (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from south-eastern Australia. Zootaxa, 4858(2), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4858.2.3

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Population declines and range contractions among Australian frogs that commenced in the early 1980s continue in some species that were once widespread. The generality of this pattern has been difficult to discern‚ especially for those species that are encountered rarely because they have restricted periods of calling activity with poorly defined habitat preferences‚ and are not common. Several lines of evidence indicate that Litoria littlejohni is such a species. This frog was once known from mid-eastern New South Wales to eastern Victoria‚ and evidence from wildlife atlas databases and targeted searches indicate that it has declined in large portions of its former range‚ leaving several populations that are isolated‚ in some cases restricted in distribution‚ and of small size. We investigated the relationships among populations using mitochondrial ND4 nucleotide sequences and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from the nuclear genome. We found that northern and southern populations form two highly divergent genetic groups whose distributions abut at the southern margin of the Sydney Basin Bioregion and these genetic groups also show divergence in morphology and male advertisement calls. Here we describe the populations to the south of the Sydney Basin Bioregion as a new species and provide information on its distribution and ecology. In light of the apparent isolation and small size of known populations of the new species and the consequent restriction of the range of L. littlejohni‚ we assessed the conservation status of both species.
    Citation

    Mahony, M., Moses, B., Mahony, S. V., Lemckert, F. L., & Donnellan, S. (2020). A new species of frog in the Litoria ewingii species group (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from south-eastern Australia. Zootaxa, 4858(2), 201–230. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4858.2.3

  42. Guerra-García, M., Keable, S. J., & Ahyong, S. T. (2020). A new species of Paraproto (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from southern New SouthWales, Australia. Zootaxa, 4755(2), 271–293. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4755.2.4

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    A new species of the caprellid genus Paraproto‚ P. murrayae n. sp. is described based on specimens collected from New South Wales‚ Australia. The new species was collected from brown algae in shallow water (16–19 m deep). Paraproto murrayae n. sp. is very similar to P. tasmaniensis Guerra-García & Takeuchi‚ 2004 but can be distinguished mainly by the following characteristics: (1) adults of P. murrayae are significantly smaller than P. tasmaniensis (5–6 mm and 10–11 mm respectively); (2) in larger males of P. tasmaniensis‚ gnathopod 2 is inserted on the anterior half of pereonite 2‚ rather than the posterior half as in P. murrayae; (3) the dactylus of the male gnathopod 2 is thickened medially in P. murrayae‚ but not thickened in P. tasmaniensis; (4) the setal formula of mandibular palp is 1-3-1 in P. murrayae versus 1-9-1 or 1-10-1 in P. tasmaniensis; (5) the lower lip is glabrous in P. murrayae but strongly setose in P. tasmaniensis; and (6) the anterolateral projections on pereonite 2 are lacking or vestigial in males of P. murrayae rather than distinct as in P. tasmaniensis. An illustrated key to the species of Paraproto is provided.
    Citation

    Guerra-García, M., Keable, S. J., & Ahyong, S. T. (2020). A new species of Paraproto (Crustacea: Amphipoda) from southern New SouthWales, Australia. Zootaxa, 4755(2), 271–293. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4755.2.4

  43. Ezzy, L., Grice, A. C., & Parker, W. (2020). Identification of an eastern short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi) population in Queensland: a significant range extension. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20008

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    A new population of eastern short eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi) has been recorded in Queensland. The animals were photographed on a sandstone cliff face in Lawn Hill Gorge‚ Boodjamulla National Park‚ \textasciitilde160 km from the closest record on Wollogorang Station in the Northern Territory. The species was originally thought to occur north of the 600-mm rainfall isohyet‚ with most of the population found in the monsoonal tropics of the Top End. This record significantly extends the known range of this taxon to the south-east and places P. wilkinsi at the 450-mm rainfall isohyet. Sympatry in rock-wallabies is unusual but P. wilkinsi at Boodjamulla appears to be sympatric with the more common purple necked rock-wallaby (Petrogale purpureicollis). A recent taxonomic revision of the brachyotis group found that there was a significant mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) divergence between the Wollogorang record and the rest of the P. wilkinsi group further north‚ but further genetic sampling across the southern Gulf of Carpentaria is required to determine whether these populations represent an additional distinct taxon.
    Citation

    Ezzy, L., Grice, A. C., & Parker, W. (2020). Identification of an eastern short-eared rock-wallaby (Petrogale wilkinsi) population in Queensland: a significant range extension. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM20008

  44. Fahey, P. S., Fowler, R. M., McLay, T. G. B., Udovicic, F., Cantrill, D. J., & Bayly, M. J. (2020). Divergent lineages in a semi-arid mallee species, Eucalyptus behriana, correspond to a major geographic break in southeastern Australia. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7099

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Aim To infer relationships between populations of the semi-arid‚ mallee eucalypt‚ Eucalyptus behriana‚ to build hypotheses regarding evolution of major disjunctions in the species’ distribution and to expand understanding of the biogeographical history of southeastern Australia. Location Southeastern Australia. Taxon Eucalyptus behriana (Myrtaceae‚ Angiospermae). Methods We developed a large dataset of anonymous genomic loci for 97 samples from 11 populations of E. behriana using double digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD-seq)‚ to determine genetic relationships between the populations. These relationships‚ along with species distribution models‚ were used to construct hypotheses regarding environmental processes that have driven fragmentation of the species’ distribution. Results Greatest genetic divergence was between populations on either side of the Lower Murray Basin. Populations west of the Basin showed greater genetic divergence between one another than the eastern populations. The most genetically distinct population in the east (Long Forest) was separated from others by the Great Dividing Range. A close relationship was found between the outlying northernmost population (near West Wyalong) and those in the Victorian Goldfields despite a large disjunction between them. Conclusions Patterns of genetic variation are consistent with a history of vicariant differentiation of disjunct populations. We infer that an early disjunction to develop in the species distribution was that across the Lower Murray Basin‚ an important biogeographical barrier separating many dry sclerophyll plant taxa in southeastern Australia. Additionally‚ our results suggest that the western populations fragmented earlier than the eastern ones. Fragmentation‚ both west and east of the Murray Basin‚ is likely tied to climatic changes associated with glacial-interglacial cycles although it remains possible that major geological events including uplift of the Mount Lofty Ranges and basalt flows in the Newer Volcanics Province also played a role.
    Citation

    Fahey, P. S., Fowler, R. M., McLay, T. G. B., Udovicic, F., Cantrill, D. J., & Bayly, M. J. (2020). Divergent lineages in a semi-arid mallee species, Eucalyptus behriana, correspond to a major geographic break in southeastern Australia. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.7099

  45. Geyle, H. M., Woolley, L. A., Davies, H. F., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Murphy, B. P. (2020). Targeted sampling successfully detects the cryptic and declining arboreal marsupial (Phascogale pirata) in northern Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC20008

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    The threatened northern brush-tailed phascogale (Phascogale pirata) is one of the most poorly known mammals in Australia. While the few available records indicate a decline in its distribution and abundance‚ it has not previously been subject to intensive targeted survey. Here‚ we trialled a specifically tailored methodology for detection of P. pirata‚ with the aim of informing ongoing survey and monitoring of this species. We deployed 50 motion-sensor cameras (spaced closely together in a grid 500 × 1000 m) on Melville Island (Northern Territory‚ Australia)‚ between June 2018 and May 2019. Cameras were baited and secured to trees \textasciitilde3 m above the ground on a bracket facing the trunk. We selected for large (>30 cm diameter at breast height [DBH]) trunks of the dominant tree species (Eucalyptus miniata‚ E. tetrodonta and Corymbia nesophila). We detected P. pirata 16 times on eight cameras over the duration of the study‚ finding that detection was most likely on large (DBH >41.5 cm) E. tetrodonta trees during the wet season. Our results indicate that survey effort for this species should be seasonally targeted and focussed on large trees. However‚ the efficacy of additional methods (nest boxes‚ Elliott traps) and a comparison between detections on arboreal versus ground-based cameras requires further investigation. We highlight the importance of conducting additional work on this species‚ as little is known about its ecology‚ population trends and threats‚ making it difficult to assess its conservation status. Without more targeted work‚ P. pirata is at risk of slipping into extinction unnoticed.
    Citation

    Geyle, H. M., Woolley, L. A., Davies, H. F., Woinarski, J. C. Z., & Murphy, B. P. (2020). Targeted sampling successfully detects the cryptic and declining arboreal marsupial (Phascogale pirata) in northern Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC20008

  46. Borlongan, I. A., Terada, R., & Hurtado, A. (2020). Concise review of the genus Meristotheca (Rhodophyta: Solieriaceae). Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-020-02288-w

    Journal of Applied Phycology
    Abstract

    The genus Meristotheca (Solieriaceae) includes fifteen currently accepted species. They are widely distributed throughout the tropics and subtropics of both hemispheres‚ inhabiting the intertidal and subtidal regions of rocky shores. Molecular phylogenetic studies allowed a precise understanding of the species diversity and biogeography of the genus. The commercial value of certain species of Meristotheca lies in its use primarily as food for direct human consumption and to some extent as raw materials for extraction of carrageenan and other bioactive compounds. Intensified harvesting of the seaweeds resulted in the depletion of their natural beds; hence‚ several attempts have been made for mariculture. The management effort for the farming of Meristotheca on a commercial scale is still at its early stage. Studies on the phenology‚ sporulation‚ callus induction and thallus regeneration‚ photosynthesis‚ and growth of these potentially useful species contributed to the advancement of cultivation technologies. Further research on the biochemistry and utilization of Meristotheca species is necessary for the commercial competitiveness of these promising seaweed resources.
    Citation

    Borlongan, I. A., Terada, R., & Hurtado, A. (2020). Concise review of the genus Meristotheca (Rhodophyta: Solieriaceae). Journal of Applied Phycology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10811-020-02288-w

  47. Bond, T., Mueller, R. J., Birt, M. J., Prince, J., Miller, K., Partridge, J. C., & McLean, D. L. (2020). Mystery pufferfish create elaborate circular nests at mesophotic depths in Australia. Journal of Fish Biology, 97(5), 1401–1407. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14506

    Journal of Fish Biology
    Abstract

    In 2011‚ the enigma of “mystery circles‚” small but complex underwater structures first observed by divers from southern Japan in 1995‚ was solved when a new species of pufferfish‚ white-spotted pufferfish (Torquigener albomaculosus Matsuura 2014)‚ was identified as the responsible agent. To date these circles have been described only from Japan‚ where they are formed on a sandy seafloor in water depths less than 30 m. A survey of oil field infrastructure on the North West Shelf of Western Australia in 2018 using a remotely operated vehicle and hybrid autonomous underwater vehicle (HAUV) recorded a high-resolution video and bathymetric data of 21 circular formations with similar features to those described in Japan. The circles display dimensions and morphology like those described from Japan‚ but were observed in water depths between 129 and 137 m. The HAUV also recorded high-resolution photographs which captured a Torquigener sp. fish in the immediate vicinity of the circles. An additional circle and Torquigener sp. were observed in images collected by baited remote underwater stereo-video in a nearby location in 129 m depth. These circles are the first to be found in Australia. The pufferfish species responsible cannot be identified from images collected. Such a discovery not only generates intrigue and wonder among scientists and the general public but also provides an insight into the reproductive behaviour and evolution of pufferfish globally.
    Citation

    Bond, T., Mueller, R. J., Birt, M. J., Prince, J., Miller, K., Partridge, J. C., & McLean, D. L. (2020). Mystery pufferfish create elaborate circular nests at mesophotic depths in Australia. Journal of Fish Biology, 97(5), 1401–1407. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.14506

  48. Dalziell, E. L., Lewandrowski, W., & Merritt, D. J. (2020). Increased salinity reduces seed germination and impacts upon seedling development in Nymphaea L. (Nymphaeaceae) from northern Australia’s freshwater wetlands. Aquatic Botany, 103235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2020.103235

    Aquatic Botany
    Abstract

    Coastal‚ freshwater wetlands in northern Australia are at risk of increased saltwater intrusion associated with sea-level rise‚ which threatens the persistence of numerous freshwater plant species by increasing salinity. Waterlilies (Nymphaea) are widespread in northern Australia‚ and their loss from these wetlands will be detrimental‚ both ecologically and culturally. This study aimed to define the regeneration tolerance of Nymphaea to increased salinity through quantifying the effects of salinity on seed germination and early seedling growth in four Nymphaea species. Seed germination and seedling growth were assessed under a gradient of salinity concentrations. Seeds that did not germinate after salinity exposure were assessed for their ability to recover in fresh water. For all species‚ there was a significant reduction in germination when seeds were exposed to salinities of ≥ 100 mM NaCl. Total seedling biomass was less sensitive to increasing salinity than germination‚ however declined significantly across all species at salinities ≥ 100 mM NaCl. Ungerminated seeds from all salinity treatments displayed some degree of recovery when transferred to fresh water. For the majority of species‚ however‚ seed germination of these transferred seeds never reached the percentages observed in the non-saline controls. For most species of Nymphaea‚ any salinization event reaching ≥ 100 mM NaCl will significantly reduce recruitment from seeds‚ irrespective of whether saline water is flushed from the system. The predicted future increases of saltwater intrusion into coastal freshwater wetlands in Northern Australia associated with global sea-level rise will likely result in significant habitat loss for many Nymphaea species.
    Citation

    Dalziell, E. L., Lewandrowski, W., & Merritt, D. J. (2020). Increased salinity reduces seed germination and impacts upon seedling development in Nymphaea L. (Nymphaeaceae) from northern Australia’s freshwater wetlands. Aquatic Botany, 103235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquabot.2020.103235

  49. Bickerstaff, J. R. M., Smith, S. S., Kent, D. S., Beaver, R. A., Seago, A. E., & Riegler, M. (2020). A review of the distribution and host plant associations of the platypodine ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae) of Australia, with an electronic species identification key. Zootaxa, 4894(1), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4894.1.3

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Ambrosia beetles (Platypodinae and some Scolytinae) are ecologically and economically important weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) that develop within the sapwood and heartwood of woody plants‚ and their larval and adult stages are dependent on fungal symbionts. Platypodinae mostly occur in tropical and subtropical biomes‚ with a few species occurring in temperate regions. Australia has 44 recorded platypodine species including 13 species which may only have been intercepted at or near ports of entries and are without established populations in Australia. The host tree associations and biogeography of Australian Platypodinae are largely undocumented‚ and no comprehensive identification key exists. Here‚ we review species records‚ host tree associations‚ biogeographic distributions‚ and morphological characteristics of Australian Platypodinae. For this‚ we examined collection specimens‚ monographs‚ catalogues‚ taxonomic inventories‚ journal articles and online databases‚ and developed an electronic LUCID identification key for 36 species recorded in Australia. This review and identification key will be a valuable resource for forestry managers and biosecurity officers and will support diagnostics and future research of these beetles‚ their biology‚ and ecological interactions.
    Citation

    Bickerstaff, J. R. M., Smith, S. S., Kent, D. S., Beaver, R. A., Seago, A. E., & Riegler, M. (2020). A review of the distribution and host plant associations of the platypodine ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae) of Australia, with an electronic species identification key. Zootaxa, 4894(1), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4894.1.3

  50. Bell, S., & Nicolle, D. (2020). Glen Gallic Mallee (Eucalyptus dealbata subsp. aperticola, Myrtaceae), a new taxon from the sandstone escarpment of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Telopea, 23, 141–150. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea14543

    Telopea
    Telopea
    Abstract

    Eucalyptus dealbata subsp. aperticola S.A.J. Bell & D. Nicolle‚ a new mallee red gum from Triassic aged sandstone benches in the northern part of Wollemi National Park north-west of Sydney‚ is described and illustrated‚ and notes on affinities‚ distribution‚ ecology and conservation status provided.
    Citation

    Bell, S., & Nicolle, D. (2020). Glen Gallic Mallee (Eucalyptus dealbata subsp. aperticola, Myrtaceae), a new taxon from the sandstone escarpment of the Hunter Valley, New South Wales. Telopea, 23, 141–150. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea14543

  51. Berto, B., Erickson, T. E., & Ritchie, A. L. (2020). Flash Flaming Improves Flow Properties of Mediterranean Grasses Used for Direct Seeding. Plants, 9(12), 1699. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121699

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    The demand for native grasses is increasing in restoration and agriculture‚ though their use is often limited due to seed handling challenges. The external structures surrounding the grass seed (i.e.‚ the floret) possess hairs‚ awns‚ and appendages which create blockages in conventional seeding equipment. Flash flaming is a patented technology which allows precision exposure of floret material to flames to singe off hairs and appendages. We used two grasses native to Mediterranean ecosystems of Western Australia (Amphipogon turbinatus R.Br. and Neurachne alopecuoidea R.Br.) to evaluate the effects of different flaming techniques on flow properties and germination. Flaming significantly improved flowability in both species and had both neutral (A. turbinatus) and negative (N. alopecuroidea) effects on germination. Flaming torch size influenced germination‚ though flaming temperature (low or high) and whether this was kept constant or alternating had no effect. The best evaluation of germination following flaming was achieved by cleaning flamed florets to seed and/or germinating in the presence of karrikinolide (KAR1) or gibberellic acid (GA3). We suggest that flaming settings (particularly torch size) require species-specific evaluation and optimisation. Removing seeds from flamed florets and germination testing this material in the presence of stimulants may be a useful protocol for future flaming evaluations.
    Citation

    Berto, B., Erickson, T. E., & Ritchie, A. L. (2020). Flash Flaming Improves Flow Properties of Mediterranean Grasses Used for Direct Seeding. Plants, 9(12), 1699. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants9121699

  52. Bein, B., Ebach, M. C., Laffan, S. W., Murphy, D. J., & Cassis, G. (2020). Quantifying vertebrate zoogeographical regions of Australia using geospatial turnover in the species composition of mammals, birds, reptiles and terrestrial amphibians. Zootaxa, 4802(1), 61–81. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4802.1.4

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    A geospatial analysis of 1‚906‚302 records of 1938 species of Australian vertebrates has shown that the original regions proposed in the 19th century‚ namely the Eyrean‚ Torresian and Bassian still hold. The analysis has shown that the Eyrean region has an east-west divide‚ forming two‚ possibly independent arid regions (Eastern Desert and Western Desert provinces)‚ that are shaped by topography and rainfall. A revised and interim zoogeographical area taxonomy of the Australian region is presented herein.
    Citation

    Bein, B., Ebach, M. C., Laffan, S. W., Murphy, D. J., & Cassis, G. (2020). Quantifying vertebrate zoogeographical regions of Australia using geospatial turnover in the species composition of mammals, birds, reptiles and terrestrial amphibians. Zootaxa, 4802(1), 61–81. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4802.1.4

  53. Anderson, J., Keppel, G., Thomson, S.-M., Gibbs, J., & Brunetti, G. (2020). High diversity of native plants and vegetation types in the Morialta Conservation Park and the threat of invasive species. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2020.1786779

    Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia
    Abstract

    Morialta Conservation Park is a scenic protected area that contains important vegetation remnants of the Mount Lofty Ranges. Here we investigate the vegetation ecology‚ soils and plant diversity of the park. Using a stratified‚ quantitative survey of woody vegetation and topsoils throughout the park within forty-five 10 × 10 m plots‚ we identified ten distinct vegetation types‚ nine being native and the other being dominated by the invasive European olive (Olea europaea). Soil conductivity and fertility‚ as well as aspect‚ were significant predictors of species composition‚ indicating that high environmental heterogeneity in soils and topography are important in facilitating the high biodiversity in the Morialta Conservation Park. The European olive and Boneseed (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera) are widespread in the park and a threat to native vegetation. Using published plant lists and the Atlas of Living Australia‚ we report 486 native (and 300 introduced) plant taxa from the park and its immediate surrounds‚ including species considered endangered at either the state or national level‚ or the IUCN Red List. Therefore‚ the park is highly important for conservation and the threat posed by the European olive‚ Boneseed and other invasive species should be effectively managed.
    Citation

    Anderson, J., Keppel, G., Thomson, S.-M., Gibbs, J., & Brunetti, G. (2020). High diversity of native plants and vegetation types in the Morialta Conservation Park and the threat of invasive species. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2020.1786779

  54. Gallagher, R. V. (2020). Final National prioritisation of Australian plants affected by the 2019-2020 bushfire season (p. 62). Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.
    https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/289205b6-83c5-480c-9a7d-3fdf3cde2f68/files/final-national-prioritisation-australian-plants-affected-2019-2020-bushfire-season.pdf

    Abstract

    During the 2019-2020 bushfire season‚ over 10 million hectares of Australia burned. In the
    aftermath‚ a continent-wide prioritisation was undertaken to identify which of Australia’s 26‚062
    plant taxa may be most at risk of impacts and extinction. This prioritisation was based on a set of
    11 criteria (A-K) developed in consultation with experts in plant and fire ecology‚ led by Dr
    Tony Auld of the NSW Department of Planning‚ Industry and Environment‚ and endorsed by
    the Wildlife and Threatened Species Bushfire Recovery Expert Panel.
    This Final Assessment refines and extends the methods applied in the Interim Assessment
    Report ver. 1.4 (Gallagher 2020) by including an additional 7‚058 plant taxa‚ new data on species
    traits‚ and revised spatial analysis for several criteria. As previously‚ 1‚335 plant taxa listed as
    threatened under the Commonwealth Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
    (EPBC Act) and 4‚622 listed under state legislation have been assessed. Burnt area statistics are
    shown in Table ES1; 8% of EPBC Act taxa had more than 50% of their range burned during the
    2019-2020 fire season.
    Of the 26‚062 plant taxa assessed‚ 486 were prioritised as requiring immediate action to assess
    impacts and support recovery. These taxa had more than 80% of their range burnt‚ or were listed
    as Endangered or Critically Endangered under the EPBC Act or state/territory listings‚ or were
    listed as HIGH risk under two or more of the criteria assessed. Of these 486 high priority
    species‚ 369 appeared in the Interim Assessment‚ and 117 and 102 have been gained and lost‚
    respectively. These changes in species identified as high priority are due to the inclusion of more
    taxa‚ new trait data and refined threat information relative to the Interim Assessment.
    Citation

    Gallagher, R. V. (2020). Final National prioritisation of Australian plants affected by the 2019-2020 bushfire season (p. 62). Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

  55. Martin, A. (2020). Persistence through resilience: How sexually deceptive orchids make the most of their pollinators. [PhD]. The University of Auckland.
    http://hdl.handle.net/2292/53030

    Abstract

    Exploitation of co-operative relationships is found widely in nature and deception can impose acute fitness costs (including death or reproductive loss)‚ so how do these relationships persist? The Australasian Tongue Orchids‚ Cryptostylis spp. are extreme deceivers: they achieve outstanding pollination rates‚ eliciting ejaculation from their male wasp pollinator‚ Lissopimpla excelsa. Here‚ I use this system to examine individual-level costs and responses to exploitation through field experiments and evaluate population-level responses to sexual deceit using mathematical modelling and a survey of museum and digital records.
    In my field experiments‚ I quantify the costs of sperm for orchid pollinators‚ finding males may become depleted in their lifetime. I also find evidence of localised morphological and behavioural changes in response to orchid deceit. Compared to the same insect species in areas without orchids‚ male pollinators in areas with orchids have longer antennae‚ take longer to arrive at an orchid‚ have shorter orchid mating durations‚ and have smaller ejaculates. Antennae length does not appear to be a counter-adaptation to deception as it does not confer discriminatory ability. Instead‚ males with longer antennae had faster response times and were more likely to pollinate orchids. I hypothesise that rather than counter-adaptations‚ by manipulating population sex-ratios‚ Cryptostylis orchids enhance the effects of scramble competition in this species: creating males that more readily search for‚ and pollinate‚ these orchids.
    Mathematical modelling shows that a putative ’resilience’ trait‚ haplodiploidy (in which females can reproduce without sperm‚ albeit only sons)‚ helps exploited pollinators persist when experiencing sperm depletion. Museum and digital records corroborate this finding. I present two models‚ one from an orchid’s and one from a pollinator’s perspective. I found that orchids exploiting haplodiploids receive a double advantage: a pollinator resilient to reproductive interference (haplodiploid populations were less likely to become extinct than diploids and had improved female production); and an enhanced supply of males to act as pollinators (orchids that target haplodiploid populations had higher pollination rates than if they were to target diploids). Combined‚ these findings present a novel mechanism to explain the persistence of costly relationships: resilience. The idea that certain pre-existing life-history traits allow pollinators to cope with exploitation while improving long-term exploiter success.
    Citation

    Martin, A. (2020). Persistence through resilience: How sexually deceptive orchids make the most of their pollinators. [PhD]. The University of Auckland.

  56. Salvi, A. M. (2020). Mesophyll Photosynthetic Sensitivity to Leaf Water Potential: Relationships to Climatic Distribution, Isohydry, and Hydraulic Traits [PhD]. The University of Wisconsin - Madison.
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/2448989737/abstract/9F4BAA6B4FC64E0DPQ/1

    Abstract

    One of the most important but least studied constraints on the evolution and productivity of land plants is the sensitivity of mesophyll photosynthetic capacity to leaf water potential. Although declines in photosynthetic rates during limited water supply partly reflect a drop in stomatal conductance‚ there is another‚ often overlooked cause: the tendency for intracellular photosynthetic capacity to shut down at low leaf water potentials. This tendency‚ which we term mesophyll photosynthetic sensitivity (MPS)‚ was likely an important constraint on the evolution of land plants and shaped several key traits affecting photosynthesis and stomatal behavior. However‚ almost nothing is known about how MPS varies across ecologically divergent plants. To explore this fundamental constraint on plant growth and competitive ability‚ I investigated under lab and field conditions how MPS differs in terrestrial plant species that vary drastically in native climatic conditions‚ ecophysiological behavior‚ and drought tolerance strategies‚ and asked how such sensitivity is related to peak photosynthetic rates‚ stomatal behavior‚ leaf anatomical traits related to gas exchange and hydraulic transport‚ and annual rainfall vs. pan evaporation in their native habitats.
    Studying ten dominant Eucalyptus species (five each from Eucalyptus subg. Symphyomyrtus and subg. Monocalyptus) and carefully accounting for phylogenetic relationships‚ I (1) compared MPS of these species grown in greenhouse conditions to the ratio of precipitation to pan evaporation of their natural distributions in Australia‚ and to their peak photosyn¬thetic rate and water potential at leaf wilting; (2) placed these species along the continuum of stomatal behavior continuum of isohydry to anisohydry‚ and determined how placement along this continuum relates to MPS and key gas-exchange and hydraulic parameters. Finally (3)‚ using five arboreal species of the Western United States that range across the iso- to anisohydric continuum‚ I investigated how dehydration tolerant vs. dehydration avoidant drought strategies‚ characterized by several stomatal and hydraulic traits‚ relate to MPS‚ and determined what role osmolytic sugars have on leaf water potential and MPS. This dissertation displays that MPS is tightly linked to habitat moisture availability and plant hydraulic behavior‚ suggesting possible use as a new drought tolerant trait in terrestrial plants.
    Citation

    Salvi, A. M. (2020). Mesophyll Photosynthetic Sensitivity to Leaf Water Potential: Relationships to Climatic Distribution, Isohydry, and Hydraulic Traits [PhD]. The University of Wisconsin - Madison.

  57. Ayre, B. (2020). The critical role of birds as pollinators of the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, Anigozanthos manglesii [PhD]. University of Western Australia.
    https://doi.org/0.26182/5ee03087192ea

    Abstract

    Pollination by nectar-feeding birds is critical for the kangaroo paw Anigozanthos manglesii. Although the introduced European Honeybee‚ Apis mellifera‚ is the most common flower visitor‚ experimentally excluding nectar-feeding birds results in 81% fewer seeds‚ 67% fewer fruits‚ lower allelic diversity and lower levels of multiple paternity. Hand pollination experiments identified the presence of a near-neighbour optimal outcrossing distance‚ with seed set highest between near-neighbours and paternal success decreasing with increasing distance between plants. These results highlight that pollination by nectar-feeding birds can have unique genetic consequences‚ and that the introduced honeybee may negatively impact the pollination of some native plants.
    Citation

    Ayre, B. (2020). The critical role of birds as pollinators of the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw, Anigozanthos manglesii [PhD]. University of Western Australia.

  58. Zhang, X., Wei, H., Zhang, X., Liu, J., Zhang, Q., & Gu, W. (2020). Non-Pessimistic Predictions of the Distributions and Suitability of Metasequoia glyptostroboides under Climate Change Using a Random Forest Model. Forests, 11(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11010062

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Metasequoia glyptostroboides Hu & W. C. Cheng‚ which is a remarkable rare relict plant‚ has gradually been reduced to its current narrow range due to climate change. Understanding the comprehensive distribution of M. glyptostroboides under climate change on a large spatio-temporal scale is of great significance for determining its forest adaptation. In this study‚ based on 394 occurrence data and 10 bioclimatic variables‚ the global potential distribution of M. glyptostroboides under eight different climate scenarios (i.e.‚ the past three‚ the current one‚ and the next four) from the Quaternary glacial to the future was simulated by a random forest model built with the biomod2 package. The key bioclimatic variables affecting the distribution of M. glyptostroboides are BIO2 (mean diurnal range)‚ BIO1 (annual mean temperature)‚ BIO9 (mean temperature of driest quarter)‚ BIO6 (min temperature of coldest month)‚ and BIO18 (precipitation of warmest quarter). The result indicates that the temperature affects the potential distribution of M. glyptostroboides more than the precipitation. A visualization of the results revealed that the current relatively suitable habitats of M. glyptostroboides are mainly distributed in East Asia and Western Europe‚ with a total area of approximately 6.857 × 106 km2. With the intensification of global warming in the future‚ the potential distribution and the suitability of M. glyptostroboides have a relatively non-pessimistic trend. Whether under the mild (RCP4.5) and higher (RCP8.5) emission scenarios‚ the total area of suitable habitats will be wider than it is now by the 2070s‚ and the habitat suitability will increase to varying degrees within a wide spatial range. After speculating on the potential distribution of M. glyptostroboides in the past‚ the glacial refugia of M. glyptostroboides were inferred‚ and projections regarding the future conditions of these places are expected to be optimistic. In order to better protect the species‚ the locations of its priority protected areas and key protected areas‚ mainly in Western Europe and East Asia‚ were further identified. Our results will provide theoretical reference for the long-term management of M. glyptostroboides‚ and can be used as background information for the restoration of other endangered species in the future.
    Citation

    Zhang, X., Wei, H., Zhang, X., Liu, J., Zhang, Q., & Gu, W. (2020). Non-Pessimistic Predictions of the Distributions and Suitability of Metasequoia glyptostroboides under Climate Change Using a Random Forest Model. Forests, 11(1), 62. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11010062

  59. Zhang, Z., Capinha, C., Karger, D. N., Turon, X., MacIsaac, H. J., & Zhan, A. (2020). Impacts of climate change on geographical distributions of invasive ascidians. Marine Environmental Research, 104993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104993

    Marine Environmental Research
    Abstract

    Ocean warming associated with global climate change renders marine ecosystems susceptible to biological invasions. Here‚ we used species distribution models to project habitat suitability for eight invasive ascidians under present-day and future climate scenarios. Distance to shore and maximum sea surface temperature were identified as the most important variables affecting species distributions. Results showed that eight ascidians might respond differently to future climate change. Alarmingly‚ currently colonized areas are much smaller than predicted‚ suggesting ascidians may expand their invasive ranges. Areas such as Americas‚ Europe and Western Pacific have high risks of receiving new invasions. In contrast‚ African coasts‚ excluding the Mediterranean side‚ are not prone to new invasions‚ likely due to the high sea surface temperature there. Our results highlight the importance of climate change impacts on future invasions and the need for accurate modelling of invasion risks‚ which can be used as guides to develop management strategies.
    Citation

    Zhang, Z., Capinha, C., Karger, D. N., Turon, X., MacIsaac, H. J., & Zhan, A. (2020). Impacts of climate change on geographical distributions of invasive ascidians. Marine Environmental Research, 104993. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2020.104993

  60. Wiltshire, K. H., & Tanner, J. E. (2020). Comparing maximum entropy modelling methods to inform aquaculture site selection for novel seaweed species. Ecological Modelling, 429, 109071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109071

    Ecological Modelling
    Abstract

    Maximum entropy (maxent) modelling is a widely used method for developing species distribution models (SDMs)‚ but default maxent modelling methods can result in overly complex models with poor transferability. Methods suggested to reduce overfitting include increasing regularisation‚ using only linear and quadratic features‚ or applying forward selection of predictors using maximum likelihood (ML) methods. We built models using these options to determine environmental suitability within existing aquaculture zones for eight seaweed species‚ four red (Rhodophyta: Florideophyceae) and four brown (Ochrophyta: Phaeophyceae)‚ that are being investigated for aquaculture in southern Australia. Forward selection models were the most parsimonious‚ but we encountered failure of ML methods for Pterocladia lucida (Rhodophyta) due to separation. Separation is a known issue for logistic regression and has recently been recognised in maxent models. Separation occurs where a variable‚ or combination of variables‚ is a perfect predictor for a binary response‚ here‚ species occurrence‚ and results in ML parameter estimates tending to infinity. One method for obtaining finite parameter estimates under separation is to apply a Cauchy prior distribution for coefficients. We therefore also built models for each species using a Cauchy-prior version of the forward selection method‚ and found that these models performed similarly to those built with ML methods. Default models achieved marginally higher predictive performance than other options based on training data metrics‚ but simpler models performed equivalently to‚ or better than‚ default models at predicting independent presence-absence test data. Predictive performance using test data varied considerably between species‚ but the difference in performance between models within each species was generally small. Our results confirm the concern that default maxent models may suffer from over-fitting and poor transferability. Model transferability and interpretability were important for our purpose‚ hence‚ based on the principle of parsimony‚ forward selection models were preferred. We also found that forward selection models retained similar predictive performance to the best model as assessed by each metric‚ further supporting use of these models. Where ML methods failed due to separation‚ the use of the Cauchy-prior method was a viable alternative. Predictions for the region of interest (Spencer Gulf‚ South Australia) were generated using the most parsimonious models‚ and Solieria robusta (Rhodophyta) showed the highest predicted suitability of the eight candidate species within existing aquaculture zones‚ especially in northern Spencer Gulf. Predicted suitability was low for the other Rhodophyta considered‚ while each of the Phaeophyceae showed moderate to high suitability in at least some southern Spencer Gulf aquaculture zones. These model results help to inform selection of the best candidate species and suitable farming areas for future research.
    Citation

    Wiltshire, K. H., & Tanner, J. E. (2020). Comparing maximum entropy modelling methods to inform aquaculture site selection for novel seaweed species. Ecological Modelling, 429, 109071. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2020.109071

  61. Zhou, Y., Rodriguez, J., Fisher, N., & Catullo, R. A. (2020). Ecological Drivers and Sex-Based Variation in Body Size and Shape in the Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae). Insects, 11(6), 390. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060390

    Insects
    Insects
    Abstract

    The Queensland fruit fly (Bactrocera tryoni; Q-fly) is an Australian endemic horticultural pest species‚ which has caused enormous economic losses. It has the potential to expand its range to currently Q-fly-free areas and poses a serious threat to the Australian horticultural industry. A large number of studies have investigated the correlation between environmental factors and Q-fly development‚ reproduction‚ and expansion. However‚ it is still not clear how Q-fly morphological traits vary with the environment. Our study focused on three morphological traits (body size‚ wing shape‚ and fluctuating asymmetry) in Q-fly samples collected from 1955 to 1965. We assessed how these traits vary by sex‚ and in response to latitude‚ environmental variables‚ and geographic distance. First‚ we found sexual dimorphism in body size and wing shape‚ but not in fluctuating asymmetry. Females had a larger body size but shorter and wider wings than males‚ which may be due to reproductive and/or locomotion differences between females and males. Secondly‚ the body size of Q-flies varied with latitude‚ which conforms to Bergmann&rsquo;s rule. Finally‚ we found Q-fly wing shape was more closely related to temperature rather than aridity‚ and low temperature and high aridity may lead to high asymmetry in Q-fly populations.
    Citation

    Zhou, Y., Rodriguez, J., Fisher, N., & Catullo, R. A. (2020). Ecological Drivers and Sex-Based Variation in Body Size and Shape in the Queensland Fruit Fly, Bactrocera tryoni (Diptera: Tephritidae). Insects, 11(6), 390. https://doi.org/10.3390/insects11060390

  62. Zhu, L., Bloomfield, K. J., Asao, S., Tjoelker, M. G., Egerton, J. J. G., Hayes, L., Weerasinghe, L. K., Creek, D., Griffin, K. L., Hurry, V., Liddell, M., Meir, P., Turnbull, M. H., & Atkin, O. K. (2020). Acclimation of leaf respiration temperature responses across thermally contrasting biomes. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16929

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Short-term temperature response curves of leaf dark respiration (R-T) provide insights into a critical process that influences plant net carbon exchange. This includes how respiratory traits acclimate to sustained changes in the environment. Our study analyses 860 high-resolution R-T (10–70°C range) curves for: (a) 62 evergreen species measured in two contrasting seasons across several field sites/biomes; and (b) 21 species (sub-set of those sampled in the field) grown in glasshouses at 20/15‚ 25/20 and 30/25 °C (day/night). In the field‚ across all sites/seasons‚ variations in R25 (measured at 25 °C) and the leaf-T where R reached its maximum (Tmax) were explained by growth-T (mean air-T of 30-days prior to measurement)‚ solar irradiance and vapor pressure deficit‚ with growth-T having the strongest influence. R25 decreased and Tmax increased with rising growth-T across all sites and seasons with the single exception of winter at the cool-temperate rainforest site where irradiance was low. The glasshouse study confirmed that R25 and Tmax thermally acclimated. Collectively‚ the results suggest: (1) thermal acclimation of leaf R is common in most biomes; and‚ (2) the high-T threshold of respiration dynamically adjusts upward when plants are challenged with warmer and hotter climates.
    Citation

    Zhu, L., Bloomfield, K. J., Asao, S., Tjoelker, M. G., Egerton, J. J. G., Hayes, L., Weerasinghe, L. K., Creek, D., Griffin, K. L., Hurry, V., Liddell, M., Meir, P., Turnbull, M. H., & Atkin, O. K. (2020). Acclimation of leaf respiration temperature responses across thermally contrasting biomes. New Phytologist. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.16929

  63. Uzqueda, A., Burnett, S., Bertola, L. V., & Hoskin, C. J. (2020). Quantifying range decline and remaining populations of the large marsupial carnivore of Australia’s tropical rainforest. Journal of Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaa077

    Journal of Mammalogy
    Abstract

    Large predators are particularly susceptible to population declines due to large area requirements‚ low population density‚ and conflict with humans. Their low density and secretive habits also make it difficult to know the spatial extent‚ size‚ and connectivity of populations; declines hence can go unnoticed. Here‚ we quantified decline in a large marsupial carnivore‚ the spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus gracilis)‚ endemic to the Wet Tropics rainforest of northeast Australia. We compiled a large database of occurrence records and used species distributional modeling to estimate the distribution in four time periods (Pre-1956‚ 1956–1975‚ 1976–1995‚ 1996–2016) using climate layers and three human-use variables. The most supported variables in the distribution models were climatic‚ with highly suitable quoll habitat having relatively high precipitation‚ low temperatures‚ and a narrow annual range in temperature. Land-use type and road density also influenced quoll distribution in some time periods. The modeling revealed a significant decline in the distribution of D. m. gracilis over the last century‚ with contraction away from peripheral areas and from large areas of the Atherton Tablelands in the center of the distribution. Tests of the change in patch availability for populations of 20‚ 50‚ and 100 individuals revealed a substantial (17–32%) decline in available habitat for all population sizes‚ with a particular decline (31–40%) in core habitat (i.e.‚ excluding edges). Six remaining populations were defined. Extrapolating capture–recapture density estimates derived from two populations in 2017 suggests these populations are small and range from about 10 to 160 individuals. Our total population estimate sums to 424 individuals‚ but we outline why this estimate is positively skewed and that the actual population size may be < 300 individuals. Continued decline and apparent absence in areas of highly suitable habitat suggests some threats are not being captured in our models. From our results‚ we provide management and research recommendations for this enigmatic predator.
    Citation

    Uzqueda, A., Burnett, S., Bertola, L. V., & Hoskin, C. J. (2020). Quantifying range decline and remaining populations of the large marsupial carnivore of Australia’s tropical rainforest. Journal of Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaa077

  64. von Takach, B., Scheele, B. C., Moore, H., Murphy, B. P., & Banks, S. C. (2020). Patterns of niche contraction identify vital refuge areas for declining mammals. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13145

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim Investigation of realized niche contraction in declining species can help us understand how and where threats are being either mediated or tolerated across landscapes. It also provides insights into species’ sensitivity to environmental change that are unable to be identified through analysis of declines in range size or abundance alone. Here‚ we apply the recently proposed ’niche reduction hypothesis’ to investigate relationships between trends in niche breadth and geographic distribution of declining species. Location Northern Australia. Methods We compare and contrast contemporary and historical data sets to examine the relationship between extent of occurrence (EOO) and realized niche hypervolume‚ and investigate changes in species’ utilization of environmental space through time via generalized linear modelling and bootstrapping of historical values. We also use the ’Maxent’ algorithm to create and stack contemporary and historical ecological niche models (ENMs) and identify regions where resilience to threatening processes is maximized. Results We found larger mean reductions in niche hypervolume (39%) than EOO (30.5%)‚ with little correlation (r = 0.07) between the two measures‚ suggesting that contraction of realized niche breadth can be largely independent of reduction in EOO. We also identified a general set of environmental conditions towards which species’ realized niches contracted. Comparison of stacked ENMs allowed us to identify regions of natural refuge where environmental conditions are associated with increased species resilience to threats‚ and conversely‚ regions where habitat suitability has declined. Main conclusions Examining species declines from an ecological niche perspective provides a powerful tool for understanding how environmental conditions‚ biotic interactions and species traits shape responses to local and global environmental changes. Quantifying reductions in niche breadth is crucial as contraction to a narrower subset of environmental space can reduce a species’ ability to tolerate other threats and potentially lower adaptive capacity and genetic diversity‚ increasing extinction risk.
    Citation

    von Takach, B., Scheele, B. C., Moore, H., Murphy, B. P., & Banks, S. C. (2020). Patterns of niche contraction identify vital refuge areas for declining mammals. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13145

  65. White, L., Catterall, C., & Taffs, K. (2020). The habitat and management of hairy jointgrass (Arthraxon hispidus, Poaceae) on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology, 26(1), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC19017

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Ecological information about threatened species is required to guide strategic management approaches for effective biodiversity conservation in Australia. Arthraxon hispidus (hairy jointgrass) is a listed threatened species in New South Wales (NSW)‚ but there is limited information on its habitat preferences and native vegetation associations‚ as well as the impact of historical and ongoing anthropogenic disturbance on its distribution and abundance. In the present study‚ populations of A. hispidus on the north coast of NSW were surveyed to investigate the habitat characteristics associated with various occurrences of the species. Its preferred habitat was found to be dense ground-cover formations in high-moisture‚ low-canopy conditions. Cover was highest in moisture-associated assemblages in and around wetlands‚ drainage lines and groundwater seepages‚ often in association with native grasses‚ sedges and herbs. These findings suggest that naturally open freshwater wetland communities comprise the most plausible native habitat niches for A. hispidus populations on the north coast of NSW. A. hispidus also occurs widely among introduced pastures and weeds in previously forested areas‚ demonstrating the species’ potential to exploit derived habitat. Results indicate that‚ although ongoing disturbance continues to promote A. hispidus in these exotic-dominated landscapes where historical clearing has created potential habitat opportunities‚ anthropogenic disturbance (slashing or cattle grazing) is not necessary to sustain A. hispidus within native-dominated wetland communities. Findings suggest more scope for integrated management of A. hispidus within broader native vegetation conservation strategies rather than a single species approach.
    Citation

    White, L., Catterall, C., & Taffs, K. (2020). The habitat and management of hairy jointgrass (Arthraxon hispidus, Poaceae) on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Pacific Conservation Biology, 26(1), 45–56. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC19017

  66. Viacava, P., Blomberg, S. P., Sansalone, G., Phillips, M. J., Guillerme, T., Cameron, S. F., Wilson, R. S., & Weisbecker, V. (2020). Skull shape of a widely distributed, endangered marsupial reveals little evidence of local adaptation between fragmented populations. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6593

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    The biogeographic distribution of diversity among populations of threatened mammalian species is generally investigated using population genetics. However‚ intraspecific phenotypic diversity is rarely assessed beyond taxonomy-focused linear measurements or qualitative descriptions. Here‚ we use a technique widely used in the evolutionary sciences—geometric morphometrics—to characterize shape diversity in the skull of an endangered marsupial‚ the northern quoll‚ across its 5‚000 km distribution range along Northern Australia. Skull shape is a proxy for feeding‚ behavior‚ and phenotypic differentiation‚ allowing us to ask whether populations can be distinguished and whether patterns of variation indicate adaptability to changing environmental conditions. We analyzed skull shape in 101 individuals across four mainland populations and several islands. We assessed the contribution of population‚ size‚ sex‚ rainfall‚ temperature‚ and geography to skull shape variation using principal component analysis‚ Procrustes ANOVA‚ and variation partitioning analyses. The populations harbor similar amounts of broadly overlapping skull shape variation‚ with relatively low geographic effects. Size predicted skull shape best‚ coinciding with braincase size variation and differences in zygomatic arches. Size-adjusted differences in populations explained less variation with far smaller effect sizes‚ relating to changes in the insertion areas of masticatory muscles‚ as well as the upper muzzle and incisor region. Climatic and geographic variables contributed little. Strikingly‚ the vast majority of shape variation—76%—remained unexplained. Our results suggest a uniform intraspecific scope for shape variation‚ possibly due to allometric constraints or phenotypic plasticity beyond the relatively strong allometric effect. The lack of local adaptation indicates that cross-breeding between populations will not reduce local morphological skull (and probably general musculoskeletal) adaptation because none exists. However‚ the potential for heritable morphological variation (e.g.‚ specialization to local diets) seems exceedingly limited. We conclude that 3D geometric morphometrics can provide a comprehensive‚ statistically rigorous phenomic contribution to genetic-based conservation studies.
    Citation

    Viacava, P., Blomberg, S. P., Sansalone, G., Phillips, M. J., Guillerme, T., Cameron, S. F., Wilson, R. S., & Weisbecker, V. (2020). Skull shape of a widely distributed, endangered marsupial reveals little evidence of local adaptation between fragmented populations. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6593

  67. Tulloch, V., Grech, A., Jonsen, I., Pirotta, V., & Harcourt, R. (2020). Cost-effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return-on-investment analysis. Conservation Biology, 34(1), 168–179. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13418

    Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Globally‚ fisheries bycatch threatens the survival of many whale and dolphin species. Strategies for reducing bycatch can be expensive. Management is inclined to prioritize investment in actions that are inexpensive‚ but these may not be the most effective. We used an economic tool‚ return-on-investment‚ to identify cost-effective measures to reduce cetacean bycatch in the trawl‚ net‚ and line fisheries of Australia. We examined 3 management actions: spatial closures‚ acoustic deterrents‚ and gear modifications. We compared an approach for which the primary goal was to reduce the cost of bycatch reduction to fisheries with an approach that aims solely to protect whale and dolphin species. Based on cost-effectiveness and at a fine spatial resolution‚ we identified the management strategies across Australia that most effectively abated dolphin and whale bycatch. Although trawl-net modifications were the cheapest strategy overall‚ there were many locations where spatial closures were the most cost-effective solution‚ despite their high costs to fisheries‚ due to their effectiveness in reducing all fisheries interactions. Our method can be used to delineate strategies to reduce bycatch threats to mobile marine species across diverse fisheries at relevant spatial scales to improve conservation outcomes.
    Citation

    Tulloch, V., Grech, A., Jonsen, I., Pirotta, V., & Harcourt, R. (2020). Cost-effective mitigation strategies to reduce bycatch threats to cetaceans identified using return-on-investment analysis. Conservation Biology, 34(1), 168–179. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13418

  68. Udyawer, V., Somaweera, R., Nitschke, C., d’Anastasi, B., Sanders, K., Webber, B. L., Hourston, M., & Heupel, M. R. (2020). Prioritising search effort to locate previously unknown populations of endangered marine reptiles. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e01013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01013

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Strategies aimed to conserve and manage rare species are often hindered by the lack of data needed for their effective design. Incomplete and inaccurate data on habitat associations and current species distributions pose a barrier to effective conservation and management for several species of endemic sea snakes in Western Australia that are thought to be in decline. Here we used a correlative modelling approach to understand habitat associations and identify suitable habitats for five of these species (Aipysurus apraefrontalis‚ A. foliosquama‚ A. fuscus‚ A. l. pooleorum and A. tenuis). We modelled species-specific habitat suitability across 804‚244 km2 of coastal waters along the North-west Shelf of Western Australia‚ to prioritise future survey regions to locate unknown populations of these rare species. Model projections were also used to quantify the effectiveness of current spatial management strategies (Marine Protected Areas) in conserving important habitats for these species. Species-specific models matched well with the records on which they were trained‚ and identified additional regions of suitability without records. Subsequent field validation of the model projections uncovered a previously unknown locality for A. fuscus within the mid-shelf shoal region‚ outside its currently recognised global range. Defining accurate geographic distributions for rare species is a vital first step in defining more robust extent of species occurrence and range overlap with threatening processes.
    Citation

    Udyawer, V., Somaweera, R., Nitschke, C., d’Anastasi, B., Sanders, K., Webber, B. L., Hourston, M., & Heupel, M. R. (2020). Prioritising search effort to locate previously unknown populations of endangered marine reptiles. Global Ecology and Conservation, 22, e01013. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01013

  69. Shabani, F., Ahmadi, M., Kumar, L., Solhjouy-fard, S., Shafapour Tehrany, M., Shabani, F., Kalantar, B., & Esmaeili, A. (2020). Invasive weed species’ threats to global biodiversity: Future scenarios of changes in the number of invasive species in a changing climate. Ecological Indicators, 116, 106436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106436

    Ecological Indicators
    Abstract

    Invasive weed species (IWS) threaten ecosystems‚ the distribution of specific plant species‚ as well as agricultural productivity. Predicting the impact of climate change on the current and future distributions of these unwanted species forms an important category of ecological research. Our study investigated 32 globally important IWS to assess whether climate alteration may lead to spatial changes in the overlapping of specific IWS globally. We utilized the versatile species distribution model MaxEnt‚ coupled with Geographic Information Systems‚ to evaluate the potential alterations (gain/loss/static) in the number of potential ecoregion invasions by IWS‚ under four Representative Concentration Pathways‚ which differ in terms of predicted year of peak greenhouse gas emission. We based our projection on a forecast of climatic variables (extracted from WorldClim) from two global circulation models (CCSM4 and MIROC-ESM). Initially‚ we modeled current climatic suitability of habitat‚ individually for each of the 32 IWS‚ identifying those with a common spatial range of suitability. Thereafter‚ we modeled the suitability of all 32 species under the projected climate for 2050‚ incorporating each of the four Representative Concentration Pathways (2.6‚ 4.5‚ 6.0‚ and 8.5) in separate models‚ again examining the common spatial overlaps. The discrimination capacity and accuracy of the model were assessed for all 32 IWS individually‚ using the area under the curve and true skill statistic rate‚ with results averaging 0.87 and 0.75 respectively‚ indicating a high level of accuracy. Our final methodological step compared the extent of the overlaps and alterations under the current and future projected climates. Our results mainly predicted decrease on a global scale‚ in areas of habitat suitable for most IWS‚ under future climatic conditions‚ excluding European countries‚ northern Brazil‚ eastern US‚ and south-eastern Australia. The following should be considered when interpreting these results: there are many inherent assumptions and limitations in presence-only data of this type‚ as well as with the modeling techniques projecting climate conditions‚ and the envelopes themselves‚ such as scale and resolution mismatches‚ dispersal barriers‚ lack of documentation on potential disturbances‚ and unknown or unforeseen biotic interactions.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., Ahmadi, M., Kumar, L., Solhjouy-fard, S., Shafapour Tehrany, M., Shabani, F., Kalantar, B., & Esmaeili, A. (2020). Invasive weed species’ threats to global biodiversity: Future scenarios of changes in the number of invasive species in a changing climate. Ecological Indicators, 116, 106436. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2020.106436

  70. Sanchez‐Martinez, P., Martínez‐Vilalta, J., Dexter, K. G., Segovia, R. A., & Mencuccini, M. (2020). Adaptation and coordinated evolution of plant hydraulic traits. Ecology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13584

    Ecology Letters
    Abstract

    Hydraulic properties control plant responses to climate and are likely to be under strong selective pressure‚ but their macro-evolutionary history remains poorly characterised. To fill this gap‚ we compiled a global dataset of hydraulic traits describing xylem conductivity (Ks)‚ xylem resistance to embolism (P50)‚ sapwood allocation relative to leaf area (Hv) and drought exposure (ψmin)‚ and matched it with global seed plant phylogenies. Individually‚ these traits present medium to high levels of phylogenetic signal‚ partly related to environmental selective pressures shaping lineage evolution. Most of these traits evolved independently of each other‚ being co-selected by the same environmental pressures. However‚ the evolutionary correlations between P50 and ψmin and between Ks and Hv show signs of deeper evolutionary integration because of functional‚ developmental or genetic constraints‚ conforming to evolutionary modules. We do not detect evolutionary integration between conductivity and resistance to embolism‚ rejecting a hardwired trade-off for this pair of traits.
    Citation

    Sanchez‐Martinez, P., Martínez‐Vilalta, J., Dexter, K. G., Segovia, R. A., & Mencuccini, M. (2020). Adaptation and coordinated evolution of plant hydraulic traits. Ecology Letters. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.13584

  71. Sandoval-Castillo, J., Gates, K., Brauer, C. J., Smith, S., Bernatchez, L., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2020). Adaptation of plasticity to projected maximum temperatures and across climatically defined bioregions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1921124117

    Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
    Abstract

    Resilience to environmental stressors due to climate warming is influenced by local adaptations‚ including plastic responses. The recent literature has focused on genomic signatures of climatic adaptation‚ but little is known about how plastic capacity may be influenced by biogeographic and evolutionary processes. We investigate phenotypic plasticity as a target of climatic selection‚ hypothesizing that lineages that evolved in warmer climates will exhibit greater plastic adaptive resilience to upper thermal stress. This was experimentally tested by comparing transcriptomic responses within and among temperate‚ subtropical‚ and desert ecotypes of Australian rainbowfish subjected to contemporary and projected summer temperatures. Critical thermal maxima were estimated‚ and ecological niches delineated using bioclimatic modeling. A comparative phylogenetic expression variance and evolution model was used to assess plastic and evolved changes in gene expression. Although 82% of all expressed genes were found in the three ecotypes‚ they shared expression patterns in only 5 out of 236 genes that responded to the climate change experiment. A total of 532 genes showed signals of adaptive (i.e.‚ genetic-based) plasticity due to ecotype-specific directional selection‚ and 23 of those responded to projected summer temperatures. Network analyses demonstrated centrality of these genes in thermal response pathways. The greatest adaptive resilience to upper thermal stress was shown by the subtropical ecotype‚ followed by the desert and temperate ecotypes. Our findings indicate that vulnerability to climate change will be highly influenced by biogeographic factors‚ emphasizing the value of integrative assessments of climatic adaptive traits for accurate estimation of population and ecosystem responses.
    Citation

    Sandoval-Castillo, J., Gates, K., Brauer, C. J., Smith, S., Bernatchez, L., & Beheregaray, L. B. (2020). Adaptation of plasticity to projected maximum temperatures and across climatically defined bioregions. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1921124117

  72. Santos, A. A., Leijs, R., Picanço, M. C., Glatz, R., & Hogendoorn, K. (2020). Modelling the climate suitability of green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) and its nesting hosts under current and future scenarios to guide conservation efforts. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12853

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Due to local extinction‚ the endangered green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) has a disjunct distribution in the southeast of Australia. The species relies on dead softwood from a small selection of plant species for making its nests. Habitat fragmentation‚ combined with deleterious fire events‚ is thought to have negatively impacted on nesting substrate availability and recolonisation chances. Here‚ we use MaxEnt algorithm to model both the current distribution and the effect of climate change scenarios on the distribution of both X. aerata and four plant species that provide most of its nesting substrate: Banksia integrifolia‚ B. marginata‚ Xanthorrhoea arborea and Xanthorrhoea semiplana subsp. tateana. The annual mean temperature is the strongest climatic predictor of the distribution of X. aerata and its host plants. The modelled distribution of the bee under current climatic conditions indicates that climatic factors are unlikely to cause local extinctions. In all future scenarios‚ suitable areas for X. aerata and each of its nesting hosts are expected to contract towards the southeast of mainland Australia. The suitability of Kangaroo Island for the bee and its current local current host species is maintained in all scenarios‚ while Tasmania will become increasingly suitable for all species. The Grampians National Park in western Victoria‚ where the bee species were last seen outside of its current range (in the 1930s)‚ is predicted to remain suitable for X. aerata and several host plants under all scenarios. Therefore‚ this relatively large area of native vegetation may be a good case study for re-introduction as part of future conservation efforts.
    Citation

    Santos, A. A., Leijs, R., Picanço, M. C., Glatz, R., & Hogendoorn, K. (2020). Modelling the climate suitability of green carpenter bee (Xylocopa aerata) and its nesting hosts under current and future scenarios to guide conservation efforts. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12853

  73. Rossetto, M., Wilson, P. D., Bragg, J., Cohen, J., Fahey, M., Yap, J. Y. S., & van der Merwe, M. (2020). Perceptions of Similarity Can Mislead Provenancing Strategies—An Example from Five Co-Distributed Acacia Species. Diversity, 12(8), 306. https://doi.org/10.3390/d12080306

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    Ecological restoration requires balancing levels of genetic diversity to achieve present-day establishment as well as long-term sustainability. Assumptions based on distributional‚ taxonomic or functional generalizations are often made when deciding how to source plant material for restoration. We investigate this assumption and ask whether species-specific data is required to optimize provenancing strategies. We use population genetic and environmental data from five congeneric and largely co-distributed species of Acacia to specifically ask how different species-specific genetic provenancing strategies are based on empirical data and how well a simple‚ standardized collection strategy would work when applied to the same species. We find substantial variability in terms of patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation across the landscape among these five co-distributed Acacia species. This variation translates into substantial differences in genetic provenancing recommendations among species (ranging from 100% to less than 1% of observed genetic variation across species) that could not have been accurately predicted a priori based on simple observation or overall distributional patterns. Furthermore‚ when a common provenancing strategy was applied to each species‚ the recommended collection areas and the evolutionary representativeness of such artificially standardized areas were substantially different (smaller) from those identified based on environmental and genetic data. We recommend the implementation of the increasingly accessible array of evolutionary-based methodologies and information to optimize restoration efforts.
    Citation

    Rossetto, M., Wilson, P. D., Bragg, J., Cohen, J., Fahey, M., Yap, J. Y. S., & van der Merwe, M. (2020). Perceptions of Similarity Can Mislead Provenancing Strategies—An Example from Five Co-Distributed Acacia Species. Diversity, 12(8), 306. https://doi.org/10.3390/d12080306

  74. Robinson, S. A., Baker, G. B., & Barclay, C. (2020). Controlling the rainbow lorikeet in Tasmania: is it too late? Emu, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2020.1852574

    Emu
    Emu
    Abstract

    Throughout the world‚ many parrot species have established wild populations outside their natural range through accidental escapes and deliberate releases from captivity. The Rainbow Lorikeet (Trichoglossus moluccanus)‚ native to coastal northern and eastern continental Australia‚ has established viable populations in Western Australia and New Zealand from escaped or released pets and more recently have established in Tasmania. The Western Australian experience with introduced Rainbow Lorikeets‚ clearly shows that significant costs and impacts to agriculture‚ the environment and human amenities can be expected if this species is not controlled in the early stages of population increase‚ while in New Zealand‚ early intervention has proven successful in removing the species from the wild. This study examines sighting records of Rainbow Lorikeets in Tasmania which have gradually established over 20 years and we present a model to assist in determining likely population trajectories under various scenarios of control. Modelling indicates that the removal of 200 birds per year from each of the three Tasmanian sub-populations would decrease numbers to near-zero within 4.6 years. This demonstrates the opportunity to effectively control the Rainbow Lorikeet in Tasmania still exists and substantial damage to agriculture and impacts to conservation values can be avoided‚ resulting in significant cost savings to the Tasmanian community.
    Citation

    Robinson, S. A., Baker, G. B., & Barclay, C. (2020). Controlling the rainbow lorikeet in Tasmania: is it too late? Emu, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2020.1852574

  75. Orr, M. C., Hughes, A. C., Chesters, D., Pickering, J., Zhu, C. D., & Ascher, J. S. (2020). Global Patterns and Drivers of Bee Distribution. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.053

    Current Biology
    Abstract

    Insects are the focus of many recent studies suggesting population declines‚ but even invaluable pollination service providers such as bees lack a modern distributional synthesis. Here‚ we combine a uniquely comprehensive checklist of bee species distributions and >5‚800‚000 public bee occurrence records to describe global patterns of bee biodiversity. Publicly accessible records are sparse‚ especially from developing countries‚ and are frequently inaccurate throughout much of the world‚ consequently suggesting different biodiversity patterns from checklist data. Global analyses reveal hotspots of species richness‚ together generating a rare bimodal latitudinal richness gradient‚ and further analyses suggest that xeric areas‚ solar radiation‚ and non-forest plant productivity are among the most important global drivers of bee biodiversity. Together‚ our results provide a new baseline and best practices for studies on bees and other understudied invertebrates.
    Citation

    Orr, M. C., Hughes, A. C., Chesters, D., Pickering, J., Zhu, C. D., & Ascher, J. S. (2020). Global Patterns and Drivers of Bee Distribution. Current Biology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2020.10.053

  76. Morris, S. D., Johnson, C. N., & Brook, B. W. (2020). Roughing it: terrain is crucial in identifying novel translocation sites for the vulnerable brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale pencillata). Royal Society Open Science, 7(12), 201603. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.201603

    Royal Society Open Science
    Abstract

    Translocations—the movement of species from one place to another—are likely to become more common as conservation attempts to protect small isolated populations from threats posed by extreme events such as bushfires. The recent Australian mega-fires burnt almost 40% of the habitat of the brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale pencillata)‚ a threatened species whose distribution is already restricted‚ primarily due to predation by invasive species. This chronic threat of over-predation‚ coupled with the possible extinction of the genetically distinct southern population (approx. 40 individuals in the wild)‚ makes this species a candidate for a conservation translocation. Here‚ we use species distribution models to identify translocation sites for the brush-tailed rock-wallaby. Our models exhibited high predictive accuracy‚ and show that terrain roughness‚ a surrogate for predator refugia‚ is the most important variable. Tasmania‚ which currently has no rock-wallabies‚ showed high suitability and is fox-free‚ making it a promising candidate site. We outline our argument for the trial translocation of rock-wallaby to Maria Island‚ located off Tasmania’s eastern coast. This research offers a transparent assessment of the translocation potential of a threatened species‚ which can be adapted to other taxa and systems.
    Citation

    Morris, S. D., Johnson, C. N., & Brook, B. W. (2020). Roughing it: terrain is crucial in identifying novel translocation sites for the vulnerable brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale pencillata). Royal Society Open Science, 7(12), 201603. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.201603

  77. Noble, M. M., Harasti, D., Fulton, C. J., & Doran, B. (2020). Identifying spatial conservation priorities using Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge of iconic marine species and ecosystem threats. Biological Conservation, 249, 108709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108709

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) can be an effective spatial approach to conservation‚ especially when they involve genuine consultation that considers the diversity of stakeholders. Participatory mapping and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 52 stakeholders and 22 managers and scientists to identify ecological priorities and concerns across a large temperate MPA in Port Stephens-Great Lakes Marine Park‚ Australia. There were 19 iconic species of fish‚ dolphins‚ whales‚ and sea turtles that were the focus of ecological priorities and stakeholder interactions with the marine environment. Effectiveness of the current MPA management plan for addressing stakeholder priority and concerns‚ was assessed using GIS spatial modelling that created fuzzy-set species distribution models (SDMs) based on Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge as well as scientific and citizen-science survey data. These spatial models for the iconic species across the MPA were then overlaid with ecological concerns of the stakeholders to create a spatial understanding of local threats‚ and priority areas for targeted management. Poor water quality from terrestrial primary sources was the main concern of stakeholders‚ more so than in-water threats such as poor fishing practices or impacts to iconic species. While local managers and scientists were relatively reluctant to answer interview questions‚ there was a general misalignment in approaches to iconic species management‚ especially for mobile and migratory species‚ and misunderstanding of stakeholder perceptions of threats. Participatory mapping of social-ecological values provides a method for stakeholders and decision-makers to better understand‚ discuss‚ and adapt marine spatial management approaches that support a diversity of conservation and management priorities.
    Citation

    Noble, M. M., Harasti, D., Fulton, C. J., & Doran, B. (2020). Identifying spatial conservation priorities using Traditional and Local Ecological Knowledge of iconic marine species and ecosystem threats. Biological Conservation, 249, 108709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2020.108709

  78. Nimbs, M. J., Hutton, I., Davis, T. R., Larkin, M. F., & Smith, S. D. A. (2020). The heterobranch sea slugs of Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 132(1), 12–41. https://doi.org/10.1071/rs20002

    Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria
    Abstract

    The distribution of heterobranch sea slugs is generally poorly documented at a regional scale. Thus‚ it is currently difficult to quantify biodiversity‚ identify endemic and invasive species‚ and track range shifts at scales relevant to conservation management. For Lord Howe Island‚ which lies \textasciitilde600 km east of the New South Wales (NSW) mid-north coast‚ data from a range of taxa indicate high biodiversity and endemism‚ but this has not been examined for heterobranch sea slugs. To address this deficit‚ we collated occurrence data on sea slugs from both private and public sources‚ including museum records‚ scientific literature‚ field guides and citizen science activities. A total of 186 nominal (formally described) species in 82 genera and 31 families were identified from intertidal and subtidal habitats. Of these‚ two species are endemic to Lord Howe Island‚ two have not been recorded elsewhere in Australia‚ and 28 have not been recorded on the mainland coast of NSW. These results support studies of other taxa suggesting that the relative isolation of the island has facilitated the development of diverse and unique assemblages. However‚ this isolation is moderated by larval transport from surrounding regions‚ resulting in considerable overlap of the species pool with the mainland coast of NSW and tropical areas to the north.
    Citation

    Nimbs, M. J., Hutton, I., Davis, T. R., Larkin, M. F., & Smith, S. D. A. (2020). The heterobranch sea slugs of Lord Howe Island, NSW, Australia (Mollusca: Gastropoda). Proceedings of the Royal Society of Victoria, 132(1), 12–41. https://doi.org/10.1071/rs20002

  79. Moles, A. T., Laffan, S. W., Keighery, M., Dalrymple, R. L., Tindall, M. L., & Chen, S. C. (2020). A hairy situation: Plant species in warm, sunny places are more likely to have pubescent leaves. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13870

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Leaf pubescence has several important roles‚ including regulating heat balance‚ reducing damage from UV radiation‚ minimizing water loss and reducing herbivory. Each of these functions could affect a plant’s ability to tolerate the biotic and abiotic stresses encountered in different parts of the world. However‚ we know remarkably little about large scale biogeographic patterns in leaf pubescence. Our aims were: (a) to determine whether a higher proportion of species have pubescence at sites where it is hot‚ dry and solar radiation is high‚ and (b) to quantify the latitudinal gradient in pubescence. Location Australia. Taxon Vascular land plants. Methods We compiled data on the presence/absence of pubescence on mature photosynthetic organs for 4‚183 species‚ spanning 107 families. We combined these data with over 1.9 million species occurrence records from the Atlas of Living Australia to calculate the proportion of species with pubescence in 3‚261 grid cells spanning the Australian continent. Results The proportion of pubescent species was most closely related to solar radiation (R2 = 0.33)‚ followed by maximum temperature in the warmest month (R2 = 0.30). Mean annual precipitation was very weakly related to pubescence (R2 = 0.01). We found a significant negative relationship between latitude and pubescence (R2 = 0.19)‚ with the average percentage of species with pubescence dropping from 46% at 10° S to 35% at 44° S. This cross-species relationship remained significant after accounting for phylogenetic relationships between species. We found that a quadratic model explained more variation in pubescence across latitudes than did a linear model. The quadratic model shows a peak in the proportion of pubescent species at 19° S (within the tropics). Main conclusions Our findings are consistent with the idea that leaf pubescence may have a protective function in areas with high solar radiation and high temperatures. Our data are also consistent with the idea that species towards the tropics should be better defended than are species at higher latitudes.
    Citation

    Moles, A. T., Laffan, S. W., Keighery, M., Dalrymple, R. L., Tindall, M. L., & Chen, S. C. (2020). A hairy situation: Plant species in warm, sunny places are more likely to have pubescent leaves. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13870

  80. Miller, A. D., Nitschke, C., Weeks, A. R., Weatherly, W. L., Heyes, S. D., Sinclair, S. J., Holland, O. J., Stevenson, A., Broadhurst, L., Hoebee, S. E., Sherman, C. D. H., & Morgan, J. W. (2020). Genetic data and climate niche suitability models highlight the vulnerability of a functionally important plant species from south-eastern Australia. Evolutionary Applications, 13(8), 2014–2029. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12958

    Evolutionary Applications
    Abstract

    Habitat fragmentation imperils the persistence of many functionally important species‚ with climate change a new threat to local persistence due to climate niche mismatching. Predicting the evolutionary trajectory of species essential to ecosystem function under future climates is challenging but necessary for prioritizing conservation investments. We use a combination of population genetics and niche suitability models to assess the trajectory of a functionally important‚ but highly fragmented‚ plant species from south-eastern Australia (Banksia marginata‚ Proteaceae). We demonstrate significant genetic structuring among‚ and high level of relatedness within‚ fragmented remnant populations‚ highlighting imminent risks of inbreeding. Population simulations‚ controlling for effective population size (Ne)‚ suggest that many remnant populations will suffer rapid declines in genetic diversity due to drift in the absence of intervention. Simulations were used to demonstrate how inbreeding and drift processes might be suppressed by assisted migration and population mixing approaches that enhance the size and connectivity of remnant populations. These analyses were complemented by niche suitability models that predicted substantial reductions of suitable habitat by 2080; 30% of the current distribution of the species climate niche overlaps with the projected distribution of the species climate niche in the geographic region by the 2080s. Our study highlights the importance of conserving remnant populations and establishing new populations in areas likely to support B. marginata in the future‚ and adopting seed sourcing strategies that can help populations overcome the risks of inbreeding and maladaptation. We also argue that ecological replacement of B. marginata using climatically suited plant species might be needed in the future to maintain ecosystem processes where B. marginata cannot persist. We recommend the need for progressive revegetation policies and practices to prevent further deterioration of species such as B. marginata and the ecosystems they support.
    Citation

    Miller, A. D., Nitschke, C., Weeks, A. R., Weatherly, W. L., Heyes, S. D., Sinclair, S. J., Holland, O. J., Stevenson, A., Broadhurst, L., Hoebee, S. E., Sherman, C. D. H., & Morgan, J. W. (2020). Genetic data and climate niche suitability models highlight the vulnerability of a functionally important plant species from south-eastern Australia. Evolutionary Applications, 13(8), 2014–2029. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12958

  81. Matley, K. A., Sniderman, J. M. K., Drinnan, A. N., & Hellstrom, J. C. (2020). Late-Holocene environmental change on the Nullarbor Plain, southwest Australia, based on speleothem pollen records. Holocene. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683619895589

    Holocene
    Holocene
    Abstract

    Fossil pollen from two stalagmites is examined to reconstruct a c. 2400-year history of vegetation change on the Nullarbor Plain. Environmental changes are reflected by variation in chenopod species abundance‚ and by a peak in woody taxa between 1000 and 800 years ago which is interpreted as evidence of increased moisture conditions associated with a positive phase of the Southern Annular Mode. While no strong palynological signal is observed at the time of European colonization of Australia‚ a significant change occurs in the past 40 years‚ which is interpreted as a vegetation response to a recorded fire event. As speleothems (secondary cave carbonates including stalagmites‚ stalactites and flowstones) rarely contain enough fossil pollen for analysis‚ the taphonomic biases of speleothem archives remain poorly understood. This study‚ as well as being a high-resolution record of environmental change‚ presents an opportunity to examine these taphonomic filters. The record is shown to be sensitive to episodic deposition of presumably insect-borne pollen‚ but overall appears to provide a faithful representation of local and regional vegetation change. There is a need for greater research into taphonomic processes‚ if speleothem palynology is to be developed as a viable alternative to lacustrine sediments in the investigation of past environmental change.
    Citation

    Matley, K. A., Sniderman, J. M. K., Drinnan, A. N., & Hellstrom, J. C. (2020). Late-Holocene environmental change on the Nullarbor Plain, southwest Australia, based on speleothem pollen records. Holocene. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683619895589

  82. Le, T. S., & Morgenroth, J. (2020). Strategic expansion of existing forest monitoring plots: a case study using a stratified GIS-based modelling approach. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science, 50. https://doi.org/10.33494/nzjfs502020x41x

    New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science
    Abstract

    Background: Understanding the relationship between sites and the plant species they support is essential for effective vegetation management. Site-species matching requires knowledge of the growth response of a given species to the full range of environmental conditions in potential planting sites. This can be achieved by repeatedly measuring species growth at a comprehensive network of sample plots that cover a range of environmental conditions‚ including topography‚ climate‚ and soil factors. The New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative has established permanent sample plots (PSPs) of a plantation species‚ Eucalyptus bosistoana F.Muell.‚ across New Zealand. However‚ these PSPs do not cover the entire range of environmental conditions available for the species and hence there is a need to expand the network of sites. The aim of this study was to determine optimal locations for new PSPs to provide more unique information to support site-species matching studies for Eucalyptus bosistoana in New Zealand.
    Methods: A geographic information system (GIS) and stratified random sampling method were used to generate a model to identify optimal locations for E. bosistoana PSP establishment. The variables used in this study included topography‚ climate‚ and soil data. Redundancy between the initial set of potential explanatory variables was reduced by a multi-collinearity analysis. The potential habitat for the species was restricted to land with environmental conditions that could support E. bosistoana. All environmental variables were stratified and an initial priority index for each stratum in each variable was calculated. Then a weighted-overlay analysis was conducted to create the final priority index‚ which was mapped to identify high-priority areas for targeted PSP expansion.
    Results: The existing PSP network for E. bosistoana generally covers the environmental conditions in low-elevation New Zealand dry lands‚ which are located alongside the east coast of the South Island‚ and the southern part of the North Island. The model identified high priority areas for PSP expansion‚ including several large regions in the North Island‚ especially in Rangitikei and Taupo Districts.
    Conclusions: The model successfully allowed identification of areas for a strategic expansion of permanent sample plots for E. bosistoana. Newly identified areas expand upon the topographic‚ climatic‚ and soil conditions represented by the existing PSP network. The new area for PSP expansion has potential to provide valuable information for further site-species matching studies. The methodology in this paper has potential to be used for other plot networks of a different species‚ or even natural forests.
    Citation

    Le, T. S., & Morgenroth, J. (2020). Strategic expansion of existing forest monitoring plots: a case study using a stratified GIS-based modelling approach. New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science, 50. https://doi.org/10.33494/nzjfs502020x41x

  83. Ibalim, S., Groom, S. V. C., Dorey, J. B., Velasco-Castrillon, A., Schwarz, M. P., & Stevens, M. I. (2020). Origin and dispersal of Homalictus (Apoidea: Halictidae) across Australia, Papua New Guinea and Pacific. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2020.1740957

    Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia
    Abstract

    The halictine bee genus Homalictus (Apoidea: Halictidae) is distributed broadly across south east Asia‚ Indonesia‚ Australia and the archipelagos of the Pacific. The group is well represented in the bee faunas of Australia and Papua New Guinea‚ but Homalictus is particularly important in the Pacific where it plays a keystone pollination role as the only endemic bee group in many islands. Understanding the origin and radiation of this genus is therefore important for understanding plant-bee co-evolution‚ not only in the Pacific‚ but the greater Oceania region. Previous studies have suggested that Homalictus has an Australian origin‚ and then dispersed northwards‚ but this is yet to be phylogenetically examined. Here we combine DNA sequences from the mitochondrial COI gene from Homalictus species from Papua New Guinea‚ the Pacific and Australia to infer the geographical and climatic origins of this group and subsequent dispersal events. Our results indicate a tropical origin for Homalictus in Australia‚ followed by multiple dispersals into the Pacific and subtropical‚ temperate and arid Australia. A tropical origin for Homalictus not only indicates the likely dispersal corridors for the ancestor of the group but has important implications for understanding social evolution in halictine bees.
    Citation

    Ibalim, S., Groom, S. V. C., Dorey, J. B., Velasco-Castrillon, A., Schwarz, M. P., & Stevens, M. I. (2020). Origin and dispersal of Homalictus (Apoidea: Halictidae) across Australia, Papua New Guinea and Pacific. Transactions of the Royal Society of South Australia, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1080/03721426.2020.1740957

  84. Jordan, R., Prober, S. M., Hoffmann, A. A., & Dillon, S. K. (2020). Combined Analyses of Phenotype, Genotype and Climate Implicate Local Adaptation as a Driver of Diversity in Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey Box). Forests, 11(5), 495. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11050495

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Trees are a keystone species in many ecosystems and a critical component of ecological restoration. Understanding their capacity to respond to climate change is essential for conserving biodiversity and determining appropriate restoration seed sources. Patterns of local adaptation to climate between populations within a species can inform such conservation decisions and are often investigated from either a quantitative trait or molecular genetic basis. Here‚ we present findings from a combined analysis of phenotype (quantitative genetic analysis)‚ genotype (single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) trait associations)‚ and climate associations. We draw on the strength of this combined approach to investigate pre-existing climate adaptation and its genetic basis in Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey box)‚ an important tree for ecological restoration in south-eastern Australia. Phenotypic data from a 26-year-old provenance trial demonstrated significant genetic variation in growth and leaf traits at both the family and provenance levels. Growth traits were only associated with temperature‚ whilst leaf traits were associated with temperature‚ precipitation and aridity. Genotyping of 40 putatively adaptive SNPs from previous genome-wide analyses identified 9 SNPs associated with these traits. Drawing on previous SNP&ndash;climate association results‚ several associations were identified between all three comparisons of phenotype‚ genotype and climate. By combining phenotypic with genomic analyses‚ these results corroborate genomic findings and enhance understanding of climate adaptation in E. microcarpa. We discuss the implication of these results for conservation management and restoration under climate change.
    Citation

    Jordan, R., Prober, S. M., Hoffmann, A. A., & Dillon, S. K. (2020). Combined Analyses of Phenotype, Genotype and Climate Implicate Local Adaptation as a Driver of Diversity in Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey Box). Forests, 11(5), 495. https://doi.org/10.3390/f11050495

  85. Hirst, M. J., Griffin, P. C., Wu, L. H., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2020). Testing the environmental warming responses of Brachyscome daisy species using a common garden approach. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12885

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    As temperatures increase in a warming world‚ there will be different responses among related plant species‚ with some species able to increase growth rate under warmer conditions and others less likely. Here‚ we identify survival and growth parameters in a group of 19 related Australian daisies from the genera Brachyscome and Pembertonia when exposed to higher soil temperature‚ focusing particularly on species from the alpine environment. We used a common garden approach to measure growth and survival under warming. We tested for the effects of evolutionary history by investigating phylogeny and testing for a phylogenetic signal‚ and for the effects of ecological history by considering climatic variables associated with species distributions in their native range. Evolutionary history did not have a detectable effect on warming responses. While there was a moderate signal for plant growth in the absence of warming‚ there was no signal for growth changes in response to warming‚ despite variability among species to warming that ranged from positive to negative growth responses. There was no strong effect of climate context‚ as species that showed a positive response to warming did not necessarily originate from hotter environments. In fact‚ several species from hot environments grew relatively poorly when exposed to higher soil temperature. However‚ species endemic to alpine areas were less likely to benefit from warming than widespread species. We found a strong phylogenetic signal for climate history‚ in that closely related species tend to occur in areas with similar annual variability in precipitation. Species differences in response to soil warming were variable and difficult to link to climate conditions except for the poor response of alpine endemics. There was no significant association between survival and warming responses of species. However‚ as some species showed weak growth responses‚ this may reduce their fitness into the future.
    Citation

    Hirst, M. J., Griffin, P. C., Wu, L. H., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2020). Testing the environmental warming responses of Brachyscome daisy species using a common garden approach. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12885

  86. Higgins, S. I., Larcombe, M. J., Beeton, N. J., Conradi, T., & Nottebrock, H. (2020). Predictive ability of a process-based versus a correlative species distribution model. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6712

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Species distribution modeling is a widely used tool in many branches of ecology and evolution. Evaluations of the transferability of species distribution models—their ability to predict the distribution of species in independent data domains—are‚ however‚ rare. In this study‚ we contrast the transferability of a process-based and a correlative species distribution model. Our case study uses 664 Australian eucalypt and acacia species. We estimate models for these species using data from their native Australia and then assess whether these models can predict the adventive range of these species. We find that the correlative model—MaxEnt—has a superior ability to describe the data in the training data domain (Australia) and that the process-based model—TTR-SDM—has a superior ability to predict the distribution of the study species outside of Australia. The implication of this analysis‚ that process-based models may be more appropriate than correlative models when making projections outside of the domain of the training data‚ needs to be tested in other case studies.
    Citation

    Higgins, S. I., Larcombe, M. J., Beeton, N. J., Conradi, T., & Nottebrock, H. (2020). Predictive ability of a process-based versus a correlative species distribution model. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.6712

  87. García‐Navas, V., Kear, B. P., & Westerman, M. (2020). The geography of speciation in dasyurid marsupials. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13852

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim To determine the effects of competition and divergence time on morphological dissimilarity and geographical range overlap between dasyurid species at both regional and local scales. Our hypothesis is that speciation in this group has been largely allopatric at regional scale‚ but involved morphological divergence at local scale through sympatric character displacement. Location Australia‚ New Guinea and surrounding islands. Taxon Dasyurid (Dasyuridae) marsupials‚ 67 species. Methods Geographical range overlap was quantified using polygons representing the outer limits of species distributions. Local-scale range overlap was quantified as the degree of co-occurrence of two taxa across a set of ecological survey plots representing 83 sampled communities. Phylogenies were generated using a novel DNA dataset‚ with divergence times estimated via total-evidence dating incorporating fossils. Morphological divergence was determined using body mass and lower molar row length as proxy traits for reconstructing niche exploitation. Results Sister species pairs were found to be sympatric in 52% (11/21) of cases. Range overlap tended to increase with node age‚ which supports the hypothesis that mammalian speciation is routinely allopatric. We detected no evidence of character displacement with increasing range overlap between sister species pairs. However‚ a negative relationship was observed between morphological divergence in body mass and range overlap across all sampled taxa‚ suggesting that selection in sympatry is convergent‚ while divergent selection occurs in allopatry. Local-scale co-occurrences revealed no trace of species aversion‚ indicating that competition has not impacted on the spatial distribution of dasyurids. Main conclusions Despite moderate levels of sympatry through time‚ our results evince low rates of spatial co-occurrence between dasyurid species. Although this may be indicative competitive exclusion‚ the lack of character displacement suggests that biotic interactions have likely not acted as a dominant driver of phenotypic evolution in this radiation. We alternatively posit that abiotic factors including aridity and geographical connectivity have more feasibly propagated character convergence‚ and led to both niche conservatism and speciation in this ubiquitous australidelphian clade.
    Citation

    García‐Navas, V., Kear, B. P., & Westerman, M. (2020). The geography of speciation in dasyurid marsupials. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13852

  88. Finch, J. T. D., & Cook, J. M. (2020). Flies on vacation: evidence for the migration of Australian Syrphidae (Diptera). Ecological Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12856

    Ecological Entomology
    Abstract

    1. Hover flies (Syrphidae: Diptera) are a cosmopolitan group of insects that provide important ecosystem services including pollination and pest control. The seasonal migration of hover flies is probably best known in Europe‚ but it remains unstudied in many other parts of the world. 2. Australia is believed to be home to around 160 hover fly species‚ some of which are common in urban and agricultural environments. The current evidence for hover fly migration in Australia is scarce and anecdotal‚ yet migration may be critical to the success of pollination and the biological control of aphids. 3. In this study‚ species occurrence records from an online biodiversity database (Atlas of Living Australia) were used to look for evidence of migratory behaviours in all Australian hover flies with more than 200 occurrence records. 4. Four of the 10 species displayed seasonal changes in their distribution consistent with migration‚ including Australia’s two most abundant species: Melangyna viridiceps and Simosyrphus grandicornis. This work is an important first step in understanding the prevalence of migration in Australian hover flies. However‚ confirmation of our findings requires additional evidence to rule out other plausible explanations for the observed patterns. 5. Based on changes in summer and winter latitudinal distribution‚ it is estimated that some Australian hover flies may make annual migrations of 400–1800 km. 6. This work suggests that the management of beneficial insects requires consideration of factors at both local and continental scales‚ as landscape use changes may have an impact on ecosystem services delivered hundreds of kilometres away.
    Citation

    Finch, J. T. D., & Cook, J. M. (2020). Flies on vacation: evidence for the migration of Australian Syrphidae (Diptera). Ecological Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12856

  89. Dorey, J. B., Fagan-Jeffries, E. P., Stevens, M. I., & Schwarz, M. P. (2020). Morphometric comparisons and novel observations of diurnal and low-light-foraging bees. Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 79, 117–144. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.79.57308

    Journal of Hymenoptera Research
    Abstract

    Low-light adapted bees are substantially understudied components of the bee fauna‚ particularly in Australia. Whilst several species in Australia are thought to be adapted to low-light conditions‚ explicit records of these taxa actually foraging at twilight or night are absent from the scientific literature. We present the first observations of Australian bees foraging in low-light conditions as well as the first evidence of low-light foraging behaviour in the colletid bee subfamily‚ Hylaeinae. Using morphometrics of Australian and more broadly-distributed diurnal‚ facultative low-light and obligate low-light adapted bees‚ we explore the use of morphological traits to objectively assess possible low-light behaviour and corroborate low-light collection events. Our results show that it is possible to morphologically distinguish between diurnal and low-light adapted bees‚ and that there is a spectrum of characters that are associated with low light conditions. We use GIS to show that low-light adapted species occur mostly in the tropics‚ but that some species have subtropical‚ arid and even temperate distributions. As low-light foraging behaviour in bees is infrequently reported‚ it appears that low-light foraging behaviour is more common than currently appreciated‚ highlighting the need for extended bee-sampling periods and more consistent collection data to increase the understanding of this little-understood aspect of bee behaviour.
    Citation

    Dorey, J. B., Fagan-Jeffries, E. P., Stevens, M. I., & Schwarz, M. P. (2020). Morphometric comparisons and novel observations of diurnal and low-light-foraging bees. Journal of Hymenoptera Research, 79, 117–144. https://doi.org/10.3897/jhr.79.57308

  90. Dinnage, R., Skeels, A., & Cardillo, M. (2020). Spatiophylogenetic modelling of extinction risk reveals evolutionary distinctiveness and brief flowering period as threats in a hotspot plant genus. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 287(1926), 20192817. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2817

    Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
    Abstract

    Comparative models used to predict species threat status can help identify the diagnostic features of species at risk. Such models often combine variables measured at the species level with spatial variables‚ causing multiple statistical challenges‚ including phylogenetic and spatial non-independence. We present a novel Bayesian approach for modelling threat status that simultaneously deals with both forms of non-independence and estimates their relative contribution‚ and we apply the approach to modelling threat status in the Australian plant genus Hakea. We find that after phylogenetic and spatial effects are accounted for‚ species with greater evolutionary distinctiveness and a shorter annual flowering period are more likely to be threatened. The model allows us to combine information on evolutionary history‚ species biology and spatial data‚ calculate latent extinction risk (potential for non-threatened species to become threatened)‚ estimate the most important drivers of risk for individual species and map spatial patterns in the effects of different predictors on extinction risk. This could be of value for proactive conservation decision-making based on the early identification of species and regions of potential conservation concern.
    Citation

    Dinnage, R., Skeels, A., & Cardillo, M. (2020). Spatiophylogenetic modelling of extinction risk reveals evolutionary distinctiveness and brief flowering period as threats in a hotspot plant genus. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 287(1926), 20192817. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.2817

  91. Cooke, B. D. (2020). Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) distribution has dramatically increased following sustained biological control of rabbits. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM19037

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    Swamp wallabies have dramatically extended their distribution through western Victoria and south-eastern South Australia over the last 40 years. Newspaper reports from 1875 onwards show that on European settlement‚ wallaby populations were confined to eastern Victoria‚ including the ranges around Melbourne‚ the Otway Ranges and Portland District of south-western Victoria‚ and a tiny part of south-eastern South Australia. Populations contracted further with intense hunting for the fur trade until the 1930s. In the late 1970s‚ however‚ wallabies began spreading into drier habitats than those initially recorded. Possible causes underlying this change in distribution are discussed; some seem unlikely but‚ because wallabies began spreading soon after the introduction of European rabbit fleas as vectors of myxomatosis‚ the cumulative effects of releases of biological agents to control rabbits appear important. A caution is given on assuming that thick vegetation in high-rainfall areas provides the only habitat suitable for swamp wallabies‚ but‚ most importantly‚ the study shows how native mammals may benefit if rabbit abundance is reduced.
    Citation

    Cooke, B. D. (2020). Swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) distribution has dramatically increased following sustained biological control of rabbits. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM19037

  92. Cross, A. T., Krueger, T. A., Gonella, P. M., Robinson, A. S., & Fleischmann, A. S. (2020). Conservation of carnivorous plants in the age of extinction. Global Ecology and Conservation, e01272. c81e08a7-2f2e-3374-802e-f90f6d4c9d7c. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01272

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Carnivorous plants (CPs)—those possessing specific strategies to attract‚ capture and kill animal prey and obtain nutrition through the absorption of their biomass—are harbingers of anthropogenic degradation and destruction of ecosystems. CPs exhibit highly specialised and often very sensitive ecologies‚ being generally restricted to nutrient-impoverished habitats where carnivory offers a competitive advantage. As such‚ they are often the first species to disappear following habitat degradation‚ land use change‚ and alteration to natural ecological processes‚ and are at significant risk from processes such as eutrophication and weed invasion‚ and even poorly-understood impacts such as airborne nitrogen inputs. Many of the world’s 860 species of CPs are found in wetland habitats‚ which represent some of the most cleared and heavily degraded ecosystems on Earth. Global diversity hotspots for CPs are likewise located in some of the most heavily cleared and disturbed areas of the planet—southwestern Western Australia‚ Southeast Asia‚ Mediterranean Europe‚ central eastern Brazil‚ and the southeastern United States—placing their conservation at odds with human developmental interests. Many carnivorous plant species exhibit extreme range-restriction and are wholly localised to specific geological formations‚ microhabitats or elevations‚ with nowhere to move to in the face of environmental change such as a warming‚ drying climate. We provide the first systematic examination of the conservation status and threats to all CPs globally‚ compiling full or partial assessments of conservation status category for 860 species from 18 genera‚ and provide ten recommendations towards better conservation and management of this iconic group. A total of 69 species were assessed as Critically Endangered (8% of all species)‚ 47 as Endangered (6%)‚ 104 as Vulnerable (12%)‚ and 23 as Near Threatened (3%). Slightly over 60% of CPs (521 species) were assessed as Least Concern. At least 89 species are known from only a single location based on current knowledge. Data on threatening processes were available for 790 species‚ with the most common threatening processes including Agriculture and Aquaculture (impacting 170 species)‚ Natural Systems Modifications (168 species)‚ Climate Change and Severe Weather (158 species)‚ Energy Production and Mining (127 species)‚ Human Intrusions and Disturbance (126 species)‚ and Biological Resource Use (98 species). Almost a quarter of all species were impacted upon by three or more threatening processes. The most significant threats placing species at imminent risk of extinction include the continuing clearing of natural habitat for urban and agricultural development and the illegal collection of individuals from the wild for horticultural trade. The complex and specialised ecological requirements of CPs‚ together with the multifaceted threats they face‚ make conservation difficult and repatriation even to restored areas challenging. As the number of vulnerable‚ endangered and extinct carnivorous plant species continues to grow‚ despite significant conservation efforts in many regions and greater awareness of their ecological requirements‚ it is clear that a paradigm shift is required in our approach to the preservation of this unique group of plants in order to achieve long-term conservation successes.
    Citation

    Cross, A. T., Krueger, T. A., Gonella, P. M., Robinson, A. S., & Fleischmann, A. S. (2020). Conservation of carnivorous plants in the age of extinction. Global Ecology and Conservation, e01272. c81e08a7-2f2e-3374-802e-f90f6d4c9d7c. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e01272

  93. Cutajar, T. P., & Rowley, J. L. (2020). Surveying frogs from the bellies of their parasites: Invertebrate-derived DNA as a novel survey method for frogs. Global Ecology and Conservation, e00978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00978

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Biodiversity conservation is reliant on thorough species occurrence data. However‚ the collection of such data is often difficult for species with poor detectability. Recently‚ invertebrate-derived DNA (iDNA) has emerged as a potentially powerful survey method to increase the detectability of terrestrial vertebrates. Parasitic invertebrates are effective samplers of some vertebrate diversity and can be used to detect and identify their host species by sequencing the DNA contained in their meals. Among taxa that can be very difficult to detect using traditional survey methods are many frog species‚ which are often of a high conservation priority. However‚ the potential for frog-specific iDNA surveys has not been explored; most iDNA surveys have targeted mammals. We carried out traditional audio-visual and iDNA frog surveys in eastern Australia to determine whether frog-biting midges (Corethrella and Sycorax spp.) can be used as an effective survey method for frogs. The frog species detected through each method differed. Five species were detected only during traditional surveys‚ three by both methods‚ and one exclusively via iDNA. We demonstrate for the first time that iDNA can be used in targeted surveys of frog diversity and that it may increase the detectability of some species compared to traditional surveys. iDNA holds particular promise in the search for rare species‚ including those that are missing‚ feared extinct‚ and may also be useful in biosecurity‚ detecting invasive species.
    Citation

    Cutajar, T. P., & Rowley, J. L. (2020). Surveying frogs from the bellies of their parasites: Invertebrate-derived DNA as a novel survey method for frogs. Global Ecology and Conservation, e00978. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020.e00978

  94. Cornejo-Páramo, P., Lira-Noriega, A., Ramírez-Suástegui, C., Méndez-de-la-Cruz, F. R., Székely, T., Urrutia, A. O., & Cortez, D. (2020). Sex determination systems in reptiles are related to ambient temperature but not to the level of climatic fluctuation. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 20(1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-020-01671-y

    BMC Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    Vertebrates exhibit diverse sex determination systems and reptiles stand out by having highly variable sex determinations that include temperature-dependent and genotypic sex determination (TSD and GSD‚ respectively). Theory predicts that populations living in either highly variable or cold climatic conditions should evolve genotypic sex determination to buffer the populations from extreme sex ratios‚ yet these fundamental predictions have not been tested across a wide range of taxa.
    Citation

    Cornejo-Páramo, P., Lira-Noriega, A., Ramírez-Suástegui, C., Méndez-de-la-Cruz, F. R., Székely, T., Urrutia, A. O., & Cortez, D. (2020). Sex determination systems in reptiles are related to ambient temperature but not to the level of climatic fluctuation. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 20(1), 103. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-020-01671-y

  95. Caswell, B. A., Dissanayake, N. G., & Frid, C. L. J. (2020). Influence of climate-induced biogeographic range shifts on mudflat ecological functioning in the subtropics. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 106692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2020.106692

    Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science
    Abstract

    A growing volume of evidence shows that the broad-scale biogeographic redistribution of species is occurring in response to increasing global temperatures. The present study documents poleward movements of up to eight species of nominally ‘tropical’ macroinvertebrates (molluscs‚ polychaetes‚ crustaceans and foraminifera) from intertidal mudflats on the south east coast of Australia. The speed of movement was comparable with that for Australian marine fauna generally‚ but was particularly fast for worms and molluscs (∼70–300 km decade−1) and may be facilitated by the southward flowing East Australia Current. Further‚ two temperate taxa appear to have extended their ranges northwards. Changes in species biogeographic ranges raises questions surrounding the response of ecological processes within the altered and novel species combinations‚ including processes that underpin valuable ecosystem services. Using biological traits analysis to investigate how the observed species range changes might have impacted mudflat ecosystem functioning‚ and to predict the possible impacts of further poleward movements of tropical taxa. Our models suggest the changes to date‚ and those likely to occur in the near future‚ are within the envelope whereby ecological functioning is maintained by functional compensation and redundancy within the mudflat assemblage. However‚ in the most extreme scenario the replacement of temperate by tropical taxa resulted in major changes in ecological functioning with potential impacts on nutrient cycling and C-cycling‚ undermining the potential of these mudflats to continue to deliver critical ecosystem services. The widespread nature of biogeographic range shifts and the value of coastal systems should add further weight to calls for global action to mitigate global temperature change.
    Citation

    Caswell, B. A., Dissanayake, N. G., & Frid, C. L. J. (2020). Influence of climate-induced biogeographic range shifts on mudflat ecological functioning in the subtropics. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 106692. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecss.2020.106692

  96. Catelotti, K., Bino, G., & Offord, C. A. (2020). Thermal germination niches of Persoonia species and projected spatiotemporal shifts under a changing climate. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13040

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim Seasonal germination is critical in synchronizing seedling emergence with optimal conditions for survival but will be disrupted by climate change. Understanding how germination of threatened species with complex dormancy patterns will be affected by climate change is a priority for their management. By exploring the effects of temperature on germination for six Persoonia species ranging in rareness‚ this study aims to improve ex situ plant production and better understand the probable impacts of climate change on persistence of local populations. Location South-eastern Australia. Methods The role of temperature on seed dormancy was explored using generalized additive models to predict germination probabilities for six Persoonia species ranging in rarity. Embryos were exposed to 24-hr cycles of alternating 12-hr warmer/light and 12-hr cooler/dark combinations of temperatures between 8°C and 45°C. Optimal temperature conditions for germination were determined‚ and spatiotemporal changes in germination probability were predicted in response to expected temperatures under future climate change scenarios. Results Unique germination niches representing complex responses across diurnal regimes were identified for each species. Germination probability was predicted to decline in four species in response to warmer day or night temperatures and in two species in response to cooler day or night temperatures. Across bioregions‚ areas of likely germination largely aligned with species-specific temperature sensitivity‚ with suitable germination niche declining in four species‚ one staying roughly the same and one increasing in physical range under predicted climate warming. Main conclusions In response to increased temperatures associated with climate change‚ germination probability varied from current rates. These changes were quantified both spatially and temporally and highlight expected challenges for persistence of some populations‚ particularly range restricted and rare species. Current understanding of extinction threat must consider future conditions‚ and these results highlight the urgent need to protect populations of these six Persoonia species that are currently threatened by habitat destruction and encourage future population persistence through restoration efforts.
    Citation

    Catelotti, K., Bino, G., & Offord, C. A. (2020). Thermal germination niches of Persoonia species and projected spatiotemporal shifts under a changing climate. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13040

  97. Chari, L. D., Martin, G. D., Steenhuisen, S. L., Adams, L. D., & Clark, V. R. (2020). Biology of Invasive Plants 1. Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K. Schneid. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 13(3), 120–142. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2020.24

    Invasive Plant Science and Management
    abstract
    Citation

    Chari, L. D., Martin, G. D., Steenhuisen, S. L., Adams, L. D., & Clark, V. R. (2020). Biology of Invasive Plants 1. Pyracantha angustifolia (Franch.) C.K. Schneid. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 13(3), 120–142. https://doi.org/10.1017/inp.2020.24

  98. Coman, A., Potter, S., Moritz, C., Campbell, C. D., & Joseph, L. (2020). Biotic and abiotic drivers of evolution in some Australian thornbills (Passeriformes: Acanthiza) in allopatry, sympatry, and parapatry including a case of character displacement. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12355

    Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research
    Abstract

    Disentangling historical‚ ecological‚ and abiotic drivers of diversity among closely related species can benefit from morphological diversity being placed in a phylogenetic context. It can also be aided when the species are variously in allopatry‚ parapatry‚ and sympatry. We studied a clade of Australian thornbills (Passeriformes: Acanthizidae: Acanthiza) comprising the Brown Thornbill (A. pusilla)‚ Inland Thornbill (A. apicalis)‚ Mountain Thornbill (A. katherina)‚ and Tasmanian Thornbill (A. ewingii) whose distributions and ecology facilitate this approach. We first clarified phylogenetic relationships among them and then detected a low level of gene flow in parapatry between a non-sister pair (Brown‚ Inland). Further work could partition relative roles of past and current hybridization. We identify likely cases of ecologically driven divergent selection and one of convergent evolution. Divergent selection was likely key to divergence of Inland Thornbills from the Brown–Mountain sister pair. In contrast‚ convergence in plumage between the non-sister Brown and Inland Thornbills has been driven by their mesic forest habitats on opposite sides of the Australian continent. Finally‚ morphological distinctiveness of Tasmanian populations of Brown Thornbills could reflect character displacement in sympatry with the ecologically similar Tasmanian Thornbills. Collectively‚ the combined morphological‚ genetic‚ and ecological evidence points to diverse evolutionary processes operating across this closely related group of birds.
    Citation

    Coman, A., Potter, S., Moritz, C., Campbell, C. D., & Joseph, L. (2020). Biotic and abiotic drivers of evolution in some Australian thornbills (Passeriformes: Acanthiza) in allopatry, sympatry, and parapatry including a case of character displacement. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/jzs.12355

  99. Brookes, D. R., Hereward, J. P., Wilson, L. J., & Walter, G. H. (2020). Multiple invasions of a generalist herbivore—Secondary contact between two divergent lineages of Nezara viridula Linnaeus in Australia. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12971

    Evolutionary Applications
    Abstract

    The presence of distinct evolutionary lineages within herbivorous pest insect taxa requires close attention. Scientific understanding‚ biosecurity planning and practice‚ and pest management decision-making each suffer when such situations remain poorly understood. The pest bug Nezara viridula Linnaeus has been recorded from numerous host plants and has two globally distributed mitochondrial (mtDNA) lineages. These mtDNA lineages co-occur in few locations globally‚ and the consequences of their divergence and recent secondary contact have not been assessed. We present evidence that both mtDNA lineages of N. viridula are present in Australia and their haplotype groups have a mostly separate distribution from one another. The north-western population has only Asian mtDNA haplotypes‚ and the population with an eastern distribution is characterized mostly by European mtDNA haplotypes. Haplotypes of both lineages were detected together at only one site in the north of eastern Australia‚ and microsatellite data indicate that this secondary contact has resulted in mating across the lineages. Admixture and the movement of mtDNA haplotypes outside of this limited area of overlap has not‚ however‚ been extensive. Some degree of mating incompatibility or differences in the climatic requirements and tolerances of the two lineages‚ and perhaps a combination of these influences‚ might limit introgression and the movement of individuals‚ but this needs to be tested. This work provides the foundation for further ecological investigation of the lineages of N. viridula‚ particularly the consequences of admixture on the ecology of this widespread pest. We propose that for now‚ the Asian and European lineages of N. viridula would best be investigated as subspecies‚ so that “pure” and admixed populations of this bug can each be considered directly with respect to management and research priorities.
    Citation

    Brookes, D. R., Hereward, J. P., Wilson, L. J., & Walter, G. H. (2020). Multiple invasions of a generalist herbivore—Secondary contact between two divergent lineages of Nezara viridula Linnaeus in Australia. Evolutionary Applications. https://doi.org/10.1111/eva.12971

  100. Campbell, H. A., Loewensteiner, D. A., Murphy, B. P., Pittard, S., & McMahon, C. R. (2020). Seasonal movements and site utilisation by Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in tropical savannas and floodplains of northern Australia. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR20070

    Wildlife Research
    Abstract

    Abstract Context The Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is an introduced herbivore of the savannas and floodplains of northern Australia. Despite the significant environmental damage caused by water buffalo‚ important cultural and commercial stakeholders request this species is managed rather than eradicated. However‚ gaps in knowledge of buffalo ecology limit effective policy and planning. Aims To better understand how buffalo‚ at current population densities‚ respond to seasonally changing resources in the two key habitat types that they occupy in northern Australian – upland eucalypt savanna and seasonally inundated floodplain. Methods Satellite telemetry was used to record the location of a single female buffalo from each of 11 independent clans every hour over a 12-month period. Generalised linear mixed modelling was used to assess the extent to which buffalo movements‚ activity-space and site revisitation correlated with forage quality (inferred from the normalised difference vegetation index – NDVI) and localised buffalo density. Key results As the dry season progressed‚ forage quantity and quality within the activity-space of buffalo clans decreased. In response‚ buffalo inhabiting floodplain exhibited increased rates of movement and enlarged the size of their activity-space. This resulted in low repeated visitation of foraging areas in the late dry season and NDVI remained relatively high within these areas. In comparison‚ buffalo in upland savanna maintained similar rates of activity and occupied the same activity-space size throughout the year. This resulted in frequent revisitation of the same areas in the late dry season and NDVI reached as low as zero in these foraging areas. Clan size and localised buffalo density had no significant effect on measured movement parameters. Conclusions Buffalo exhibited a behavioural strategy in upland savanna that resulted in acute removal of green herbaceous vegetation within a few kilometres of the clan’s permanent water source. Buffalo inhabiting the floodplain used multiple wallows that reduced grazing impacts‚ but likely resulted in hoof-derived impacts over a broad area. Implications Current buffalo densities in Kakadu National Park appear to be well below carrying capacity but localised environmental degradation around permanent water sources remains severe in upland savanna.
    Citation

    Campbell, H. A., Loewensteiner, D. A., Murphy, B. P., Pittard, S., & McMahon, C. R. (2020). Seasonal movements and site utilisation by Asian water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) in tropical savannas and floodplains of northern Australia. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR20070

  101. Burns, P. A., Clemann, N., & White, M. (2020). Testing the utility of species distribution modelling using Random Forests for a species in decline. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12884

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Habitat suitability estimates derived from species distribution models (SDMs) are increasingly used to guide management of threatened species. Poorly estimating species’ ranges can lead to underestimation of threatened status‚ undervaluing of remaining habitat and misdirection of conservation funding. We aimed to evaluate the utility of a SDM‚ similar to the models used to inform government regulation of habitat in our study region‚ in estimating the contemporary distribution of a threatened and declining species. We developed a presence-only SDM for the endangered New Holland Mouse (Pseudomys novaehollandiae) across Victoria‚ Australia. We conducted extensive camera trap surveys across model-predicted and expert-selected areas to generate an independent data set for use in evaluating the model‚ determining confidence in absence data from non-detection sites with occupancy and detectability modelling. We assessed the predictive capacity of the model at thresholds based on (1) sum of sensitivity and specificity (SSS)‚ and (2) the lowest presence threshold (LPT; i.e. the lowest non-zero model-predicted habitat suitability value at which we detected the species). We detected P. novaehollandiae at 40 of 472 surveyed sites‚ with strong support for the species’ probable absence from non-detection sites. Based on our post hoc optimised SSS threshold of the SDM‚ 25% of our detection sites were falsely predicted as non-suitable habitat and 75% of sites predicted as suitable habitat did not contain the species at the time of our survey. One occupied site had a model-predicted suitability value of zero‚ and at the LPT‚ 88% of sites predicted as suitable habitat did not contain the species at the time of our survey. Our findings demonstrate that application of generic SDMs in both regulatory and investment contexts should be tempered by considering their limitations and currency. Further‚ we recommend engaging species experts in the extrapolation and application of SDM outputs.
    Citation

    Burns, P. A., Clemann, N., & White, M. (2020). Testing the utility of species distribution modelling using Random Forests for a species in decline. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12884

  102. Booth, T. H., & Muir, P. R. (2020). Climate change impacts on Australia’s eucalypt and coral species: Comparing and sharing knowledge across disciplines. WIREs Climate Change, e657. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.657

    WIREs Climate Change
    Abstract

    Two of Australia’s most iconic ecosystems have recently sustained heavy damage related to climatic changes: the extensive eucalypt forests from catastrophic bushfires and the Great Barrier Reef from mass coral bleaching. Despite obvious differences‚ eucalypt trees and reef corals share some similarities in biology and ecology‚ particularly in relation to climate change impacts and adaptation. Both groups are the focus of an increasing research effort to characterize and respond to climate changes and here we examine how sharing research experiences can benefit both fields. Four key areas of research are considered: (a) modeling current distributions‚ (b) assessing impacts of climate change on future distributions‚ (c) using human-assisted migration to improve survival‚ and (d) applying genetic enhancement to improve the species’ survival. Examples of each research area are used to examine potential crossovers‚ limitations of the methods‚ and future requirements. We conclude that eucalypt and coral researchers‚ and indeed researchers for many other endangered taxa‚ can gain much by comparing experiences and methods‚ despite the apparent differences in their respective taxa. This article is categorized under: Assessing Impacts of Climate Change > Observed Impacts of Climate Change
    Citation

    Booth, T. H., & Muir, P. R. (2020). Climate change impacts on Australia’s eucalypt and coral species: Comparing and sharing knowledge across disciplines. WIREs Climate Change, e657. https://doi.org/10.1002/wcc.657

  103. Brennan, I. G., Lemmon, A. R., Lemmon, E. M., Portik, D. M., Weijola, V., Welton, L., Donnellan, S. C., & Keogh, J. S. (2020). Phylogenomics of monitor lizards and the role of competition in dictating body size disparity. Systematic Biology. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syaa046

    Systematic Biology
    Abstract

    Organismal interactions drive the accumulation of diversity by influencing species ranges‚ morphology‚ and behavior. Interactions vary from agonistic to cooperative and should result in predictable patterns in trait and range evolution. However‚ despite a conceptual understanding of these processes‚ they have been difficult to model‚ particularly on macroevolutionary timescales and across broad geographic spaces. Here we investigate the influence of biotic interactions on trait evolution and community assembly in monitor lizards (Varanus). Monitors are an iconic radiation with a cosmopolitan distribution and the greatest size disparity of any living terrestrial vertebrate genus. Between the colossal Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis and the smallest Australian dwarf goannas‚ Varanus length and mass vary by multiple orders of magnitude. To test the hypothesis that size variation in this genus was driven by character displacement‚ we extended existing phylogenetic comparative methods which consider lineage interactions to account for dynamic biogeographic history and apply these methods to Australian monitors and marsupial predators. Incorporating both exon-capture molecular and morphological datasets we use a combined evidence approach to estimate the relationships among living and extinct varaniform lizards. Our results suggest that communities of Australian Varanus show high functional diversity as a result of continent-wide interspecific competition among monitors but not with faunivorous marsupials. We demonstrate that patterns of trait evolution resulting from character displacement on continental scales are recoverable from comparative data and highlight that these macroevolutionary patterns may develop in parallel across widely distributed sympatric groups.
    Citation

    Brennan, I. G., Lemmon, A. R., Lemmon, E. M., Portik, D. M., Weijola, V., Welton, L., Donnellan, S. C., & Keogh, J. S. (2020). Phylogenomics of monitor lizards and the role of competition in dictating body size disparity. Systematic Biology. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syaa046

  104. Bino, G., Kingsford, R. T., & Wintle, B. A. (2020). A stitch in time – Synergistic impacts to platypus metapopulation extinction risk. Biological Conservation, 242, 108399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108399

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    The unique platypus is currently listed as ‘Near-Threatened’ under the IUCN Red List based on observed population declines and local extinctions‚ though significant uncertainty exists about its current distribution and abundance. We did the first population viability analysis across its entire range‚ using distribution and metapopulation data and models that integrate key threatening processes. We quantified the individual and synergistic impacts of water resource development‚ land clearing and invasive species on population viability of the platypus. Under current climate and threats‚ platypus abundance and metapopulation occupancy were predicted to respectively decline by 47%–66% and 22%–32% over 50 years. This would cause extinction of local populations across about 40% of the range. Under climate change projections (2070)‚ increased extreme drought frequencies and duration were predicted to further expose platypuses to increased local extinctions‚ reducing abundance and metapopulation occupancy by 51–73% and 36–56% within 50 years respectively. Predicted estimates of key threatening processes on platypus populations strongly suggested increased risk of extinction‚ including listing as ‘Vulnerable’‚ under IUCN criterion A. This adds to the increasing evidence of decline and local extinction of platypus populations. There is an urgent need to implement national conservation efforts for this unique mammal by increasing surveys‚ tracking trends‚ mitigating threats and improving management of platypus habitat in rivers.
    Citation

    Bino, G., Kingsford, R. T., & Wintle, B. A. (2020). A stitch in time – Synergistic impacts to platypus metapopulation extinction risk. Biological Conservation, 242, 108399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.108399

  105. Bello, C., Cintra, A. L. P., Barreto, E., Vancine, M. H., Sobral-Souza, T., Graham, C. H., & Galetti, M. (2020). Environmental niche and functional role similarity between invasive and native palms in the Atlantic Forest. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02400-8

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    Invasive species can significantly affect native species when their niches are similar. Ecological and morphological similarities between the invasive Australian palm‚ Archontophoenix cunninghamiana‚ and the native palm from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest‚ Euterpe edulis‚ suggest that they have similar environmental requirements and functional roles (i.e.‚ the function a species performs in an ecosystem). This similarity raises concerns about how the invasive palm could impact the native species in the present and future. We used spatial (species occurrences) and ecological information (frugivory events) to characterize the environmental niche and functional role of the two palms and assess their overlap. In addition‚ we predicted the potential area of occurrence of each palm within the Brazilian Atlantic Forest under current and future climate conditions.We estimated the environmental conditions used by the invasive plant based on its native distribution only‚ and based on all areas where the species is able to establish across the globe. We found that the environmental niches of the two palm species overlap up to 39%‚ which corresponds to 50% of the current geographic distribution of E. edulis in the Atlantic Forest. In the areas where the two species potentially co-occur‚ the impact of the invasive species on the native should be influenced by the invasive species interactions with frugivores. We found that the frugivory functional role of the two palms was similar (84% overlap) which suggest that A. cunninghamiana might disrupt the seed dispersal of the native palm. However‚ co-occurrence between the palms may decline with future climate change‚ as the potentially environmental suitable area for the invasive palm is predicted to decline by 10% to 55%. Evaluating the similarity in both the environmental niche‚ of the native and global extent‚ and the functional role of native and invasive plants provides a detailed understanding of the potential impact of invasive species on native species now and in the future.
    Citation

    Bello, C., Cintra, A. L. P., Barreto, E., Vancine, M. H., Sobral-Souza, T., Graham, C. H., & Galetti, M. (2020). Environmental niche and functional role similarity between invasive and native palms in the Atlantic Forest. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-020-02400-8

  106. Burwell, C. J., Theischinger, G., Leach, E. C., & Burwell-Rodriguez, A. I. (2020). Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the Eungella region, central coastal Queensland, Australia. Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland, 125, 10.

    Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland
    Abstract

    We collate records of species of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) from the broader Eungella region within the Clarke Range‚ central coastal Queensland‚ Australia‚ comprising the Eungella plateau‚ the upper Pioneer Valley as far east as Gargett‚ and the area around Eungella Dam on the western side of the Clarke Range. Records are based on specimens collected on Griffith University and Queensland Museum surveys of the region in 2013 and 2014‚ specimen records in museum collections‚ and observational records sourced using the Atlas of Living Australia and accompanied by identifiable photographs. A total of 58 species are recorded from the Eungella region: 37 dragonflies and 21 damselflies‚ representing 12 families. Four species appear to be endemic to the Clarke Range. Another six are southern species that occur as far north as Eungella and the broader Clarke Range but do not cross the Burdekin-Lynd Barrier. Two species are essentially confined to northern Queensland and occur south of the Burdekin-Lynd Barrier but only as far south as the Eungella region. The majority of the region’s species are widespread‚ occurring from northern to southern Queensland and often far beyond.
    Citation

    Burwell, C. J., Theischinger, G., Leach, E. C., & Burwell-Rodriguez, A. I. (2020). Dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) of the Eungella region, central coastal Queensland, Australia. Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland, 125, 10.

  107. Chaliha, M., Phan, A. D. T., Cao, S., Li, Q., Gorman, J., & Sultanbawa, Y. (2020). Antimicrobial Activity, Total Phenolic and Ascorbic Acid Content of Terminalia Ferdinandiana Leaves at Various Stages of Maturity. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 8(3).
    https://www.foodandnutritionjournal.org/volume8number3/antimicrobial-activity-total-phenolic-and-ascorbic-acid-content-of-terminalia-ferdinandiana-leaves-at-various-stages-of-maturity/

    Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal
    Abstract

    This work investigated the effect of leaf development (maturity) on morphology‚ antimicrobial activity‚ total phenolic (TPC) and ascorbic acid content in leaves of Terminalia ferdinandiana‚ an endemic plant of Australia. The results of this study indicated that total ascorbic acid was in the range of 23.0 to 35.5 mg/100 g dry weight (DW)‚ showing an increase with advance of maturity. TPC in water and methanolic extracts were in the range of 237.3 - 598.6 and 210.3 - 319.6 mg Gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/ g DW‚ respectively. Leaf extracts exhibited pronounced inhibitory activity towards Staphylococcus aureus where total ascorbic acid and TPC were positively correlated with the observed antimicrobial activity. These results indicated that leaves extracts might be used as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobial agents‚ with a great potential for application as an environmentally friendly sanitizer in the hospitality and healthcare industries.
    Citation

    Chaliha, M., Phan, A. D. T., Cao, S., Li, Q., Gorman, J., & Sultanbawa, Y. (2020). Antimicrobial Activity, Total Phenolic and Ascorbic Acid Content of Terminalia Ferdinandiana Leaves at Various Stages of Maturity. Current Research in Nutrition and Food Science Journal, 8(3).

  108. Mahony, M. J. (2020). The amphibian fauna of Eungella and their important role in unravelling the evolutionary history of the Australian east coast closed forest biota. Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland, 125, 16.
    http://www.royalsocietyqld.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Individual_Web_PDFs/PRSQ_Volume_125_8_Mahony_Web.pdf

    Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland
    abstract
    Citation

    Mahony, M. J. (2020). The amphibian fauna of Eungella and their important role in unravelling the evolutionary history of the Australian east coast closed forest biota. Proceedings of The Royal Society of Queensland, 125, 16.

  109. Somaweera, R., Yeoh, P. B., Jucker, T., Clarke, R. H., & Webber, B. L. (2020). Historical context, current status and management priorities for introduced Asian house geckos at Ashmore Reef, north-western Australia. BioInvasions Records, 13.
    https://reabic.net/journals/bir/2020/Accepted/BIR_2020_Somaweera_etal_correctedproof.pdf

    BioInvasions Records
    Abstract

    The Asian house gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) shows the largest non-native distribution of any gekkonid and has been introduced to numerous oceanic islands around the world. Since 1990‚ it has been naturalised at Ashmore Reef‚ a small group of islands‚ cays and reef flats in the Timor Sea within the maritime borders of Australia. This note provides an updated assessment of its population status and distribution at Ashmore Reef based on surveys conducted in May 2019 and formulates ecological insight to factors that may be influencing the presence of geckos on the islands. In doing so‚ it aims to provide context relevant to informing suitable future research and management options.
    Citation

    Somaweera, R., Yeoh, P. B., Jucker, T., Clarke, R. H., & Webber, B. L. (2020). Historical context, current status and management priorities for introduced Asian house geckos at Ashmore Reef, north-western Australia. BioInvasions Records, 13.

  110. Capon, S., Castley, G., Palmer, G., Piccolo, R., Henderson, E., Allely-Ferme, E., Richmond, S., & Huijbers, C. (2020). A long-term monitoring framework for the Regional Land Partnerships Program - Final Report. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.
    https://www.nrm.gov.au/my-project/monitoring-and-reporting/rlp-long-term-monitoring-program

    abstract
    Citation

    Capon, S., Castley, G., Palmer, G., Piccolo, R., Henderson, E., Allely-Ferme, E., Richmond, S., & Huijbers, C. (2020). A long-term monitoring framework for the Regional Land Partnerships Program - Final Report. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.

  111. Comben, D. F., Callander, J. T., Taylor, T., & Day, M. D. (2020). Proposed plant host test list for assessing the risk of biological control agents for Clidemia hirta (L.) D.Don. (p. 16). Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, Australia.
    https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/host-test-plant-list-clidemia-hirta.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Comben, D. F., Callander, J. T., Taylor, T., & Day, M. D. (2020). Proposed plant host test list for assessing the risk of biological control agents for Clidemia hirta (L.) D.Don. (p. 16). Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Queensland, Australia.

  112. Przeslawski, R., Beaman, R., Fava, L., Nichols, S., Woehler, E., & Yule, C. (2020). Wessel Marine Park: Post-Survey Report for INV2019T02. Geosciences Australia.
    https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/system/files/Przeslawski_2020_D4_M11_Wessel%20Post-Survey%20Report.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Przeslawski, R., Beaman, R., Fava, L., Nichols, S., Woehler, E., & Yule, C. (2020). Wessel Marine Park: Post-Survey Report for INV2019T02. Geosciences Australia.

  113. Westaway, D. (2020). The distribution of forest dwelling Tyto owls in south-east Queensland: environmental drivers and conservation status [Honours]. University of the Sunshine Coast.
    https://www.environlegacy.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Dylan-Westaway-Final-MS.pdf

    Abstract

    Knowledge of the distribution and habitat requirements of nocturnal birds is crucial for the development of effective conservation strategies for these species. This study represents the first comprehensive effort to create species distribution models (SDMs) for three forestdwelling owl species: the sooty owl (Tyto tenebricosa tenebricosa)‚ the masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae novaehollandiae) and the eastern barn owl (Tyto javanica) throughout the south-east Queensland bioregion. Occurrence records gained through call playback surveys were combined with historical occurrence records from online biodiversity atlases to build a distribution database. SDMs predicted the largest area of suitable habitat for the eastern barn owl (21‚500 km2)‚ followed by the masked owl (7‚000 km2) and the sooty owl (5‚300 km2).
    Citation

    Westaway, D. (2020). The distribution of forest dwelling Tyto owls in south-east Queensland: environmental drivers and conservation status [Honours]. University of the Sunshine Coast.

2019

  1. Beranek, C. T., Clulow, J., Rodger, J., Howell, L. G., Scanlon, R., & Witt, R. R. (2019, December 10). To save koalas from fire, we need to start putting their genetic material on ice. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/to-save-koalas-from-fire-we-need-to-start-putting-their-genetic-material-on-ice-128049

    The Conversation
    Abstract

    Unprecedented fires are devastating koalas along Australia’s east coast. These sudden drops in population put the survivors at risk of inbreeding.
    Citation

    Beranek, C. T., Clulow, J., Rodger, J., Howell, L. G., Scanlon, R., & Witt, R. R. (2019, December 10). To save koalas from fire, we need to start putting their genetic material on ice. The Conversation. http://theconversation.com/to-save-koalas-from-fire-we-need-to-start-putting-their-genetic-material-on-ice-128049

  2. Hall, M. A., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, & Reboud, E. L. (2019). High sampling effectiveness for non‐bee flower visitors using vane traps in both open and wooded habitats. Austral Entomology, 58(4), 836–847. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12416
    Num Pages: 836-847
    Place: Canberra, United States
    Publisher: Wiley Subscription Services, Inc.
    Section: Original Articles

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Many non‐bee insects are important for pollination‚ yet few studies have assessed the effectiveness of sampling these taxa using low‐cost techniques‚ such as coloured vane traps‚ among different habitat types. This study sampled 192 sites – 108 in wooded and 84 in open habitats – within an agricultural region of southern Australia. Pairs of blue and yellow vane traps were placed at each site for a period of seven days during the austral spring. Overall‚ 3114 flies (Diptera) from 19 families and 528 wasps (non‐bee and non‐formicid Hymenoptera) from 16 families were collected during the study. This sampling was representative of the region‚ with vane traps equally or more likely to collect as many families from both taxa as those reported on the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) database for the sampling area. Blue vane traps (BVTs) had greater average richness of both flies and wasps and greater activity density (abundance per 7‐day sampling period) of individuals than yellow vane traps (YVTs). BVTs were particularly favoured by fly and wasp families known to pollinate flowers (e.g. Syrphidae‚ Bombyliidae and Scoliidae)‚ whilst YVTs sampled flower visitors that also provide additional ecosystem services‚ such as pest control and nutrient cycling. Here‚ vane traps were an effective sampling technique to capture non‐bee flower visitors‚ such as flies and wasps. This study supports the use of vane traps as a component of the sampling protocol for ecological census and population monitoring within multiple habitat types‚ where colour attraction will more effectively sample a comprehensive pollinator community.
    Citation

    Hall, M. A., Link to external site, this link will open in a new window, & Reboud, E. L. (2019). High sampling effectiveness for non‐bee flower visitors using vane traps in both open and wooded habitats. Austral Entomology, 58(4), 836–847. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12416

  3. Ondei, S., Brook, B. W., & Buettel, J. C. (2019). A flexible tool to prioritize areas for conservation combining landscape units, measures of biodiversity, and threats. Ecosphere, 10(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2859
    Place: Washington, United States
    Publisher: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
    Section: Methods, Tools, and Technologies

    Ecosphere
    Ecosphere
    Abstract

    Expanding the reserve system is a key strategy to enhance biodiversity protection. Yet‚ conservation outcomes can be undermined by underrepresentation of some habitats and opportunistic placement of protected areas. Irreplaceability and vulnerability‚ the key principles of conservation‚ should thus be combined within a bioregionalization framework to implement protection in the habitats that most need it. We proposed a simple and flexible method to prioritize bioregions for conservation based on these principles and used it to rank the 85 bioregions of the Australian continent. To do so‚ we quantified biodiversity values and threats in each bioregion by gathering open‐access data on species‚ landscapes‚ and land use. Bioregions were then ranked using a set of customizable scenarios‚ including ecologically meaningful combinations of measures of irreplaceability and vulnerability. To identify biodiverse areas under threat but potentially overlooked‚ we compared our results with the location of already established biodiversity hotspots (i.e.‚ areas identified as important for biodiversity and under threat). We found that bioregions with the highest biodiversity values are predominantly located in the southwest‚ east‚ and north of the continent. Similarly‚ threats‚ particularly land clearance‚ are concentrated along the east coast and in the southwest. When ranking bioregions using scenarios including both threats and biodiversity values‚ the majority (75%) of the highest‐ranking bioregions were already included in biodiversity hotspots. For five of these bioregions‚ the proportion of protected land to date still falls below the 17% recommended by the Convention on Biological Diversity and thus they likely require prompt prioritization and intervention. The method proposed can support ongoing monitoring and prioritization of land units for conservation. Its simplicity and flexibility mean it can be easily adopted for different areas and adjusted to local priorities.
    Citation

    Ondei, S., Brook, B. W., & Buettel, J. C. (2019). A flexible tool to prioritize areas for conservation combining landscape units, measures of biodiversity, and threats. Ecosphere, 10(9). https://doi.org/10.1002/ecs2.2859

  4. Cuckston, T. (2019). Seeking an ecologically defensible calculation of net loss/gain of biodiversity. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 32(5), 1358–1383. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-01-2018-3339

    Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal
    AAAJ
    Abstract

    Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explain how proponents of biodiversity offsetting have sought to produce an ecologically defensible mechanism for reconciling economic development and biodiversity conservation. Design/methodology/approach – The paper analyses a case study biodiversity offsetting mechanism in New South Wales‚ Australia. Michel Callon’s framing and overflowing metaphor is used to explain how accounting devices are brought into the mechanism‚ to (re)frame a space of calculability and address anxieties expressed by conservationists about calculations of net loss/gain of biodiversity.
    Citation

    Cuckston, T. (2019). Seeking an ecologically defensible calculation of net loss/gain of biodiversity. Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, 32(5), 1358–1383. https://doi.org/10.1108/AAAJ-01-2018-3339

  5. Green, L., Weech, M.-H., Drinkwater, R., & Wajer, J. (2019). Digitisation at Three UK Herbaria Contributes Towards Food Security and Sustainable Timber Use. Biodiversity Information Science and Standards. https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.3.37092
    Place: Sofia, Bulgaria
    Publisher: Pensoft Publishers

    Biodiversity Information Science and Standards
    Abstract

    The digitisation of herbarium collections has shown to provide a growing resource in conservation science. Mobilising the data on portals such as GBIF allows researchers to access key taxonomic‚ habitat and geographical data that would otherwise be unavailable unless institutions are physically visited. These data are used notably in conservation assessments‚ distribution studies and publication of new species (Canteiro et al. 2019). The herbarium specimens held in Royal Botanic Gardens Kew‚ Natural History Museum‚ London‚ and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh are an unparalleled resource‚ estimated to hold representatives of around 85% of known plant species. By working collectively for the first time on a non-type material digitisation project‚ the three institutions collaborated to generate data for the subtribe Phaseolinae and rosewoods totalling 37‚000 legume specimens. This pilot project was made possible through Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)-allocated‚ Official Development Assistance (ODA) funding. This aid money is distributed by the UK government in its “global efforts to defeat poverty‚ tackle instability and create prosperity in developing countries”. This project focused on two case-studies: Study i. Supporting development of dry beans as a sustainable and resilient crop. Beans from the subtribe Phaseolinae‚ including cowpeas‚ lablab and wild beans‚ are extremely tolerant of poor-quality soils and drought. As a consequence they are particularly suitable for the low-input agricultural production systems. An estimated 14.5 million hectares of land is used for planting of cowpea each year with around 80% of that in Development Assistance Committee countries in sub Saharan Africa. Study ii. Aiding conservation and sustainable use of rosewoods and padauk (Dalbergia L.f. and Pterocarpus Jacq.). Dalbergia is distributed throughout tropical Asia‚ Africa and the Americas with many species being regionally endemic. Species also vary in habit from shrubs and trees to robust lianas. Pterocarpus is also pantropically distributed in a wide variety of habitats. However‚ suitable habitat across the natural range of these genera is now limited for many species due to a range of threats‚ namely deforestation‚ forest conversion for agriculture/human development‚ and logging. The timber from many species of Dalbergia and Pterocarpus has long been prized for its high-quality wood used for construction‚ fine furniture‚ cabinet work‚ marquetry and inlay‚ ethnic carvings‚ pianos‚ guitars and other musical instruments. All Dalbergia and most of the timber species of Pterocarpus are now listed on the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) Appendix II and the Brazilian D. nigra is listed on Appendix I. There is a huge illegal trade in these genera and serial depletion across the globe is a real and substantial risk to their survival (Winfield et al. 2016). This project used novel high-throughput methodologies and acted as a pilot study for future collaborative mass digitisation efforts. Specimens were taken from the collections‚ barcoded and minimal data fields captured‚ before high resolution images were created and the specimens returned. A subset of these was further subjected to full or partial label transcription via the use of the Atlas of Living Australia’s DigiVol crowdsourcing platform or via in-house data capture. The resulting datasets will be made available via GBIF and partner sites and will be used to perform gap analyses on the collections across the institutions. We will examine the benefits of combined institutional data for these groups‚ assess how many species are represented in total and the geographic coverage of these collections. Use of the data will be measured by the number of downloads from GBIF and observing in-house use cases. Two research projects have just begun within Kew‚ using the data gathered for Pterocarpus and Lablab Adans.‚ georeferencing for which is already underway and will contribute to conservation assessments and other measurable outputs. A data paper is planned which will also assist with tracking future use of the data set and help demonstrate the impact of the digitisation.
    Citation

    Green, L., Weech, M.-H., Drinkwater, R., & Wajer, J. (2019). Digitisation at Three UK Herbaria Contributes Towards Food Security and Sustainable Timber Use. Biodiversity Information Science and Standards. https://doi.org/10.3897/biss.3.37092

  6. Murray, K. D. (2019). New Computational Methods and Plant Models for Evolutionary Genomics [Ph.D., The Australian National University (Australia)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2371146606/abstract/3EBD7F87EFEB4EA2PQ/1
    ISBN: 9781392662267

    Abstract

    This thesis is in the service of a greater understanding of the genetic basis of adaptive traits. Chapter 1 introduces background literature relevant to this thesis. Chapters 2‚ 3‚ and 4 develop novel methods and software for the analysis of genetic sequencing data. Chapter 5 details a large collaborative project to establish genetic resources in the model cereal Brachypodium‚ and perform a genome-wide association study for several agriculturally-relevant traits under two climate change scenarios. Chapter 6 investigates the spatial genetic patterns in two species of woodland eucalypt‚ and determines the landscape process that could be driving these patterns. Finally‚ Chapter 7 summarises these works‚ and proposes some areas of further study. In Chapters 2 and 3‚ I develop methods that enable analysis of Genotyping-by-sequencing analysis. Axe‚ a short read sequence demultiplexer‚ demultiplexes samples from multiplexed GBS sequencing datasets. I show Axe has high accuracy‚ and outperforms previously published software. Axe also tolerates complex indexing schemes such as the variable-length combinatorial indexes used in GBS data. Trimit and libqcpp (Chapter 3) implements several low-level sequence read quality assessment and control methods as a C++ library‚ and as a command line tool. Both these works have been published in peer-reviewed journals‚ and are used by numerous groups internationally. In Chapter 4‚ I develop kWIP‚ a de novo estimator of genetic distance. kWIP enables rapid estimation of genetic distances directly from sequence reads. We first show kWIP outperforms a competing method at low coverage using simulations that mimic a population resequencing experiment. We propose and demonstrate several use cases for kWIP‚ including population resequencing‚ initial assessment of sample identity‚ and estimating metagenomic similarity. kWIP was published in PLoS Computational Biology. In Chapter 5‚ I present the results of a large‚ collaborative project which surveys the global genetic diversity of the model cereal Brachypodium. We amass a collection of over 2000 accessions from the Brachypodium species complex. Using GBS and whole genome sequencing we identify around 800 accessions of the diploid Brachypodium distachyon‚ within which we find extensive population structure and clonal families. Through population restructuring we create a core collection of 74 accessions containing the majority of genetic diversity in the "A genome" sub-population. Using this core collection‚ we assay several phenotypes of agricultural interest including early vigour‚ harvest index and energy use efficiency under two climates‚ and dissect the genetic basis of these traits using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). This work has been accepted for publication at Genetics; I am co-first author with Pip Wilson and Jared Streich‚ having lead many genomic analyses. In Chapter 6‚ I perform a study of landscape genomic variation in two woodland eucalypt species. Using whole genome sequencing of around 200 individuals from around 20 localities of both E. albens and E. sideroxylon‚ I find incredible genetic diversity and low genome-wide inter-species differentiation.I find no support for strong discrete population structure‚ but strong support for isolation by (geographic) distance (IBD). Using generalised dissimilarity modelling‚ I further examine the pattern of IBD‚ and establish additional isolation by environment (IBE). E. albens shows moderately strong IBD‚ explaining 26% of deviance in genetic distance using geographic distance‚ and an additional 6% deviance explained by incorporating environmental predictors (IBE). E. sideroxylon shows much stronger IBD‚ with 78% of deviance explained by geography‚ and stronger IBE (12% additional deviance explained). This work will soon be submitted for publication.
    Citation

    Murray, K. D. (2019). New Computational Methods and Plant Models for Evolutionary Genomics [Ph.D., The Australian National University (Australia)]. https://www.proquest.com/docview/2371146606/abstract/3EBD7F87EFEB4EA2PQ/1

  7. Haerani, H. (2019). Remote Sensing of Peanut Cropping Areas and Modelling of their Future Geographic Distribution and Disease Risks [University of Southern Queensland]. https://eprints.usq.edu.au/39929/

    Abstract

    Peanut or groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L)‚ one of the most important oil seed
    crops‚ faces several challenges due to climate change. The unfavourable climate in Australia‚ as a result of high climate variability‚ could easily affect peanut
    production. For example‚ the incidence of drought stress will increase the likelihood
    of one of the major problems in the peanut industry‚ i.e. aflatoxin. In addition‚ if the
    climate changes as projected‚ shifts in geographic distribution of peanut crops and the associated diseases are inevitable. In view of these concerns‚ this study set the following objectives: 1) to assess the effectiveness of PROBA-V imagery in
    mapping peanut crops; 2) to study the effects of climate change on the future
    geographic distribution of peanut crops in Australia; and 3) to examine the effects
    of climate change on the future distribution of aflatoxin in peanut crops‚ and to locate high risk areas of aflatoxin in the future areas of peanut crop production. In this study‚ the area of peanut crop mapping was the South Burnett region in Queensland‚ while the area of future geographic distribution of peanut crops and aflatoxin covered the entire continent of Australia. To address the first objective‚ the peanut crop areas were mapped using timeseries PROBA-V NDVI by stacking time-series imagery and generating the phenological parameter imagery. Three classification algorithms were used: maximum likelihood classification (MLC)‚ spectral angle mapper (SAM)‚ and minimum distance classification (Min). The results reveal that the overall accuracy of mapping using time-series imagery outweighed phenological parameter imagery‚ although both datasets performed very well in mapping peanut crops. MLC application in the time-series imagery dataset produced the best result‚ i.e. overall accuracy of 92.75%‚ with producer and user accuracy of each class ≥ 78.79%. Specifically for peanut crops‚ all the algorithms tested produced satisfactory results (≥75.95% of producer and user accuracy)‚ except for the producer accuracy of Min algorithm. Overall‚ PROBA-V imagery can provide satisfactory results in mapping
    peanut crops in the study area.
    For the second objective‚ the effects of climate change in the potential future
    geographic distribution of peanut crops in Australia for 2030‚ 2050‚ 2070‚ and 2100
    were studied using the CLIMEX program (a Species Distribution Model) under Global Climate Models (GCMs) of CSIRO-Mk3.0 and MIROC-H. The results show an increase in unsuitable areas for peanut cultivation in Australia throughout
    the projection years for the two GCMs. However‚ the CSIRO-Mk3 projection of
    unsuitable areas for 2100 was higher (76% of Australian land) than MIROC-H
    projection (48% of Australian land). Both GCMs agreed that some current peanut
    cultivation areas will become unsuitable in the future‚ while only limited areas will
    still remain suitable for peanut cultivation. The present study confirms the effects
    of climate change on the suitability of peanut growing areas in the future.
    In the third objective‚ the impacts of climate change on future aflatoxin
    distribution in Australia and the high risk areas of aflatoxin incidence in the
    projected future distribution of peanut crops were examined. The projected future
    distribution of aflatoxin for 2030‚ 2050‚ 2070‚ and 2100 was also modelled using
    CLIMEX under CSIRO-Mk3.0 and MIROC-H GCMs. The results demonstrated
    that only a small portion of the Australian continent will be optimal/suitable for
    aflatoxin persistence‚ due to the incidence of heat and dry stresses. The map overlay
    results between the future projections of aflatoxin and peanut crops resulted in small areas of low aflatoxin risk in the future projected areas of peanut crops. It is projected that most of the current peanut cultivation areas will have a high aflatoxin risk‚ while others will no longer be favourable for peanut cultivation in the future. This study has clearly demonstrated the ability of PROBA-V satellite imagery in mapping peanut crops. It has also demonstrated that climate change incidence will affect the suitability areas of future geographical distribution of peanut crops and the associated aflatoxin disease. This study provides strategic information on current peanut growing areas‚ future suitable areas for peanut crops in Australia‚ and future high risk areas of aflatoxin incidence. This information will provide valuable contributions to the long-term planning of peanut cultivation in the
    country.
    Citation

    Haerani, H. (2019). Remote Sensing of Peanut Cropping Areas and Modelling of their Future Geographic Distribution and Disease Risks [University of Southern Queensland]. https://eprints.usq.edu.au/39929/

  8. Threatened Species of Greater Melbourne. (2019). Greater Melbourne Chapter.
    https://scbgreatermelbourne.wordpress.com/threatenedspecies/

    Abstract

    Threatened species of Greater Melbourne Think you need to travel to the outback to see threatened species? Think again! We’ve compiled a list of the threatened plants and animals that you mig…
    Citation

    Threatened Species of Greater Melbourne. (2019). Greater Melbourne Chapter.

  9. Huddy, N. (2019). Paradise Palms - Submission against development. Planz Town Planning.
    https://www.saveparadisepalms.com.au/files/media/Paradise%20Palms%20-%20Submission%20against%20development%202%20Dec%202019%20w%20attachment%20....pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Huddy, N. (2019). Paradise Palms - Submission against development. Planz Town Planning.

  10. Lubanga, U., Mills, P., & Lefoe, G. (2019). Proposed prey test list for assessing the risk of biological control agents for giant pine scale Marchalina hellenica. Agriculture Victoria.
    https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/marchalina-hellenica.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Lubanga, U., Mills, P., & Lefoe, G. (2019). Proposed prey test list for assessing the risk of biological control agents for giant pine scale Marchalina hellenica. Agriculture Victoria.

  11. Dale, S., Buchanski, N., & Patterson, N. (2019). Australia Pacific LNG - Preliminary documentation for the Alfredson Development (No. Q-4530-15-RP-0002; p. 98).
    -

    Abstract

    In 2009‚ the Australia Pacific LNG Pty Limited (Australia Pacific LNG) Project was referred to the Department of Energy and Environment (DoEE) pursuant to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) (EPBC2009/4974) and was subsequently determined to be a controlled action for which an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was required under the State Development and Public Works Organisation Act 1971. The Australia Pacific LNG Project was approved in 2011‚ and authorised the development of 10‚000 wells in the Surat Basin to provide coal seam gas (CSG) to the Australia Pacific LNG liquified natural gas (LNG) plant at Gladstone for export. The Australia Pacific LNG Project includes the Condabri Development Area which is comprised of current petroleum leases (PLs) 267‚ PL265‚ PL266 and the northern part of PL1011. Further development is now proposed on the southern part of PL1011‚ which lies outside of the previously authorised Australia Pacific LNG Project area. The southern part of PL1011‚ known of the Alfredson Block (the Project)‚ is the subject of this assessment.
    Citation

    Dale, S., Buchanski, N., & Patterson, N. (2019). Australia Pacific LNG - Preliminary documentation for the Alfredson Development (No. Q-4530-15-RP-0002; p. 98).

  12. Sadlier, R. A., Colgan, D. J., Beatson, C. A., & Cogger, H. G. (2019). Ctenophorus spinodomus sp. nov., a new species of dragon lizard (Squamata: Agamidae) from Triodia Mallee habitat of southeast Australia. Records of the Australian Museum, 71(5), 199–215. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.71.2019.1700

    Records of the Australian Museum
    Abstract

    New southeast Australian dragon lizard
    Citation

    Sadlier, R. A., Colgan, D. J., Beatson, C. A., & Cogger, H. G. (2019). Ctenophorus spinodomus sp. nov., a new species of dragon lizard (Squamata: Agamidae) from Triodia Mallee habitat of southeast Australia. Records of the Australian Museum, 71(5), 199–215. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.71.2019.1700

  13. Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Cremona, T., & Carthew, S. M. (2019). Contrasting patterns of decline in two arboreal marsupials from Northern Australia. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01807-7

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    Abstract

    Widespread declines of small- to medium-sized‚ semi-arboreal mammals in the drier regions of Northern Australia are of global concern. These declines have been variously attributed to either disruption of available resources or increased predation pressure. We aimed to clarify causes of mammal decline in Northern Australia using a comparative methods approach‚ examining historical changes in the distribution of two arboreal mammals‚ the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) and the savanna glider (Petaurus ariel)‚ and model drivers of their current abundance. We used single-season occupancy models to describe changes in the geographic range of P. ariel and T. vulpecula based on multiple-source occurrence data‚ from before and after 1993. We conducted spotlighting surveys in 2016 across the mesic savannas of the Northern Territory to identify environmental correlates of the current abundance of each species. Our results show that‚ within northwestern Australia‚ the geographic range (area where the probability of occupancy was ≥ 5%) has declined by 72% for T. vulpecula and 35% for P. ariel‚ between the historical and contemporary periods (before and after 1993‚ respectively). The abundance of each species varied substantially across the study area‚ but high T. vulpecula abundance was associated with high shrub density. We propose that areas with high shrub density are providing refuge for T. vulpecula‚ due to an increase in protection from predation by feral cats (Felis catus). Regardless of the driver‚ conservation management within Northern Australia should concentrate efforts on maintaining or increasing shrub abundance in tropical savannas. Our findings should also be viewed as an indicator of early stages of P. ariel decline and prompt targeted monitoring efforts.
    Citation

    Stobo-Wilson, A. M., Murphy, B. P., Cremona, T., & Carthew, S. M. (2019). Contrasting patterns of decline in two arboreal marsupials from Northern Australia. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01807-7

  14. Nge, F. J., Ranathunge, K., Kotula, L., Cawthray, G. R., & Lambers, H. (2019). Strong host specificity of a root hemi-parasite (Santalum acuminatum) limits its local distribution: beggars can be choosers. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-03966-6

    Plant and Soil
    Abstract

    AimsSantalum acuminatum (quandong) is a root hemi-parasite with a very wide distribution across southern Australia. Despite its very wide distribution‚ along the Jurien Bay chronosequence‚ it only occurs on the young Quindalup dunes‚ and it is absent on older dunes. The soils and local vegetation community change across the 10 km chronosequence‚ with higher species diversity correlated with lower soil phosphorus (P) levels. Here‚ we aimed to test whether the distribution of quandong on the dune systems can be explained by different neighbours (potential hosts) or different soil P concentrations across the chronosequence.MethodsQuandongs were grown in pots with 18 potential hosts for a year at three P levels‚ reflecting conditions across the chronosequence. Hemi-parasite growth and neighbour response were measured through the assessment of biomass‚ root mass ratios‚ haustorial size and frequency‚ δ15N and δ13C isotope signatures‚ as well as amino acid composition of xylem sap.ResultsEffects of neighbour species on the growth of quandongs were stronger when they were paired with Acacia saligna than when grown with other legumes and non-legumes‚ indicating strong host specificity. Quandong growth with all other species was significantly less than when grown with A. saligna or without a host‚ indicating strong competition with a conspecific neighbour. Soil P concentration had little effect on quandong growth.ConclusionHost specificity and competition from non-hosts comprise main drivers for the distribution of quandong across the Jurien Bay chronosequence‚ rather than soil P availability. Our results show the importance of host specificity and how it may restrict the distribution of hemi-parasitic plants in different plant communities along a steep ecological gradient.
    Citation

    Nge, F. J., Ranathunge, K., Kotula, L., Cawthray, G. R., & Lambers, H. (2019). Strong host specificity of a root hemi-parasite (Santalum acuminatum) limits its local distribution: beggars can be choosers. Plant and Soil. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-03966-6

  15. Lettoof, D., von Takach, B., Bateman, P. W., Gagnon, M. M., & Aubret, F. (2019). Investigating the role of urbanisation, wetlands and climatic conditions in nematode parasitism in a large Australian elapid snake. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.11.006

    International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife
    Abstract

    Tiger snakes (Notechis scutatus) in wetlands of South-West Western Australia (SW WA) are commonly parasitised by the nematode Ophidascaris pyrrhus. Host-parasite interactions are complex and can potentially be impacted by factors such as urbanisation or climate. We assessed whether urbanisation‚ distance to wetland sites‚ and climatic factors have influenced parasitism in tiger snakes from specimens collected over the last century. We dissected 91 museum specimens of tiger snakes across SW WA and counted gastrointestinal nematodes. Binomial generalised linear modelling‚ with presence/absence of nematodes as a response variable‚ was used to determine which factors were driving infection. Model selection using AICc values showed that proximity to wetlands‚ rainfall and topographic wetness were most strongly associated with the probability of infection of snakes by nematodes. We also found a slight positive correlation between nematode abundance and annual mean maximum temperature. We found no significant influence of distance to urban centre on nematode burdens; however‚ our results suggest that water-related variables are a key driver of nematode parasitism in tiger snakes in SW WA. We also suggest that urbanisation is still of interest as its role in wetland and climate modification may increase parasitism in wetland snakes.
    Citation

    Lettoof, D., von Takach, B., Bateman, P. W., Gagnon, M. M., & Aubret, F. (2019). Investigating the role of urbanisation, wetlands and climatic conditions in nematode parasitism in a large Australian elapid snake. International Journal for Parasitology: Parasites and Wildlife. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijppaw.2019.11.006

  16. Murray, K. D., Janes, J. K., Jones, A., Bothwell, H. M., Andrew, R. L., & Borevitz, J. O. (2019). Landscape drivers of genomic diversity and divergence in woodland Eucalyptus. Molecular Ecology, 28(24), 5232–5247. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15287

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Spatial genetic patterns are influenced by numerous factors‚ and they can vary even among coexisting‚ closely related species due to differences in dispersal and selection. Eucalyptus (L’Héritier 1789; the “eucalypts”) are foundation tree species that provide essential habitat and modulate ecosystem services throughout Australia. Here we present a study of landscape genomic variation in two woodland eucalypt species‚ using whole-genome sequencing of 388 individuals of Eucalyptus albens and Eucalyptus sideroxylon. We found exceptionally high genetic diversity (π ≈ 0.05) and low genome-wide‚ interspecific differentiation (FST = 0.15) and intraspecific differentiation between localities (FST ≈ 0.01–0.02). We found no support for strong‚ discrete population structure‚ but found substantial support for isolation by geographic distance (IBD) in both species. Using generalized dissimilarity modelling‚ we identified additional isolation by environment (IBE). Eucalyptus albens showed moderate IBD‚ and environmental variables have a small but significant amount of additional predictive power (i.e. IBE). Eucalyptus sideroxylon showed much stronger IBD and moderate IBE. These results highlight the vast adaptive potential of these species and set the stage for testing evolutionary hypotheses of interspecific adaptive differentiation across environments.
    Citation

    Murray, K. D., Janes, J. K., Jones, A., Bothwell, H. M., Andrew, R. L., & Borevitz, J. O. (2019). Landscape drivers of genomic diversity and divergence in woodland Eucalyptus. Molecular Ecology, 28(24), 5232–5247. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.15287

  17. Kireta, D., Christmas, M. J., Lowe, A. J., & Breed, M. F. (2019). Disentangling the evolutionary history of three related shrub species using genome-wide molecular markers. Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-019-01197-x

    Conservation Genetics
    Abstract

    Understanding population genetic structure provides insight into historic population connectivity‚ and is largely driven by migration‚ population size‚ and species life history. During the last glacial maximum‚ sea levels around the biogeographically interesting‚ but poorly studied‚ South Australian coastal plains and geosyncline were thought to be sufficiently low that three prominent peninsulas (Fleurieu‚ Yorke‚ Eyre) and a large offshore island (Kangaroo Island) formed a continuous landmass. However‚ the degree to which population genetic structure in this region has been shaped by biogeography remains largely untested. Here‚ we use genome-wide SNP data from three Goodenia shrub species with contrasting growth forms to assess how historical and contemporary processes have shaped population genetic structure. These species occur commonly throughout South Australia and are used extensively in revegetation. The two woody species (Goodenia varia‚ G. ovata) displayed low genetic differentiation across the southern parts of the peninsulas and island‚ reflecting historical landscape connectivity. The third more-herbaceous species (G. amplexans) displayed higher genetic structure across the land features‚ reflecting contemporary disconnectivity. Kangaroo Island and the southern Flinders Ranges had relatively high genetic diversity‚ providing further evidence that they were important putative Pleistocene refugia. We demonstrate that historic changes in landscape and possible migration to and from refugia‚ have shaped the population genetic structure in these closely related shrubs‚ which may have been influenced by contemporary factors and small population sizes. We highlight the importance of using multi-species designs when studying historical population connectivity in understudied regions of the world.
    Citation

    Kireta, D., Christmas, M. J., Lowe, A. J., & Breed, M. F. (2019). Disentangling the evolutionary history of three related shrub species using genome-wide molecular markers. Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-019-01197-x

  18. Faddy, H. M., Rooks, K. M., Irwin, P. J., Viennet, E., Paparini, A., Seed, C. R., Stramer, S. L., Harley, R. J., Chan, H. T., Dennington, P. M., & Flower, R. L. P. (2019). No evidence for widespread Babesia microti transmission in Australia. Transfusion. https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.15336

    Transfusion
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND A fatal case of autochthonous Babesia microti infection was reported in Australia in 2012. This has implications for Australian public health and‚ given that babesiosis is transfusion transmissible‚ has possible implications for Australian blood transfusion recipients. We investigated the seroprevalence of antibodies to B. microti in Australian blood donors and in patients with clinically suspected babesiosis. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS Plasma samples (n = 7‚000) from donors donating in at-risk areas and clinical specimens from patients with clinically suspected babesiosis (n = 29) were tested for B. microti IgG by immunofluorescence assay (IFA). IFA initially reactive samples were tested for B. microti IgG and IgM by immunoblot and B. microti DNA by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Although five donors were initially reactive for B. microti IgG by IFA‚ none was confirmed for B. microti IgG (zero estimate; 95% confidence interval‚ 0%–0.05%) and all were negative for B. microti DNA. None of the patient samples had B. microti IgG‚ IgM‚ or DNA. CONCLUSIONS This study does not provide evidence for widespread exposure to B. microti in Australian blood donors at local theoretical risk‚ nor does it provide evidence of B. microti infection in Australian patients with clinically suspected babesiosis. Given that confirmed evidence of previous exposure to B. microti was not seen‚ these data suggest that transmission of this pathogen is currently uncommon in Australia and unlikely to pose a risk to transfusion safety at present.
    Citation

    Faddy, H. M., Rooks, K. M., Irwin, P. J., Viennet, E., Paparini, A., Seed, C. R., Stramer, S. L., Harley, R. J., Chan, H. T., Dennington, P. M., & Flower, R. L. P. (2019). No evidence for widespread Babesia microti transmission in Australia. Transfusion. https://doi.org/10.1111/trf.15336

  19. Neal, W. C., James, E. A., & Bayly, M. J. (2019). Phylogeography, classification and conservation of pink zieria (Zieria veronicea; Rutaceae): influence of changes in climate, geology and sea level in south-eastern Australia. Plant Systematics and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-019-01589-z

    Plant Systematics and Evolution
    Abstract

    We assessed genetic variation in the Australian shrub Zieria veronicea across its current distribution and used environmental niche modelling to predict its distribution at the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The species range‚ from Kangaroo Island in South Australia to northern Tasmania‚ includes substantial overland and marine disjunctions of up to \textasciitilde 500 km. By inferring historical patterns of connectivity and genetic differentiation from DNA sequences and AFLP data‚ we aimed to provide new insight into the history of the species-rich sclerophyll vegetation in south-eastern Australia. Genetic differentiation of populations was not correlated with the size of geographic disjunctions. The deepest genetic divergence was between populations on Kangaroo Island and the adjacent mainland‚ separated by a strait only 13 km wide. Populations in western Victoria and Tasmania‚ separated by the 300 km of Bass Strait‚ showed the lowest genetic differentiation. This pattern is consistent with dispersal of Z. veronicea into Tasmania‚ across the Bassian Plain‚ possibly as recently as the LGM‚ in line with inferred distribution at that time. Genetic patterns‚ soil ages and niche models support Quaternary colonisation of the lower Murray Basin‚ potentially from eastern South Australia. The history of a large (500 km) disjunction between populations in western and eastern Victoria is unclear; historical connectivity of populations through suitable habitats is assumed‚ but the timing and location of connections are not clear. Genetic data support the current recognition of two subspecies and their treatment as distinct entities under conservation legislation.
    Citation

    Neal, W. C., James, E. A., & Bayly, M. J. (2019). Phylogeography, classification and conservation of pink zieria (Zieria veronicea; Rutaceae): influence of changes in climate, geology and sea level in south-eastern Australia. Plant Systematics and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00606-019-01589-z

  20. Farquhar, J. E. (2019). Range extension of the Triodia Earless Skink Hemiergis millewae, and first record in New South Wales. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2019.022

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    A specimen of the Triodia Earless Skink Hemiergis millewae was discovered on the Barrier Range of far-western New South Wales (NSW). This observation is significant because it constitutes the first record of the species in NSW and the Broken Hill Complex bioregion‚ extending the species’ range 140 km north-east of the nearest known population in South Australia. Suitable spinifex habitat for H. millewae is highly isolated and small in extent on the Barrier Range‚ and the species may qualify for listing as a threatened species in NSW. I discuss the cause of apparent disjunctions in the species’ distribution and highlight the need for additional survey effort.
    Citation

    Farquhar, J. E. (2019). Range extension of the Triodia Earless Skink Hemiergis millewae, and first record in New South Wales. Australian Zoologist. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2019.022

  21. Crowley, G. M., & Preece, N. D. (2019). Does extreme flooding drive vegetation and faunal composition across the Gulf Plains of north-eastern Australia? Austral Ecology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12803

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    High levels of sub-speciation in Australian mesic zone taxa have been attributed to the creation of biogeographic barriers by Pleistocene expansion of the arid zone. However‚ several of these barriers also align with major floodplains. The Carpentarian Barrier in the Gulf Plains (GUP) – one of Australia’s most significant biogeographic barriers – experiences extreme floods on a sub-decadal timescale. These floods rise suddenly‚ cover thousands of square kilometres to a depth of several metres and can take weeks to subside. We investigated whether these floods have shaped community composition. If this is the case‚ species that are particularly vulnerable to extreme flooding – understorey animals and woody plants‚ particularly shrubs – should be under-represented‚ and grasslands should be over-represented on GUP floodplains. We used Akaike selection of logistic models to assess influence of floodplains and other potential drivers on grassland distribution and shrub abundance‚ and on representation of understorey fauna. We also compared post-flood faunal records with the bioregional data set to assess influence of the 2009 flood on representation of understorey reptiles. Grasslands and shrub-free vegetation were significantly over-represented and understorey fauna significantly under-represented on floodplains‚ even when the influences of other factors were taken into account. Understorey Gekkota were absent from – and understorey skinks under-represented in – recently flooded areas. Hence‚ floods appear to have shaped community composition on GUP floodplains by selectively displacing and/or destroying woody plants – particularly shrubs – and understorey animals. Our findings demonstrate association rather than causality‚ but show that further examination of the ecological and biogeographic impacts of extreme flooding is warranted. Influence of floods on the Australian biota should be considered an ongoing ecological and evolutionary driver‚ and one that is likely to intensify as extreme floods are expected to become more frequent under climate change.
    Citation

    Crowley, G. M., & Preece, N. D. (2019). Does extreme flooding drive vegetation and faunal composition across the Gulf Plains of north-eastern Australia? Austral Ecology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12803

  22. Filer, A., Beyer, H. L., Meyer, E., & Rensburg, B. J. V. (2019). Distribution mapping of specialized amphibian species in rare, ephemeral habitats: Implications for the conservation of threatened “acid” frogs in south-east Queensland. Conservation Science and Practice, e143. doi.org/10.14264/uql.2019.784. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.143

    Conservation Science and Practice
    Abstract

    The acid frogs of eastern Australia are a highly specialized group of threatened species endemic to acidic coastal wetlands of southern Queensland and New South Wales. The distribution of these species overlaps with areas of increasing development where land-use intensification poses a significant threat. Successful conservation of these species requires that areas of high conservation value for acid frogs are properly identified and protected‚ particularly in south-east Queensland which supports important populations of all four acid frog species: Litoria olongburensis‚ Litoria freycineti‚ Crinia tinnula‚ and the Queensland-endemic Litoria cooloolensis. Species distribution modeling using rigorously vetted species occurrence data was used to identify areas of potential acid frog habitat with >89% predictive power for all species. Key predictor variables for acid frog species occurrence included: soil sandiness‚ vegetation‚ presence and/or type of wetland‚ and soil clay content. All species’ predicted distributions occurred primarily in coastal regions‚ overlapping with densely human-populated areas. Our modeling and analysis of species’ distributions highlight local government areas where protection of wallum habitat is most important for the conservation of acid frogs‚ as well as areas of higher conservation value providing habitat for multiple acid frog species.
    Citation

    Filer, A., Beyer, H. L., Meyer, E., & Rensburg, B. J. V. (2019). Distribution mapping of specialized amphibian species in rare, ephemeral habitats: Implications for the conservation of threatened “acid” frogs in south-east Queensland. Conservation Science and Practice, e143. doi.org/10.14264/uql.2019.784. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.143

  23. Grealy, A., McDowell, M., Retallick, C., Bunce, M., & Peacock, D. (2019). Novel mitochondrial haplotype of spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) present on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) prior to extirpation. Holocene, 0959683619875805. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683619875805

    Holocene
    Holocene
    Abstract

    Spotted-tailed quolls (Dasyurus maculatus) – cat-sized‚ carnivorous marsupials – occupied Kangaroo Island (KI)‚ South Australia‚ for over 50‚000 years but became locally extinct following European settlement of the island in 1836. As the largest mammalian predator on KI when the Europeans colonised it‚ spotted-tailed quolls would have played a significant role in maintaining healthy ecosystem function. The reintroduction of spotted-tailed quolls to KI could redress some of these ecological benefits and would establish a refuge population of the species‚ which is considered endangered by the Australian government. However‚ before a reintroduction could be considered‚ the genetic relationship between KI’s spotted-tailed quolls and the currently recognised extant subspecies needs to be established. While subspecies are difficult to differentiate by skeletal morphology‚ they are genetically distinct. Here‚ we extracted ancient DNA from five left dentaries excavated from Kelly Hill Cave (KI) that were morphologically identified as D. maculatus. Following genetic confirmation of these identifications‚ we sequenced a 450-bp region of the mitochondrial D-loop to determine the subspecific genetic affiliation(s) of KI’s D. maculatus‚ and therefore the subspecies that may be the most appropriate candidate for reintroduction. We find that all five specimens are most closely related to the Tasmanian subspecies‚ but form a distinct monophyletic clade that may represent a new subspecies. Further research (including genotyping spotted-tailed quoll specimens from mainland South Australia and Western Victoria) is required before decisions are made regarding the sourcing of individuals for reintroduction to KI.
    Citation

    Grealy, A., McDowell, M., Retallick, C., Bunce, M., & Peacock, D. (2019). Novel mitochondrial haplotype of spotted-tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus) present on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) prior to extirpation. Holocene, 0959683619875805. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683619875805

  24. Bowman, D. M. J., Bliss, A., Bowman, J. W., & Prior, L. D. (2019). Fire caused demographic attrition of the Tasmanian palaeoendemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12789

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    The temperate island of Tasmania is a global centre of plant endemism‚ with relictual lineages that persist in topographically rugged‚ wet and cool refugia. An iconic example of these palaeoendemic plants is the slow-growing conifer‚ Athrotaxis cupressoides D. Don (Cupressaceae). The geographic range of A. cupressoides has shrunk since European settlement because of destructive anthropogenic fires. Inscription of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area in 1982 provided formal protection for Tasmania’s palaeoendemic taxa‚ but they remain vulnerable to lightning-ignited landscape fires‚ which are becoming more frequent due to climate change. We surveyed stands across the species’ range and found that stands damaged by fires in the 20th century had higher grass cover and were more exposed to hot northerly winds than unburnt stands. A recruitment bottleneck was evident‚ with juveniles absent in 28% of unburnt and 47% of burnt transects. Transects on small islands in lakes had lower herbivore densities and less evidence of fire than comparable mainland transects. However‚ the island transects had lower densities of A. cupressoides seedlings and saplings‚ despite similar densities of adult trees‚ suggesting factors other than fire and herbivory contribute to the poor regeneration. We also studied the effects of a lightning fire in 2016‚ finding it killed 68% of stems overall‚ with stems less than 30 cm diameter and those scarred by previous fires more likely to die. These findings of high adult mortality and poor regeneration following fire suggest that the geographic range of A. cupressoides will contract due to the increasing frequency of lightning-ignited fires. Management responses to the increasing risk of landscape fires now include establishment of seed banks‚ restoration planting and use of irrigation to protect stands from active fires‚ in addition to rapid suppression of ignitions and targeted planned burning to reduce fuel loads in surrounding flammable vegetation.
    Citation

    Bowman, D. M. J., Bliss, A., Bowman, J. W., & Prior, L. D. (2019). Fire caused demographic attrition of the Tasmanian palaeoendemic conifer Athrotaxis cupressoides. Austral Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12789

  25. Berris, K. K., Cooper, S. J. B., Breed, W. G., & Carthew, S. M. (2019). Timing of breeding and female fecundity of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the temperate zone of South Australia: implications for translocations of a previously widespread species. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18159

    Wildlife Research
    Abstract

    Context Many of Australia’s threatened mammals were once widespread across the continent and present in both arid‚ semiarid and temperate habitats. However‚ data on breeding biology can be lacking for some climatic regions due to local extinctions of populations. The breeding biology of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) has previously only been studied in captive colonies or free-ranging arid zone populations. Between 1997 and 2005‚ captive-bred bilbies were released at two sites in temperate South Australia. These populations provided an opportunity to determine whether bilbies adopt a seasonal reproductive strategy in the temperate zone‚ where this species has not been present since the early 1900s. Aims To determine the season of births‚ litter size and female reproductive potential in two free-ranging populations of the bilby in the temperate zone of South Australia. Methods Bilbies were regularly cage-trapped at Venus Bay Conservation Park and Thistle Island between August 2007 and April 2010 to obtain data on reproductive activity in both populations. Key results Births of pouch young in both populations occurred in winter (June–August)‚ spring and early summer‚ but not between February and mid-May. Males had a significantly smaller mean testes size relative to head length in late summer‚ when breeding activity ceased. Average litter size at pouch emergence was between 1.00 and 1.47 pouch young‚ with females producing up to three litters per annum. The mean head length of females that successfully raised twins was significantly larger than that of females who raised a single pouch young. Conclusions The seasonal breeding pattern observed in the present study differs from that of year-round reproductive activity in captivity and the arid zone. The present study suggests that female body size influences fecundity‚ and that releasing large females at the start of the breeding season in temperate areas may maximise the initial rate of increase of a translocated bilby population. Implications The present study suggests previously widespread species such as the bilby can adapt their reproductive strategy to suit local conditions. Cessation of breeding in autumn‚ as observed in this study‚ has also been observed in other bandicoot species in southern Australia.
    Citation

    Berris, K. K., Cooper, S. J. B., Breed, W. G., & Carthew, S. M. (2019). Timing of breeding and female fecundity of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) in the temperate zone of South Australia: implications for translocations of a previously widespread species. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR18159

  26. Wraith, ., & Pickering, C. (2019). A continental scale analysis of threats to orchids. Biological Conservation, 234, 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.015

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Thousands of plants are at risk of extinction globally due to human activities‚ including many species of orchids. In Australia alone there are 184 orchids identified as threatened by the Australian Government‚ but what threatens them and where are they threatened? Using data derived from listing documents for these orchids‚ threats were allocated to 28 categories. Then‚ the distributions of the orchids and hence likely geographic patterns of threats were mapped using 14‚651 location records from the Atlas of Living Australia. The most common threats were changes in fire regimes (74% of threatened Australian orchids)‚ invasive species (65%)‚ habitat modification (64%)‚ grazing (63%)‚ tourism and recreation (47%) and illegal collection (46%)‚ which often co-occurred as threat syndromes. Most threatened orchids are terrestrial (165 species)‚ and many occur in temperate forests (96) and temperate shrubland (36). When generalised linear models were used to assess geographic patterns in threats‚ bioregions with less cover of native vegetation were more likely to have orchids threatened by habitat modification‚ grazing or weeds (p < 0.05). Bioregions with higher protected area coverage were more likely to contain orchids threatened by tourism and recreation‚ but less likely to have orchids threatened by habitat modification (p < 0.05). Understanding drivers of threats and their distribution is crucial for successful management as they highlight key areas for conservation. The results also highlight the need for updating orchid listings nationally and internationally to better reflect the diversity of orchids threatened and threats to them‚ including the increasing impact of climate change.
    Citation

    Wraith, ., & Pickering, C. (2019). A continental scale analysis of threats to orchids. Biological Conservation, 234, 7–17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2019.03.015

  27. Steven, R., Barnes, M., Garnett, S. T., Garrard, G., O’Connor, J., Oliver, J. L., Robinson, C., Tulloch, A., & Fuller, R. A. (2019). Aligning citizen science with best practice: Threatened species conservation in Australia. Conservation Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.100

    Conservation Science and Practice
    Abstract

    Well-designed citizen science projects can improve the capacity of the scientific community to detect and understand declines in threatened species‚ and with the emergence of frameworks to guide good design‚ there is an opportunity to test whether projects are aligned with best practice. We assessed the current landscape of citizen science projects for threatened species conservation via a content analysis of the online communique of citizen science projects across Australia. Only 2% of projects stated clear research questions‚ although approximately 86% had implied project objectives aimed at threatened species conservation. Most projects were focused on field-based monitoring activities with half using structured ecological survey methods. Most reviewed projects (65%) shared data with open access biodiversity databases and the vast majority use at least one social media platform to communicate with potential and existing participants (up to 81%). Approximately 50% present citizen-sourced data summaries or publications on their websites. Our study shows there is a very strong foundation for public participation in threatened species conservation activities in Australia‚ yet there is scope to further integrate the principles of citizen science best practice. Improved integration of these principles will likely yield better outcomes for threatened species as well as for the citizen scientists themselves.
    Citation

    Steven, R., Barnes, M., Garnett, S. T., Garrard, G., O’Connor, J., Oliver, J. L., Robinson, C., Tulloch, A., & Fuller, R. A. (2019). Aligning citizen science with best practice: Threatened species conservation in Australia. Conservation Science and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.100

  28. Soanes, K., & Lentini, P. E. (2019). When cities are the last chance for saving species. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2032

    Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment
    Abstract

    Urban environments are arguably among the most suitable targets for conservation science‚ as they represent opportunities to preserve both species and habitats under threat while at the same time allowing people to engage with nature. We highlight the need for conservation within urban environments using species whose recovery is entirely dependent on effective action within cities and towns. We identified 39 urban-restricted species in Australia and reviewed the advice guiding their conservation to address the question‚ “What does conservation look like when cities are the last chance for saving species?” We argue that in such circumstances securing land for conservation purposes cannot be relied upon; instead‚ species must be protected on lands not originally intended for conservation and urban communities must be involved in recovery actions. Ultimately‚ to achieve such outcomes‚ decision makers need to recognize the importance of urban ecosystems in the recovery of imperiled species.
    Citation

    Soanes, K., & Lentini, P. E. (2019). When cities are the last chance for saving species. Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/fee.2032

  29. Shabani, F., Ahmadi, M., Peters, K. J., Haberle, S., Champreux, A., Saltré, F., & Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2019). Climate-driven shifts in the distribution of koala browse species from the Last Interglacial to the near future. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.04530

    Ecography
    Ecography
    Abstract

    The koala’s (Phascolarctos cinereus) distribution is currently restricted to eastern and south-eastern Australia. However‚ fossil records dating from 70 ± 4 ka (ka = 103 years) from south-western Australia and the Nullarbor Plain are evidence of subpopulation extinctions in the southwest at least after the Last Interglacial (128-116 ka). We hypothesize that koala sub-population extinctions resulted from the eastward retraction of the koala’s main browse species in response to unsuitable climatic conditions. We further posit a general reduction in the distribution of main koala-browse trees in the near future in response climate change. We modelled 60 koala-browse species and constructed a set of correlative species distribution models for five time periods: Last Interglacial (128-116 ka)‚ Last Glacial Maximum ( 23-19 ka)‚ Mid-Holocene ( 7-5 ka)‚ present (interpolations of observed data‚ representative of 1960-1990)‚ and 2070. We based our projections on five hindcasts and one forecast of climatic variables extracted from WorldClim based on two general circulation models (considering the most pessimistic scenario of high greenhouse-gas emissions) and topsoil clay fraction. We used 17 dates of koala fossil specimens identified as reliable from 70 (± 4) to 535 (± 49) ka‚ with the last appearance of koalas at 151 ka in the southwest. The main simulated koala-browse species were at their greatest modelled extent of suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum‚ with the greatest loss of koala habitat occurring between the Mid-Holocene and the present. We predict a similar habitat loss between the present and 2070. The spatial patterns of habitat change support our hypothesis that koala extinctions in the southwest‚ Nullarbor Plain‚ and central South Australia resulted from the eastward retraction of the dominant koala-browse species in response to long-term climate changes. Future climate patterns will likely increase the extinction risk of koalas in their remaining eastern ranges. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., Ahmadi, M., Peters, K. J., Haberle, S., Champreux, A., Saltré, F., & Bradshaw, C. J. A. (2019). Climate-driven shifts in the distribution of koala browse species from the Last Interglacial to the near future. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.04530

  30. Roycroft, E. J., Nations, J. A., & Rowe, K. C. (2019). Environment predicts repeated body size shifts in a recent radiation of Australian mammals. Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.13859

    Evolution
    Evolution
    Abstract

    Closely related species that occur across steep environmental gradients often display clear body size differences‚ and examining this pattern is crucial to understanding how environmental variation shapes diversity. Australian endemic rodents in the Pseudomys Division (Muridae: Murinae) have repeatedly colonized the arid‚ monsoon‚ and mesic biomes over the last 5 million years. Using occurrence records‚ body mass data‚ and Bayesian phylogenetic models we test whether body mass of 31 species in the Pseudomys Division can be predicted by their biome association. We also model the effect of eight environmental variables on body mass. Despite high phylogenetic signal in body mass evolution across the phylogeny‚ we find that mass predictably increases in the mesic biome‚ and decreases in arid and monsoon biomes. As per Bergmann’s rule‚ temperature is strongly correlated with body mass‚ as well as several other variables. Our results highlight two important findings. First‚ body size in Australian rodents has tracked with climate through the Pleistocene‚ likely due to several environmental variables rather than a single factor. Second‚ support for both Brownian motion and predictable change at different taxonomic levels in the Pseudomys Division phylogeny demonstrates how the level at which we test hypotheses can alter interpretation of evolutionary processes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
    Citation

    Roycroft, E. J., Nations, J. A., & Rowe, K. C. (2019). Environment predicts repeated body size shifts in a recent radiation of Australian mammals. Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.13859

  31. Pietras, M. (2019). First record of North American fungus Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus in Australia and prediction of its occurrence based on climatic niche and symbiotic partner preferences. Mycorrhiza. 19eaf710-aec3-3f39-a403-470dde8c4e25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-019-00899-x

    Mycorrhiza
    Mycorrhiza
    Abstract

    In 2017 a North American fungus‚ Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus (Boletales‚ Basidiomycota)‚ formerly known in Oceania as only occurring in New Zealand‚ was found for the first time in South Australia. The morphological identification of collected specimens was confirmed using an internal transcribed spacer barcoding approach. In this study‚ the biogeography of R. pseudoroseolus is also presented‚ based on sporocarp and ectomycorrhiza records. Species distribution modeling implemented in MaxEnt was used to estimate the distribution of the potential range of R. pseudoroseolus in Australia and New Zealand. The obtained model illustrates‚ in the background of climatic variables and distribution of a symbiotic partner‚ its wide range of suitable habitats in New Zealand‚ South-East Australia‚ and Tasmania. Precipitation of the coldest quarters and annual mean temperature are important factors influencing the potential distribution of the fungus. The occurrence of Pinus radiata‚ the ectomycorrhizal partner of R. pseudoroseolus‚ is also an important factor limiting expansion of the fungus’ invasion range.
    Citation

    Pietras, M. (2019). First record of North American fungus Rhizopogon pseudoroseolus in Australia and prediction of its occurrence based on climatic niche and symbiotic partner preferences. Mycorrhiza. 19eaf710-aec3-3f39-a403-470dde8c4e25. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00572-019-00899-x

  32. Jin, J., & Yang, J. (2019). BDcleaner: A workflow for cleaning taxonomic and geographic errors in occurrence data archived in biodiversity databases. Global Ecology and Conservation, e00852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00852

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    High-quality data are indispensable for research and management in biodiversity conservation. Nevertheless‚ errors in biodiversity data must be removed before they can be used with confidence. In this study‚ we have developed a workflow for cleaning occurrence data archived in various biodiversity databases. The workflow allows researchers and practitioners to identify taxonomic and geographic errors in millions of records in an automatic‚ reproducible‚ and transparent manner. It also allows users to correct several types of taxonomic and geographic errors. We applied the workflow to clean global tree occurrence records. The results showed that among the 30‚242‚556 occurrence records of 58‚034 species extracted from eight databases‚ only 8‚624‚319 (28.5%) records of 22‚766 (39.2%) species were classified as high quality after running through the workflow. Inaccurate and non-standard taxon names appeared as a more severe problem than geographical errors that people are most familiar with. The workflow developed in this study can be easily adapted to clean occurrence records of other taxonomic groups‚ which allows researchers and practitioners to reduce uncertainties in their findings.
    Citation

    Jin, J., & Yang, J. (2019). BDcleaner: A workflow for cleaning taxonomic and geographic errors in occurrence data archived in biodiversity databases. Global Ecology and Conservation, e00852. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00852

  33. Heringer, G., Bueno, M. L., Meira-Neto, J. A. A., Matos, F. A. R., & Neri, A. V. (2019). Can Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis hinder restoration efforts in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest under current and future climate conditions? Biological Invasions. acaa2c4a-f449-386d-8c94-2d3c924e5efe. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-02024-7

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    Climate change and biological invasions are two of the most cited factors that may affect species diversity in the coming decades. Here we used five climate scenarios to investigate the potential distribution of two invasive tree species‚ Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis‚ in the Atlantic Forest hotspot. Additionally‚ we used expansion–contraction maps and maps of potential areas for forest restoration to investigate whether biological invasion could affect restoration efforts. We found A. mangium has a large suitable area in all scenarios (average 268‚010.1 km2 ± 25‚292.4 SD)‚ while A auriculiformis is confined to a relatively small region (average 13‚123.1 km2 ± 361.7 SD). In the low greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP 2.6)‚ the suitable area for A. mangium varied from the current scenario of 24.8% of the Atlantic Forest to 26.2% and 25.4% in the years 2050 and 2070‚ respectively. In the high greenhouse gas emission scenario (RCP 8.5)‚ the suitable area contracted to 23.1% and 20.5% in 2050 and 2070‚ respectively. Approximately 30.8% of the potential area for restoration currently overlaps the suitable area for A. mangium‚ and this overlap reaches at least 23.8% of the potential areas for restoration in the future scenarios (RCP 8.5 in 2070). A. mangium has a large suitable area in the Atlantic Forest and can become a barrier to restoration efforts in the coming decades. Expansion–contraction maps should be used to establish environmental policies that promote both forest restoration and prevention of biological invasion in suitable areas.
    Citation

    Heringer, G., Bueno, M. L., Meira-Neto, J. A. A., Matos, F. A. R., & Neri, A. V. (2019). Can Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis hinder restoration efforts in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest under current and future climate conditions? Biological Invasions. acaa2c4a-f449-386d-8c94-2d3c924e5efe. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-019-02024-7

  34. Haque, M., Beaumont, L. J., & Nipperess, D. A. (2019). Taxonomic shortfalls in digitised collections of Australia’s flora. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01885-7

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    Abstract

    Rapid growth in the digitisation of the world’s natural history collections substantially simplifies scientific access to taxonomic and biogeographic information. Despite recent efforts to collate more than two centuries of biodiversity inventories into comprehensive databases‚ these collections suffer limitations across spatial‚ temporal and taxonomic dimensions. We assessed taxonomic shortfalls in preserved specimens from 296 plant families native to Australia‚ for which records have been collated into the Australasian Virtual Herbarium (AVH)‚ specifically addressing the following questions: (1) Based on the number of specimen records per species‚ which Australian native plant families are under- or over-represented in the collection of preserved specimens digitised in the AVH? (2) To what extent does the distribution of collectors among plant families‚ or the area occupied by plant families‚ explain patterns of taxonomic representativeness? We found that the number of preserved specimens per family is not proportional to the family’s known species richness. For 29% of Australia’s plant families (i.e. 86)‚ the number of digitised records constitutes < 50% of the number expected given species richness within those families. Further‚ only 34% of families (100) have at least 20 specimens digitised for each species recorded in the AVH. Families occupying small areas (< 200 grid cells) are more likely to be under-represented taxonomically‚ while there is a strong positive correlation between the number of unique collectors and the extent of taxonomic over-representation. A sound understanding of biodiversity is critical for megadiverse countries such as Australia‚ and identifying biases in digital inventories may help with establishing future sampling and digitisation strategies to enhance taxonomic representation.
    Citation

    Haque, M., Beaumont, L. J., & Nipperess, D. A. (2019). Taxonomic shortfalls in digitised collections of Australia’s flora. Biodiversity and Conservation. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-019-01885-7

  35. Hawke, T., Bino, G., & Kingsford, R. T. (2019). A silent demise: Historical insights into population changes of the iconic platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Global Ecology and Conservation, e00720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00720

    Global Ecology and Conservation
    Abstract

    Platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) are evolutionarily distinct monotremes‚ endemic to creeks and rivers of eastern Australia. Given recent evidence of a contracting distribution and local extinctions‚ the species was listed as ‘Near-Threatened’ in 2016. The magnitude of decline remains unknown‚ given little quantitative evidence of historical abundance and distribution. From data over 258 years (1760–2018)‚ distribution declines surpassed previous estimates‚ with 41.4% and 12.8% of sub-catchments having no records over the past 10 and 20 years‚ respectively. Additionally‚ 44% of sub-catchments within the potential range were lacking data. Further‚ historic accounts of platypus numbers during the 19th century far exceeded contemporary numbers‚ likely reflecting the impacts of the fur trade‚ exacerbated by recent synergistic threats of river regulation and habitat destruction. Improved monitoring is essential to increase understanding and inform effective management of this enigmatic and iconic mammal for which Australia has a global responsibility.
    Citation

    Hawke, T., Bino, G., & Kingsford, R. T. (2019). A silent demise: Historical insights into population changes of the iconic platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus). Global Ecology and Conservation, e00720. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2019.e00720

  36. Graham, E. M., Reside, A. E., Atkinson, I., Baird, D., Hodgson, L., James, C. S., & VanDerWal, J. J. (2019). Climate change and biodiversity in Australia: a systematic modelling approach to nationwide species distributions. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 26(2), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2019.1599742

    Australasian Journal of Environmental Management
    Abstract

    Climate change is a driving force of changes to biodiversity worldwide and presents considerable management challenges for the resource-constrained environmental management sector. Effective management of biodiversity requires information about what species are present‚ how species respond to environmental conditions and which species are likely to be able to persist in the presence of ongoing change. Species distribution models are commonly used to predict future suitable habitat for particular species and areas of interest but a consistent nationwide approach is needed to understand how climate change will affect Australia’s biodiversity. Here we describe a modelling approach that uses a consistent workflow and expert vetting to create current and future species distributions for 1872 terrestrial and freshwater vertebrate species. We used two emission scenarios‚ 18 General Circulation Models and seven time points into the future to explore how individual species distributions and taxa richness in Australia are predicted to change due to climate change. The maps are publicly available online and stakeholders can download them for post hoc analyses to assist in both regional and national management and protection of biodiversity assets and conservation planning for the future.
    Citation

    Graham, E. M., Reside, A. E., Atkinson, I., Baird, D., Hodgson, L., James, C. S., & VanDerWal, J. J. (2019). Climate change and biodiversity in Australia: a systematic modelling approach to nationwide species distributions. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 26(2), 112–123. https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2019.1599742

  37. Hall, M. A., & Reboud, E. L. (2019). High sampling effectiveness for non-bee flower visitors using vane traps in both open and wooded habitats. Austral Entomology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12416

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Many non-bee insects are important for pollination‚ yet few studies have assessed the effectiveness of sampling these taxa using low-cost techniques‚ such as coloured vane traps‚ among different habitat types. This study sampled 192 sites – 108 in wooded and 84 in open habitats – within an agricultural region of southern Australia. Pairs of blue and yellow vane traps were placed at each site for a period of seven days during the austral spring. Overall‚ 3114 flies (Diptera) from 19 families and 528 wasps (non-bee and non-formicid Hymenoptera) from 16 families were collected during the study. This sampling was representative of the region‚ with vane traps equally or more likely to collect as many families from both taxa as those reported on the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) database for the sampling area. Blue vane traps (BVTs) had greater average richness of both flies and wasps and greater activity density (abundance per 7-day sampling period) of individuals than yellow vane traps (YVTs). BVTs were particularly favoured by fly and wasp families known to pollinate flowers (e.g. Syrphidae‚ Bombyliidae and Scoliidae)‚ whilst YVTs sampled flower visitors that also provide additional ecosystem services‚ such as pest control and nutrient cycling. Here‚ vane traps were an effective sampling technique to capture non-bee flower visitors‚ such as flies and wasps. This study supports the use of vane traps as a component of the sampling protocol for ecological census and population monitoring within multiple habitat types‚ where colour attraction will more effectively sample a comprehensive pollinator community.
    Citation

    Hall, M. A., & Reboud, E. L. (2019). High sampling effectiveness for non-bee flower visitors using vane traps in both open and wooded habitats. Austral Entomology, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12416

  38. Esperon‐Rodriguez, M., Power, S. A., Tjoelker, M. G., Beaumont, L. J., Burley, H., Caballero‐Rodriguez, D., & Rymer, P. D. (2019). Assessing the vulnerability of Australia’s urban forests to climate extremes. Plants, People, Planet. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10064

    Plants, People, Planet
    Abstract

    Societal Impact Statement Urban forests are recognized for the multiple benefits they provide to city-dwellers. However‚ climate change will affect tree species survival and persistence in urban ecosystems. Tree failures will cause economic losses and jeopardize the delivery of societal benefits. The impacts of climate change will depend on the species’ resilience and adaptive capacity‚ as well as management actions which may ameliorate some of the negative impacts. Here‚ we assessed the potential vulnerability of Australia’s urban forests to climate extremes. Our results can be used for future urban planning aiming to incorporate species that are well-adapted to the hotter‚ drier climates expected with climate change. Summary Urban forests (UFs) are recognized for the multiple benefits they provide to city-dwellers. However‚ global climate change—particularly predicted increases in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves and drought—will affect tree species’ performance and survival in urban ecosystems. Here‚ we assessed species composition and potential vulnerability of UFs in 22 Australian significant urban areas (SUAs) to heat and/or moisture stress. We quantified species’ realized climatic niches across their known distribution‚ and assessed the extent to which baseline climate in the SUAs where a particular species is planted fell within its niche. We used three environmental variables to group species based on their potential climate vulnerability. UFs varied in species composition and climate vulnerability across the continent. In general‚ neither climate similarity nor geographical proximity were good predictors of species composition among UFs. Of 1‚342 tree species assessed (68.4% natives)‚ 53% were considered potentially vulnerable to heat and/or moisture stress in at least one city where they are currently planted. Our results highlight the climate vulnerability of current plantings across Australian SUAs and can be used to direct future species selection that considers the species’ climate of origin and climatic niche. UF planning can incorporate species from SUAs with similar climates and with low vulnerability to contemporary‚ as well as future climate conditions. Species with high climate vulnerability‚ in contrast‚ may require more intensive management to avoid failure under future hotter‚ drier climate conditions.
    Citation

    Esperon‐Rodriguez, M., Power, S. A., Tjoelker, M. G., Beaumont, L. J., Burley, H., Caballero‐Rodriguez, D., & Rymer, P. D. (2019). Assessing the vulnerability of Australia’s urban forests to climate extremes. Plants, People, Planet. https://doi.org/10.1002/ppp3.10064

  39. Foord, C. S., Rowe, K. M. C., & Robb, K. (2019). Cetacean biodiversity, spatial and temporal trends based on stranding records (1920-2016), Victoria, Australia. PLoS ONE, 14(10), e0223712. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223712

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Cetacean stranding records can provide vital information on species richness and diversity through space and time. Here we collate stranding records from Victoria‚ Australia and assess them for temporal‚ spatial and demographic trends. Between 1920 and 2016‚ 424 stranding events involving 907 individuals were recorded across 31 Cetacea species from seven families‚ including five new species records for the state. Seven of these events were mass strandings‚ and six mother and calf strandings were recorded. Importantly‚ 48% of the species recorded are recognised as data deficient on the IUCN Red List. The most commonly recorded taxa were Tursiops spp. (n = 146) and Delphinus delphis (common dolphins‚ n = 81)‚ with the greatest taxonomic richness (n = 24) and highest incidence of stranding events documented within the Otways mesoscale bioregion. We found no seasonal stranding patterns anywhere in the state. While our findings improve understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of cetacean diversity within Victoria‚ we suggest greater effort to collect demographic data at stranding events in order to better study state-wide patterns through time. We conclude with guidelines for minimum data collection standards for future strandings to maximise information capture from each event.
    Citation

    Foord, C. S., Rowe, K. M. C., & Robb, K. (2019). Cetacean biodiversity, spatial and temporal trends based on stranding records (1920-2016), Victoria, Australia. PLoS ONE, 14(10), e0223712. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0223712

  40. Conroy, G. C., Shimizu-Kimura, Y., Lamont, R. W., & Ogbourne, S. M. (2019). A multidisciplinary approach to inform assisted migration of the restricted rainforest tree, Fontainea rostrata. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0210560. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210560

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Assisted migration can aid in the conservation of narrowly endemic species affected by habitat loss‚ fragmentation and climate change. Here‚ we employ a multidisciplinary approach by examining the population genetic structure of a threatened‚ dioecious rainforest tree of the subtropical notophyll vine forests of eastern Australia‚ Fontainea rostrata‚ and its potential requirements for population enhancement and translocation to withstand the effects of anthropogenic fragmentation and climate change. We used microsatellite markers to gain an understanding of the way genetic diversity is partitioned within and among the nine extant populations of F. rostrata identified in this study. We combined the results with species distribution modelling to identify populations vulnerable to possible future range shifts based on climate change projections. We found regional differences between the species’ main distribution in the south and a disjunct northern population cluster (FRT = 0.074‚ FSR = 0.088‚ FST = 0.155)‚ in mean allelic richness (AR = 2.77 vs 2.33‚ p < 0.05)‚ expected heterozygosity (HE = 0.376 vs 0.328)‚ and inbreeding (F = 0.116 vs 0.219). Species distribution models predicted that while southern populations of F. rostrata are likely to persist for the next 50 years under the RCP6.0 climate change scenario‚ with potential for a small-scale expansion to the south-east‚ the more highly inbred and less genetically diverse northern populations will come under increasing pressure to expand southwards as habitat suitability declines. Given the species’ genetic structure and with the aim to enhance genetic diversity and maximise the likelihood of reproductive success‚ we recommend that plant reintroductions to supplement existing populations should be prioritised over translocation of the species to new sites. However‚ future conservation efforts should be directed at translocation to establish new sites to increase population connectivity‚ focussing particularly on habitat areas identified as persisting under conditions of climate change.
    Citation

    Conroy, G. C., Shimizu-Kimura, Y., Lamont, R. W., & Ogbourne, S. M. (2019). A multidisciplinary approach to inform assisted migration of the restricted rainforest tree, Fontainea rostrata. PLoS ONE, 14(1), e0210560. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210560

  41. Caley, P., Welvaert, M., & Barry, S. C. (2019). Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern. Journal of Pest Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-019-01115-7

    Journal of Pest Science
    Abstract

    Data streams arising from citizen reporting activities continue to grow‚ yet the information content within these streams remains unclear‚ and methods for addressing the inherent reporting biases little developed. Here‚ we quantify the major influence of physical insect features (colour‚ size‚ morphology‚ pattern) on the propensity of citizens to upload photographic sightings to online portals‚ and hence to contribute to biosecurity surveillance. After correcting for species availability‚ we show that physical features and pestiness are major predictors of reporting probability. The more distinctive the visual features‚ the higher the reporting probabilities—potentially providing useful surveillance should the species be an unwanted exotic. Conversely‚ the reporting probability for many small‚ nondescript high priority pest species is unlikely to be sufficient to contribute meaningfully to biosecurity surveillance‚ unless they are causing major harm. The lack of citizen reporting of recent incursions of small‚ nondescript exotic pests supports the model. By examining the types of insects of concern‚ industries or environmental managers can assess to what extent they can rely on citizen reporting for their surveillance needs. The citrus industry‚ for example‚ probably cannot rely on passive unstructured citizen data streams for surveillance of the Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri). In contrast‚ the forestry industry may consider that citizen detection and reporting of species of the large and colourful insects such as pine sawyers (Monochamus spp.) may be sufficient for their needs. Incorporating citizen surveillance into the general surveillance framework is an area for further research.
    Citation

    Caley, P., Welvaert, M., & Barry, S. C. (2019). Crowd surveillance: estimating citizen science reporting probabilities for insects of biosecurity concern. Journal of Pest Science. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-019-01115-7

  42. Brook, B. W., Buettel, J. C., & Jarić, I. (2019). A fast re-sampling method for using reliability ratings of sightings with extinction-date estimators. Ecology, e02787. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.2787

    Ecology
    Ecology
    Abstract

    The pattern of sightings of a species that is rare‚ and then no longer observed‚ can be used to estimate its extinction date. However‚ other than physical captures or specimens‚ the veracity of any sighting is ambiguous‚ and should be treated probabilistically when used to infer extinction dates. We present a simple yet powerful computational approach for incorporating observational reliability into extinction date estimators (EDE). Our method: (i) combines repeated within-year sightings probabilistically‚ (ii) samples observations using reliability as an inclusion probability‚ (iii) infers a probability distribution and summary statistics of extinction dates with any EDE‚ and (iv) computes the frequency distribution of the extinction date. We applied this method to eight exemplar sighting records covering a range of lengths‚ sighting rates and uncertainties‚ using a variety of statistical EDEs‚ and compared these results with a threshold approach for selecting sightings. We also demonstrated a robust coverage of ‘true’ extinction dates based on selected real-world examples of rediscovered species and confirmed extinctions‚ and simulated sighting records. Our approach represents a powerful generalization of past work because it is not predicated on any specific method for inferring extinction dates‚ and yet is simple to implement (with R script provided). This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Brook, B. W., Buettel, J. C., & Jarić, I. (2019). A fast re-sampling method for using reliability ratings of sightings with extinction-date estimators. Ecology, e02787. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.2787

  43. Booth, T. H. (2019). Assessing the thermal adaptability of tree provenances: an example using Eucalyptus tereticornis. Australian Forestry, 82(4), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2019.1680594

    Australian Forestry
    Abstract

    A 2017 paper intended to assist climate-change studies concluded that provenances of the widely distributed Eucalyptus tereticornis ‘are not differentiated in their thermal responses’ in terms of photosynthesis‚ respiration and growth. The aim here was to place this surprising result‚ based on a short-term (48-day) experiment with seedlings of just three provenances‚ into the broader context of several years’ growth of provenances of the same species. To do this‚ a re-analysis of results from trials of 14 provenances of E. tereticornis was undertaken. These were grown for 3.5 or 5.0 years at four contrasting sites in southern China spanning mean annual temperatures (MAT) from 15.0°C to 23.5°C. The analysis described here compares MATs at climate-of-origin with volume growth. It demonstrates an approach that could easily be applied to provenance studies of other commercially important species. It makes use of the ready access to distributional and climatic data provided by a modern biodiversity database‚ the Atlas of Living Australia. Some of the provenances showed a surprising level of adaptability to climates markedly different to those of their origin. At the warmest site in China‚ however‚ the growth of the provenances was significantly related to the MAT at their climate-of-origin. It is concluded that researchers considering the likely impacts of climate change on tree species may find it useful to examine results from commercial provenance trials as well as from glasshouse experiments with seedlings.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2019). Assessing the thermal adaptability of tree provenances: an example using Eucalyptus tereticornis. Australian Forestry, 82(4), 176–180. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2019.1680594

  44. Medd, R. W., & Bower, C. C. (2019). Biodiversity and Endemism within the Mount Canobolas Volcanic Complex. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 141.

    Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
    Abstract

    Mt Canobolas State Conservation Area (SCA) hosts a small remnant of sub-alpine vegetation consisting of seven recognisable communities with the heathlands on the rock plates appearing to be unique to the SCA. The SCA has a known biota of 884 native species that includes 14 threatened species and at least 10 endemic taxa. Some 200 species are regionally significant‚ being either rare or at the limits of known geographic range. The vascular flora is particularly species-rich being considerably more diverse than nearby regional reserves and over 12 fold richer than comparable areas of the Kosciusko National Park. One of three endangered ecological communities‚ the Mt Canobolas Xanthoparmelia Lichen Community‚ is unique to the volcanic province.
    While there is some indication the endemic lithophytic lichens‚ the threatened Eucalyptus canobolensis and the heath communities may be substrate specific‚ there is no strong evidence of a geological association among other flora and fauna. We postulate that the presence of multiple endemic species reflects the geographic isolation which has provided an environment for species evolution by vicariance. Alternatively‚ Mt Canobolas has acted as a refugium for formerly widespread species that have become extinct elsewhere.
    Citation

    Medd, R. W., & Bower, C. C. (2019). Biodiversity and Endemism within the Mount Canobolas Volcanic Complex. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 141.

  45. Roudavski, S., & Parker, D. (2019). Modelling Workflows for More-than-Human Design: Prosthetic Habitats for the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). In C. Gengnagel, O. Baverel, J. Burry, M. Ramsgaard Thomsen, & S. Weinzierl (Eds.), Impact: Design With All Senses (pp. 554–564). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29829-6_43

    Abstract

    Anthropogenic degradation of the environment is pervasive and expanding. Human construction activities destroy or damage habitats of nonhuman lifeforms. In many cases‚ artificial replacement habitats become necessary. However‚ designing for the needs and preferences of nonhuman lifeforms is challenging. Established workflows for this type of designing do not exist. This paper hypothesises that a multi-scale modelling approach can support inclusive‚ more-than-human design. The case-study project tests this approach by applying computational modelling to the design of prosthetic habitats for the powerful owl (Ninox strenua). The proposed approach simulates owls’ perception of the city based on scientific evidence. The tools include algorithmic mapping‚ 3D-scanning‚ generative modelling‚ digital fabrication and augmented-reality assembly. Outcomes establish techniques for urban-scale planning‚ site selection‚ tree-scale fitting‚ and nest-scale form-making. The findings demonstrate that computational modelling can (1) inform more-than-human design and (2) guide scientific data collection for more inclusive ecosystem management.
    Citation

    Roudavski, S., & Parker, D. (2019). Modelling Workflows for More-than-Human Design: Prosthetic Habitats for the Powerful Owl (Ninox strenua). In C. Gengnagel, O. Baverel, J. Burry, M. Ramsgaard Thomsen, & S. Weinzierl (Eds.), Impact: Design With All Senses (pp. 554–564). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-29829-6_43

  46. Park, Y. J., Tuxworth, G., & Zhou, J. (2019). Insect Classification Using Squeeze-and-Excitation and Attention Modules - a Benchmark Study. Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, 3437–3441. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIP.2019.8803746

    2019 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, ICIP 2019
    Abstract

    Insect recognition at the species level is an active research field with a variety of applications. With the advancement of convolutional neural networks an automatic fine-grained image classifier has displayed encouraging performance. Despite these recent advances‚ differentiating images at the species level is still a challenge. To address the problems arising from insect-specific peculiarities‚ this paper presents a novel network that consists of squeeze-and-excitation modules and attention modules‚ enabling the network to focus on more informative and differentiating features with a limited number of training iterations and a small dataset. The proposed model is trained on an insect dataset collected from Atlas of Living Australia. The results reveal that the integrated model achieves higher accuracy than several alternative methods on the introduced insect dataset.
    Citation

    Park, Y. J., Tuxworth, G., & Zhou, J. (2019). Insect Classification Using Squeeze-and-Excitation and Attention Modules - a Benchmark Study. Proceedings of the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Image Processing, 3437–3441. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICIP.2019.8803746

  47. Platell, G. A. M. M. (2019). Exploring intraspecific variation in the gut communities of Western Australian endemic termites (lsoptera, Termitidae) as a foundation for future local biofuel initiatives [PhD]. University of Western Australia.
    https://doi.org/10.26182/5ca6abb57fdca

    abstract
    Citation

    Platell, G. A. M. M. (2019). Exploring intraspecific variation in the gut communities of Western Australian endemic termites (lsoptera, Termitidae) as a foundation for future local biofuel initiatives [PhD]. University of Western Australia.

  48. Rowley, J. J. L., Callaghan, C. T., Cutajar, T., Portway, C., Potter, K., Mahony, S., Trembath, D. F., Flemons, P., & Woods, A. (2019). FrogID: Citizen Scientists provide validated biodiversity data on frogs of Australia. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 14(1), 16.
    http://www.herpconbio.org/Volume_14/Issue_1/Rowley_etal_2019.pdf

    Herpetological Conservation and Biology
    Abstract

    There is an urgent need for comprehensive global biodiversity data‚ particularly for highly threatened taxa such as frogs. Some of the most dramatic frog population declines‚ globally‚ have occurred in Australia‚ but logistical difficulties of surveying frogs (i.e.‚ the large size of Australia and remoteness within it) have limited our knowledge of biodiversity. Citizen science projects have recently facilitated the collection of broad-scale biodiversity data‚ but the application of citizen science data collection to frogs has lagged behind other taxa. Citizen science projects targeting frogs have been successful in collecting occurrence data‚ but typically rely on species identification via user-submitted photographs. Photographs of frogs can be difficult to identify to species and may also inadvertently encourage handling of frogs. We developed FrogID‚ an expert validated biodiversity database of frog occurrences in Australia‚ reliant on acoustic validation. FrogID uses smartphone technology‚ allowing participants to submit recordings of calling frogs‚ providing a biodiversity database with geo-referenced frog species records‚ and a digital collection of frog calls. In a short time‚ FrogID has allowed us to collect data on rare and threatened frog species‚ document the decline of native frog species from parts of their range‚ and detect invasive species‚ including native species that have established populations outside their native range. In this paper‚ we (1) introduce FrogID‚ including technical details‚ (2) highlight preliminary findings‚ and (3) identify potential future uses of the data.
    Citation

    Rowley, J. J. L., Callaghan, C. T., Cutajar, T., Portway, C., Potter, K., Mahony, S., Trembath, D. F., Flemons, P., & Woods, A. (2019). FrogID: Citizen Scientists provide validated biodiversity data on frogs of Australia. Herpetological Conservation and Biology, 14(1), 16.

  49. Bamford, M., & Metcalf, B. (2019). Lake Way Project Demonstration Plant – Salt Lake Potash Ltd. Fauna assessment of proposed project area.
    http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Referral_Documentation/Appendix%20E%20-%20Fauna%20Memo%20Report.pdf

    Abstract

    Salt Lake Potash proposes the development of the Lake Way Demonstration Plant project; the proposal includes the construction/operation of drainage trenches to extract brine from the lake‚ which would then be concentrated in a series of evaporation ponds (Figure 1). While most of the development is confined to the playa environment of the lake‚ there is some proposed infrastructure development on nearby terrestrial landscapes to the west of the lake. The proposed disturbance footprint on the playa surface has an area of ca. 757ha which is c. 3.6% of the playa. The drainage trenches will cause some drawdown but because of the fine sediments the cone of depression is predicted to be steep-sided and narrow; the development footprint and drawdown account for about 7.5% of the playa surface. The plant infrastructure on terrestrial areas west of the lake has an area of 47ha. The Environmental Impact Assessment for this proposal is being prepared by Pendragon Environmental Solutions. Bamford Consulting Ecologists (BCE) has been asked to provide information on the fauna component of this assessment.
    Citation

    Bamford, M., & Metcalf, B. (2019). Lake Way Project Demonstration Plant – Salt Lake Potash Ltd. Fauna assessment of proposed project area.

  50. Pinder, A., Quinlan, K., Shiel, R., & Lewis, L. (2019). A survey of aquatic invertebrates of Nimalarragan wetland north of Broome (p. 27). Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334596573

    abstract
    Citation

    Pinder, A., Quinlan, K., Shiel, R., & Lewis, L. (2019). A survey of aquatic invertebrates of Nimalarragan wetland north of Broome (p. 27). Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth.

  51. Williams, G. A. (2019). Distribution and status of the Australian water-rat/rakali (Hydromys Chrysogaster) in the greater ACT Region (p. 33). Australian Platypus Conservancy.
    https://www.npaact.org.au/res/File/2019/repHydromys.ACT%202019%20(WET).pdf

    Abstract

    The Australian water-rat or rakali* (Hydromys chrysogaster) is an exceptionally difficult species to survey using conventional live-trapping techniques. Consequently‚ relatively little is known about the current distribution and status of this very attractive native mammal in most parts of its range. This‚ in turn‚ has contributed to limited public awareness of rakali’s occurrence and its important ecological role as a top aquatic predator.
    Citation

    Williams, G. A. (2019). Distribution and status of the Australian water-rat/rakali (Hydromys Chrysogaster) in the greater ACT Region (p. 33). Australian Platypus Conservancy.

  52. Li, X. (2019). Hydraulic traits and drought mortality risk of tree species [PhD]. Western Sydney University (Australia).
    https://researchdirect.westernsydney.edu.au/islandora/object/uws:54173/

    abstract
    Citation

    Li, X. (2019). Hydraulic traits and drought mortality risk of tree species [PhD]. Western Sydney University (Australia).

  53. Domingos, A. M. (2019). Oportunidades e desafios em macroecologia marinha [PhD]. Universidade Federal de Goiás.
    http://repositorio.bc.ufg.br/tede/handle/tede/9530

    Abstract

    Macroecology‚ like other fields of ecology‚ has been historically a terrestrial discipline.
    However‚ marine biodiversity may contain key features for our understanding of global
    diversity patterns. Here‚ I explored this possibility by integrating knowledge about the marine
    environment with hypotheses and verbal models used to explain geographic variations in
    species diversity. Initially‚ I used marine productivity data to evaluate the effect of spatial
    subsidies on island plant diversity (Chapter 1). This study showed that‚ contrary to the
    proposed hypothesis‚ there is no evidence that allochthonous resources influence the diversity
    of small islands. Subsequently‚ I realized a conceptual review of the main mechanisms
    proposed to explain the latitudinal gradient of speciation under a marine perspective (chapter
    2). In this review I show that‚ unlike the terrestrial system‚ each mechanism generates
    predictions totally different in the oceans. Nevertheless‚ it is also necessary to recognize and
    highlight the limitations that are inherent to marine biodiversity data‚ especially sample bias.
    Therefore‚ I evaluated here the state of our knowledge about the latitudinal distribution of
    different taxonomic groups (Chapter 3). In this study I reveal the existence of a species
    absence gradient that is strongly associated with low sampling effort in the tropics. Finally‚ I
    tested through a simulation model the efficiency of the empirical sample effort to accurately
    detect diversity patterns generated in a virtual ocean (Chapter 4). The result showed that the
    diversity gradient currently observed in the oceans does not differ from what is recorded after
    applying the same sampling effort in a simple null model. Therefore‚ I conclude that marine
    biodiversity may‚ indeed‚ be of great importance to understand macroecological patterns.
    However‚ there are still some geographic and taxonomic gaps that need to be addressed in
    order to explore this knowledge to its full potential.
    Citation

    Domingos, A. M. (2019). Oportunidades e desafios em macroecologia marinha [PhD]. Universidade Federal de Goiás.

2018

  1. Stobo-Wilson, A. (2018). Ecology of the Savanna Glider (Petaurus Ariel) in Tropical Northern Australia [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea9028a3a782
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea9028a3a782
    ISBN: 9798759917410

    Abstract

    Widespread declines of a small‚ arboreal mammals in the drier regions of northern Australia are of global concern. These declines have been variously attributed to either disruption of resource availability or increased predation pressure from invasive species. The aims of my study were to identify the factors that influence the distribution‚ abundance and ecology of an arboreal marsupial‚ the savanna glider (Petaurus ariel) in the tropical savannas of northern Australia; including whether this species is in decline. My study forms the first targeted ecological research on this species‚ which was formerly considered a subspecies of the sugar glider‚ P. breviceps.
    My research reveals significant variation in the abundance and ecology of P. ariel across its geographic range within the tropical savannas. I found that the dramatic north–south climatic gradient within northern Australia has an overarching influence on the distribution‚ abundance‚ density‚ home range size and fine-scale habitat use of P. ariel. Interestingly‚ I found a 50% increase in P. ariel body mass and a ten-fold increase in P. ariel home range size in areas of low resource availability. The variable ecology of P. ariel has enabled the species to adapt to varied environmental conditions‚ including areas of naturally low resource availability at the southern edge of the species’ distribution. Importantly‚ my research shows evidence of a 35% decline in the geographic distribution of P. ariel‚ primarily in the southern end of its geographic range; emphasising the need to understand fundamental aspects of the species’ ecology for future conservation efforts.
    Overall‚ my findings highlight the influence of variation in resource availability on an arboreal marsupial in the tropical savannas of northern Australia. My thesis contributes to our understanding of the drivers of the ecology of this‚ and other‚ arboreal mammal species inhabiting the region‚ and helps explain underlying patterns of decline.
    Citation

    Stobo-Wilson, A. (2018). Ecology of the Savanna Glider (Petaurus Ariel) in Tropical Northern Australia [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea9028a3a782

  2. Gausmann, P. (2018). Synopsis of global freshwater occurrences of the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas VALENCIENNES 1839, Carcharhinidae) with comments on the geographical range.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/325737350

    Abstract

    The bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas) is famous for the ability to penetrate far‚ for long distances and long-term periods into freshwater bodies in tropical and subtropical climates. It is a cosmopolitan shark species with a worldwide distribution and a geographical range that includes coastlines of all three big oceans (Atlantic Ocean‚ Indian Ocean‚ Pacific Ocean) and in both hemispheres. A detailed overview of the global distribution of the species is given by COMPAGNO (1984‚ 2001). As a logical consequence ‚ freshwater occurrences of the bull shark are possible everywhere inside the geographical range of the species. The bull shark is a euryhaline species and is possibly the widest-ranging of all freshwater elasmobranchs (COMPAGNO 1997)‚ being found in numerous tropical and subtropical river systems as well as even in hypersaline lakes (THORSON & al. 1973). As a conclusion‚ the bull shark should be expected in any warm-temperate and tropical river and lake with sea access little altered by human activities (COMPAGNO 1997). Due to bull shark’s capability to enter riverine systems‚ the documentation of its occurrence in freshwater is essential for future fisheries inspections and scientific studies. Sightings of the available literature about this shark species reveal the absence of a detailed overview of freshwater localities (rivers and associated lakes) where the bull shark occurs. The purpose of this article is delivering a list with rivers‚ river systems and lakes with evidence and proofs of the species including a link to the used and common references. The aim of this work is also to deliver a literature review for further investigations by any scientist. The analysis of available references includes not only scientific literature‚ but also semi-scientific references and the common press if the reference was reliable. Moreover‚ gaps in available distribution maps will be critically discusses as well as interpretations and conclusions regarding possible reasons for the areal shape as a result of the recent knowledge of its distribution.
    Zusammenfassung: Der Stierhai (Carcharhinus leucas) ist bekannt für seine Fähigkeit‚ für weite Strecken und lange Perioden in Süßwassersysteme in tropischen bis subtropischen Klimaten rund um den Globus vorzudringen. Es ist eine kosmopolitische Art‚ deren Verbreitungsgebiet die Küstenlinien der drei großen Ozeane (Atlantik‚ Indik‚ Pazifik) einschließlich einiger ihrer Nebenmeere in beiden Hemisphären umfasst. Eine detaillierte Übersicht der Verbreitung liefert COMPAGNO (1984‚ 2001). Als logische Schlussfolgerung aus dieser Verbreitung sind Vorkommen im Süßwasser überall innerhalb des geographischen Verbreitungsgebietes möglich‚ bei denen die betreffenden Flüsse oder Seen einen Anschluss ans Meer haben. Möglicherweise ist der Stierhai der am weitesten verbreitete‚ Süßwasserlebensräume bewohnende Knorpelfisch (COMPAGNO 1997)‚ der nicht nur in Süßwassersysteme‚ sondern auch in hypersaline Seen ebenso wie Brackwasserbereiche vorzudringen vermag. Eine Sichtung der vorhandenen Literatur zu dieser Art offenbarte‚ dass es bislang augenscheinlich keine umfassende Übersicht über die Süßwasser-Lokalitäten gibt‚ aus denen diese Hai-Art gemeldet bzw. nachgewiesen wurde. So ist es ein Ziel dieser Arbeit‚ eine überblickende Zusammenfassung der relevanten Literatur mit Hinweisen zu bekannten Süßwasservorkommen der Art zu liefern‚ die es den sich mit dieser Thematik beschäftigenden Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern ermöglichen soll‚ weitergehende Studien zu betreiben‚ eigene Studien zu intensivieren und den Stand der Informationen hinsichtlich der Verbreitung dieser Art zu erweitern. Darüber hinaus wird das Areal dieser Art‚ die arealbildenden Faktoren sowie die vorhandenen Verbreitungskarten interpretiert und kritisch diskutiert.
    Citation

    Gausmann, P. (2018). Synopsis of global freshwater occurrences of the bull shark (Carcharhinus leucas VALENCIENNES 1839, Carcharhinidae) with comments on the geographical range.

  3. Pullen, K. (2018). Invertebrate animals of Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT. Black Mountain Symposium 2018, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
    https://friendsofblackmountain.org.au/sites/default/files/Symposium2018/10-Pullen-Inverts-final-28Jun18.pdf

    Black Mountain Symposium 2018
    Abstract

    Some aspects of the insect fauna and a few other invertebrate animals of Black Mountain‚ a forested peak in Canberra‚ Australia‚ are discussed. Most of the peak is contained in a nature reserve containing high quality native vegetation‚ with a rich flora and a correspondingly rich invertebrate fauna. A checklist of approximately 2030 species in selected groups of insects‚ arachnids‚ millipedes and velvet worms recorded from Black Mountain is provided. The list is not complete and further work is required to obtain a full picture of the area’s invertebrate fauna.
    Citation

    Pullen, K. (2018). Invertebrate animals of Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT. Black Mountain Symposium 2018, Canberra, ACT, Australia.

  4. Mulvaney, M. (2018). Rare plants on Black Mountain Sandstone. Black Mountain Symposium 2018, Canberra, ACT, Australia. https://doi.org/-
    https://friendsofblackmountain.org.au/sites/default/files/Symposium2018/6-Mulvaney-rareplants-final-28Jun18.pdf

    Black Mountain Symposium 2018
    Abstract

    A provisional list of 317 plant species considered rare or uncommon in the ACT was refined through consideration of about 8‚750 location records. The process identified 280 species which are or may be rare in the territory‚ 34 of which occur on Black Mountain Sandstone geology‚ mainly on Black Mountain and Aranda Bushland. Twenty (59%) of the rare species are orchids‚ including seven species for which the Black Mountain Sandstone area appears to be a national stronghold. Black Mountain Sandstone is the only or one of only a few known ACT habitats of a further seven orchids. Non-orchid rare plants present on Black Mountain Sandstone tend to be at or close to a distribution limit there‚ and rare only in a local context.
    Citation

    Mulvaney, M. (2018). Rare plants on Black Mountain Sandstone. Black Mountain Symposium 2018, Canberra, ACT, Australia. https://doi.org/-

  5. Roberts, J. D. (2018). Conservation of Frogs in South-western Australia. In Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (pp. 73–90). CSIRO Publishing.
    https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7783/

    Abstract

    Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on earth. In part due to their highly permeable skin‚ amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution and provide an early-warning system of deteriorating environmental conditions. The more we learn about the impact of environmental changes on amphibians‚ the better we as humans will be able to arrest their demise‚ and our own. Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians brings together the current knowledge on the status of the unique frogs of Australia‚ New Zealand‚ and the Pacific. Although geographically proximate‚ each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in amphibian research and conservation. This book contributes to an understanding of the current conservation status of the amphibians of each region‚ aims to stimulate research into halting amphibian declines‚ and provides a better foundation for making conservation decisions. It is an invaluable reference for environmental and governmental agencies‚ researchers‚ policy-makers involved with biodiversity conservation‚ and the interested public.
    Citation

    Roberts, J. D. (2018). Conservation of Frogs in South-western Australia. In Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (pp. 73–90). CSIRO Publishing.

  6. Roberts, J. D. (2018). Conservation of Frogs in Australia: State and Federal Laws. In Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (pp. 141–152). CSIRO Publishing.
    https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7783/

    Abstract

    Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on earth. In part due to their highly permeable skin‚ amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution and provide an early-warning system of deteriorating environmental conditions. The more we learn about the impact of environmental changes on amphibians‚ the better we as humans will be able to arrest their demise‚ and our own. Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians brings together the current knowledge on the status of the unique frogs of Australia‚ New Zealand‚ and the Pacific. Although geographically proximate‚ each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in amphibian research and conservation. This book contributes to an understanding of the current conservation status of the amphibians of each region‚ aims to stimulate research into halting amphibian declines‚ and provides a better foundation for making conservation decisions. It is an invaluable reference for environmental and governmental agencies‚ researchers‚ policy-makers involved with biodiversity conservation‚ and the interested public.
    Citation

    Roberts, J. D. (2018). Conservation of Frogs in Australia: State and Federal Laws. In Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians: Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific Islands (pp. 141–152). CSIRO Publishing.

  7. Scott, J. K., Friedel, M. H., Grice, A. C., & Webber, B. L. (2018). Weeds in Australian Arid Regions. In H. Lambers (Ed.), On the Ecology of Australia’s Arid Zone (pp. 307–330). Springer International Publishing.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93943-8_12

    Abstract

    Spread across the vast landscapes that geographically dominate Australia’s arid interior are over 400 alien plant species making up between 0 and 9.7% of the flora‚ depending on the region being considered. Few of these introductions are genuinely invasive species‚ and an even smaller proportion is documented as having a negative impact on their local ecosystem. However‚ those negative impacts that do occur are far ranging and difficult to manage‚ because of the distances and remoteness of the area‚ a lack of economic incentives for control‚ and contention regarding the economic‚ environmental and social benefits and costs of some species. Management of the weeds of arid regions must involve all aspects of the biosecurity continuum‚ including quarantine and containment. Depending on the size of invaded areas and the particular species‚ options can include mechanical control‚ herbicide applications‚ fire and grazing in various combinations and biological control. Management will need to respond to changes in climate with research required into adaptive responses.
    Citation

    Scott, J. K., Friedel, M. H., Grice, A. C., & Webber, B. L. (2018). Weeds in Australian Arid Regions. In H. Lambers (Ed.), On the Ecology of Australia’s Arid Zone (pp. 307–330). Springer International Publishing.

  8. Johnson, R., Aisthorpe, R., Hardwick, L., & Eddie, C. (2018). Broad-scale Ecological Assessment Report - Maisey West Gas Field PL 1020, PL 1021 and PL 315. Boobook Ecological Consulting.
    https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/maisey-west-ecological-assessment.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Johnson, R., Aisthorpe, R., Hardwick, L., & Eddie, C. (2018). Broad-scale Ecological Assessment Report - Maisey West Gas Field PL 1020, PL 1021 and PL 315. Boobook Ecological Consulting.

  9. Van Der Wal, J., James, J., Graham, E. M., & Pintor, A. F. (2018). Expert Vetted Distribution Models and Biodiversity Hotspot Maps of Terrestrial and Freshwater Taxa of Conservation Concern in Northern Australia.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/28/5a9f31e23e80b

    Abstract

    Abstract: This collection is comprised of raster layers of present day distributions of terrestrial and freshwater taxa that are of conservation concern in Northern Australia‚ which includes the Australian Conservation Management Zones �North Australian Tropical Savanna� and �North Eastern Australia Tropical Rainforests� and drainage basins intersecting these regions boundaries. Distributions were derived either from species distribution models (also referred to as �ecological niche models�‚ �habitat suitability models�‚ �habitat models� or �bioclimatic envelope models�) created with the program Maxent or from buffered occurrence records cut to suitable areas (for data deficient taxa) and were vetted by experts and modified accordingly. The additional biodiversity hotspot maps (i.e. areas with relatively high concentrations of taxa of conservation concern) included in this collection show the number of taxa within each relevant taxonomic‚ functional or threatened species status group (e.g. all endangered species or all vulnerable species) of organisms present across the study region. The collection also includes a supplementary spreadsheet (�NESP vetting and taxa information�) with further information on each taxon‚ such as relevant ecological traits‚ conservation listings and model details (e.g. thresholds used for Maxent raw outputs‚ model quality as assessed by experts‚ AUC/ model fit statistics‚ cautionary notes on any remaining issues or uncertainties). The collection was created for the purpose of informing conservation decision-making in Northern Australia and was funded by the Australian National Environmental Science Program (NESP) as part of the Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub.Purpose: The collection was created for the project �Prioritising threatened species and threatening processes across northern Australia�‚ which was funded by the Australian National Environmental Science Program (NESP) as part of the Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub. It aimed to provide relevant stakeholders with high quality‚ high resolution representations of the distribution of relevant taxa to aid with conservation decisions within Northern Australia. Taxa included in the models were considered to be of conservation concern because they were listed under state and federal threatened species legislation‚ have restricted spatial distributions‚ or are of other priority concern as indicated by our direct communication with environmental departments of the WA‚ NT and QLD governments.� The spatial layers were furthermore designed to be used in conjunction with spatiotemporal models of threats potentially affecting these taxa in northern Australia‚ which are outputs from the second stage of the same project. Distribution layers and threat layers can be combined to estimate spatiotemporal variation in vulnerability (sensitivity vs. exposure) of individual taxa or groups of taxa to particular threats and assist in targeted investment of management actions to conserve these priority species.Lineage Statement:Selection of taxa and sources of distribution dataTaxa were included in this project if they were (i) listed as near threatened‚ vulnerable‚ endangered‚ and/or critically endangered under Australia�s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC) and/or under Northern Territory‚ Queensland‚ and Western Australia legislation and/or on the IUCN red list. Additional range restricted priority taxa were included on advice of the relevant state and territory environmental departments and based on their listing on the relevant action plans for Australian mammals‚ birds and fishes. The listings of each taxon at the time of data collation are shown in the additional information spreadsheet �NESP vetting and taxa information� included in this data collection.Distribution models were based on occurrence records extracted from several data bases‚ including the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA)‚ state and territory government data bases managed by the Western Austr lia Parks and Wildlife Service‚ the Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection‚ the Northern Territory Department of Environment and Natural Resources‚ the Victoria Department of Environment‚ Land‚ Water and Planning‚ and several databases managed by universities‚ museums or individuals (Frank Koehler from the Australian Museum‚ Ashley Field and Mel Greenfield from the Australian Tropical Herbarium/ James Cook University‚ Ian Cowie from the Northern Territory Herbarium‚ David Westcott from CSIRO‚ Arthur Georges from the University of Canberra‚ Mark Kennard from Griffith University‚ and Mark Hamann from James Cook University).Occurrence records were cleaned (i.e. dubious records excluded) and filtered to the appropriate precision and date range. Any non-Australian records were excluded (however‚ this only affected a small number of taxa since most were Australian endemics). Cleaning was done according to feedback elicited from experts‚ information from the literature‚ and any information on trustworthiness available in the source data bases. Where possible‚ only records from 1975 or more recent and with precision of 250m or better were used. However‚ if either of these two filters (precision and date) reduced the number of unique records substantially (by more than half or to less than 20 records)‚ criteria were relaxed (to 1000m or any precision; to all historic records). Records were further reduced to the single most recent and highest precision record per grid cell (all environmental predictor layers used for modelling were rasters with cell size of 0.0025 decimal degrees/\textasciitilde250m; see modelling methods below). Criteria were also relaxed for taxa with spatial bias in either precision or date range of records (e.g. if all records from a certain area had a precision of NA) and for some taxa that have undergone recent range contractions‚ if these contractions were likely to be related to spatial variation in intensity of threatening processes and not to changes in habitat suitability as described by our set of predictor variables. The latter enabled us to better capture the full set of conditions that define suitable habitat for a taxon; these areas of suitable habitat were subsequently cut to still occupied parts of species ranges according to expert knowledge (see modelling methods below).Environmental predictor variables�Environmental predictor variables used in any of the distribution models were chosen from a larger set of candidate environmental variables depending on each taxon�s ecological traits (such as freshwater dependence‚ or broad taxonomic affiliation)‚ which was further reduced in a variable selection process. The base set of variables included environmental layers adapted to our required extent‚ resolution and coordinate system from various sources and included layers based on the National Catchment and Stream Environment Database version 1.1.5 (J.L. Stein‚ M.F. Hutchinson and J.A. Stein‚ Fenner School of Environment and Society‚ Australian National University)‚� the National Vegetation Information System (NVIS; http://www.environment.gov.au/land/native-vegetation/national-vegetation-information-system)‚ climate layers created using ANUCLIM (http://fennerschool.anu.edu.au/research/products/anuclim-vrsn-61)‚ the 9-sec digital elevation model available from Geoscience Australia (https://ecat.ga.gov.au/geonetwork/srv/eng/search#!a05f7892-d78f-7506-e044-00144fdd4fa6)‚ AusCover foliage projective/forest cover (http://auscover.org.au/purl/landsat-persistent-green-2000-2010) and vegetation height and structure (http://auscover.org.au/purl/icesat-vegetation-structure)‚ dominant lithology (as described in the Bureau of Meteorology Geofabric product groundwater cartography at ftp://ftp.bom.gov.au/anon/home/geofabric/)‚ distance to water based water a combination of features described by Bureau of Meteorology Geofabric products at ftp://ftp.bom.gov.au/anon/home/geofabric/ and by Geoscience Australia �surface hydrology� products (https://data.gov.au/)‚ distance to coast based on Australia�s oast line as described by IBRA7 products (http://www.environment.gov.au/land/nrs/science/ibra)‚ soil properties (depth to regolith‚ pH‚ etc.) and soil type (calculated based on combination of sand‚ silt and clay in top 30cm of soil) as described by the CSIRO �Soil and Landscape Grid National Soil Attribute Maps� at 3-sec resolution (accessed through CSIRO data portal at https://data.csiro.au/dap/home?execution=e1s1)‚ CSIRO soil classification (http://www.asris.csiro.au/themes/NationalGrids.html)‚ fraction photosynthetic active vegetation (�Australia‚ MODIS-fPAR time series (2000-2014)‚ 9 arcsec (\textasciitilde250 m)� accessed through the BCCVL at� http://www.bccvl.org.au/)‚ and a weathering index (Wilford‚ J. 2012. A weathering intensity index for the Australian continent using airborne gamma-ray spectrometry and digital terrain analysis‚ Geoderma 183�184 (2012) 124�142‚ DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geoderma.2010.12.022). The full collection of layers from which the subset was selected‚ and detailed methods on the creation of each layer can be accessed via the Tropical Data Hub (�Pintor‚ A.; VanDerWal‚ J.; Graham‚ E. (2018). High resolution environmental layers for species distribution modeling. James Cook University. http://dx.doi.org/10.4225/28/5a9f2e04d6316).�
    Species distribution modelling & vettingFor any taxon with 10 or less remaining records‚ simple distribution models were created by buffering occurrences and cutting buffers to areas with conditions similar to those observed at actual occurrence locations (for example‚ freshwater associated taxa were cut to areas not further from streams than observed at any of the occurrence records). Buffer size was specified according to a taxon�s extent of occurrence and number of records to allow for greater buffers for wide ranging taxa (likely greater dispersal capacities and sample gaps between known occurrences) and smaller buffers for more well sampled taxa within their extent of occurrence (less uncertainty about sample gaps between known occurrences). Experts were then consulted to choose the final buffer radius from three: our recommended buffer distance (based on the reasoning described above)‚ half our recommendation‚ or twice our recommendation. For each taxon with over 50 records‚ we ran 10-fold cross-validated Maxent models (Steven J. Phillips‚ Miroslav Dud�k‚ Robert E. Schapire. Maximum Entropy Modeling of Species Geographic Distributions; Version 3.3.3‚ 2010) and performed variable selection: variable performance was ranked according to permutation importance‚ the best variables with a permutation importance of > 1% were selected‚ and this list further shortened to retain up to 10 variables for taxa with under 100 records and one variable per 10 occurrence records for taxa with over 100 records to balance the risk of overfitting models with providing the sufficient detail on habitat characteristics. The remaining variables were used to run a final Maxent model. For taxa with 11 to 50 records‚ Maxent models were created‚ but variable selection was based on summaries of best performing variables for other taxa with similar traits (from the set with more than 50 records discussed above).Each model went through an expert vetting process where experts on the different taxonomic or functional groups decided on a threshold‚ excluded dubious records‚ clarified taxonomic changes and inaccuracies‚ and identified areas that were predicted as suitable but are known or expected to be unoccupied. Final models were run with the vetted data and outputs were cut and thresholded accordingly. Occurrence thresholds were selected by experts from the following options; the Maxent threshold suggested options of (T1) �Equal training sensitivity and specificity� or (T2) �Equate entropy of thresholded and original distributions�; (T3) the most severe of the two thresholds T1 or T2 multiplied by 2 (if less than 0.35) or divided by 2 (if higher than 0.35 which was rarely the case) - this option aimed to provide an �extreme� alternative to the traditional thresholds because it may be that predictions for ranges of poorly sampled species are too strict (lack of representation of full range of occupied conditions) or for highly restricted species too generous (underestimates of specialists� dependence on exact conditions); (T4) a constant strict threshold of 0.5; (T5) an individual threshold nominated by the expert if all other thresholds were deemed inappropriate. Detailed information on which type of threshold was used for each taxon‚ which areas were cut are specified in the spreadsheet �NESP vetting and taxa information�‚ which is part of this collection.�These thresholds in the spreadsheet apply to the original Maxent outputs and NOT to the final distribution maps. Final model versions were rescaled to within the range of suitabilities included in the cut and thresholded output (for example if the raw suitability output ranged from 0 to 1 and the expert selected threshold was 0.4‚ the resulting range of suitabilities from 0.4-1 was rescaled to the full range of within realized habitat� suitability of 0-1). This was done to make final models for different taxa comparable. One reason this was necessary was that some threatened subspecies are under-sampled and underrepresented in whole-species models. For example for species with many East Coast records and few records for one isolated subspecies in the Kimberley‚ Maxent will treat latter as outliers and underpredict suitability in the Kimberley. However‚ such isolated subspecies are often the ones of greatest conservation concern. Because cresating useful models for conservation decisoons was the primary goal of this project‚ the rescaled final versions for each of the modelled subspecies was merged to the final version of the rescaled overall species model to fill in any such gaps.�All models ran through three vetting rounds: initial models were vetted by experts and corrections applied‚ models were then rerun and re-vetted by co-investigators (to make sure that original expert comments were still represented accurately in the new versions and that any potential previous oversights were corrected); lastly a small set of models with remaining inaccuracies was rerun with final modifications and quality checked again.Model outputs and suggested appropriate useAvailable files for each taxon include the following (binary suitable/unsuitable maps� g-l exist for all taxa‚ continuous suitability outputs a-f only for Maxent based models‚ not for buffer based models):a) 10km resolution distribution map (rescaled suitability index 0 to 1/ expert vetted unoccupied areas set to 0) � �taxon_currentG10km.asc�;�b) 250m resolution distribution map (rescaled suitability index 0 to 1/ expert vetted unoccupied areas set to 0) � �taxon_currentG.asc;�c) 250m resolution distribution map (suitability index 0 to 1/ expert vetted unoccupied areas set to 0) � applied threshold relaxed by 0.1 ��taxon_currentGSL.asc�;�d) 250m resolution distribution map (rescaled suitability index 0 to 1/ expert vetted unoccupied areas NOT set to 0) ��taxon_currentGuncut.asc�;�e) 250m resolution distribution map (rescaled suitability index 0 to 1/ expert vetted unoccupied areas NOT set to 0) � applied threshold relaxed by 0.1��taxon_currentGuncutSL.asc�;�f) 250m resolution distribution map (rescaled suitability index 1 to 2/ expert vetted unoccupied areas 0 to 1) ��taxon_currentCG.asc�;g) 10km resolution distribution map (1=suitable and likely occupied/ 0=unsuitable or vetted unoccupied) � taxon_currentF10km.asc;h) 250m resolution distribution map (1=suitable and likely occupied/ 0=unsuitable or vetted unoccupied) � taxon_currentF.asc;�i) 250m resolution distribution map (1=suitable and likely occupied/ 0=unsuitable or vetted unoccupied) � applied threshold relaxed by 0.1 � �taxon_currentFSL.asc�;�j) 250m resolution distribution map (1=suitable - may or may not be occupied/ 0=unsuitable) ��taxon_currentFuncut.asc�;�k) 250m resolution distribution map (1=suitable - may or may not be occupied/ 0=unsuitable) � applied threshold relaxed by 0.1��taxon_currentFuncutSL.asc�;�l) 250m resolution distribution map (2=suitable and likely occupied/ 1=suitable but vetted unoccupied/ 0=unsuitable) ��taxon_currentCF.asc�;Model versions with relaxed thresholds are intended to allow for users to estimate uncertainty around recommended cut off points for distributions‚ and aim to describe areas where the taxon �may occur� but is not necessarily �likely to occur�. These are to be used with caution as they are not based on expert vetting. For high resolution models‚ gradual and 0/1 outputs are furthermore provided as a (I) final version cut to areas recommended by experts (b/h)‚ (II) pre-cutting versions that include areas predicted to be suitable but unlikely to be occupied (d/j)‚ and (III) a combined version showing cut out areas as low suitability scores as well as actually vetted-occupied areas as higher suitability scores. Versions including unoccupied but potentially suitable areas were provided in case they are needed for translocation projects and to capture any remaining uncertainty but should be used with caution. For publically available 10km models only the final‚ vetted-occupied‚ vetted-threshold versions are provided.�Versions with 10 km resolu ion are intended for public use and are intended to be made available through the Atlas of Living Australia and the Department of Environment and Energy (DoEE) Environmental Resources Information Network (ERIN) public web resources‚ while all 250m resolution versions include detailed information on the distributions of sensitive species‚ should only be used for conservation purposes and are only intended to be distributed on request by JCU‚ DoEE ERIN and relevant state/ territory government departments that have been granted distribution privileges by JCU or ERIN.We furthermore produced hotspot maps that show how many taxa of conservation concern co-occur across our study region. Such hotspot maps were created for several taxa‚ functional groups‚ or groups of taxa with similar conservation listing and aim to indicate which areas may be in particular need of certain sets of conservation actions‚ how adequate current protected areas are for the conservation of certain groups‚ and/or how the distribution of threatened taxa corresponds to general distributions of biodiversity. For comparison with general distribution patterns of biodiversity we recommend products provided by CliMAS (Climate change and biodiversity in Australia; http://climas.hpc.jcu.edu.au/). Hotspot maps were created by summing all unique species (i.e. subspecies listed as threatened were only included once by using the merged overall species model) within each pre-defined group predicted to be present in each grid cell (according to 250m resolution vetted-occupied vetted-threshold model versions). Outputs were clipped to our study region because only northern taxa were modelled and any patterns outside of the study region would be misleading as they don�t include the set of taxa of relevance there. High resolution hotspot models are intended for conservation purposes as well as public use because any species-specific sensitive information is disguised.�
    This collection is comprised of raster layers of present day distributions of terrestrial and freshwater taxa that are of conservation concern in Northern Australia‚ which includes the Australian Conservation Management Zones �North Australian Tropical Savanna� and �North Eastern Australia Tropical Rainforests� and drainage basins intersecting these regions boundaries.� Distributions were derived either from Maxent models or from buffered occurrence records and were vetted by experts and modified accordingly. The additional conservation hotspot maps included in this collection show the number of taxa within each relevant taxonomic‚ functional or conservation group of organisms present across the study region. The collection also includes supplementary spreadsheets with further information on each taxon‚ such as certain organisms� traits‚ model details or conservation listings. The collection was created for the purpose of aiding stakeholders with conservation decisions in Northern Australia and was funded by the Australian National Environmental Science Program (NESP) as part of the Northern Australia Environmental Resources Hub.
    Citation

    Van Der Wal, J., James, J., Graham, E. M., & Pintor, A. F. (2018). Expert Vetted Distribution Models and Biodiversity Hotspot Maps of Terrestrial and Freshwater Taxa of Conservation Concern in Northern Australia.

  10. Konlechner, T. M., Kennedy, D. M., Cousens, R. D., & Woods, J. L. D. (2018). Patterns of early-colonising species on eroding to prograding coasts; implications for foredune plant communities on retreating coastlines. Geomorphology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.11.013

    Geomorphology
    Abstract

    Shoreline erosion is predicted to increase as the result of climate change‚ yet the effects on foredune-building species and associated dune processes remain poorly understood. To predict the response of foredune plant communities to increased erosion we examined the abundance of six early colonising dune-building species across 71 beach-foredune sites in south-east Australia. The assumption being that those species better adapted to shoreline retreat will be more frequent and have increased abundance on erosional coasts than species lacking the capacity to withstand or re-establish following periods of storm-induced erosion. All species were frequently recorded regardless of the rate of shoreline progradation or erosion‚ which ranged 3.8 to −2.2 m year−1. Species presence was not related to erosion rates; however‚ there was a significant association between the rate of shoreline change and abundance for some of the studied species. Variation in traits related to tolerance to salinity and burial and the ability to establish following erosion appear to correspond to the observed patterns of species abundance. While this study examined only six species‚ it appears that species that are restricted to zones closer to the spring-tide level‚ that have a persistent rather than opportunistic growth-history or that are limited in their ability to recolonise following erosion‚ are more likely to be negatively impacted by increased rates of coastal erosion. Given the association between vegetation and foredune morphology these findings have important implications for the management of sandy coasts.
    Citation

    Konlechner, T. M., Kennedy, D. M., Cousens, R. D., & Woods, J. L. D. (2018). Patterns of early-colonising species on eroding to prograding coasts; implications for foredune plant communities on retreating coastlines. Geomorphology. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.geomorph.2018.11.013

  11. Satyanti, A., Nicotra, ., Merkling, T., & Guja, L. K. (2018). Seed mass and elevation explain variation in seed longevity of Australian alpine species. Seed Science Research, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258518000090

    Seed Science Research
    Abstract

    Conserving alpine ecosystems and the plant communities they contain using ex situ conservation requires an understanding of seed longevity. Knowledge of seed longevity may determine the effectiveness of ex situ seed banking for alpine plant conservation‚ and may provide insight into plant recruitment in situ. We sought to determine the influence of elevation and climatic variables‚ as well as plant and seed traits‚ on the seed longevity of 57 species inhabiting a unique biome‚ (sub-)alpine regions of mainland Australia. Seed longevity was estimated using controlled accelerated ageing tests to determine the time taken for seed viability to fall by 50%. We found that‚ across the study species‚ like alpine seeds elsewhere in the world‚ Australian alpine seeds are relatively short-lived and overall shorter-lived than Australian plants in general. Seed mass and elevation explained most of the variation in seed longevity among the Australian alpine species considered. Species with larger seed mass‚ and collections made at higher elevations‚ were found to have relatively short-lived seeds. Phylogeny‚ however‚ explained very little of the variation in longevity. Our results suggest that viability testing for Australian alpine seeds in ex situ seed banks should be conducted with shorter intervals than for the non-alpine flora. This study highlights how seed longevity in the Australian Alps is not dictated primarily by evolutionary lineage but rather by a complex combination of environmental variables and intrinsic seed characteristics. Potential implications for conservation ex situ and in situ in the context of climate change are discussed.
    Citation

    Satyanti, A., Nicotra, ., Merkling, T., & Guja, L. K. (2018). Seed mass and elevation explain variation in seed longevity of Australian alpine species. Seed Science Research, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0960258518000090

  12. Peacock, D. E., Fancourt, B. A., McDowell, M. C., & Abbott, I. (2018). Survival histories of marsupial carnivores on Australian continental shelf islands highlight climate change and Europeans as likely extirpation factors: implications for island predator restoration. Biodiversity and Conservation, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1546-6

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    Abstract

    Predators are critical components of ecosystems‚ but large marsupial carnivores have suffered major declines and extinctions in Australia. To inform predator restoration efforts on Kangaroo Island (South Australia) we examined the survival histories and potential extirpation factors of large marsupial carnivores that previously occurred on Kangaroo Island‚ King Island and Flinders Island‚ located off the southern coastline of the Australian mainland. Through a review of historical accounts and fossil evidence‚ we determined that the pattern of species persistence and extirpation on Kangaroo Island parallels that observed on King and Flinders Islands. Fossil data supports the terminal Pleistocene–early Holocene extinction of the thylacine (Thylacinus cynocephalus) from Kangaroo Island and the Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii) from both Kangaroo and Flinders Islands. Though eastern quoll (Dasyurus viverrinus) fossils have been found on both Kangaroo and Flinders Islands‚ and western quoll (D. geoffroii) on Kangaroo Island‚ contemporary evidence for their post-European persistence is unclear. In contrast‚ fossil‚ museum and anecdotal data supports the presence of the spotted-tailed quoll (D. maculatus) on all three islands and‚ contrary to established knowledge‚ its post-European persistence on Kangaroo Island. The loss of T. cynocephalus‚ S. harrisii‚ D. geoffroii and D. viverrinus from these islands appears to be commensurate with late to terminal Pleistocene–early Holocene climate change and associated changes in vegetation communities. In contrast‚ anthropogenic persecution of D. maculatus appears to be the principal cause of its post-European extirpation. We recommend D. maculatus as a suitable candidate marsupial carnivore for reintroduction to Kangaroo Island.
    Citation

    Peacock, D. E., Fancourt, B. A., McDowell, M. C., & Abbott, I. (2018). Survival histories of marsupial carnivores on Australian continental shelf islands highlight climate change and Europeans as likely extirpation factors: implications for island predator restoration. Biodiversity and Conservation, 1–18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-018-1546-6

  13. Oppenheimer, R. L., Shell, W. A., & Rehan, S. M. (2018). Phylogeography and population genetics of the Australian small carpenter bee, Ceratina australensis. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly070

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Abstract. The Australian small carpenter bee‚ Ceratina australensis‚ is the sole member of the small carpenter bees‚ genus Ceratina‚ in Australia. Ceratina aus
    Citation

    Oppenheimer, R. L., Shell, W. A., & Rehan, S. M. (2018). Phylogeography and population genetics of the Australian small carpenter bee, Ceratina australensis. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly070

  14. Hammer, T. A., Davis, R. W., & Thiele, K. R. (2018). The showy and the shy: reinstatement of two species from Ptilotus gaudichaudii (Amaranthaceae). Australian Systematic Botany, 31(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB17026

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    . Ptilotus R.Br. (Amaranthaceae) is a widespread and species-rich Australian genus. One of the most common arid species‚ Ptilotus gaudichaudii (Steud.) J.M.Black (paper foxtail)‚ currently comprises the following three subspecies: subsp. gaudichaudii‚ subsp. eremita (S.Moore) Lally and subsp. parviflorus (Benth.) Lally. In the present study‚ we re-evaluate the morphological basis for the recognition and status of infraspecies in P. gaudichaudii. Evidence from herbarium and field observations supports the reinstatement of Ptilotus gaudichaudii subsp. eremita and subsp. parviflorus to the rank of species as P. eremita (S.Moore) T.Hammer & R.W.Davis and P. modestus T.Hammer respectively.
    Citation

    Hammer, T. A., Davis, R. W., & Thiele, K. R. (2018). The showy and the shy: reinstatement of two species from Ptilotus gaudichaudii (Amaranthaceae). Australian Systematic Botany, 31(1), 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB17026

  15. Howard, S., McInerney, F. A., Caddy-Retalic, S., Hall, P. A., & Andrae, J. W. (2018). Modelling leaf wax n-alkane inputs to soils along a latitudinal transect across Australia. Organic Geochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2018.03.013

    Organic Geochemistry
    Abstract

    Leaf wax n-alkanes provide a valuable palaeoecological proxy‚ but their interpretation requires an understanding of the scale of temporal and spatial integration in soils. Leaf wax n-alkanes are continually deposited into soils directly from local plants as well as from more distant plants via wind or water transport. In addition‚ n-alkanes can persist in soils for thousands of years‚ and tend to decrease in age with shallower depth. To explore whether the uppermost soils reflect recent leaf fall inputs we compared surface soils and modern vegetation from 20 sites along a transect across Australia. At each site‚ the three most dominant plant species and a soil sample from the top 3 cm were analysed for n-alkane concentration‚ average chain length (ACL)‚ proportional abundance of C33 and C29 (Norm33) and carbon preference index (CPI). Chain length distributions differ between trees and grasses‚ with a higher proportion of C29 in trees and C33 in grasses. Norm33 in soils correlates with proportional grass to tree cover across the transect. To model n-alkane inputs for each site‚ we calculated a predicted ACL‚ Norm33 and CPI using the dominant plants at that site‚ weighted by proportional species cover and n-alkane concentration. Predicted ACL‚ Norm33 and CPI inputs were generally higher than the soils‚ demonstrating that recent and local inputs do not dominate soil n-alkanes at our study sites. Thus‚ n-alkane distributions in surface soils do not correlate with local‚ current vegetation‚ but do correlate with proportional grass and tree cover‚ suggesting they provide a faithful record of large scale ecosystems structure.
    Citation

    Howard, S., McInerney, F. A., Caddy-Retalic, S., Hall, P. A., & Andrae, J. W. (2018). Modelling leaf wax n-alkane inputs to soils along a latitudinal transect across Australia. Organic Geochemistry. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.orggeochem.2018.03.013

  16. Lamoureux, S. C., Poot, P., & Veneklaas, E. J. (2018). Shallow soils negatively affect water relations and photosynthesis in two semi-arid Eucalyptus species. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 155, 239–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2018.06.037

    Environmental and Experimental Botany
    Abstract

    Water relations of saplings of two Eucalyptus species (E. leptopoda Benth. and E. loxophleba Benth.) were investigated on engineered cover systems (soil spread over mine waste rock) with soil depths of 0.3‚ 0.5 and 0.7 m in a semi-arid climate during summer. Objectives were (1) to assess the influence of soil depth on plant water availability; and (2) to better understand the impact of water availability and diurnal environmental fluctuations on key physiological parameters such as transpiration (E)‚ stomatal conductance (gs)‚ net photosynthesis (A)‚ intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci)‚ and mid-day leaf water potential (ΨMD) as they relate to regulation of plant water status. Physiological responses of plants to environmental factors differed between plants in shallow versus deep soils and species. Plants on deeper soils were less affected by high vapour pressure deficit (VPD)‚ temperature‚ and irradiance due to increased plant available water‚ partly provided by their less confined roots‚ resulting in higher overall gs‚ E‚ A‚ and ΨMD. Stomatal closure reduced A but not Ci‚ indicating that high temperature and radiation were also significantly contributing to the diurnal decline in A through reversible photoinhibition. Greater soil depth in natural (semi-) arid ecosystems and on constructed or restored substrates may minimise plant sensitivity to higher temperature‚ VPD and irradiance through plant available moisture‚ especially in areas most vulnerable to climate warming and drying.
    Citation

    Lamoureux, S. C., Poot, P., & Veneklaas, E. J. (2018). Shallow soils negatively affect water relations and photosynthesis in two semi-arid Eucalyptus species. Environmental and Experimental Botany, 155, 239–250. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envexpbot.2018.06.037

  17. Kearney, M. R., Munns, S. L., Moore, D., Malishev, M., & Bull, C. M. (2018). Field tests of a general ectotherm niche model show how water can limit lizard activity and distribution. Ecological Monographs. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1326

    Ecological Monographs
    Abstract

    Mechanistic forecasts of how species will respond to climate change are highly desired but difficult to achieve. Because processes at different scales are explicit in such models‚ careful assessments of their predictive abilities can provide valuable insights that will be relevant to functionally similar species. However‚ there are surprisingly few comprehensive field tests of mechanistic niche models in the literature. We applied a general‚ thermodynamically grounded modeling framework to determine the fundamental niche of an extremely well-studied herbivorous ectotherm‚ the sleepy lizard Tiliqua rugosa. We then compared the model predictions with detailed long-term field observations that included sub-hourly data on microclimate‚ activity levels‚ home ranges‚ and body temperatures as well as annual to decadal patterns of body condition and growth. Body temperature predictions inferred from gridded climatic data were within 10% of empirically observed values and explained >70% of observed daytime activity patterns across all lizards. However‚ some periods of activity restriction were explained by predicted desiccation level rather than by temperature‚ and metabolically driven activity requirements were much lower than potential activity time. Decadal trajectories of field growth and body condition could also be explained to within 10% of observed values‚ with the variance in trajectories being attributable to whether individuals had access to permanent water. Continent-wide applications of the model partly captured the inland distribution limit‚ but only after accounting for water limitations. Predicted changes in habitat suitability under six climate change scenarios were generally positive within the species’ current range‚ but varied strongly with predicted rainfall. Temperature is regarded as the major factor that will restrict the distribution and abundance of lizards and other terrestrial ectotherms under climate change. Yet our findings show how water can be more important than temperature in constraining the activity‚ habitat requirements‚ and distribution limits of terrestrial ectotherms. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of first-principles computation of the climatic limits on terrestrial animals from gridded environmental data‚ providing a coherent picture for how species will respond to climate change at different scales of space and time.
    Citation

    Kearney, M. R., Munns, S. L., Moore, D., Malishev, M., & Bull, C. M. (2018). Field tests of a general ectotherm niche model show how water can limit lizard activity and distribution. Ecological Monographs. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1326

  18. Hoenner, ., Huveneers, C., Steckenreuter, A., Simpfendorfer, C. A., Tattersall, K., Jaine, F. R. A., Atkins, N., Babcock, R. C., Brodie, S., Burgess, J., Campbell, H. A., Heupel, M. R., Pasquer, B., Proctor, R., Taylor, M. D., Udyawer, V., & Harcourt, R. G. (2018). Data Descriptor: Australia’s continental-scale acoustic tracking database and its automated quality control process. Scientific Data, 5, 170206. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2017.206

    Scientific Data
    Abstract

    Our ability to predict species responses to environmental changes relies on accurate records of animal movement patterns. Continental-scale acoustic telemetry networks are increasingly being established worldwide‚ producing large volumes of information-rich geospatial data. During the last decade‚ the Integrated Marine Observing System’s Animal Tracking Facility (IMOS ATF) established a permanent array of acoustic receivers around Australia. Simultaneously‚ IMOS developed a centralised national database to foster collaborative research across the user community and quantify individual behaviour across a broad range of taxa. Here we present the database and quality control procedures developed to collate 49.6 million valid detections from 1891 receiving stations. This dataset consists of detections for 3‚777 tags deployed on 117 marine species‚ with distances travelled ranging from a few to thousands of kilometres. Connectivity between regions was only made possible by the joint contribution of IMOS infrastructure and researcher-funded receivers. This dataset constitutes a valuable resource facilitating meta-analysis of animal movement‚ distributions‚ and habitat use‚ and is important for relating species distribution shifts with environmental covariates.
    Citation

    Hoenner, ., Huveneers, C., Steckenreuter, A., Simpfendorfer, C. A., Tattersall, K., Jaine, F. R. A., Atkins, N., Babcock, R. C., Brodie, S., Burgess, J., Campbell, H. A., Heupel, M. R., Pasquer, B., Proctor, R., Taylor, M. D., Udyawer, V., & Harcourt, R. G. (2018). Data Descriptor: Australia’s continental-scale acoustic tracking database and its automated quality control process. Scientific Data, 5, 170206. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2017.206

  19. Kelly, E., & Phillips, B. L. (2018). Targeted gene flow and rapid adaptation in an endangered marsupial. Conservation Biology, 0. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13149

    Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Targeted gene flow is an emerging conservation strategy. It involves translocating individuals with favorable genes to areas where they will have a conservation benefit. The applications for targeted gene flow are wide-ranging‚ but include pre-adapting natives to the arrival of invasive species. The endangered carnivorous marsupial‚ the northern quoll‚ has declined rapidly since the introduction of the cane toad‚ which fatally poisons quolls that attack them. There are‚ however‚ a few remaining toad-invaded quoll populations in which the quolls survive because they know not to eat cane toads. It is this “toad-smart” behavior that we hope to promote through targeted gene flow. For targeted gene flow to be feasible‚ however‚ toad-smarts must have a genetic basis. To assess this‚ we used a common garden experiment and found offspring from toad-exposed populations were substantially less likely to eat toads than those with toad-naïve parents. Hybrid offspring showed similar responses to quolls with two toad-exposed parents‚ indicating the trait may be dominant. Together‚ these results suggest a heritable trait and rapid adaptive response in small number of toad-impacted populations. Although questions remain about outbreeding depression‚ our results are encouraging for targeted gene flow: suggesting it should be possible to introduce toad-smart behavior into soon to be impacted quoll populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved
    Citation

    Kelly, E., & Phillips, B. L. (2018). Targeted gene flow and rapid adaptation in an endangered marsupial. Conservation Biology, 0. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13149

  20. Melville, J. (2018). Conservation genetics of eastern Australian herpetofauna in a rapidly changing landscape: a perspective on conservation management and policy implementation. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC18017

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Over the last 200 years Australia has seen wide-scale habitat losses and land-clearing but in the last two decades the rate of loss has been accelerating dramatically‚ with intensification of land clearing and unprecedented urban growth around most of our major cities. It is within this framework of such rapid change that I have been undertaking conservation genetic research of lizards and frogs over the last 15 years. Here I reflect on the impacts of two rapidly changing landscapes that I have documented through my research. First‚ the profound impact of land clearing and shifting agricultural practices from mixed-cropping farms to vast broadacre monocultures on the grassland earless dragons of the Condamine River floodplains in south-eastern Queensland. Second‚ the rapid expansion of the Melbourne urban growth boundaries and how planning processes can impact the future survival of lizard and frog species within an urban environment. Both these cases highlight the impacts of rapid landscape change and emphasise the need for appropriate regulation and planning. Recommendations to slow the detrimental decline and potential extinction of these species include tighter land-clearing regulations and compliance monitoring‚ plus funding and integration of high-quality research into planning policy at early strategic stages. However‚ it is also vital that as conservation researchers we effectively communicate to the wider community our knowledge of the impacts that these landscape changes are having on our native flora and fauna.
    Citation

    Melville, J. (2018). Conservation genetics of eastern Australian herpetofauna in a rapidly changing landscape: a perspective on conservation management and policy implementation. Pacific Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1071/PC18017

  21. Grogan, L. F., Mulvenna, J., Gummer, J. P. A., Scheele, B. C., Berger, L., Cashins, S. D., McFadden, M. S., Harlow, P., Hunter, D. A., Trengove, R. D., & Skerratt, L. F. (2018). Survival, gene and metabolite responses of Litoria verreauxii alpina frogs to fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Scientific Data, 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.33

    Scientific Data
    Abstract

    The fungal skin disease chytridiomycosis has caused the devastating decline and extinction of hundreds of amphibian species globally‚ yet the potential for evolving resistance‚ and the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain poorly understood. We exposed 406 naïve‚ captive-raised alpine tree frogs (Litoria verreauxii alpina) from multiple populations (one evolutionarily naïve to chytridiomycosis) to the aetiological agent Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis in two concurrent and controlled infection experiments. We investigated (A) survival outcomes and clinical pathogen burdens between populations and clutches‚ and (B) individual host tissue responses to chytridiomycosis. Here we present multiple interrelated datasets associated with these exposure experiments‚ including animal signalment‚ survival and pathogen burden of 355 animals from Experiment A‚ and the following datasets related to 61 animals from Experiment B: animal signalment and pathogen burden; raw RNA-Seq reads from skin‚ liver and spleen tissues; de novo assembled transcriptomes for each tissue type; raw gene expression data; annotation data for each gene; and raw metabolite expression data from skin and liver tissues. These data provide an extensive baseline for future analyses.
    Citation

    Grogan, L. F., Mulvenna, J., Gummer, J. P. A., Scheele, B. C., Berger, L., Cashins, S. D., McFadden, M. S., Harlow, P., Hunter, D. A., Trengove, R. D., & Skerratt, L. F. (2018). Survival, gene and metabolite responses of Litoria verreauxii alpina frogs to fungal disease chytridiomycosis. Scientific Data, 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2018.33

  22. Fensham, R. J., Laffineur, B., & Silcock, J. L. (2018). In the wake of bulldozers: Identifying threatened species in a habitat decimated by rapid clearance. Biological Conservation, 219, 28–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.12.008

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Where habitat loss is rapid‚ formerly common species may be at risk of extinction. We provide a method for using habitat mapping data and herbarium records to identify plant species that are threatened by the rapid conversion of brigalow forest‚ a widespread habitat type in eastern Australia that has been decimated over the last 60 years. The method weights species depending on the strength of their association with the brigalow forest habitat and their association with the Brigalow Belt region where the clearance of native vegetation has been extensive. The process identifies 56 out of a total of 1229 plant species that are at greatest potential risk. Twenty of the 56 species also occur in habitats that have not been extensively cleared. Of the remaining 36 species‚ 11 are closely associated with brigalow forest‚ which in general has been more extensively cleared than other habitats. The method revealed several species potentially imperilled by habitat loss that have not previously been identified by formal listing of threatened species. The rate of habitat loss for the target species can be clearly documented‚ although further survey is required to determine the potential persistence of species in habitat that has been modified by clearing and an estimate of generation length of the plant species is required in order to assess this decline against IUCN threat categories. The method has broad application in situations where there are records of species and documentation of habitat loss. © 2018 Elsevier Ltd
    Citation

    Fensham, R. J., Laffineur, B., & Silcock, J. L. (2018). In the wake of bulldozers: Identifying threatened species in a habitat decimated by rapid clearance. Biological Conservation, 219, 28–34. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.12.008

  23. García‐Navas, V., & Westerman, M. (2018). Niche conservatism and phylogenetic clustering in a tribe of arid-adapted marsupial mice, the Sminthopsini. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 0. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.13297

    Journal of Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    The progressive expansion of the Australian arid zone during the last 20 Ma appears to have spurred the diversification of several families of plants‚ vertebrates and invertebrates yet such taxonomic groups appear to show limited niche radiation. Here‚ we test whether speciation is associated with niche conservatism (constraints on ecological divergence) or niche divergence in a tribe of marsupials mice (Sminthopsini; 23 taxa) that includes the most speciose genus of living dasyurids‚ the sminthopsins. To that end‚ we integrated phylogenetic data with ecological niche modelling‚ to enable us to reconstruct the evolution of climatic suitability within Sminthopsini. Niche overlap among species was low-moderate (but generally higher than expected given environmental background similarity) and the degree of phylogenetic clustering increased with aridity. Climatic niche reconstruction illustrates that there has been little apparent evolution of climatic tolerance within clades. Accordingly‚ climatic disparity tends to be accumulated among clades‚ suggesting considerable niche conservatism. Our results also indicate that evolution of climatic tolerances has been heterogeneous across different dimensions of climate (temperature vs. precipitation) and across phylogenetic clusters (S. murina group vs. other groups). Although some results point to the existence of shifts in climatic niches during the speciation of sminthopsins‚ our study provides evidence for substantial phylogenetic niche conservatism in the group. We conclude that niche diversification had a low impact on the speciation of this tribe of small‚ but highly mobile marsupials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    García‐Navas, V., & Westerman, M. (2018). Niche conservatism and phylogenetic clustering in a tribe of arid-adapted marsupial mice, the Sminthopsini. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 0. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.13297

  24. Du, P., Arndt, S. K., & Farrell, C. (2018). Relationships between plant drought response, traits and climate of origin for green roof plant selection. Ecological Applications, 0. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.1782

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    The ideal species for green or vegetated roofs should have high water use after rainfall to maximise stormwater retention but also survive periods with low water availability in dry substrates. Shrubs have great potential for green roofs because they have higher rates of water use‚ and many species are also drought tolerant. However‚ not all shrub species will be suitable and there may be a trade-off between water use and drought tolerance. We conducted a glasshouse experiment to determine the possible trade-offs between shrub water use for stormwater management and their response to drought conditions. We selected 20 shrubs from a wide range of climate of origins‚ represented by heat moisture index (HMI) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). Under well-watered (WW) and water deficit (WD) conditions‚ we assessed morphological responses to water availability; evapotranspiration rate (ET) and midday water potential (ΨMD) were used to evaluate species water use and drought response. In response to WD‚ all 20 shrubs adjusted their morphology and physiology. However‚ there were no species that simultaneously achieved high rates of water use (high ET) under WW and high drought tolerance (low ΨMD) under WD. Although some species which had high water use under WW conditions could avoid drought stress (high ΨMD) used. Water use was strongly related to plant biomass‚ total leaf area and leaf traits (SLA and LAR). Conversely‚ drought response (ΨMD) was not related to morphological traits. Species’ climate of origin was not related to drought response or water use. Drought avoiding shrubs (high ΨMD) could optimize rainfall reduction on green roofs. Water use was related to biomass‚ leaf area and leaf traits‚ thus these traits could be used to assist the selection of shrubs for stormwater mitigation on green roofs. The natural distribution of species was not related to their water use or drought response‚ which suggests that shrubs from less arid climates may be suitable for use on green roofs. Selecting species based on traits and not climate of origin could both improve green roof performance and biodiversity outcomes by expanding the current plant palette. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Du, P., Arndt, S. K., & Farrell, C. (2018). Relationships between plant drought response, traits and climate of origin for green roof plant selection. Ecological Applications, 0. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.1782

  25. Giljohann, K. M., Kelly, L. T., Connell, J., Clarke, M. F., Clarke, R. H., Regan, T. J., & McCarthy, M. A. (2018). Assessing the sensitivity of biodiversity indices used to inform fire management. Journal of Applied Ecology, 55(2), 461–471. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13006

    Journal of Applied Ecology
    Abstract

    Biodiversity indices are widely used to summarize changes in the distribution and abundance of multiple species and measure progress towards management targets. However‚ the sensitivity of biodiversity indices to the data‚ landscape classification and conservation values underpinning them are rarely interrogated. There are limited studies to help scientists and land managers use biodiversity indices in the presence of fire and vegetation succession. The geometric mean of species’ relative abundance or occurrence (G) is a biodiversity index that can be used to determine the mix of post-fire vegetation that maximizes biodiversity. We explored the sensitivity of G to (1) type of biodiversity data‚ (2) representation of ecosystem states‚ (3) expression of conservation values‚ and (4) uncertainty in species’ response to landscape structure. Our case study is an area of fire-prone woodland in southern Australia where G is used in fire management planning. We analysed three datasets to determine the fire responses of 170 bird‚ mammal and reptile species. G and fire management targets were sensitive to the species included in the analysis. The optimal mix of vegetation successional states for threatened birds was more narrowly defined than the optimal mix for all species combined. G was less sensitive to successional classification (i.e. number of states); although classifications of increasing complexity provided additional insights into desirable levels of heterogeneity. Weighting species by conservation status or endemism influenced the mix of vegetation states that maximized biodiversity. When a higher value was placed on threatened species the importance of late successional vegetation was emphasized. Representing variation in individual species’ response to vegetation structure made it clearer when a decrease in G was likely to reflect a significant reduction in species occurrences. Synthesis and applications. Data‚ models and conservation values can be combined using biodiversity indices to make robust environmental decisions. Combining different types of biodiversity data using composite indices‚ such as the geometric mean‚ can improve the coverage and relevance of biodiversity indices. We recommend that evaluation of biodiversity indices for fire management verify how index assumptions align with management objectives‚ consider the relative merits of different types of biodiversity data‚ test sensitivity of ecosystem state definitions and incorporate conservation values through species weightings. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology © 2017 British Ecological Society
    Citation

    Giljohann, K. M., Kelly, L. T., Connell, J., Clarke, M. F., Clarke, R. H., Regan, T. J., & McCarthy, M. A. (2018). Assessing the sensitivity of biodiversity indices used to inform fire management. Journal of Applied Ecology, 55(2), 461–471. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13006

  26. Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R. V., Price, J. J., & Griffith, S. C. (2018). Variation in avian egg shape and nest structure is explained by climatic conditions. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 4141. 66ee6a1a-64eb-394a-b199-01aceed91ddd. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22436-0

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    Why are avian eggs ovoid‚ while the eggs of most other vertebrates are symmetrical? The interaction between an egg and its environment likely drives selection that will shape eggs across evolutionary time. For example‚ eggs incubated in hot‚ arid regions face acute exposure to harsh climatic conditions relative to those in temperate zones‚ and this exposure will differ across nest types‚ with eggs in open nests being more exposed to direct solar radiation than those in enclosed nests. We examined the idea that the geographical distribution of both egg shapes and nest types should reflect selective pressures of key environmental parameters‚ such as ambient temperature and the drying capacity of air. We took a comparative approach‚ using 310 passerine species from Australia‚ many of which are found in some of the most extreme climates on earth. We found that‚ across the continent‚ egg elongation decreases and the proportion of species with domed nests with roofs increases in hotter and drier areas with sparse plant canopies. Eggs are most spherical in open nests in the hottest environments‚ and most elongate in domed nests in wetter‚ shadier environments. Our findings suggest that climatic conditions played a key role in the evolution of passerine egg shape.
    Citation

    Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R. V., Price, J. J., & Griffith, S. C. (2018). Variation in avian egg shape and nest structure is explained by climatic conditions. Scientific Reports, 8(1), 4141. 66ee6a1a-64eb-394a-b199-01aceed91ddd. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-22436-0

  27. Baruch, Z., Jones, A. R., Hill, K. E., McInerney, F. A., Blyth, C., Caddy-Retalic, S., Christmas, M. J., Gellie, N. J. C., Martín-Forés, I., Nielson, K. E., Lowe, A. J., & Breed, M. F. (2018). Functional acclimation across microgeographic scales in Dodonaea viscosa. AoB Plants. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/ply029

    AoB Plants
    AoB Plants
    Abstract

    Abstract. Intraspecific plant functional trait variation provides mechanistic insight into persistence and can infer population adaptive capacity. However‚ mos
    Citation

    Baruch, Z., Jones, A. R., Hill, K. E., McInerney, F. A., Blyth, C., Caddy-Retalic, S., Christmas, M. J., Gellie, N. J. C., Martín-Forés, I., Nielson, K. E., Lowe, A. J., & Breed, M. F. (2018). Functional acclimation across microgeographic scales in Dodonaea viscosa. AoB Plants. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/ply029

  28. Poulos, H., Barton, A., Slingsby, J., Bowman, D., Poulos, H. M., Barton, A. M., Slingsby, J. A., & Bowman, D. M. J. (2018). Do Mixed Fire Regimes Shape Plant Flammability and Post-Fire Recovery Strategies? Fire, 1(3), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire1030039

    Fire
    Fire
    Abstract

    The development of frameworks for better-understanding ecological syndromes and putative evolutionary strategies of plant adaptation to fire has recently received a flurry of attention‚ including a new model hypothesizing that plants have diverged into three different plant flammability strategies due to natural selection. We provide three case studies of pyromes/taxa (Pinus‚ the Proteaceae of the Cape Floristic Region‚ and Eucalyptus) that‚ contrary to model assumptions‚ reveal that plant species often exhibit traits of more than one of these flammability and post-fire recovery strategies. We propose that such multiple-strategy adaptations have been favoured as bet-hedging strategies in response to selective pressure from mixed-fire regimes experienced by these species over evolutionary time.
    Citation

    Poulos, H., Barton, A., Slingsby, J., Bowman, D., Poulos, H. M., Barton, A. M., Slingsby, J. A., & Bowman, D. M. J. (2018). Do Mixed Fire Regimes Shape Plant Flammability and Post-Fire Recovery Strategies? Fire, 1(3), 39. https://doi.org/10.3390/fire1030039

  29. Veenstra, A. A., Lebel, T., Milne, J., & Kolesik, P. (2018). Two new species of Dactylasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing stem galls on Maireana (Chenopodiaceae). Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12363

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    Two new species of gall midges of the genus Dactylasioptera Kolesik & Veenstra-Quah‚ (Lasiopteridi: Lasiopterini) are described from hairy stem tip galls on Maireana (Chenopodiaceae) in southern Australia. Dactylasioptera lebelae sp. nov. Veenstra & Kolesik‚ 2018 causes galls on Maireana pyramidata ranging from filamentous to spheroid. Dactylasioptera milnae sp. nov. Veenstra & Kolesik‚ 2018 causes rosette shaped‚ leafy galls on Maireana brevifolia. Descriptions of larvae‚ pupae‚ male and female adults‚ as well as geographical distributions of the new gall midges are given. The two species differ from each other in the larval‚ pupal and adult morphology as well as in mtDNA sequence data (COI). Galls of both species contained fungal mycelium and inquiline wasps Megastigmus sp. (Hymenoptera: Torymidae) and Aprostocetus sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae). The new species are the first confirmed gall makers from the Australian genus Dactylasioptera that contained previously two described species: Dactylasioptera adentata Kolesik & Veenstra-Quah‚ and Dactylasioptera dentata Kolesik & Veenstra-Quah‚ 2018‚ both of which are likely inquilines reared from galls induced by Asphondylia spp. (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) on chenopod host plants. A matrix of morphological characters of Dactylasioptera species is given.
    Citation

    Veenstra, A. A., Lebel, T., Milne, J., & Kolesik, P. (2018). Two new species of Dactylasioptera (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) inducing stem galls on Maireana (Chenopodiaceae). Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12363

  30. Peixoto, L., Allen, G. R., Ridenbaugh, R. D., Quarrell, S. R., Withers, T. M., & Sharanowski, B. J. (2018). When taxonomy and biological control researchers unite: Species delimitation of Eadya parasitoids (Braconidae) and consequences for classical biological control of invasive paropsine pests of Eucalyptus. PLoS ONE, 13(8), e0201276. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201276

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    The invasive eucalyptus tortoise beetle‚ Paropsis charybdis‚ defoliates plantations of Eucalyptus nitens in New Zealand. Recent efforts to identify host specific biological control agents (parasitoids) from Tasmania‚ Australia‚ have focused on the larval parasitoid wasp‚ Eadya paropsidis (Braconidae)‚ first described in 1978. In Tasmania‚ Eadya has been reared from Paropsisterna agricola (genus abbreviated Pst.)‚ a smaller paropsine that feeds as a larva on juvenile rather than adult foliage of Eucalyptus nitens. To determine which of the many paropsine beetle hosts native to Tasmania are utilized by E. paropsidis‚ and to rule out the presence of cryptic species‚ a molecular phylogenetic approach was combined with host data from rearing experiments from multiple locations across six years. Sampling included 188 wasps and 94 beetles for molecular data alone. Two mitochondrial genes (COI and Cytb) and one nuclear gene (28S) were analyzed to assess the species limits in the parasitoid wasps. The mitochondrial genes were congruent in delimiting four separate phylogenetic species‚ all supported by morphological examinations of Eadya specimens collected throughout Tasmania. Eadya paropsidis was true to the type description‚ and was almost exclusively associated with P. tasmanica. A new cryptic species similar to E. paropsidis‚ Eadya sp. 3‚ was readily reared from Pst. agricola and P. charybdis from all sites and all years. Eadya sp. 3 represents the best candidate for biological control of P. charybdis and was determined as the species undergoing host range testing in New Zealand for its potential as a biological control agent. Another new species‚ Eadya sp. 1‚ was morphologically distinctive and attacked multiple hosts. The most common host was Pst. variicollis‚ but was also reared from Pst. nobilitata and Pst. selmani. Eadya sp. 1 may have potential for control against Pst. variicollis‚ a new incursion in New Zealand‚ and possibly Pst. selmani in Ireland. Our molecular data suggests that Pst. variicollis is in need of taxonomic revision and the geographic source of the beetle in New Zealand may not be Tasmania. Eadya sp. 2 was rarely collected and attacked P. aegrota elliotti and P. charybdis. Most species of Eadya present in Tasmania are not host specific to one beetle species alone‚ but demonstrate some host plasticity across the genera Paropsisterna and Paropsis. This study is an excellent example of collaborative phylogenetic and biological control research prior to the release of prospective biological control agents‚ and has important implications for the Eucalyptus industry worldwide.
    Citation

    Peixoto, L., Allen, G. R., Ridenbaugh, R. D., Quarrell, S. R., Withers, T. M., & Sharanowski, B. J. (2018). When taxonomy and biological control researchers unite: Species delimitation of Eadya parasitoids (Braconidae) and consequences for classical biological control of invasive paropsine pests of Eucalyptus. PLoS ONE, 13(8), e0201276. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201276

  31. Rix, G., Wilson, J. D., Rix, A. G., Wojcieszek, A. M., Huey, J. A., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Population demography and biology of a new species of giant spiny trapdoor spider (Araneae: Idiopidae: Euoplos) from inland Queensland: developing a ‘slow science’ study system to address a conservation crisis. Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12367

    Austral Entomology
    Abstract

    ‘Slow science’ approaches to understanding the ecology‚ natural history and demography of species have declined over recent decades‚ despite the critical importance of these studies to conservation biology. With the progression of the Anthropocene‚ populations of invertebrates are under increasing pressure across the globe‚ yet few long-term datasets exist to track potential changes or declines. Here‚ we present a newly developed ‘slow science’ study system‚ to understand the demography‚ biology and molecular ecology of a potentially threatened species of giant idiopid trapdoor spider from inland eastern Australia. This previously undescribed species in the tribe Euoplini‚ here newly described as Euoplos grandis Wilson & Rix sp. nov.‚ has a highly fragmented distribution in the southern Brigalow Belt bioregion of south-eastern Queensland‚ in a landscape largely cleared for cropped agriculture. The conservation significance of Idiopidae has long been recognised‚ and these spiders remain a flagship group for terrestrial invertebrate conservation in Australia. By studying growth rates‚ life spans‚ recruitment‚ natural history‚ fitness‚ gene flow‚ dispersal and other aspects of population and individual health‚ we aim gradually to uncover the population dynamics of a discrete natural population. In this paper‚ we summarise longitudinal data for 69 individual trapdoor spiders following an initial 18 months of study‚ and highlight preliminary demographic trends‚ biological observations and avenues for future genetic research. Ultimately‚ the aim of this study is to provide a baseline dataset for the conservation of Australian Idiopidae‚ and a guiding case study for similar taxa elsewhere in Australia.
    Citation

    Rix, G., Wilson, J. D., Rix, A. G., Wojcieszek, A. M., Huey, J. A., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Population demography and biology of a new species of giant spiny trapdoor spider (Araneae: Idiopidae: Euoplos) from inland Queensland: developing a ‘slow science’ study system to address a conservation crisis. Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12367

  32. Rix, M. G., Raven, R. J., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Systematics of the giant spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Gaius Rainbow (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae: Aganippini): documenting an iconic lineage of the Western Australian inland arid zone. Journal of Arachnology, 46(3), 438–472. https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-17-079.1

    Journal of Arachnology
    Abstract

    The aganippine spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Gaius Rainbow‚ 1914 are revised. Seven new species are described from Western Australia: G. aurora sp. nov.‚ G. austini sp. nov.‚ G. cooperi sp. nov.‚ G. hueyi sp. nov.‚ G. humphreysi sp. nov.‚ G. mainae sp. nov. and G. tealei sp. nov. The type species‚ G. villosus Rainbow‚ 1914‚ is re-illustrated and re-diagnosed‚ and molecular data for six (of eight) species and six genes are analyzed with Bayesian methods. Species of Gaius are iconic denizens of the Western Australian inland arid zone‚ renowned for their large size and extreme longevity. We here document the known diversity and conservation status of these spiders‚ and summarize their unusual biology and phenology.
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Raven, R. J., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Systematics of the giant spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Gaius Rainbow (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae: Aganippini): documenting an iconic lineage of the Western Australian inland arid zone. Journal of Arachnology, 46(3), 438–472. https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-17-079.1

  33. Fromont, C., Rymer, P. D., Riegler, M., & Cook, J. M. (2018). An ancient and a recent colonization of islands by an Australian sap-feeding insect. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13416

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim To assess the genetic structure‚ biogeography‚ and the potential for speciation‚ of a highly host-specific insect pest with mainland and island populations. Location East coast of Australia‚ Lord Howe Island (LHI)‚ and New Zealand. Methods We focussed on Mycopsylla fici‚ a plant sap-feeding insect host-specific to the fig tree Ficus macrophylla. We genotyped 152 insects from across the natural and extended host plant range at 14 microsatellite loci and analysed the data using standard population genetics statistics‚ Discriminant Analysis of Principal Components‚ genetic autocorrelation‚ and two Bayesian clustering approaches. Results Genetic analyses revealed that the northeastern Australian mainland population (Brisbane) is the centre of genetic diversity. Northeastern and southeastern (Sydney) mainland populations are genetically differentiated and interconnected in a stepping-stone pattern. The LHI population is the most distinct genetically and Bayesian estimates indicated that the most recent colonization occurred c. 2‚000-17‚500 years ago from a northeastern mainland origin. In contrast‚ the New Zealand population is little differentiated from the Sydney population and probably diverged by colonization within the past 200 years. Main conclusions The strong differentiation in nuclear microsatellites mirrors previous evidence for divergence of the LHI population from both mtDNA and endosymbiont DNA. The LHI population may be undergoing speciation from the mainland populations‚ with an oceanic barrier to gene flow. In contrast‚ the geographically isolated population in Auckland represents a far more recent colonization reflecting the contemporary naturalization of the plant host in New Zealand.
    Citation

    Fromont, C., Rymer, P. D., Riegler, M., & Cook, J. M. (2018). An ancient and a recent colonization of islands by an Australian sap-feeding insect. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13416

  34. Medina, I., Newton, E., Kearney, M. R., Mulder, R. A., Porter, W. P., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2018). Reflection of near-infrared light confers thermal protection in birds. Nature Communications, 9(1), 3610. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05898-8

    Nature Communications
    Abstract

    More than half of solar radiation is at near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths. Here‚ Medina et al. show that among Australian birds NIR reflectivity is higher in species from hot‚ arid environments and their biophysical modelling further shows that this can reduce water loss from evaporative cooling.
    Citation

    Medina, I., Newton, E., Kearney, M. R., Mulder, R. A., Porter, W. P., & Stuart-Fox, D. (2018). Reflection of near-infrared light confers thermal protection in birds. Nature Communications, 9(1), 3610. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-018-05898-8

  35. Gaskett, A. C., & Gallagher, R. V. (2018). Orchid diversity: Spatial and climatic patterns from herbarium records. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4598

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Aim We test for spatial and climatic patterns of diversification in the Orchidaceae‚ an angiosperm family characterized by high levels of species diversity and rarity. Globally‚ does orchid diversity correlate with land area? In Australia‚ does diversity correlate with herbarium collecting effort‚ range size‚ or climate niche breadth? Where are Australia’s orchids distributed spatially‚ in protected areas‚ and in climate space? Location Global‚ then Australia. Methods We compared orchid diversity with land area for continents and recognized orchid diversity hotspots. Then‚ we used cleaned herbarium records to compare collecting effort (for Australian Orchidaceae vs. all other plant families‚ and also among orchid genera). Spatial and climate distributions were mapped to determine orchids’ coverage in the protected area network‚ range sizes‚ and niche breadths. Results Globally‚ orchid diversity does not correlate with land area (depauperate regions are the subantarctic: 10 species‚ and northern North America: 394 species). Australian herbarium records and collecting effort generally reflect orchid species diversity (1‚583 spp.)‚ range sizes‚ and niche breadths. Orchids are restricted to 13% of Australia’s landmass with 211 species absent from any protected areas. Species richness is the greatest in three biomes with high general biodiversity: Temperate (especially southwest and southeast Australia)‚ Tropical‚ and Subtropical (coastal northern Queensland). Absence from the Desert is consistent with our realized climate niche—orchids avoid high temperature/low rainfall environments. Orchids have narrower range sizes than nonorchid species. Highly diverse orchid genera have narrower rainfall breadths than less diverse genera. Main conclusions Herbarium data are adequate for testing hypotheses about Australian orchids. Distribution is likely driven by environmental factors. In contrast‚ diversification did not correlate with increases in range size‚ rainfall‚ or temperature breadths‚ suggesting speciation does not occur via invasion and local adaptation to new habitats. Instead‚ diversification may rely on access to extensive obligate symbioses with mycorrhizae and/or pollinators.
    Citation

    Gaskett, A. C., & Gallagher, R. V. (2018). Orchid diversity: Spatial and climatic patterns from herbarium records. Ecology and Evolution. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.4598

  36. McCallum, K. P., Breed, M. F., Paton, D. C., & Lowe, A. J. (2018). Clumped planting arrangements improve seed production in a revegetated eucalypt woodland. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12905

    Restoration Ecology
    Abstract

    The arrangement of plants within revegetated sites is rarely considered an important characteristic of these communities. However‚ in natural systems‚ plant spatial arrangements can influence a range of ecological processes‚ including pollination and seed set. Pollinators tend to preferentially visit larger and/or more closely spaced populations‚ with plants in these populations generally receiving more outcrossed pollen‚ resulting in increased seed set and better quality seed. Similar trends may occur in revegetated populations‚ but little is known about the influence of planting arrangement on seed production in restored systems. Here we quantified the effect of plant abundance (number of conspecifics within 100 m) and distance to nearest reproductive conspecific on the level of seed set for six eucalypt species (n = 422 trees in total) in one year and for one of these species (Eucalyptus leucoxylon)‚ across three additional years. Seed number per fruit was highly variable both between individuals and within individuals across years. Despite this variability‚ there was a consistent trend of higher seed production (seed number per fruit) when another reproductive conspecific was within 20 meters. In contrast‚ plant abundance had little influence on seed production. Further investigation of nearest neighbor arrangements found the distance to either the first‚ second‚ third or fourth reproductive neighbors were the key predictors of seed production. Therefore‚ revegetation designs that consider plant spacing and aggregation‚ rather than only planting to overall density criteria (i.e. trees/ha)‚ at least for the eucalypts studied here‚ has the potential to improve seed production in revegetated populations. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    McCallum, K. P., Breed, M. F., Paton, D. C., & Lowe, A. J. (2018). Clumped planting arrangements improve seed production in a revegetated eucalypt woodland. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12905

  37. DeSantis, L. R. G., Alexander, J., Biedron, E. M., Johnson, P. S., Frank, A. S., Martin, J. M., & Williams, L. (2018). Effects of climate on dental mesowear of extant koalas and two broadly distributed kangaroos throughout their geographic range. PLoS ONE, 13(8), e0201962. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201962

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Dental mesowear analysis can classify the diets of extant herbivores into general categories such as grazers‚ mixed-feeders‚ and browsers by using the gross wear patterns found on individual teeth. This wear presumably results from both abrasion (food-on-tooth wear) and attrition (tooth-on-tooth wear) of individual teeth. Mesowear analyses on extinct ungulates have helped generate hypotheses regarding the dietary ecology of mammals across space and time‚ and recent developments have expanded the use of dental mesowear analysis to herbivorous marsupial taxa including kangaroos‚ wombats‚ possums‚ koalas‚ and relatives. However‚ the diet of some of the most ubiquitous kangaroos (e.g.‚ Macropus giganteus) along with numerous other species cannot be successfully classified by dental mesowear analysis. Further‚ it is not well understood whether climate variables (including precipitation‚ relative humidity‚ and temperature) are correlated with dental mesowear variables including various measures of shape and relief. Here‚ we examine the relationship between dental mesowear variables (including traditional methods scoring the sharpest cusp and a new potential assessment of multiple cusps) and climate variables in the grazers/mixed feeders Macropus giganteus and Macropus fuliginosus‚ and the obligate browser Phascolarctos cinereus. We find that dental mesowear of mandibular teeth is capable of differentiating the dietary habits of koalas and the kangaroo species. Furthermore‚ both Macropus giganteus and Phascolarctos cinereus exhibit mesowear correlated with mean minimum temperature‚ while Macropus fuliginosus dental mesowear is unaffected by temperature‚ despite significant differences in mean minimum and mean maximum temperature across their distribution (and in the specimens examined here). Contrary to expectations that individuals from drier regions would have blunter and lower relief teeth‚ dental mesowear is unrelated to proxies of relative aridity—including mean annual precipitation and relative humidity. Collectively‚ dental mesowear in these marsupials is related to feeding behavior with increased wear in cooler regions (in Macropus giganteus and Phascolarctos cinereus) potentially related to more or different food resources consumed.
    Citation

    DeSantis, L. R. G., Alexander, J., Biedron, E. M., Johnson, P. S., Frank, A. S., Martin, J. M., & Williams, L. (2018). Effects of climate on dental mesowear of extant koalas and two broadly distributed kangaroos throughout their geographic range. PLoS ONE, 13(8), e0201962. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0201962

  38. Ewart, K. M., Griffin, A. S., Johnson, N., Kark, S., Cohen, T. M., Lo, N., & Major, R. E. (2018). Two speed invasion: assisted and intrinsic dispersal of common mynas over 150 years of colonization. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13473

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Despite the common myna’s widespread distribution‚ and the significant impact it has caused in parts of its non-native range‚ there have been no comprehensive genomic studies of its invasion of any region. We aimed to characterize the common myna invasion of the Australian continent to understand its population genetic landscape‚ introduction history‚ dispersal characteristics‚ and the interconnectedness between different source populations and invasive fronts. Location Common mynas from 26 geographical locations spanning the Australian continent were utilized in this study. Taxon Common myna (Acridotheres tristis). Methods We used a reduced genome representation method (DArTseq) to generate thousands of single nucleotide polymorphism markers in 462 common mynas. We then applied population genomic techniques to identify the common myna’s population attributes such as gene flow‚ genetic diversity‚ and effective dispersal‚ all of which are critical for understanding geographical range expansion of pest species. Results We found significant genetic structuring across the common myna’s Australian distribution‚ indicating limited levels of effective dispersal amongst the populations founded from historic introductions in the 19th century. The historic introduction points were found to be genetically distinct‚ such that in the region on the invasion front where admixture did occur‚ myna populations exhibited higher genetic diversity than in the source populations. Significant isolation by distance was evident amongst populations derived from the same founding population‚ with genetic diversity decreasing moving away from the point of colonization‚ and in general‚ higher levels of gene flow from source to front than vice versa. Main conclusions This study indicates that despite a 150-year colonization history of mynas in Australia‚ contemporary genetic structure still largely reflects human-mediated dispersal. However‚ expanding populations are now connecting and the consequent increased genetic diversity may improve evolutionary potential. These results suggest that more management focus should be directed towards the invasion fronts‚ rather than the large‚ historic source populations.
    Citation

    Ewart, K. M., Griffin, A. S., Johnson, N., Kark, S., Cohen, T. M., Lo, N., & Major, R. E. (2018). Two speed invasion: assisted and intrinsic dispersal of common mynas over 150 years of colonization. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13473

  39. Burley, M., Mokany, K., Laffan, S. W., Williams, K. J., Metcalfe, D., Murphy, H. T., Ford, A., Harwood, T. D., & Ferrier, S. (2018). Primary productivity is related to niche width in the Australian Wet Tropics. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12798

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim A key ecological debate is whether ecosystem functions are distinctly influenced by biological diversity across broad scales. Although recent work has emphasized the importance of links between ecosystem functions and measures of ecological specialization as proxies of biodiversity‚ few studies have analysed macroecological relationships empirically in diverse environments. We tested whether gross primary productivity (GPP) in the Australian Wet Tropics (WT) was distinctly related to community-level measures of the ecological specialization of component tree species across climate space‚ after accounting for climate drivers. Location Wet Tropics‚ Australia. Time period 1976–2012. Major taxa studied Nine hundred and forty-eight WT tree species. Methods Using all geographically valid herbarium records for WT trees‚ we quantified the realized climatic niche widths using continental surfaces for maximum temperature of the warmest period and total annual rainfall. The median realized niche width for all tree species occurring at 510 sites was used to approximate ecological specialization within communities. To separate climatic effects on GPP‚ we applied a novel analysis using the difference in GPP and the difference in median community realized niche width between site pairs with similar climatic conditions. Linear models were then run on the difference in GPP between site pairs (response) and the difference in climatic niche widths (predictor). Results For climatically similar sites in drier areas‚ GPP was higher in sites composed of species with narrower temperature niches (average R2 = 0.087‚ average t-statistic = −3.45). Conversely‚ for climatically similar sites in drier areas‚ GPP was lower in sites composed of species with narrower rainfall niches (average R2 = 0.171‚ average t-statistic = 5.06). Main conclusions Wet Tropics sites with more thermal specialists had higher productivity‚ whereas sites with more moisture specialists had lower productivity. These findings suggest that physiological specialization across climate space can influence primary productivity at broad scales‚ but in inconsistent ways.
    Citation

    Burley, M., Mokany, K., Laffan, S. W., Williams, K. J., Metcalfe, D., Murphy, H. T., Ford, A., Harwood, T. D., & Ferrier, S. (2018). Primary productivity is related to niche width in the Australian Wet Tropics. Global Ecology and Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12798

  40. Braby, M. F., & Wurtz, G. E. (2018). A new subspecies of Neolucia hobartensis (Miskin, 1890) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from mainland southeastern Australia, with a review of butterfly endemism in montane areas in this region. Records of the Australian Museum, 70(5), 423–433. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.70.2018.1715

    Records of the Australian Museum
    abstract
    Citation

    Braby, M. F., & Wurtz, G. E. (2018). A new subspecies of Neolucia hobartensis (Miskin, 1890) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) from mainland southeastern Australia, with a review of butterfly endemism in montane areas in this region. Records of the Australian Museum, 70(5), 423–433. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.70.2018.1715

  41. Cernusak, L. A. (2018). Gas exchange and water-use efficiency in plant canopies. Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.12939

    Plant Biology
    Abstract

    In this review‚ I first address the basics of gas exchange‚ water-use efficiency‚ and carbon isotope discrimination in C3 plant canopies. I then present a case study of water-use efficiency in northern Australian tree species. In general‚ C3 plants face a trade-off whereby increasing stomatal conductance for a given set of conditions will result in a higher CO2 assimilation rate‚ but a lower photosynthetic water-use efficiency. A common garden experiment suggested that tree species which are able to establish and grow in drier parts of northern Australia have a capacity to use water rapidly when it is available through high stomatal conductance‚ but that they do so at the expense of low water-use efficiency. This may explain why community level carbon isotope discrimination does not decrease as steeply with decreasing rainfall on the North Australian Tropical Transect as has been observed on some other precipitation gradients. Next‚ I discuss changes in water-use efficiency that take place during leaf expansion in C3 plant leaves. Leaf phenology has recently been recognized as a significant driver of canopy gas exchange in evergreen forest canopies‚ and leaf expansion involves changes in both photosynthetic capacity and water-use efficiency. Following this‚ I discuss the role of woody tissue respiration in canopy gas exchange and how photosynthetic refixation of respired CO2 can increase whole-plant water-use efficiency. Finally‚ I discuss the role of water-use efficiency in driving terrestrial plant responses to global change‚ especially the rising concentration of atmospheric CO2. In coming decades‚ increases in plant water-use efficiency caused by rising CO2 are likely to partially mitigate impacts on plants of drought stress caused by global warming. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Cernusak, L. A. (2018). Gas exchange and water-use efficiency in plant canopies. Plant Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/plb.12939

  42. Baruch, Z., Caddy-Retalic, S., Guerin, G. R., Sparrow, B., Leitch, E., Tokmakoff, A., & Lowe, A. J. (2018). Floristic and structural assessment of Australian rangeland vegetation with standardized plot-based surveys. PLoS ONE, 13(9), e0202073. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202073

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    We describe and correlate environmental‚ floristic and structural vegetation traits of a large portion of Australian rangelands. We analysed 351 one hectare vegetation plots surveyed by Australia’s Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) using the AusPlots Rangelands standardized method. The AusPlots Rangelands method involves surveying 1010 one meter-spaced point-intercepts (IPs) per plot. At each IP‚ species were scored‚ categorised by growth-form‚ converted to percentage cover as the input for the plot x species matrix. Vegetation structure is depicted by growth-form configuration and relative importance. The floristic and structural distance matrices were correlated with the Mantel test. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) related floristic composition to environmental variables sourced from WorldClim‚ the Atlas of Living Australia and TERN’s Soil and Landscape Grid. Differences between clusters were tested with ANOVA while principal component analysis (PCA) ordered the plots within the environmental space. Our plot x species matrix required segmentation due to sparsity and high β-diversity. Based on the ordination of plots latitude within environmental space‚ the matrix was segmented into three “superclusters”: the winter rain and temperate Mediterranean‚ the monsoonal rain savannas and the arid deserts. Further classification‚ with the UPGMA linkage method‚ generated two‚ four and five clusters‚ respectively. All groupings are described by species richness‚ diversity indices and growth form conformation. Several floristic disjunctions were apparent and their possible causes are discussed. For all superclusters‚ the correspondence between the floristic and the structural or growth form matrices was statistically significant. CCA ordination clearly demarcated all groupings. Aridity‚ rainfall‚ temperature‚ seasonality‚ soil nitrogen and pH are significant correlates to the ordination of superclusters and clusters. At present‚ our results are influenced by incomplete sampling. As more sites are surveyed‚ this pioneer analysis will be updated and refined providing tools for the effective management of Australian rangelands.
    Citation

    Baruch, Z., Caddy-Retalic, S., Guerin, G. R., Sparrow, B., Leitch, E., Tokmakoff, A., & Lowe, A. J. (2018). Floristic and structural assessment of Australian rangeland vegetation with standardized plot-based surveys. PLoS ONE, 13(9), e0202073. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0202073

  43. Meiri, S., Bauer, A. M., Allison, A., Castro-Herrera, F., Chirio, L., Colli, G., Das, I., Doan, T. M., Glaw, F., Grismer, L. L., Hoogmoed, M., Kraus, F., LeBreton, M., Meirte, D., Nagy, Z. T., Nogueira, C. D., Oliver, P., Pauwels, O. S. G., Pincheira-Donoso, D., … Roll, U. (2018). Extinct, obscure or imaginary: The lizard species with the smallest ranges. Diversity and Distributions, 24, 262–273. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12678

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim: Small geographic ranges make species especially prone to extinction from anthropogenic disturbances or natural stochastic events. We assemble and analyse a comprehensive dataset of all the world’s lizard species and identify the species with the smallest ranges-those known only from their type localities. We compare them to wide-ranging species to infer whether specific geographic regions or biological traits predispose species to have small ranges.
    Location: Global.
    Methods: We extensively surveyed museum collections‚ the primary literature and our own field records to identify all the species of lizards with a maximum linear geographic extent of < 10 km. We compared their biogeography‚ key biological traits and threat status to those of all other lizards.
    Results: One in seven lizards (927 of the 6‚568 currently recognized species) are known only from their type localities. These include 213 species known only from a single specimen. Compared to more wide-ranging taxa‚ they mostly inhabit relatively inaccessible regions at lower‚ mostly tropical‚ latitudes. Surprisingly‚ we found that burrowing lifestyle is a relatively unimportant driver of small range size. Geckos are especially prone to having tiny ranges‚ and skinks dominate lists of such species not seen for over 50 years‚ as well as of species known only from their holotype. Two-thirds of these species have no IUCN assessments‚ and at least 20 are extinct.
    Main conclusions: Fourteen per cent of lizard diversity is restricted to a single location‚ often in inaccessible regions. These species are elusive‚ usually poorly known and little studied. Many face severe extinction risk‚ but current knowledge is inadequate to properly assess this for all of them. We recommend that such species become the focus of taxonomic‚ ecological and survey efforts.
    Citation

    Meiri, S., Bauer, A. M., Allison, A., Castro-Herrera, F., Chirio, L., Colli, G., Das, I., Doan, T. M., Glaw, F., Grismer, L. L., Hoogmoed, M., Kraus, F., LeBreton, M., Meirte, D., Nagy, Z. T., Nogueira, C. D., Oliver, P., Pauwels, O. S. G., Pincheira-Donoso, D., … Roll, U. (2018). Extinct, obscure or imaginary: The lizard species with the smallest ranges. Diversity and Distributions, 24, 262–273. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12678

  44. Baumgartner, J. B., Esperón-Rodríguez, M., & Beaumont, L. J. (2018). Identifying in situ climate refugia for plant species. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.03431

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Baumgartner, J. B., Esperón-Rodríguez, M., & Beaumont, L. J. (2018). Identifying in situ climate refugia for plant species. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.03431

  45. Rahman, M., Khatun, A., Liu, L., & Barkla, B. J. (2018). Brassicaceae Mustards: Traditional and Agronomic Uses in Australia and New Zealand. Molecules, 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23010231

    Molecules
    Molecules
    Abstract

    Commonly cultivated Brassicaceae mustards‚ namely garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata)‚ white mustard (Brassica alba)‚ Ethiopian mustard (B. carinata)‚ Asian mustard (B. juncea)‚ oilseed rape (B. napus)‚ black mustard (B. nigra)‚ rapeseed (B. rapa)‚ white ball mustard (Calepina irregularis)‚ ball mustard (Neslia paniculata)‚ treacle mustard (Erysimum repandum)‚ hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale)‚ Asian hedge mustard (S. orientale)‚ smooth mustard (S. erysimoides) and canola are the major economically important oilseed crops in many countries. Mustards were naturalized to Australia and New Zealand and Australia is currently the second largest exporter of Brassicaceae oilseeds to meet the global demand for a healthy plant-derived oil‚ high in polyunsaturated fats. Apart from providing edible oil‚ various parts of these plants and many of their phytochemicals have been used traditionally for both agronomic as well as medicinal purposes‚ with evidence of their use by early Australian and New Zealand settlers and also the indigenous population. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge of traditional and agronomic uses of Brassicaceae oilseeds and mustards with a focus on their importance in Australia and New Zealand.
    Citation

    Rahman, M., Khatun, A., Liu, L., & Barkla, B. J. (2018). Brassicaceae Mustards: Traditional and Agronomic Uses in Australia and New Zealand. Molecules, 23. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules23010231

  46. Laver, R. J., Doughty, P., & Oliver, P. M. (2018). Origins and patterns of endemic diversity in two specialized lizard lineages from the Australian Monsoonal Tropics (Oedura spp.). Journal of Biogeography, 45, 142–153. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13127

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: Savanna biomes cover around 20% of land surfaces‚ yet the origins and processes that have shaped their biodiversity remain understudied. Here‚ we assess the timing of diversification and how patterns of genetic diversity vary along an aridity gradient in specialized saxicoline gecko clades (Oedura spp.) from the tropical savannas of northern Australia.
    Location: Australian Monsoonal Tropics (AMT)‚ Kimberley region (Western Australia).
    Methods: We compiled mitochondrial and nuclear data for two Kimberley endemic lizard clades (Oedura filicipoda/murrumanu and O. gracilis)‚ and allied non-Kimberley taxa (O. marmorata complex). Species delimitation methods were used to identify evolutionary lineages‚ Maximum-likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic methods were employed to assess relationships and diversification timeframes‚ and rainfall data and range sizes were tested for correlations.
    Results: Phylogenetic analyses of cryptic or recently discovered lineage diversity revealed late-Miocene to early-Pliocene crown ages. Microendemism and diversity were highest in high-rainfall regions‚ while the most widespread lineages occurred in the central and south-east Kimberley‚ and showed evidence of introgression with parapatric lineages.
    Main conclusions: The initial diversification in both clades was broadly concordant with global climatic events linked to the expansion of savanna biomes in the late-Miocene. Higher endemism in mesic and refugial areas suggests long histories of localized persistence‚ while wider distributions and evidence of introgression suggest a dynamic history at the arid-monsoonal interface.
    Citation

    Laver, R. J., Doughty, P., & Oliver, P. M. (2018). Origins and patterns of endemic diversity in two specialized lizard lineages from the Australian Monsoonal Tropics (Oedura spp.). Journal of Biogeography, 45, 142–153. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13127

  47. Dillon, S., Quentin, A., Ivković, M., Furbank, R. T., & Pinkard, E. (2018). Photosynthetic variation and responsiveness to CO2 in a widespread riparian tree. PLoS ONE, 13, e0189635. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189635

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Phenotypic responses to rising CO2 will have consequences for the productivity and management of the world’s forests. This has been demonstrated through extensive free air and controlled environment CO2 enrichment studies. However intraspecific variation in plasticity remains poorly characterised in trees‚ with the capacity to produce unexpected trends in response to CO2 across a species distribution. Here we examined variation in photosynthesis traits across 43 provenances of a widespread‚ genetically diverse eucalypt‚ E. camaldulensis‚ under ambient and elevated CO2 conditions. Genetic variation suggestive of local adaptation was identified for some traits under ambient conditions. Evidence of genotype by CO2 interaction in responsiveness was limited‚ however support was identified for quantum yield (φ). In this case local adaptation was invoked to explain trends in provenance variation in response. The results suggest potential for genetic variation to influence a limited set of photosynthetic responses to rising CO2 in seedlings of E. camaldulensis‚ however further assessment in mature stage plants in linkage with growth and fitness traits is needed to understand whether trends in φ could have broader implications for productivity of red gum forests. © 2018 Dillon et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License‚ which permits unrestricted use‚ distribution‚ and reproduction in any medium‚ provided the original author and source are credited.
    Citation

    Dillon, S., Quentin, A., Ivković, M., Furbank, R. T., & Pinkard, E. (2018). Photosynthetic variation and responsiveness to CO2 in a widespread riparian tree. PLoS ONE, 13, e0189635. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0189635

  48. Yonow, T., Kriticos, D. J., Kirichenko, N., & Ota, N. (2018). Considering biology when inferring range-limiting stress mechanisms for agricultural pests: a case study of the beet armyworm. Journal of Pest Science, 91(2), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-017-0938-9

    Journal of Pest Science
    Abstract

    Reliable niche models are a cornerstone of pest risk analyses‚ informing biosecurity policies and the management of biological invasions. Because species can invade and establish in areas with climates that are different from those that are found in their native range‚ it is important to accurately capture the range-limiting mechanisms in models that project climate suitability. We examined a published niche model for the beet armyworm‚ Spodoptera exigua‚ to assess its suitability for bioeconomic analyses of its pest threat‚ and identified issues with the model that rendered it unreliable for this purpose. Consequently‚ we refitted the CLIMEX model‚ paying close attention to the biology underpinning the stress mechanisms. This highlighted the necessity of carefully considering how the different stress mechanisms operate‚ and to select mechanisms which align with knowledge on the species’ biology. We also identified the important role of irrigation in modifying habitat suitability. The refitted model accords with both distribution data and our understanding of the biology of this species‚ including its seasonal range dynamics. The new model identifies establishment risks to South America‚ Africa‚ the Middle East and Asia‚ and highlights that under current climate‚ Europe is only climatically suitable during warm seasons when crops are available. The modelling exercise reinforced the importance of understanding the meaning of a location record (e.g. persistent versus ephemeral populations) and of carefully exploring the role of habitat-modifying factors‚ such as irrigation‚ in allowing species to persist in otherwise inclement localities. © 2018‚ Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany‚ part of Springer Nature.
    Citation

    Yonow, T., Kriticos, D. J., Kirichenko, N., & Ota, N. (2018). Considering biology when inferring range-limiting stress mechanisms for agricultural pests: a case study of the beet armyworm. Journal of Pest Science, 91(2), 523–538. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-017-0938-9

  49. Daru, B. H., Park, D. S., Primack, R. B., Willis, C. G., Barrington, D. S., Whitfeld, T. J. S., Seidler, T. G., Sweeney, P. W., Foster, D. R., Ellison, A. M., & Davis, C. C. (2018). Widespread sampling biases in herbaria revealed from large-scale digitization. New Phytologist, 217, 939–955. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14855

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Nonrandom collecting practices may bias conclusions drawn from analyses of herbarium records. Recent efforts to fully digitize and mobilize regional floras online offer a timely opportunity to assess commonalities and differences in herbarium sampling biases. We determined spatial‚ temporal‚ trait‚ phylogenetic‚ and collector biases in c. 5 million herbarium records‚ representing three of the most complete digitized floras of the world: Australia (AU)‚ South Africa (SA)‚ and New England‚ USA (NE). We identified numerous shared and unique biases among these regions. Shared biases included specimens collected close to roads and herbaria; specimens collected more frequently during biological spring and summer; specimens of threatened species collected less frequently; and specimens of close relatives collected in similar numbers. Regional differences included overrepresentation of graminoids in SA and AU and of annuals in AU; and peak collection during the 1910s in NE‚ 1980s in SA‚ and 1990s in AU. Finally‚ in all regions‚ a disproportionately large percentage of specimens were collected by very few individuals. We hypothesize that these mega-collectors‚ with their associated preferences and idiosyncrasies‚ shaped patterns of collection bias via ’founder effects’. Studies using herbarium collections should account for sampling biases‚ and future collecting efforts should avoid compounding these biases to the extent possible.
    Citation

    Daru, B. H., Park, D. S., Primack, R. B., Willis, C. G., Barrington, D. S., Whitfeld, T. J. S., Seidler, T. G., Sweeney, P. W., Foster, D. R., Ellison, A. M., & Davis, C. C. (2018). Widespread sampling biases in herbaria revealed from large-scale digitization. New Phytologist, 217, 939–955. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14855

  50. Robertson, L. P., Hall, C. R., Forster, P. I., & Carroll, A. R. (2018). Alkaloid diversity in the leaves of Australian Flindersia (Rutaceae) species driven by adaptation to aridity. Phytochemistry, 152, 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.04.011

    Phytochemistry
    Abstract

    The genus Flindersia (Rutaceae) comprises 17 species of mostly Australian endemic trees. Although most species are restricted to rainforests‚ four have evolved to grow in semi-arid and arid environments. In this study‚ the leaf alkaloid diversity of rainforest and semi-arid/arid zone adapted Australian Flindersia were compared by LC/MS-MS and NMR spectroscopy. Contrary to expectations‚ Flindersia alkaloid diversity was strongly correlated with environmental aridity‚ where species predominating in drier regions produced more alkaloids than their wet rainforest congenerics. Rainforest species were also more chemically similar to each other than were the four semi-arid/arid zone species. There was a significant relationship between the presence of alkaloid structural classes and phylogenetic distance‚ suggesting that alkaloid profiles are influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The results suggest that the radiation of Flindersia species out of the rainforest and into drier environments has promoted the evolution of unique alkaloid diversity. Plants growing in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia may represent an untapped source of undescribed specialised metabolites.
    Citation

    Robertson, L. P., Hall, C. R., Forster, P. I., & Carroll, A. R. (2018). Alkaloid diversity in the leaves of Australian Flindersia (Rutaceae) species driven by adaptation to aridity. Phytochemistry, 152, 71–81. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2018.04.011

  51. Rix, M. G., Huey, J. A., Cooper, S. J. B., Austin, A. D., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Conservation systematics of the shield-backed trapdoor spiders of the nigrum-group (Mygalomorphae, Idiopidae, Idiosoma): integrative taxonomy reveals a diverse and threatened fauna from south-western Australia. ZooKeys, 756, 1–121. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.756.24397

    ZooKeys
    ZooKeys
    Abstract

    The aganippine shield-backed trapdoor spiders of the monophyletic nigrum-group of Idiosoma Ausserer s. l. are revised‚ and 15 new species are described from Western Australia and the Eyre Peninsula of South Australia: I. arenaceum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. corrugatum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. clypeatum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. dandaragan Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. formosum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. gardneri Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. gutharuka Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. incomptum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. intermedium Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. jarrah Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. kopejtkaorum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. kwongan Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. mcclementsorum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ I. mcnamarai Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ and I. schoknechtorum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n. Two previously described species from south-western Western Australia‚ I. nigrum Main‚ 1952 and I. sigillatum (O. P.-Cambridge‚ 1870)‚ are re-illustrated and re-diagnosed‚ and complementary molecular data for 14 species and seven genes are analysed with Bayesian methods. Members of the nigrum-group are of long-standing conservation significance‚ and I. nigrum is the only spider in Australia to be afforded threatened species status under both State and Commonwealth legislation. Two other species‚ I. formosum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n. and I. kopejtkaorum Rix &amp; Harvey‚ sp. n.‚ are also formally listed as Endangered under Western Australian State legislation. Here we significantly relimit I. nigrum to include only those populations from the central and central-western Wheatbelt bioregion‚ and further document the known diversity and conservation status of all known species.
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Huey, J. A., Cooper, S. J. B., Austin, A. D., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Conservation systematics of the shield-backed trapdoor spiders of the nigrum-group (Mygalomorphae, Idiopidae, Idiosoma): integrative taxonomy reveals a diverse and threatened fauna from south-western Australia. ZooKeys, 756, 1–121. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.756.24397

  52. Rix, M. G., Raven, R. J., Austin, A. D., Cooper, S. J. B., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Systematics of the spiny trapdoor spider genus Bungulla (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae): revealing a remarkable radiation of mygalomorph spiders from the Western Australian arid zone. Journal of Arachnology, 46(2), 249–344. https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-17-057.1

    Journal of Arachnology
    Abstract

    The aganippine spiny trapdoor spiders of the genus Bungulla Rix‚ Main‚ Raven & Harvey are revised‚ and 30 new species are described from Western Australia: B. ajana sp. nov.‚ B. aplini sp. nov.‚ B. banksia sp. nov.‚ B. bella sp. nov.‚ B. bidgemia sp. nov.‚ B. biota sp. nov.‚ B. bringo sp. nov.‚ B. burbidgei sp. nov.‚ B. dipsodes sp. nov.‚ B. disrupta sp. nov.‚ B. ferraria sp. nov.‚ B. fusca sp. nov.‚ B. gibba sp. nov.‚ B. hamelinensis sp. nov.‚ B. harrisonae sp. nov.‚ B. hillyerae sp. nov.‚ B. inermis sp. nov.‚ B. iota sp. nov.‚ B. keigheryi sp. nov.‚ B. keirani sp. nov.‚ B. kendricki sp. nov.‚ B. laevigata sp. nov.‚ B. mckenziei sp. nov.‚ B. oraria sp. nov.‚ B. parva sp. nov.‚ B. quobba sp. nov.‚ B. sampeyae sp. nov.‚ B. weld sp. nov.‚ B. westi sp. nov. and B. yeni sp. nov. The type species‚ B. bertmaini Rix‚ Main‚ Raven & Harvey‚ 2017‚ is re-illustrated and re-diagnosed‚ and B. riparia (Main‚ 1957) is re-described. Molecular data from seven genes for a subset of taxa are analyzed with Bayesian methods‚ to complement the morphological descriptions‚ to help delimit three species known only from female specimens‚ and to generate a provisional phylogeny of the genus. Species of Bungulla exhibit a remarkable range of genitalic and somatic morphologies‚ and we here document this diversity‚ demonstrating that the characteristic loss of the retrolateral tibial apophysis has not been associated with a concomitant loss of genitalic complexity. We further provide a key to all known species and highlight the southern Carnarvon Basin (including the western Yalgoo and northern Geraldton Sandplains) as a hotspot of diversity.
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Raven, R. J., Austin, A. D., Cooper, S. J. B., & Harvey, M. S. (2018). Systematics of the spiny trapdoor spider genus Bungulla (Mygalomorphae: Idiopidae): revealing a remarkable radiation of mygalomorph spiders from the Western Australian arid zone. Journal of Arachnology, 46(2), 249–344. https://doi.org/10.1636/JoA-S-17-057.1

  53. Salas, M. F. D., & Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N. (2018). Integrative approach resolves the taxonomy of the Ozothamnus ledifolius (Asteraceae: Gnaphaliae) species complex in Tasmania, Australia. Phytotaxa, 358(2), 117–138. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.358.2.2

    Phytotaxa
    Phytotaxa
    Abstract

    Close examination of specimens of the Ozothamnus ledifolius species complex (O. ledifolius‚ O. ericifolius and O. purpurascens) collected throughout Tasmania‚ Australia‚ revealed the existence of more taxa than hitherto recognised. An integrative approach employing morphological‚ genotyping and environmental data of specimens resolved the complex‚ and showed good support for O. ledifolius and O. ericifolius as currently circumscribed‚ further clarifying the existence of four additional‚ distinct taxa: Ozothamnus purpurascens‚ with revised and clarified typification; O. reflexus comb. & stat. nov.‚ a taxon to which the name O. purpurascens was previously misapplied; O. buchananii spec. nov.‚ a novel taxon from mid–high elevations in north-eastern Tasmania; and O. floribundus spec. nov.‚ a rare and highly localised novel taxon in lowland south-eastern Tasmania.
    Citation

    Salas, M. F. D., & Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N. (2018). Integrative approach resolves the taxonomy of the Ozothamnus ledifolius (Asteraceae: Gnaphaliae) species complex in Tasmania, Australia. Phytotaxa, 358(2), 117–138. https://doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.358.2.2

  54. Beasley-Hall, P. G., Chui, J., Arab, D. A., & Lo, N. (2018). Evidence for a complex evolutionary history of mound building in the Australian nasute termites (Nasutitermitinae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly187

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Abstract. Termite mounds have intrigued humans for millennia. Despite great interest in their beautiful and often complex structures‚ the question of why termi
    Citation

    Beasley-Hall, P. G., Chui, J., Arab, D. A., & Lo, N. (2018). Evidence for a complex evolutionary history of mound building in the Australian nasute termites (Nasutitermitinae). Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/bly187

  55. Beasley-Hall, P. G., Lee, .R.C., Rose, H. A., & Lo, N. (2018). Multiple abiotic factors correlate with parallel evolution in Australian soil burrowing cockroaches. Journal of Biogeography, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13233

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim The ways in which abiotic factors contribute to parallel evolution—the evolution of similar‚ derived phenotypes in independent‚ closely related lineages—remain understudied. Australian cockroaches of the subfamilies Panesthiinae (“wood feeders”) and Geoscapheinae (“soil burrowers”) are two closely related groups that provide a striking example of parallel evolution of burrowing behaviour. The ancestral wood-feeding panesthiines migrated from Asia 20 million years ago before soil burrowing was independently acquired multiple times in the derived geoscapheines. Here‚ we investigate whether specific abiotic factors were associated with the parallel evolution of soil burrowing behaviour‚ and whether divergence events of geoscapheines from panesthiine ancestors are consistent with niche conservatism or divergence. Location The Australian mainland‚ including the areas in which selected Australian Panesthiinae and Geoscapheinae cockroach species are distributed. Methods We generated environmental niche models for members of the Australian Geoscapheinae and Panesthiinae using presence-only data and abiotic variables related to temperature‚ precipitation‚ and soil composition from BioClim and the Australian Soil Resource Information System. We used an existing phylogenetic framework to compare environmental niche models and tested for niche conservatism versus divergence. Morphological convergence was assessed by a regression analysis and principal components analysis of leg segment and body dimensions in soil burrowers and wood feeders. Results We found no relationship between niche similarity and time since divergence‚ and only limited evidence for phylogenetic signal with respect to the environmental variables examined. We found that soil burrowing behaviour is consistently correlated with thirteen abiotic factors associated with aridity‚ including a wider range of temperatures and lower precipitation levels. Evidence for convergence in leg morphology and body dimensions across soil burrowers was found. Main conclusions Our results are consistent with soil burrowing behaviour evolving in response to ancient aridification events following the arrival of the Panesthiinae in Australia. Our results suggest a scenario of niche divergence between soil burrowers and each of their wood feeding sister taxa. There is evidence for morphological convergence on a “shovel-like” protibiotarsus in the Geoscapheinae that would aid in burrowing into soil.
    Citation

    Beasley-Hall, P. G., Lee, .R.C., Rose, H. A., & Lo, N. (2018). Multiple abiotic factors correlate with parallel evolution in Australian soil burrowing cockroaches. Journal of Biogeography, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13233

  56. Braby, M. F., Franklin, D. C., Bisa, D. E., Williams, M. R., Bishop, C. L., & Coppen, R. A. M. (2018). Methods. In Atlas of Butterflies and Diurnal Moths in the Monsoon Tropics of Northern Australia. ANU Press.
    https://doi.org/10.22459/ABDM.12.2018

    Abstract

    Northern Australia is one of few tropical places left on Earth in which biodiversity—and the ecological processes underpinning that biodiversity—is still relatively intact. However‚ scientific knowledge of that biodiversity is still in its infancy and the region remains a frontier for biological discovery. The butterfly and diurnal moth assemblages of the area‚ and their
    Citation

    Braby, M. F., Franklin, D. C., Bisa, D. E., Williams, M. R., Bishop, C. L., & Coppen, R. A. M. (2018). Methods. In Atlas of Butterflies and Diurnal Moths in the Monsoon Tropics of Northern Australia. ANU Press.

  57. Heatwole, H. (2018). Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians. CSIRO Publishing.
    https://www.publish.csiro.au/book/7783/

    Abstract

    Amphibians are among the most threatened groups of animals on earth. In part due to their highly permeable skin‚ amphibians are highly sensitive to environmental changes and pollution and provide an early-warning system of deteriorating environmental conditions. The more we learn about the impact of environmental changes on amphibians‚ the better we as humans will be able to arrest their demise‚ and our own.
    Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians brings together the current knowledge on the status of the unique frogs of Australia‚ New Zealand‚ and the Pacific. Although geographically proximate‚ each region presents unique challenges and opportunities in amphibian research and conservation. This book contributes to an understanding of the current conservation status of the amphibians of each region‚ aims to stimulate research into halting amphibian declines‚ and provides a better foundation for making conservation decisions. It is an invaluable reference for environmental and governmental agencies‚ researchers‚ policy-makers involved with biodiversity conservation‚ and the interested public.
    Citation

    Heatwole, H. (2018). Status of Conservation and Decline of Amphibians. CSIRO Publishing.

  58. Delgado-Baquerizo, M., Reith, F., Dennis, P. G., Hamonts, K., Powell, J. R., Young, A., Singh, B. K., & Bissett, A. (2018). Ecological drivers of soil microbial diversity and soil biological networks in the Southern Hemisphere. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.2137

    Ecology
    Ecology
    Abstract

    The ecological drivers of soil biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere remain underexplored. Here‚ in a continental survey comprising 647 sites‚ across 58 degrees of latitude between tropical Australia and Antarctica‚ we evaluated the major ecological patterns in soil biodiversity and relative abundance of ecological clusters within a co-occurrence network of soil bacteria‚ archaea and eukaryotes. Six major ecological clusters (modules) of co-occurring soil taxa were identified. These clusters exhibited strong shifts in their relative abundances with increasing distance from the equator. Temperature was the major environmental driver of the relative abundance of ecological clusters when Australia and Antarctica are analyzed together. Temperature‚ aridity‚ soil properties and vegetation types were the major drivers of the relative abundance of different ecological clusters within Australia. Our data supports significant reductions in the diversity of bacteria‚ archaea and eukaryotes in Antarctica vs. Australia linked to strong reductions in temperature. However‚ we only detected small latitudinal variations in soil biodiversity within Australia. Different environmental drivers regulate the diversity of soil archaea (temperature and soil carbon)‚ bacteria (aridity‚ vegetation attributes and pH) and eukaryotes (vegetation type and soil carbon) across Australia. Together‚ our findings provide new insights into the mechanisms driving soil biodiversity in the Southern Hemisphere. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Delgado-Baquerizo, M., Reith, F., Dennis, P. G., Hamonts, K., Powell, J. R., Young, A., Singh, B. K., & Bissett, A. (2018). Ecological drivers of soil microbial diversity and soil biological networks in the Southern Hemisphere. Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecy.2137

  59. Broadhurst, L. M., Mellick, R., Knerr, N., Li, L., & Supple, M. A. (2018). Land availability may be more important than genetic diversity in the range shift response of a widely distributed eucalypt, Eucalyptus melliodora. Forest Ecology and Management, 409, 38–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.10.024

    Forest Ecology and Management
    abstract
    Citation

    Broadhurst, L. M., Mellick, R., Knerr, N., Li, L., & Supple, M. A. (2018). Land availability may be more important than genetic diversity in the range shift response of a widely distributed eucalypt, Eucalyptus melliodora. Forest Ecology and Management, 409, 38–46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2017.10.024

  60. Bolton, P. E., Rollins, L. A., Brazill-Boast, J., Maute, K. L., Legge, S., Austin, J. J., & Griffith, S. C. (2018). Genetic diversity through time and space: diversity and demographic history from natural history specimens and serially sampled contemporary populations of the threatened Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-018-1051-1

    Conservation Genetics
    abstract
    Citation

    Bolton, P. E., Rollins, L. A., Brazill-Boast, J., Maute, K. L., Legge, S., Austin, J. J., & Griffith, S. C. (2018). Genetic diversity through time and space: diversity and demographic history from natural history specimens and serially sampled contemporary populations of the threatened Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). Conservation Genetics. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-018-1051-1

  61. Zhu, L., Bloomfield, K. J., Hocart, C. H., Egerton, J. J. G., O’Sullivan, O. S., Penillard, A., Weerasinghe, L. K., & Atkin, O. K. (2018). Plasticity of photosynthetic heat tolerance in plants adapted to thermally contrasting biomes. Plant Cell and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13133

    Plant Cell and Environment
    Abstract

    In many biomes‚ plants are subject to heatwaves‚ potentially causing irreversible damage to the photosynthetic apparatus. Field surveys have documented global‚ temperature-dependent patterns in photosynthetic heat tolerance (PHT ); however‚ it remains unclear if these patterns reflect acclimation in PHT or inherent differences among species adapted to contrasting habitats. To address these unknowns‚ we quantified seasonal variations in Tcrit (high temperature where minimal chlorophyll-a fluorescence rises rapidly‚ reflecting disruption to photosystem II) in 62 species native to 6 sites from 5 thermally contrasting biomes across Australia. Tcrit and leaf fatty acid (FA) composition (important for membrane stability) were quantified in three temperature-controlled glasshouses in 20 of those species. Tcrit was greatest at hot field sites and acclimated seasonally (summer > winter‚ increasing on average 0.34 degrees C per degrees C increase in growth temperature). The glasshouse study showed that Tcrit was inherently higher in species from warmer habitats (increasing 0.16 degrees C per degrees C increase in origin annual mean maximum temperature) and acclimated to increasing growth temperature (0.24 degrees C degrees C(-1) ). Variations in Tcrit were positively correlated with the relative abundance of saturated FAs‚ with FAs accounting for 40% of Tcrit variation. These results highlight the importance of both plastic adjustments and inherent differences determining contemporary continent-wide patterns in PHT .
    Citation

    Zhu, L., Bloomfield, K. J., Hocart, C. H., Egerton, J. J. G., O’Sullivan, O. S., Penillard, A., Weerasinghe, L. K., & Atkin, O. K. (2018). Plasticity of photosynthetic heat tolerance in plants adapted to thermally contrasting biomes. Plant Cell and Environment. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13133

  62. Zhang, H., Bonser, S. P., Chen, S. C., Hitchcock, T., & Moles, A. T. (2018). Is the proportion of clonal species higher at higher latitudes in Australia? Austral Ecology, 43, 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12536

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    We provide a large-scale quantification of the relationship between latitude and the proportion of species with clonal reproduction. Parasite pressure is thought to be higher at low latitudes‚ while abiotic stress is thought to be higher at high latitudes. We therefore predicted that there would be a higher proportion of clonal species at high latitudes than at low latitudes. We collected data of 4386 native seed plant species from 446 genera and 99 families present in ABRSFlora of Australia. Species’ occurrence records were taken from the Atlas of Living Australia‚ including 817 450 species-site combinations spanning 34.5° of latitude. Logistic regression showed that the proportion of clonal species significantly increased with latitude‚ rising from 3.3% clonal species at 9.25°S to 26.7% clonal species at 43.75°S. The overall average proportion of clonal species in Australian seed plants was 9.4%. This study adds to our growing understanding of dramatic latitudinal gradients in the way plants grow and reproduce. It also reveals that Australian vegetation contains a relatively low proportion of clonally reproducing species. © 2017 Ecological Society of Australia
    Citation

    Zhang, H., Bonser, S. P., Chen, S. C., Hitchcock, T., & Moles, A. T. (2018). Is the proportion of clonal species higher at higher latitudes in Australia? Austral Ecology, 43, 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12536

  63. Szota, C., McCarthy, M. J., Sanders, G. J., Farrell, C., Fletcher, T. D., Arndt, S. K., & Livesley, S. J. (2018). Tree water-use strategies to improve stormwater retention performance of biofiltration systems Authors and affiliations. Water Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.07.044

    Water Research
    Abstract

    Biofiltration systems are highly valued in urban landscapes as they remove pollutants from stormwater runoff whilst contributing to a reduction in runoff volumes. Integrating trees in biofilters may improve their runoff retention performance‚ as trees have greater transpiration than commonly used sedge or herb species. High transpiration rates will rapidly deplete retained water‚ creating storage capacity prior to the next runoff event. However‚ a tree with high transpiration rates in a biofilter system will likely be frequently exposed to drought stress. Selecting appropriate tree species therefore requires an understanding of how different trees use water and how they respond to substrate drying. We selected 20 tree species and quantified evapotranspiration (ET) and drought stress (leaf water potential; Ψ) in relation to substrate water content. To compare species‚ we developed metrics which describe: (i) maximum rates of ET under well-watered conditions‚ (ii) the sensitivity of ET and (iii) the response of Ψ to declining substrate water content. Using these three metrics‚ we classified species into three groups: risky‚ balanced or conservative. Risky and balanced species showed high maximum ET‚ whereas conservative species always had low ET. As substrates dried‚ the balanced species down-regulated ET to delay the onset of drought stress; whereas risky species did not. Therefore‚ balanced species with high ET are more likely to improve the retention performance of biofiltration systems without introducing significant drought risk. This classification of tree water use strategies can be easily integrated into water balance models and improve tree species selection for biofiltration systems.
    Citation

    Szota, C., McCarthy, M. J., Sanders, G. J., Farrell, C., Fletcher, T. D., Arndt, S. K., & Livesley, S. J. (2018). Tree water-use strategies to improve stormwater retention performance of biofiltration systems Authors and affiliations. Water Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2018.07.044

  64. Scanlan, L., McDonald, W. J. F., & Shapcott, A. (2018). Phylogenetic diversity and conservation of rainforests in the Sunshine Coast region, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT18118

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    The subtropical rainforests of South East Queensland are relatively understudied but their importance for conservation has recently been highlighted‚ with the Sunshine Coast region identified as an area of high diversity‚ second to the Border Ranges. We measured phylogenetic diversity at a fine scale to identify areas of high diversity and dissimilarity across the Sunshine Coast‚ within the Forest of East Australia biodiversity hotspot. Edaphic and climatic influences were incorporated in the analysis to test their relevance to diversity in the region‚ and to aid the identification of local diversity hotspots. The Sunshine Coast was found to be phylogenetically even overall and had a high proportion of even sites (91 out of 109)‚ consistent with the identification of refugia at a larger scale. The Blackall Range was identified as a local centre of diversity but it has been extensively cleared. Contrary to expectation‚ coastal lowland sites were phylogenetically even‚ suggesting potential localised stability or strong connectivity to refugia. These results reiterate the high conservation value of the region in general‚ particularly for the remnant areas of rainforest on the Blackall Range.
    Citation

    Scanlan, L., McDonald, W. J. F., & Shapcott, A. (2018). Phylogenetic diversity and conservation of rainforests in the Sunshine Coast region, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT18118

  65. Selwood, K. E., McGeoch, M. A., Clarke, R. H., & Mac Nally, R. (2018). High-productivity vegetation is important for lessening bird declines during prolonged drought. Journal of Applied Ecology, 55(2), 641–650. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13052

    Journal of Applied Ecology
    Abstract

    Locations in which ecological assemblages show high resistance to climate pressures‚ such as drought‚ are likely to be important refuges for biota in changing climates. We asked whether environmental characteristics of locations were associated with the capacity of bird assemblages to withstand prolonged drought. We used a multispecies index to quantify trends in bird assemblages during a 13-year drought at >500 locations (>18‚000 surveys) in the Murray–Darling Basin‚ south-eastern Australia‚ using data from the Atlas of Australian Birds. We investigated whether the resistance of bird assemblages was associated with (1) vegetation structure; (2) vegetation productivity (vegetation greenness); (3) landscape context (patch size‚ landscape vegetation cover); or (4) physical environment (elevation‚ terrain‚ topography‚ availability of surface water). Vegetation productivity‚ measured by vegetation greenness (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index)‚ was the only potential predictor with strong evidence of an effect‚ and was positively associated with the index of drought resistance. There was little evidence that variables characterizing landscape context‚ vegetation structure or the physical environment of sites were associated with drought resistance of bird communities. Synthesis and applications. Bird assemblages in locations with high vegetation greenness are more resistant to severe drought. Prioritizing conservation investments in areas with locally high vegetation productivity is likely to be an effective strategy for increasing the resistance of bird assemblages to extreme drought‚ especially in areas where mean productivity is relatively low‚ such as arid and semi-arid regions. Remotely sensed vegetation greenness may be a promising source of information for identifying drought refuges for birds and possibly other biota. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Applied Ecology © 2017 British Ecological Society
    Citation

    Selwood, K. E., McGeoch, M. A., Clarke, R. H., & Mac Nally, R. (2018). High-productivity vegetation is important for lessening bird declines during prolonged drought. Journal of Applied Ecology, 55(2), 641–650. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.13052

  66. Serra-Diaz, J. M., Enquist, B. J., Maitner, B., Merow, C., & Svenning, J.-C. (2018). Big data of tree species distributions: how big and how good? Forest Ecosystems, 4. 76dc032b-aae8-33dd-9e3f-31945fac7e37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40663-017-0120-0

    Forest Ecosystems
    Abstract

    Background: Trees play crucial roles in the biosphere and societies worldwide‚ with a total of 60‚065 tree species currently identified. Increasingly‚ a large amount of data on tree species occurrences is being generated worldwide: from inventories to pressed plants. While many of these data are currently available in big databases‚ several challenges hamper their use‚ notably geolocation problems and taxonomic uncertainty. Further‚ we lack a complete picture of the data coverage and quality assessment for open/public databases of tree occurrences. Methods: We combined data from five major aggregators of occurrence data (e.g. Global Biodiversity Information Facility‚ Botanical Information and Ecological Network v.3‚ DRYFLOR‚ RAINBIO and Atlas of Living Australia) by creating a workflow to integrate‚ assess and control data quality of tree species occurrences for species distribution modeling. We further assessed the coverage - the extent of geographical data - of five economically important tree families (Arecaceae‚ Dipterocarpaceae‚ Fagaceae‚ Myrtaceae‚ Pinaceae). Results: Globally‚ we identified 49‚206 tree species (84.69% of total tree species pool) with occurrence records. The total number of occurrence records was 36.69 M‚ among which 6.40 M could be considered high quality records for species distribution modeling. The results show that Europe‚ North America and Australia have a considerable spatial coverage of tree occurrence data. Conversely‚ key biodiverse regions such as South-East Asia and central Africa and parts of the Amazon are still characterized by geographical open-public data gaps. Such gaps are also found even for economically important families of trees‚ although their overall ranges are covered. Only 15‚140 species (26.05%) had at least 20 records of high quality. Conclusions: Our geographical coverage analysis shows that a wealth of easily accessible data exist on tree species occurrences worldwide‚ but regional gaps and coordinate errors are abundant. Thus‚ assessment of tree distributions will need accurate occurrence quality control protocols and key collaborations and data aggregation‚ especially from national forest inventory programs‚ to improve the current publicly available data.
    Citation

    Serra-Diaz, J. M., Enquist, B. J., Maitner, B., Merow, C., & Svenning, J.-C. (2018). Big data of tree species distributions: how big and how good? Forest Ecosystems, 4. 76dc032b-aae8-33dd-9e3f-31945fac7e37. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40663-017-0120-0

  67. Rossetto, M., Bragg, J., Kilian, A., McPherson, H., va der Merwe, M., & Wilson, P. D. (2018). Restore and Renew: a genomics-era framework for species provenance delimitation. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12898

    Restoration Ecology
    Abstract

    Here we present ‘Restore and Renew’‚ a replicable framework for gathering and interpreting evolutionary‚ ecological and genomic data in support of restoration practices. In an era of rapid climatic change and continuous widespread clearing‚ revegetation projects need to focus on producing resilient and long-term self-sustaining populations. Restore and Renew expands current knowledge of genetic provenance via genome-scan data‚ environmental niche modelling and site-specific climate information. The sampling strategy is to obtain leaf tissue representing the distributions of over 100 species commonly used in restoration. We apply Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling to genome-wide Single Nucleotide Polymorphism datasets from hundreds of samples. Species-specific local provenances are obtained using a model that represents observed patterns of genetic variation across the landscape. Climate modelling is implemented to interpret genetic provenance boundaries in the context of current and future climatic conditions at the specified site. Results are presented in an easy to use webtool (www.restore-and-renew.org.au)‚ where the user simply selects their site of interest and a target species to obtain the size and distribution of local genetic provenance. While Restore and Renew is not prescriptive it allows restoration practitioners to make informed decisions on where to source material from‚ to fulfil their restoration scenario of choice. Two examples‚ Westringia fruticosa and Acacia suaveolens‚ are presented to demonstrate how the analytical pipeline responds to different ecological and evolutionary patterns. The webtool has multiple applications for biodiversity management and will continue to evolve with new species and analytical/interpretative outputs. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Rossetto, M., Bragg, J., Kilian, A., McPherson, H., va der Merwe, M., & Wilson, P. D. (2018). Restore and Renew: a genomics-era framework for species provenance delimitation. Restoration Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/rec.12898

  68. Sampson, J., Tapper, S., Coates, D., Hankinson, M., Mcarthur, S., & Byrne, M. (2018). Persistence with episodic range expansion from the early Pleistocene: the distribution of genetic variation in the forest tree Corymbia calophylla (Myrtaceae) in south-western Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 123(3), 545–560. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blx168

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Phylogeographical patterns of trees in topographically subdued‚ unglaciated landscapes are under-reported‚ and might reflect population persistence and the influences of environment and distance over historical (\textasciitilde2.6 Mya to present) and contemporary (recent generations) timescales. We examined this hypothesis using genetic analyses of four slowly evolving non-coding chloroplast sequences and 16 nuclear microsatellites in the tree Corymbia calophylla from south-western Australia‚ an area that has been unglaciated since the Permian (c. 300–250 Mya). We found strong population differentiation for chloroplast DNA and low differentiation for nuclear loci‚ consistent with higher gene flow by pollen than by seed. We identified three divergent chloroplast lineages distributed in central‚ northern and southern regions‚ and diversifying from the early (c. 3.028 Mya)‚ mid- (c. 0.793 Mya) and late (c. 0.426 Mya) Pleistocene‚ respectively. Moderate to high nucleotide diversity with population-specific haplotypes supported long-term persistence‚ but diversification of lineages provided evidence of unexpected episodic range expansion. We suggest this pattern reflects environmental influences of climatic oscillations during progressive drying of south-western Australia from the early Pleistocene. Significant tests for isolation by environment for nuclear loci also supported an influence of contemporary environmental (aridity) conditions on genetic structure‚ but isolation by distance (IBD) was greater. Significant chloroplast and nuclear IBD suggested distance was a major influence on gene flow at both timescales.
    Citation

    Sampson, J., Tapper, S., Coates, D., Hankinson, M., Mcarthur, S., & Byrne, M. (2018). Persistence with episodic range expansion from the early Pleistocene: the distribution of genetic variation in the forest tree Corymbia calophylla (Myrtaceae) in south-western Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 123(3), 545–560. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blx168

  69. Reside, A. E., Critchell, K., Crayn, D. M., Goosem, M., Goosem, S., Hoskin, C. . J., Sydes, T., Vanderduys, E. P., & Pressey, R. L. (2018). Beyond the model: expert knowledge improves predictions of species’ fates under climate change. Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.1824

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    The need to proactively manage landscapes and species to aid their adaptation to climate change is widely acknowledged. Current approaches to prioritizing investment in species conservation generally rely on correlative models‚ which predict the likely fate of species under different climate change scenarios. Yet‚ while model statistics can be improved by refining modelling techniques‚ gaps remain in understanding the relationship between model performance and ecological reality. To investigate this we compared standard correlative species distribution models to highly accurate‚ fine-scale distribution models. We critically assessed the ecological realism of each species’ model‚ using expert knowledge of the geography and habitat in the study area and the biology of the study species. Using interactive software and an iterative vetting with experts‚ we identified seven general principles that explain why the distribution modelling under- or over-estimated habitat suitability‚ under both current and predicted future climates. Importantly‚ we found that‚ while temperature estimates can be dramatically improved through better climate downscaling‚ many models still inaccurately reflected moisture availability. Furthermore‚ the correlative models did not account for biotic factors such as disease or competitor species‚ and were unable to account for the likely presence of micro refugia. Under-performing current models resulted in widely divergent future projections of species’ distributions. Expert vetting identified regions that were likely to contain micro refugia‚ even where the fine-scale future projections of species distributions predicted population losses. Based on the results we identify four priority conservation actions required for more effective climate change adaptation responses. This approach to improving the ecological realism of correlative models to understand climate change impacts on species can be applied broadly to improve the evidence base underpinning management responses. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Reside, A. E., Critchell, K., Crayn, D. M., Goosem, M., Goosem, S., Hoskin, C. . J., Sydes, T., Vanderduys, E. P., & Pressey, R. L. (2018). Beyond the model: expert knowledge improves predictions of species’ fates under climate change. Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.1824

  70. Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Shabani, F. (2018). Suitable areas of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Spodoptera exigua, and their host plant Phaseolus vulgaris are projected to reduce and shift due to climate change. Theoretical and Applied Climatology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-018-2385-9

    Theoretical and Applied Climatology
    abstract
    Citation

    Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Shabani, F. (2018). Suitable areas of Phakopsora pachyrhizi, Spodoptera exigua, and their host plant Phaseolus vulgaris are projected to reduce and shift due to climate change. Theoretical and Applied Climatology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00704-018-2385-9

  71. Neldner, V. J., Rogers, R. W., & Forster, P. I. (2018). The lichen flora of tropical Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT17246

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    The first account of the lichen flora of the Cape York Peninsula bioregion is provided with 423 lichen taxa from 47 families and 127 genera recorded. The tropical savannas of Cape York Peninsula‚ which experience annual or biennial ground fires‚ are generally a harsh environment for lichen establishment and growth. The majority of eucalypts and Melaleuca viridiflora Sol. ex Gaertn. trees that dominate much of Cape York Peninsula vegetation regularly shed their bark and do not generally provide a suitable habitat for lichen establishment and persistence. However‚ even in these savanna habitats‚ some tree species provide suitable fire-safe substrates for lichens. The rainforest‚ riparian and coastal vegetation lichen flora is much more diverse‚ primarily because of the lack of fire but also because of more mesic conditions and persistent thin bark types. Most of the lichens (413 lichen species) survive on a number of bark types‚ while there are 51 species on rock substrates (10 exclusively on rocks). The diverse lichen flora is dominated by pantropical species‚ many of which are shared with New Guinea‚ Thailand and the Northern Territory. However‚ eleven lichen species are only known from Cape York Peninsula.
    Citation

    Neldner, V. J., Rogers, R. W., & Forster, P. I. (2018). The lichen flora of tropical Cape York Peninsula, Queensland, Australia. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT17246

  72. Morán-Ordóñez, A., Briscoe, N. J., & Wintle, B. A. (2018). Modelling species responses to extreme weather provides new insights into constraints on range and likely climate change impacts for Australian mammals. Ecography, 41, 308–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02850

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Morán-Ordóñez, A., Briscoe, N. J., & Wintle, B. A. (2018). Modelling species responses to extreme weather provides new insights into constraints on range and likely climate change impacts for Australian mammals. Ecography, 41, 308–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02850

  73. Mesibov, R. (2018). An audit of some processing effects in aggregated occurrence records. ZooKeys, 751, 129–146. e9972d34-a51b-31b7-9cec-65336b704f70. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.751.24791

    ZooKeys
    ZooKeys
    Abstract

    A total of ca 800‚000 occurrence records from the Australian Museum (AM)‚ Museums Victoria (MV) and the New Zealand Arthropod Collection (NZAC) were audited for changes in selected Darwin Core fields after processing by the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA; for AM and MV records) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF; for AM‚ MV and NZAC records). Formal taxon names in the genus- and species-groups were changed in 13–21% of AM and MV records‚ depending on dataset and aggregator. There was little agreement between the two aggregators on processed names‚ with names changed in two to three times as many records by one aggregator alone compared to records with names changed by both aggregators. The type status of specimen records did not change with name changes‚ resulting in confusion as to the name with which a type was associated. Data losses of up to 100% were found after processing in some fields‚ apparently due to programming errors. The taxonomic usefulness of occurrence records could be improved if aggregators included both original and the processed taxonomic data items for each record. It is recommended that end-users check original and processed records for data loss and name replacements after processing by aggregators.
    Citation

    Mesibov, R. (2018). An audit of some processing effects in aggregated occurrence records. ZooKeys, 751, 129–146. e9972d34-a51b-31b7-9cec-65336b704f70. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.751.24791

  74. Li, X., Blackman, C. J., Choat, B., Duursma, R. A., Rymer, P. D., Medlyn, B. E., & Tissue, D. T. (2018). Tree hydraulic traits are coordinated and strongly linked to climate-of-origin across a rainfall gradient. Plant Cell and Environment, 41, 646–660. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13129

    Plant Cell and Environment
    Abstract

    Plant hydraulic traits capture the impacts of drought stress on plant function‚ yet vegetation models lack sufficient information regarding trait coordination and variation with climate-of-origin across species. Here‚ we investigated key hydraulic and carbon economy traits of 12 woody species in Australia from a broad climatic gradient‚ with the aim of identifying the coordination among these traits and the role of climate in shaping cross-species trait variation. The influence of environmental variation was minimized by a common garden approach‚ allowing us to factor out the influence of environment on phenotypic variation across species. We found that hydraulic traits (leaf turgor loss point‚ stomatal sensitivity to drought [Pgs ]‚ xylem vulnerability to cavitation [Px ]‚ and branch capacitance [Cbranch ]) were highly coordinated across species and strongly related to rainfall and aridity in the species native distributional range. In addition‚ trade-offs between drought tolerance and plant growth rate were observed across species. Collectively‚ these results provide critical insight into the coordination among hydraulic traits in modulating drought adaptation and will significantly advance our ability to predict drought vulnerability in these dominant trees species.
    Citation

    Li, X., Blackman, C. J., Choat, B., Duursma, R. A., Rymer, P. D., Medlyn, B. E., & Tissue, D. T. (2018). Tree hydraulic traits are coordinated and strongly linked to climate-of-origin across a rainfall gradient. Plant Cell and Environment, 41, 646–660. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.13129

  75. Leiper, I., Zander, K. K., Robinson, C. J., Carwadine, J., Moggridge, B. J., & Garnett, S. T. (2018). Quantifying current and potential contributions of Australian indigenous peoples to threatened species management. Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13178

    Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Formal engagement of indigenous peoples in conservation is increasing globally and leads to multiple benefits to communities while contributing to national and international biodiversity goals and obligations. This and ongoing declines in biodiversity have led to calls to increase opportunities for indigenous people to engage in managing their estates. However‚ there is no overarching understanding of indigenous peoples’ involvement in conservation‚ which limits the identification of new opportunities. We amalgamated information across governments and large nongovernmental organizations in the megadiverse country of Australia to quantify the involvement of indigenous people in management of threatened species. We identified 153 Australian-based projects undertaken by different indigenous groups around the nation in 2015 and 2016 that included explicit funds for management of threatened species or threatened ecosystems. Most were in remote parts of western and northern Australia. Almost one-quarter of all threatened animals and 2% of threatened plants were the subject of some formal conservation action by indigenous people. Occurrence records for 1574 threatened species showed that 823 (89.2%) of 923 species recorded on indigenous peoples’ lands were not listed in management projects. This gap may represent new opportunities for conservation initiatives. Because at least 59.5% of Australia’s threatened species occur on indigenous peoples’ lands‚ efforts to build appropriate and effective indigenous conservation alliances are vital. However‚ it is also important to recognize that threatened species are part of complex social‚ ecological‚ economic and cultural systems‚ and to achieve successful outcomes requires consideration of indigenous peoples’ priorities‚ rights‚ and obligations and relationships with their traditionally owned land and sea.
    Citation

    Leiper, I., Zander, K. K., Robinson, C. J., Carwadine, J., Moggridge, B. J., & Garnett, S. T. (2018). Quantifying current and potential contributions of Australian indigenous peoples to threatened species management. Conservation Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.13178

  76. Hill, L. (2018). Vagrant status of lucerne seed web moth, Etiella behrii (Zeller 1848) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Tasmania. Crop Protection, 104, 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2017.10.016

    Crop Protection
    Abstract

    The lucerne seed web moth or etiella moth‚ Etiella behrii (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae: Phycitinae: Phycitini) has been recorded as adults and larvae across mainland Australia on leguminous plants. Suitable host plants occur in Tasmania but detections are restricted to adults‚ mostly in one long-term light trap. A combination of methods is used to determine whether this pest is a non-breeding vagrant‚ a breeding migrant or resident in Tasmania. A degree-day development model for E. behrii showed that warmer source areas outside Tasmania better explained flight seasonality observed by light trapping in Tasmania than local source areas. Pest records of 119 Lepidoptera associated with Tasmanian Medicago plants do not include Etiella. The absence of records of larvae‚ the coincidence of adults with migratory insects and northerly airflows‚ flight seasonality and a requirement for a six month non-developmental period in the cool season indicate that E. behrii migrates to Tasmania where any breeding is below detection although two generations seem possible based on thermal requirements. The results provide another example of a pest that fails to establish‚ even ephemerally‚ in Tasmania despite repeated migration from mainland Australia. The precise impediments to seasonal establishment of E. behrii remain unclear but this would most likely occur in north-west or north-east Tasmania‚ which receive most migratory moths. E. behrii is one of a suite of native Australian pests that may extend its breeding range to Tasmania with global warming. Climate matching models are prone to error if they assume E. behrii is resident in Tasmania. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
    Citation

    Hill, L. (2018). Vagrant status of lucerne seed web moth, Etiella behrii (Zeller 1848) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Tasmania. Crop Protection, 104, 65–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2017.10.016

  77. Hovenden, M. J., & Newton, P. C. D. (2018). Variability in precipitation seasonality limits grassland biomass responses to rising CO2: historical and projected climate analyses. Climatic Change, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-018-2227-x

    Climatic Change
    Abstract

    Correctly estimating the effect of elevated CO2 (eCO2) on biomass production is paramount for accurately projecting agricultural productivity‚ global carbon balances and climate changes. Plant physiology suggests that eCO2 should result in a strongly positive CO2 fertilisation effect (CFE) via positive effects on photosynthesis and water use efficiency. However‚ the CFE in CO2 experiments is often constrained because of other factors of which rainfall pattern is particularly important. Here‚ we apply a generally applicable‚ empirically derived relationship between the CFE and an index of seasonal rainfall balance (SRB)‚ to identify how historical and projected future rainfall patterns modify the CFE using 25 native grassland sites in south-eastern (SE) Australia as a test case. We found that historical and projected rainfall produced SRBs that varied widely from year-to-year resulting in a CFE that was only positive in about 40% of years‚ with no or even negative biomass responses in the remainder of years; a finding that is in marked contrast to other studies that have not taken account of relationships between rainfall seasonality and plant responses to CO2. The dependence of the CFE on SRB also means that using the CFE from a specific eCO2 experiment can be misleading as the result will be heavily influenced by the SRB during the period of experimentation but this problem can be avoided by using a robust general relationship of the kind used in this study. Generalisations of grassland biomass responses to the rising CO2 concentration are contextual in terms of the variability in precipitation seasonality; as such‚ this provides a new lens by which to view aboveground responses to the rising CO2 concentration and fosters a novel approach for cross-site comparisons among experiments.
    Citation

    Hovenden, M. J., & Newton, P. C. D. (2018). Variability in precipitation seasonality limits grassland biomass responses to rising CO2: historical and projected climate analyses. Climatic Change, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-018-2227-x

  78. Handayani, F., Goldingay, R. L., McHugh, D., & Leslie, N. (2018). Extensive range contraction predicted under climate warming for a gliding mammal in north-eastern Australia. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM16062

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    We used MaxEnt to model the current distribution of the yellow-bellied glider (Petaurus australis) and to predict the likely shift in the species’ future distribution under climate-warming scenarios in the Wet Tropics (WT) Bioregion in north Queensland and in the South-eastern Queensland (SEQld) Bioregion‚ which encompasses south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales. Bioclimatic layers were used to generate models from 57 independent records in the WT and 428 records in SEQld. The modelled distribution of core habitat under current climate showed a good fit to the data‚ encompassing 91% and 88% of the records in each area‚ respectively. Modelling of future warming scenarios suggests that large contractions in distribution could occur in both bioregions. In the WT‚ 98% of core habitat is predicted to be lost under low warming (1°C increase) and 100% under high warming (2−3°C increase) by 2070. In SEQld‚ 80% of core habitat is predicted to be lost under low warming and 90% under high warming by 2070. These results suggest that this species is highly vulnerable to climate warming and highlight the importance of focusing conservation efforts at the bioregional scale. There is also a need to identify potential thermal refuges and ensure habitat connectivity.
    Citation

    Handayani, F., Goldingay, R. L., McHugh, D., & Leslie, N. (2018). Extensive range contraction predicted under climate warming for a gliding mammal in north-eastern Australia. Australian Mammalogy. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM16062

  79. Gleason, S. M., Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. T., McCulloh, K. A., Ocheltree, T. W., & Westoby, M. (2018). Vessel scaling in evergreen angiosperm leaves conforms with Murray’s law and area‐filling assumptions: implications for plant size, leaf size and cold tolerance. New Phytologist, 218(4), 1360–1370. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.15116

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Summary Water transport in leaf vasculature is a fundamental process affecting plant growth‚ ecological interactions and ecosystem productivity‚ yet the architecture of leaf vascular networks is poorly understood. Although Murray’s law and the West?Brown?Enquist (WBE) theories predict convergent scaling of conduit width and number‚ it is not known how conduit scaling is affected by habitat aridity or temperature. We measured the scaling of leaf size‚ conduit width and conduit number within the leaves of 36 evergreen Angiosperms spanning a large range in aridity and temperature in eastern Australia. Scaling of conduit width and number in midribs and 2° veins did not differ across species and habitats (P > 0.786)‚ and did not differ from that predicted by Murray’s law (P = 0.151). Leaf size was strongly correlated with the hydraulic radius of petiole conduits (r2 = 0.83‚ P < 0.001) and did not differ among habitats (P > 0.064)‚ nor did the scaling exponent differ significantly from that predicted by hydraulic theory (P = 0.086). The maximum radius of conduits in petioles was positively correlated with the temperature of the coldest quarter (r2 = 0.67; P < 0.001)‚ suggesting that habitat temperature restricts the occurrence of wide?conduit species in cold habitats.
    Citation

    Gleason, S. M., Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. T., McCulloh, K. A., Ocheltree, T. W., & Westoby, M. (2018). Vessel scaling in evergreen angiosperm leaves conforms with Murray’s law and area‐filling assumptions: implications for plant size, leaf size and cold tolerance. New Phytologist, 218(4), 1360–1370. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.15116

  80. Hanson, J. O., Rhodes, J. R., Possingham, H. P., & Fuller, R. A. (2018). raptr: Representative and adequate prioritization toolkit in R. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9(2), 320–330. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12862

    Methods in Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    An underlying aim in conservation planning is to maximize the long-term persistence of biodiversity. To fulfil this aim‚ the ecological and evolutionary processes that sustain biodiversity must be preserved. One way to conserve such processes at the feature level (e.g. species‚ ecosystem) is to preserve a sample of the feature (e.g. individuals‚ areas) that is representative of the intrinsic or extrinsic physical attributes that underpin the process of interest. For example‚ by conserving a sample of populations with local adaptations—physical attributes associated with adaptation—that is representative of the range of adaptations found in the species‚ protected areas can maintain adaptive processes by ensuring these adaptations are not lost. Despite this‚ current reserve selection methods overwhelmingly focus on securing an adequate amount of area or habitat for each feature. Little attention has been directed towards capturing a representative sample of the variation within each feature. To address this issue‚ we developed the raptr R package to help guide reserve selection. Users set “amount targets”—similar to conventional methods—to ensure that solutions secure a sufficient proportion of area or habitat for each feature. Additionally‚ users set “space targets” to secure a representative sample of variation in ecologically or evolutionarily relevant attributes (e.g. environmental or genetic variation). We demonstrate the functionality of this package‚ using simulations and two case studies. In these studies‚ we generated solutions using amount targets—similar to conventional methods—and compared them with solutions generated using amount and space targets. Our results demonstrate that markedly different solutions emerge when targeting a representative sample of each feature. We show that using these targets is important for features that have multimodal distributions in the process-related attributes (e.g. species with multimodal niches). We also found that solutions could conserve a far more representative sample with only a slight increase in reserve system size. The raptr R package provides a toolkit for making prioritizations that secure an adequate and representative sample of variation within each feature. By using solutions that secure a representative sample of each feature‚ prioritizations may have a greater chance of achieving long-term biodiversity persistence. © 2017 The Authors. Methods in Ecology and Evolution © 2017 British Ecological Society
    Citation

    Hanson, J. O., Rhodes, J. R., Possingham, H. P., & Fuller, R. A. (2018). raptr: Representative and adequate prioritization toolkit in R. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 9(2), 320–330. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.12862

  81. Dinnage, R., & Cardillo, M. (2018). Habitat loss is information loss: Species distribution models are compromised in anthropogenic landscapes. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/258038

    bioRxiv
    bioRxiv
    abstract
    Citation

    Dinnage, R., & Cardillo, M. (2018). Habitat loss is information loss: Species distribution models are compromised in anthropogenic landscapes. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/258038

  82. Dalrymple, R. L., Flores-Moreno, H., Kemp, D. J., White, T. E., Laffan, S. W., Hemmings, F. A., Hitchcock, T. D., & Moles, A. T. (2018). Abiotic and biotic predictors of macroecological patterns in bird and butterfly coloration. Ecological Monographs. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1287

    Ecological Monographs
    abstract
    Citation

    Dalrymple, R. L., Flores-Moreno, H., Kemp, D. J., White, T. E., Laffan, S. W., Hemmings, F. A., Hitchcock, T. D., & Moles, A. T. (2018). Abiotic and biotic predictors of macroecological patterns in bird and butterfly coloration. Ecological Monographs. https://doi.org/10.1002/ecm.1287

  83. Dinnage, R., Simonsen, A. K., Barrett, L. G., Cardillo, M., Raisbeck‐Brown, N., Thrall, P. H., & Prober, S. M. (2018). Larger plants promote a greater diversity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria associated with an Australian endemic legume. Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.13083

    Journal of Ecology
    Abstract

    1.A major goal in microbial ecology is to understand the factors that structure bacterial communities across space and time. For microbes that are plant symbionts‚ community assembly processes can lead to either a positive or negative relationship between plant size or age and soil microbe diversity. Here‚ we evaluated the extent to which such relationships exist within a single legume species (Acacia acuminata) and their naturally occurring symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria (rhizobia). 2.We quantified the diversity of rhizobia that associate with A. acuminata trees of variable size spanning a large environmental gradient in southwest Australia (72 trees in 24 sites spread across 300‚000 km2)‚ using metabarcoding. We modelled rhizobia diversity using 16S exact genetic variants‚ in a binomial multivariate statistical framework that controlled for climate and local soil characteristics. 3.We identified two major phylogenetic clades of rhizobia that associate with A. acuminata. Soil sampled at the base of larger Acacia trees contained a higher richness of rhizobia genetic variants. Each major clade responds differently to environmental factors (climate and soil characteristics)‚ but the positive association between tree size and rhizobia genetic diversity was mainly driven by responses from one of the two clades. Overall tree size explained more variation than any other factor‚ resulting in a 3-fold increase in total richness and clade diversity from the smallest to the largest trees. 4.Synthesis. Previous studies have shown that plant host species is important in structuring microbial soil communities in the rhizosphere. Our results show that host size or age within a single plant species can also structure diversity of at least one group of soil microbes. A positive relationship between plant host size and rhizobia diversity suggests that hosts may modify the niche space of their surrounding soil (niche construction hypothesis) enabling a higher richness of microbial taxa. That different rhizobial groups responded differently to host size and other ecological factors suggests that rhizobia is not an ecologically uniform group‚ and that entirely neutral explanations for our results are unlikely. Host plants may be analogous to ‘islands’‚ where larger plant hosts may accumulate diversity over time‚ through migration opportunities. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Dinnage, R., Simonsen, A. K., Barrett, L. G., Cardillo, M., Raisbeck‐Brown, N., Thrall, P. H., & Prober, S. M. (2018). Larger plants promote a greater diversity of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria associated with an Australian endemic legume. Journal of Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.13083

  84. Champion, C., Hobday, A. J., Zhang, X., Pecl, G. T., & Tracey, S. R. (2018). Changing windows of opportunity: past and future climate-driven shifts in temporal persistence of kingfish (Seriola lalandi) oceanographic habitat within south-eastern Australian bioregions. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17387

    Marine and Freshwater Research
    Abstract

    Climate-driven shifts in species distributions are occurring rapidly within marine systems and are predicted to continue under climate change. To effectively adapt‚ marine resource users require information relevant to their activities at decision-making timescales. We model oceanographic habitat suitability for kingfish (Seriola lalandi) from south-eastern Australia using multiple environmental variables at monthly time steps over the period 1996–2040. Habitat predictions were used to quantify the temporal persistence (months per year) of suitable oceanographic habitat within six coastal bioregions. A decline in temporal habitat persistence is predicted for the northernmost (equatorward) bioregion‚ whereas increases are predicted for the three southernmost (poleward) bioregions. We suggest that temporal habitat persistence is an important metric for climate change adaptation because it provides fishery-relevant information. Our methods demonstrate how novel metrics relevant to climate adaptation can be derived from predictions of species’ environmental habitats‚ and are appropriate for the management of fisheries resources and protection of high conservation value species under future climate change.
    Citation

    Champion, C., Hobday, A. J., Zhang, X., Pecl, G. T., & Tracey, S. R. (2018). Changing windows of opportunity: past and future climate-driven shifts in temporal persistence of kingfish (Seriola lalandi) oceanographic habitat within south-eastern Australian bioregions. Marine and Freshwater Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/MF17387

  85. Cardillo, M., Dinnage, R., & McAlister, W. (2018). The relationship between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across plant species. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13477

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim A positive association between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across species (RS-NB association) is considered a major macroecological pattern and a key mechanism explaining differences in commonness and rarity among species. It is typically assumed that niche breadth determines range size. We explore ways in which spurious positive RS-NB associations can arise through sampling artefacts‚ in the absence of any ecological or evolutionary link between the two variables. Location Australia and Africa. Methods We used a process-based simulation model to explore the influence of spatial autocorrelation in the environment‚ and the rate of neutral range evolution‚ on the slope of the RS-NB association. We quantified niche breadth in four large plant genera (Banksia‚ Hakea‚ Protea and Moraea) using up to 12 environmental variables and accounting for variable numbers of occurrence records‚ and we tested RS-NB associations using phylogenetic generalized least-squares (PGLS) models. We compared observed patterns to two null models that break the link between species occurrences and environmental conditions in different ways. Results The simulations show that positive RS-NB associations are generated even under random diversification and neutral range evolution‚ when the environment is spatially autocorrelated. There were strong positive interspecific RS-NB associations in all four plant genera‚ but in most cases‚ PGLS slopes for the four genera were similar to those generated by the null models. After accounting for sampling effects under the two the null models by calculating the standardized effect sizes of species’ niche breadths‚ there was little evidence of general‚ positive associations between range size and niche breadth. Main Conclusions Positive RS-NB associations in our four plant genera do not necessarily result from an ecological or evolutionary link between niche breadth and range size but may largely reflect the historical legacy of speciation and limited dispersal‚ biotic interactions or other constraints on range expansion. Our results suggest that niche breadth as a general determinant of range extent among species should not be assumed without testing and correcting for spatial sampling effects.
    Citation

    Cardillo, M., Dinnage, R., & McAlister, W. (2018). The relationship between environmental niche breadth and geographic range size across plant species. Journal of Biogeography. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13477

  86. Bush, A., Catullo, R. A., Mokany, K., Thornhill, A. H., Miller, J. T., & Ferrier, S. (2018). Truncation of thermal tolerance niches among Australian plants. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12637

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: Despite recognition that realized distributions inherently underestimate species’ physiological tolerances‚ we are yet to identify the extent of these differences within diverse taxonomic groups. The degree to which species could tolerate environmental conditions outside their observed distributions may have a significant impact on the perceived extinction risk in ecological models. More information on this potential error is required to improve our confidence in management strategies. Location: Australia. Time Period: 1983–2012. Major Taxa Studied: Plants. Methods: To quantify the scale and spatial patterns of this disparity‚ we estimated the existing tolerance to thermal extremes of 7‚124 Australian plants‚ more than one-third of the native continental flora‚ using data from cultivated records at 128 botanical gardens and nurseries. Hierarchical Bayesian beta regression was used to assess whether factors such as realized niches‚ traits or phylogeny could predict the incidence or magnitude of niche truncation (underestimation of thermal tolerances)‚ while controlling for sources of collection bias. Results: Approximately half of the cultivated species analysed could tolerate temperature extremes beyond those experienced in their native range. Niche truncation was predictable from the breadth and extremes of their realized niches and by traits such as plant growth form. Phylogenetic relationships with niche truncation were weak and appeared more suited to predicting thermal tolerances directly. Main conclusions: This study highlights a widespread disparity between realized and potential thermal limits that may have significant implications for species’ capacity to persist in situ with a changing climate. Identifying whether thermal niche truncation is the result of biotic interactions‚ dispersal constraints or other environmental factors could provide significant insight into community assembly at macroecological scales. Estimating niche truncation may help to explain why certain ecological communities are more resilient to change and may potentially improve the reliability of model projections under climate change. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
    Citation

    Bush, A., Catullo, R. A., Mokany, K., Thornhill, A. H., Miller, J. T., & Ferrier, S. (2018). Truncation of thermal tolerance niches among Australian plants. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 27, 22–31. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12637

  87. Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. M., Cook, A. M., Chang, Y., Laws, C. A., & Westoby, M. (2018). The links between leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought and key aspects of leaf venation and xylem anatomy among 26 Australian woody angiosperms from contrasting climates. Annals of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcy051

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    Background and AimsThe structural properties of leaf venation and xylem anatomy strongly influence leaf hydraulics‚ including the ability of leaves to maintain hydraulic function during drought. Here we examined the strength of the links between different leaf venation traits and leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought (expressed as P50leaf by rehydration kinetics) in a diverse group of 26 woody angiosperm species‚ representing a wide range of leaf vulnerabilities‚ from four low-nutrient sites with contrasting rainfall across eastern Australia.MethodsFor each species we measured key aspects of leaf venation design‚ xylem anatomy and leaf morphology. We also assessed for the first time the scaling relationships between hydraulically weighted vessel wall thickness (th) and lumen breadth (bh) across vein orders and habitats.Key ResultsAcross species‚ variation in P50leaf was strongly correlated with the ratio of vessel wall thickness (th) to lumen breadth (bh) [(t/b)h; an index of conduit reinforcement] at each leaf vein order. Concomitantly‚ the scaling relationship between th and bh was similar across vein orders‚ with a log–log slope less than 1 indicating greater xylem reinforcement in smaller vessels. In contrast‚ P50leaf was not related to th and bh individually‚ to major vein density (Dvmajor) or to leaf size. Principal components analysis revealed two largely orthogonal trait groupings linked to variation in leaf size and drought tolerance.ConclusionsOur results indicate that xylem conduit reinforcement occurs throughout leaf venation‚ and remains closely linked to leaf drought tolerance irrespective of leaf size.
    Citation

    Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. M., Cook, A. M., Chang, Y., Laws, C. A., & Westoby, M. (2018). The links between leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought and key aspects of leaf venation and xylem anatomy among 26 Australian woody angiosperms from contrasting climates. Annals of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcy051

  88. Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2018). Assessing Accuracy Methods of Species Distribution Models: AUC, Specificity, Sensitivity and the True Skill Statistic. The Global Journal of Human-Social Science, 18(1), 7–18.

    The Global Journal of Human-Social Science
    Abstract

    We aimed to assess different methods for evaluating performance accuracy in species distribution models based on the application of five types of bioclimatic models under three threshold selections to predict the distributions of eight different species in Australia‚ treated as an independent area. Five discriminatory correlative species distribution models (SDMs)‚ were used to predict the species distributions of eight different plants. A global training data set‚ excluding the Australian locations‚ was used for model fitting. Four accuracy measurement methods were compared under three threshold selections of i) maximum sensitivity + specificity‚ ii) sensitivity = specificity and iii) predicted probability of 0.5 (default). Results showed that the choice of modeling methods had an impact on potential distribution predictions for an independent area. Examination of the four accuracy methods underexamined threshold selections demonstrated that TSS is a more realistic and practical method‚ in comparison with AUC‚ Sensitivity and Specificity. Accurate projection of the distribution of a species is extremely complex.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2018). Assessing Accuracy Methods of Species Distribution Models: AUC, Specificity, Sensitivity and the True Skill Statistic. The Global Journal of Human-Social Science, 18(1), 7–18.

  89. Williams, G., & Serena, M. (2018). Distribution of the Australian water-rat “Hydromys chrysogaster” in Victoria: Findings from community-based sightings and live-trapping surveys. Victorian Naturalist, The, 135(3), 71.

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    Abstract

    The distribution of Australian Water-rats in Victoria was examined by analysing 1022 records obtained from 2000-2017 and data collected incidentally in Platypus live-trapping studies. Water-rats were sighted in all Victorian river basins apart from the Lake Corangamite basin (which is dominated by saline lakes) and the very dry Mallee and Millicent basins in far western Victoria. Sightings occurred in a wide variety of habitats‚ including rivers (26% of records)‚ creeks (25%)‚ coastal habitats and estuaries (19%)‚ natural and man-made lakes and reservoirs (18.5%)‚ wetlands and morasses (7%)‚ irrigation channels (4%) and sites lacking substantial surface water in the immediate vicinity (0.5%). The mean (or average) frequency of Water-rat captures in the western half of Victoria was significantly greater than the corresponding combined values for Melbourne and eastern Victoria. Mean Water-rat capture frequency in and near Melbourne was also significantly greater than that in south-eastern Victoria.
    Citation

    Williams, G., & Serena, M. (2018). Distribution of the Australian water-rat “Hydromys chrysogaster” in Victoria: Findings from community-based sightings and live-trapping surveys. Victorian Naturalist, The, 135(3), 71.

  90. Lyons, P., Addison, J., Austin, J., Barber, M., Bruce, C., Ebner, B., Higgins, A., Horner, N., Jarvis, D., Kenyon, R., Lau, J., Merrin, L., Macintosh, A., Philip, S., Pollino, C., Ponce Reyes, R., Stokes, C., Stratford, D., Waschka, M., & O’Sullivan, J. (2018). 3: Living and built environment of the Mitchell catchment. CSIRO.
    https://doi.org/10.25919/5b86ee1196c51

    Abstract

    Chapter 3 discusses a wide range of considerations relating to the living component of the Mitchell catchment and the environments that support these components‚ the people who live in the catchment or have strong ties to it‚ the perspectives of investors‚ the existing transport‚ power and water infrastructure and the legal‚ policy and regulatory environment relating to the development of land and water. This chapter also examines the values‚ rights‚ interests‚ and development objectives of Indigenous people.
    Citation

    Lyons, P., Addison, J., Austin, J., Barber, M., Bruce, C., Ebner, B., Higgins, A., Horner, N., Jarvis, D., Kenyon, R., Lau, J., Merrin, L., Macintosh, A., Philip, S., Pollino, C., Ponce Reyes, R., Stokes, C., Stratford, D., Waschka, M., & O’Sullivan, J. (2018). 3: Living and built environment of the Mitchell catchment. CSIRO.

  91. Johnson, I. R., & Wilson, P. R. (2018). A survey of butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Christmas island (Indian ocean) in march 2017. Australian Entomologist, 45(2), 159.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=714809433948128;res=IELHSS

    Australian Entomologist
    Abstract

    A survey of the butterflies of Christmas Island‚ Indian Ocean‚ in March 2017 identified 23 of the 29 species recorded for the island. These include the first published records for ’Petrelaea tombugensis’ (Rober) (Lycaenidae)‚ ’Badamia exclamationis’ (Fabricius)‚ ’Hasora chromus’ (Cramer) and ’Borbo cinnara’ (Wallace) (Hesperiidae)‚ all first taken in 2003 by Ian Knight and still present. Abundance‚ distribution and larval food plants for each butterfly species are discussed. Rainforests that cover most of the island contained the greatest diversity while the unrehabilitated mined areas had few butterflies. The presence of now common species such as ’Papilio memnon memnon’ Linnaeus‚ ’Appias olferna’ Swinhoe‚ ’Eurema blanda blanda’ Boisduval‚ ’Euchrysops cnejus cnejus’ (Fabricius) and ’Zizina otis’ (Fabricius)‚ which were unrecorded prior to 1985‚ suggests that these species are recent arrivals. The life history of ’Papilio memnon memnon’ on Christmas Island is illustrated. Observations on yellow crazy ant (’Anoplolepis gracilipes’ (Smith)) interactions with some species are recorded.
    Citation

    Johnson, I. R., & Wilson, P. R. (2018). A survey of butterflies (Lepidoptera) of Christmas island (Indian ocean) in march 2017. Australian Entomologist, 45(2), 159.

  92. Roberts, J. D., & Edwards, D. (2018). The Evolution, Physiology and Ecology of the Australian Arid-Zone Frog Fauna. In H. Lambers (Ed.), On the Ecology of Australia’s Arid Zone (pp. 149–180). Springer International Publishing.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93943-8_7

    Abstract

    The frog fauna of the Australian arid zone is diverse. Most species are independent of free-standing water except for breeding where all species have aquatic egg deposition and a conventional tadpole as the larval stage. The fauna is derived from two sources: taxa related to frog genera found across i) tropical‚ northern Australia and ii) genera from temperate‚ southern and eastern Australian. Those derivations are both recent – with some ongoing tenuous connections to tropical in north-west coastal areas‚ and ancient‚ reflecting the long term drying trend in arid Australia over the last 20 million years. Burrowing species can form waterproof cocoons‚ but also survive in moist soils. Most can reduce metabolic rates and ingest high quality foods in sufficient quantities in very short time frames to allow survival underground for many years between major rain events‚ and to allow them to be super abundant. Australian frogs do well in the arid zone!
    Citation

    Roberts, J. D., & Edwards, D. (2018). The Evolution, Physiology and Ecology of the Australian Arid-Zone Frog Fauna. In H. Lambers (Ed.), On the Ecology of Australia’s Arid Zone (pp. 149–180). Springer International Publishing.

  93. Murphy, M. J. (2018). Records of the common Wombat “Vombatus ursinus” (Shaw, 1800) in the Pilliga forest, northern inland New South Wales. Victorian Naturalist, The, 135(3), 64.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=710710180736985;res=IELHSS

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    Abstract

    This paper summarises information on the occurrence of the Common Wombat in the Pilliga Forest‚ based on 12 years of observations and collation of records from additional sources. The core of the species’ distribution in the Pilliga Forest appears to coincide with the most topographically rugged areas‚ which contain forested hillslopes providing suitable burrow sites and a slightly more mesic microclimate than the broader Pilliga Forest. Outlying records are located where higher quality soils occur in proximity to topographically rugged areas. The paper also notes the regional conservation significance of this edge-of-range population and highlights the local climate refuge value of the south-eastern Pilliga Forest for wombats and other mesic-dependent fauna in the Pilliga Forest.
    Citation

    Murphy, M. J. (2018). Records of the common Wombat “Vombatus ursinus” (Shaw, 1800) in the Pilliga forest, northern inland New South Wales. Victorian Naturalist, The, 135(3), 64.

  94. EPPO. (2018). Pest Risk Analysis for Cortaderia jubata. EPPO.
    http://www.iap-risk.eu/media/files/pra_exp_CDTJU.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    EPPO. (2018). Pest Risk Analysis for Cortaderia jubata. EPPO.

  95. Pegg, G., Carnegie, A., Giblin, F., & Perry, S. (2018). Managing myrtle rust in Australia - Final Report (No. CRC2063; p. 138). Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre.
    http://www.pbcrc.com.au/sites/default/files/managedfiles/2063%20Final%20Report%20CRC%202063%20Pegg%20etal%202017.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Pegg, G., Carnegie, A., Giblin, F., & Perry, S. (2018). Managing myrtle rust in Australia - Final Report (No. CRC2063; p. 138). Plant Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre.

  96. Le, T. S. (2018). A stratified GIS-based model to identify optimal locations for establishing new permanent sample plots for Eucalyptus bosistoana and Eucalyptus globoidea in New Zealand [Masters]. University of Canterbury.
    http://hdl.handle.net/10092/16210

    Abstract

    As part of an effort to develop a forest industry based on durable hardwood eucalypts in New Zealand‚ the New Zealand Dryland Forests Initiative (NZDFI) have considered Eucalyptus bosistoana and Eucalyptus globoidea as two candidate species. There have been 158 permanent sample plots (PSPs) of the two species established in seven trial sites across the two main islands of the country. The network of these PSPs has provided information for the NZDFI’s research program‚ especially for growth and yield modelling for the target species to examine the relationship between trial sites and the species (i.e. site-species matching). However‚ the existing PSPs do not cover the entire range of environmental conditions in New Zealand‚ nor do they cover the range of conditions the species are capable of growing in. Hence‚ the PSP network could be strategically expanded into new areas. This thesis describes a methodology‚ which combines habitat modelling and stratified random sampling approaches with the capability of geographic information systems (GIS)‚ to build a GIS-based habitat model for a strategic expansion of the current PSP network.
    The method applied in this study consisted of three main stages. In the first stage‚ the study selected 17 model variables in three categories (i.e. topography‚ climate‚ and soil)‚ defined their importance‚ and tested them for multicollinearity. For each model variable‚ data were collected for three geographic zones: (1) the native habitat of the species‚ (2) all of New Zealand‚ and (3) the existing PSPs. The second stage was to process data to build the model. The third stage applied variable restriction and stratification analyses to calculate a priority index for the complete study area. This index represented the priority for establishing new PSPs in the study area‚ based on under-represented environmental characteristics.
    The result chapter presents available areas for the expansion of the PSP network after the restriction process as the potential habitat for the target species. Besides excluded areas (i.e. not suitable for plantations of E. bosistoana and E. globoidea in the study area)‚ by assessing the priority index in the available areas‚ the result map highlighted: (1) over-represented areas (i.e. high environmental similarity‚ where the environmental conditions have been described by many PSPs in the existing network)‚ and (2) under-represented areas (i.e. high environmental dissimilarity‚ where the environmental conditions have been described by no or few PSPs in the existing network). The results suggest that new PSPs for the two species should be established in Rangitikei District and Taupo District. Other high-priority areas include Northland and Auckland regions‚ the east coast of the Gisborne region‚ and southeast-facing hillsides of the mountain chains in the central South Island.
    Overall‚ the study built a stratified GIS-based habitat model that successfully determined locations for strategic expansion of the PSP networks of two different species‚ E. bosistoana and E. globoidea‚ in New Zealand. With the strengths of GIS and the availability of global GIS data‚ the methodology in this thesis has high potential to be applied more broadly for different species‚ different PSP networks‚ and different study areas.
    Citation

    Le, T. S. (2018). A stratified GIS-based model to identify optimal locations for establishing new permanent sample plots for Eucalyptus bosistoana and Eucalyptus globoidea in New Zealand [Masters]. University of Canterbury.

  97. Heringer, G. (2018). Biological invasion by Acacia spp. in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest [PhD]. Universidade Federal de Vicosa.
    http://www.locus.ufv.br/handle/123456789/21174

    Abstract

    Climate change‚ habitat degradation‚ and biological invasion are among the most factors threaten biodiversity. These factors‚ besides affect biodiversity and ecosystem directly‚ can act synergistically and promote deeper environmental changes. Therefore‚ in this thesis‚ we proposed to study the causes and consequences of biological invasion by Acacia genus. In the first chapter‚ we investigate the effects of biological invasion by Acacia spp.‚ fire and eucalyptus disturbance‚ and land-use on a neglected sandy-savanna ecosystem named Mussununga; in the second‚ we tested the effects of landscape functioning and structure in the Acacia invasion in Mussununga ecosystem; and finally‚ assessed the potential distribution of Acacia mangium and A. auriculiformis in five climate scenarios and the potential effects in restoration programs. We found in the first chapter that Acacia promoted changes in the structure and phytophysiognomie of the woody layer‚ but did not affect the herb-shrub layer. On the other hand‚ anthropogenic factors affected both woody and herb-shrub layer. In the second chapter‚ we found that in a fragmented landscape with the higher road network‚ Mussununga has a higher chance to be invaded by Acacia. Shape index had a negative effect in Acacia invasion‚ while the length of roads‚ Mussununga size‚ Mussununga perimeter‚ length of highways and landscape conductance had a positive effect. Finally‚ in the third chapter‚ we found A. mangium has a large suitable area in all scenarios‚ while A auriculiformis is confined to a relatively small region of 13‚083 km 2 (± 3.39 SD). In the low greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP 2.6)‚ the suitable area for A. mangium expanded from the current scenario of 18.4% of the Atlantic Forest to 24.0% in the year 2050‚ while‚ achieved around 44‚3% of the Atlantic Forest area in the worse scenarios (RCP 8.2‚ in 2070). Still in the scenarios with higher climatic change‚ the suitable area for A. mangium overlapped around 39.3% of the potential area for restoration programs‚ in Atlantic Forest.
    Citation

    Heringer, G. (2018). Biological invasion by Acacia spp. in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest [PhD]. Universidade Federal de Vicosa.

  98. Oppenheimer, R. L. (2018). Population Genetics and Male Social Behavior in the Australian Small Carpenter Bee, Ceratina australensis [M.S.]. University of New Hampshire.
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/2126681560?accountid=26957

    Abstract

    Small carpenter bees (Xylocopinae: Ceratinini) in the genus Ceratina are a cosmopolitan group of stem nesting bees. All Ceratina show a degree of mutual tolerance for nestmates as they nest together in pre-dispersal assemblages and display extended maternal care. Many Ceratina also nest facultatively with multiple females per nest. Males usually disperse before the beginning of the reproductive season. Ceratina have emerged as model organisms to study the evolution of social behavior within the Hymenoptera (ants‚ bees and wasps). As hymenopteran sex is determined by the haplodiploid sex determination system wherein males are haploid and females are diploid‚ the result is a relatedness asymmetry between brothers and sisters‚ whereby sisters share a greater proportion of similar genes compared to brothers. Kin selection theory predicts that daughters are more likely to help rear sisters compared to brothers and is used to explain the prevalence of social behavior within the Hymenoptera. Here the relatedness between populations and within nests of the Australian small carpenter bee Ceratina (neoceratina) australensis is examined with the use 8 polymorphic microsatellite loci. In chapter 1‚ the eight microsatellite loci are described and applied to three known populations of Ceratina australensis within Australia. Chapter 1 provides evidence for migration from north to south following the river systems of the Murray-Darling River Basin (MRDB). The MRDB has undergone substantial anthropogenic alterations to the natural vegetation communities since European settlement. Chapter 1 provides evidence for the hypothesis that C. australensis expansion into Australia has been aided by the introduction of pithy stemmed plants and establishes how patterns of dispersal can affect the social biology of this species. Chapter 2 deals directly with understanding the presence of male bees within nests of C. australensis that were found predominately‚ but not exclusively‚ within the most genetically homogenous population from chapter 1. The existence of inbreeding was not confirmed by visual inspection of genotypes or relatedness estimates between male adults and female offspring. Nests with males had lower brood survivorship compared to solitary nests but reproductive females in nests with males did not have significantly lower fitness compared to reproductive females in other nest types. The inclusive fitness of non-reproductive females was significantly lower than the fitness of reproductive females and the inclusive fitness of males was zero. I speculate that males were potentially delaying reproduction though it is odd that males were not forcefully removed by females. These findings underscore the importance of factors related to the timing of dispersal within the study of social insects.
    Citation

    Oppenheimer, R. L. (2018). Population Genetics and Male Social Behavior in the Australian Small Carpenter Bee, Ceratina australensis [M.S.]. University of New Hampshire.

2017

  1. Molyneux, J. (2017). Fauna Assemblages of the Spinifex Sand Plains in Central Australia: Response to Climate, Fire and Predation [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5eba3ae030d9b
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5eba3ae030d9b
    ISBN: 9798759918165

    Abstract

    Australia’s arid zone is one of the most unique desert regions in the world due to its dominance across the continent‚ distinctive rainfall patterns‚ low soil nutrients and unique faunal assemblage. Drivers of faunal assemblages are varied‚ with rainfall‚ fire and predators considered most influential. The aim of this study was to identify the drivers of fauna persistence following a period of high rainfall and to refine management strategies in the spinifex sand plains of central Australia‚ with particular reference to the brush-tailed mulgara‚ Dasycercus blythi. I utilised broad scale fauna monitoring to assess the effect of environmental factors on persistence generally and conducted a detailed assessment of the fine-scale habitat use by D. blythi. I further compared the efficacy of three popular monitoring techniques utilised in the region.
    This study revealed large mammalian predators were most influential in predicting the occurrence of small mammals and reptile assemblages‚ whilst rainfall and temperature were most influential for invertebrates. The distribution of D. blythi populations contracted spatially during periods of low rainfall to areas of potential refuge. Fine scale habitat use indicating access to food resources was more influential than selecting areas with low exposure to predators. Infrared cameras sampled the broadest range of species and were the most cost effective over time‚ whilst sign surveys were most cost effective short term and live trapping essential in detecting several specific species.
    Overall‚ these findings inform land managers on the importance of gaining a better understanding of the invertebrate fauna in the region and implementing effective predator control during periods of low rainfall. By targeting management to specific areas of refuge land managers could reduce financial costs whilst maintaining support for key species‚ such as D. blythi. Land managers would further benefit from implementing a greater variety of monitoring techniques to maximise the effectiveness of monitoring both financially and statistically.
    Citation

    Molyneux, J. (2017). Fauna Assemblages of the Spinifex Sand Plains in Central Australia: Response to Climate, Fire and Predation [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5eba3ae030d9b

  2. Weier, A. (2017). Impacts of Fire on Sorghum Stipoideum and Subsequent Influence upon Breeding in the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura Gouldiae) [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea66e03dbeeb
    DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea66e03dbeeb
    ISBN: 9798759916406

    Abstract

    The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is an endangered bird endemic to the savannas of northern Australia. Changed fire regimes have been proposed as one of the prominent causes of decline in this species and many other granivores. The contemporary fire regime consisting of severe‚ frequent and extensive fire is implicated in a reduction of grass species abundance and diversity‚ and possibly food availability to granivores throughout the tropical savannas of northern Australia. Gouldian finches are particularly affected due to their restricted diet‚ which consists almost solely of annual Sorghum grass seed throughout the dry season and breeding season. This thesis has examined the effect of fire on the nutritional quality and quantity of annual grass Sorghum stipoideum seeds as a possible mechanism underpinning breeding site choice in response to fire by Gouldian finches. Gouldian finch breeding sites were monitored in the north east Kimberley region of Western Australia. Breeding site choice in response to fire was determined using nest-box occupancy and fire history at each site. The effect of fire on Sorghum seed phenology‚ abundance and nutritional quality were investigated. The research found that Gouldian finches choose breeding sites that were recently but infrequently burnt‚ and the initiation of breeding was timed with the availability of Sorghum seed locally. Further‚ site selection by the finches was associated with the higher availability and nutritional quality of the Sorghum seeds. Sorghum seeds were most abundant and nutritious in areas that have been recently‚ but infrequently burnt‚ which parallels the findings pertaining to breeding site choice. Research from this thesis illustrates the mechanisms by which altered fire regime may be impacting upon the Gouldian finches. This information will assist by informing fire management in areas with known Gouldian finch breeding populations.
    Citation

    Weier, A. (2017). Impacts of Fire on Sorghum Stipoideum and Subsequent Influence upon Breeding in the Gouldian Finch (Erythrura Gouldiae) [Ph.D., Charles Darwin University (Australia)]. https://doi.org/http://dx.doi.org/10.25913/5ea66e03dbeeb

  3. Prober, S. M., Gosper, C. R., Gilfedder, L., Harwood, T. D., Thiele, K. R., Williams, K. J., & Yates, C. J. (2017). Temperate eucalypt woodlands. In Australian Vegetation.
    https://www.cambridge.org/au/academic/subjects/life-sciences/plant-science/australian-vegetation-3rd-edition

    abstract
    Citation

    Prober, S. M., Gosper, C. R., Gilfedder, L., Harwood, T. D., Thiele, K. R., Williams, K. J., & Yates, C. J. (2017). Temperate eucalypt woodlands. In Australian Vegetation.

  4. Brundrett, M., Grierson, P. F., Bennett, L. T., & Weston, C. J. (2017). Soils and the Below-ground Interactions that Shape Australian Vegetation. In D. A. Keith (Ed.), Australian Vegetation.
    https://www.cambridge.org/au/academic/subjects/life-sciences/plant-science/australian-vegetation-3rd-edition

    abstract
    Citation

    Brundrett, M., Grierson, P. F., Bennett, L. T., & Weston, C. J. (2017). Soils and the Below-ground Interactions that Shape Australian Vegetation. In D. A. Keith (Ed.), Australian Vegetation.

  5. Friedel, M. H. (2017). Uninvited guests: how some weeds of arid Australia arrived as stowaways and became widespread. Proceedings of the Australian Rangeland Society 19th Biennial Conference. 19th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, Australia.
    https://www.austrangesoc.com.au/data/ARSC2017/2017_Conference_Papers/Friedel_Paper_23.pdf

    19th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society
    abstract
    Citation

    Friedel, M. H. (2017). Uninvited guests: how some weeds of arid Australia arrived as stowaways and became widespread. Proceedings of the Australian Rangeland Society 19th Biennial Conference. 19th Biennial Conference of the Australian Rangeland Society, Australia.

  6. Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). AMP_V2_R2: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in amphibian species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/586ef70d640f4

    Abstract

    Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia current to 27th February 2014 and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution (with novel climate seasonality predictors‚ undersampling covariates and >3 species aggregated per 9-second grid cell). The models were developed to underpin continental assessments of biodiversity significance and identify gaps in biological surveys. GDM is a statistical technique that models the dissimilarity in composition of species between pairs of surveyed locations‚ as a function of environmental differences between these locations. The compositional dissimilarity between a given pair of locations can be thought of as the proportion of species occurring at one location that do not occur at the other location (averaged across the two locations) - ranging from 0 if the two locations have exactly the same species through to 1 if they have no species in common. GDM effectively weights and transforms the environmental variables such that distances between locations in this transformed multidimensional environmental space now correlate‚ as closely as possible‚ with the observed biological compositional dissimilarities between these same locations. Once a GDM model has been fitted to the biological data from the sampled locations using environmental predictor data‚ it can be used to predict compositional dissimilarity values for sites lacking biological data‚ based purely on their mapped environmental attributes. For this purpose‚ a set of GDM-scaled environmental grids are produced for use in subsequent spatial assessments of biodiversity significance. This collection includes the source biological and environmental data‚ the GDM-fitted model‚ the GDM-scaled environmental predictors for the fitted-model which comprises substrate (constant) and 1990-centred climates‚ and a derived classification. Projections using past and future climates are not included here (available upon request). This model was used in the AdaptNRM series of reports by Williams et al. (2013) and Prober et al. (2014).
    Citation

    Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). AMP_V2_R2: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in amphibian species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.

  7. Williams, K., Wilson, P., Viscarra Rossel, R., Gallant, J., Austin, J., Dowling, T., Wilford, J., Chen, C., McKenzie, N., De Vries, R., Jacquier, D., & Storey, R. (2017). 9 second substrate rasters for continental modelling of Australia’s biodiversity patterns.
    https://doi.org/10.25919/5bd6780e2fbc6

    Abstract

    These data provide consistent rasterised layers of edaphic (physical and chemical conditions of the soil) and land surface physiography (landform and geomorphology) variables hypothesised to explain spatial patterns in biological diversity at continental scales for immediate use with statistical modelling tools. These data are intended to be used along with a similarly compiled and spatially standardised set of climatic layers. Consistent "stacks" of raster variables are needed for spatially-explicit biodiversity modelling using tools such as MAXENT or Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). Full details of each dataset‚ with a list of data sources and bibliography‚ are provided in a table as part of the data collection. Additional information provided with the 1km gridded raster is relevant to some these data and provided here also. Each dataset will need to be separately cited. These data have also been made available for use in the Atlas of Living Australia’s Spatial Portal.
    Citation

    Williams, K., Wilson, P., Viscarra Rossel, R., Gallant, J., Austin, J., Dowling, T., Wilford, J., Chen, C., McKenzie, N., De Vries, R., Jacquier, D., & Storey, R. (2017). 9 second substrate rasters for continental modelling of Australia’s biodiversity patterns.

  8. Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). REP_V2_R3: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in reptile species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/586ec70f080bf

    Abstract

    Compositional turnover patterns in reptiles species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia current to 28th February 2014 and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution (with novel climate seasonality predictors‚ undersampling covariates and >3 species aggregated per 9-second grid cell). The models were developed to underpin continental assessments of biodiversity significance and identify gaps in biological surveys. GDM is a statistical technique that models the dissimilarity in composition of species between pairs of surveyed locations‚ as a function of environmental differences between these locations. The compositional dissimilarity between a given pair of locations can be thought of as the proportion of species occurring at one location that do not occur at the other location (averaged across the two locations) - ranging from 0 if the two locations have exactly the same species through to 1 if they have no species in common. GDM effectively weights and transforms the environmental variables such that distances between locations in this transformed multidimensional environmental space now correlate‚ as closely as possible‚ with the observed biological compositional dissimilarities between these same locations. Once a GDM model has been fitted to the biological data from the sampled locations using environmental predictor data‚ it can be used to predict compositional dissimilarity values for sites lacking biological data‚ based purely on their mapped environmental attributes. For this purpose‚ a set of GDM-scaled environmental grids are produced for use in subsequent spatial assessments of biodiversity significance. This collection includes the source biological and environmental data‚ the GDM-fitted model‚ the GDM-scaled environmental predictors for the fitted-model which comprises substrate (constant) and 1990-centred climates‚ and a derived classification. Projections using past and future climates are not included here (available upon request). This model was used in the AdaptNRM series of reports by Williams et al. (2013) and Prober et al. (2014).
    Citation

    Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). REP_V2_R3: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in reptile species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.

  9. Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). MAM_V1_R2: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in mammal species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/5872c3174783c

    Abstract

    Compositional turnover patterns in mammal species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia current to 26th February 2014 and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution (with novel climate seasonality predictors‚ undersampling covariates and >3 species aggregated per 9-second grid cell). The models were developed to underpin continental assessments of biodiversity significance and identify gaps in biological surveys. GDM is a statistical technique that models the dissimilarity in composition of species between pairs of surveyed locations‚ as a function of environmental differences between these locations. The compositional dissimilarity between a given pair of locations can be thought of as the proportion of species occurring at one location that do not occur at the other location (averaged across the two locations) - ranging from 0 if the two locations have exactly the same species through to 1 if they have no species in common. GDM effectively weights and transforms the environmental variables such that distances between locations in this transformed multidimensional environmental space now correlate‚ as closely as possible‚ with the observed biological compositional dissimilarities between these same locations. Once a GDM model has been fitted to the biological data from the sampled locations using environmental predictor data‚ it can be used to predict compositional dissimilarity values for sites lacking biological data‚ based purely on their mapped environmental attributes. For this purpose‚ a set of GDM-scaled environmental grids are produced for use in subsequent spatial assessments of biodiversity significance. This collection includes the source biological and environmental data‚ the GDM-fitted model‚ the GDM-scaled environmental predictors for the fitted-model which comprises substrate (constant) and 1990-centred climates‚ and a derived classification. Projections using past and future climates are not included here (available upon request). This model was used in the AdaptNRM series of reports by Williams et al. (2013) and Prober et al. (2014).
    Citation

    Williams, K., Manion, G., Michael, O., Perry, J., Harwood, T., Rosauer, D., Laffan, S., & Ferrier, S. (2017). MAM_V1_R2: Generalised dissimilarity model of compositional turnover in mammal species for continental Australia at 9 second resolution using ALA data extracted February 2014.

  10. Chamberlain, S. (2017). spocc: Interface to Species Occurrence Data Sources.
    https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/spocc/index.html

    Abstract

    A programmatic interface to many species occurrence data sources‚ including Global Biodiversity Information Facility (’GBIF’)‚ ’USGSs’ Biodiversity Information Serving Our Nation (’BISON’)‚ ’iNaturalist’‚ Berkeley ’Ecoinformatics’ Engine‚ ’eBird’‚ ’AntWeb’‚ Integrated Digitized ’Biocollections’ (’iDigBio’)‚ ’VertNet’‚ Ocean ’Biogeographic’ Information System (’OBIS’)‚ and Atlas of Living Australia (’ALA’). Includes functionality for retrieving species occurrence data‚ and combining those data.
    Citation

    Chamberlain, S. (2017). spocc: Interface to Species Occurrence Data Sources.

  11. Raymond, B. (2017). Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) Data and Resources in R.
    https://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/ALA4R/index.html

    Abstract

    The Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) provides tools to enable users of biodiversity information to find‚ access‚ combine and visualise data on Australian plants and animals; these have been made available from . ALA4R provides a subset of the tools to be directly used within R. It enables the R community to directly access data and resources hosted by the ALA. Our goal is to enable outputs (e.g. observations of species) to be queried and output in a range of standard formats.
    Citation

    Raymond, B. (2017). Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) Data and Resources in R.

  12. Nimbs, M. J., & Smith, S. D. A. (2017). Revision of the southern distribution limit for the tropical marine herbivore Syphonota geographica (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850) (Heterobranchia: Aplysiidae) in a global climate change hot-spot. Australian Zoologist, 38, 582–589. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2017.019

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    The aplysiid sea hare‚ Syphonota geographica has a predominantly circumtropical distribution. Over the last 15 years‚ it has spread throughout the eastern Mediterranean Sea where it is regarded as an alien‚ Lessepsian migrant. Observations from southern Europe and the Middle East illustrate the capacity of S. geographica to invade and establish populations in novel locations. Whilst historic records from the Australian east coast indicate a latitudinal distribution from northern Queensland south to Sydney‚ observations reported in this paper confirm that its range extends to the southern east coast‚ an area regarded as an important climate change hot-spot. These records not only represent an important southward shift in range‚ but are also the most southerly global observations for this tropical taxon. Observations from the Mediterranean and those reported here‚ were generated by citizen scientists‚ highlighting the substantial benefit of public engagement in ongoing programs that document‚ and monitor changes in‚ marine biodiversity.
    Citation

    Nimbs, M. J., & Smith, S. D. A. (2017). Revision of the southern distribution limit for the tropical marine herbivore Syphonota geographica (A. Adams & Reeve, 1850) (Heterobranchia: Aplysiidae) in a global climate change hot-spot. Australian Zoologist, 38, 582–589. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2017.019

  13. McAllan, I., Cooper, D., Kenway, P., Moody, M., & Martin, D. (2017). The first records of the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi from New South Wales. Australian Field Ornithology, 34, 131–136. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo34131136

    Australian Field Ornithology
    Abstract

    This paper describes the first known records of the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi from New South Wales (NSW). These observations were made on 3 April 2016 just inside the border adjacent to South Australia and were clearly on the margins of the species’ range. The habitats noted at the time of the observations were of plant species found throughout the Strzelecki Desert‚ but did not include Sandhill Canegrass Zygochloa paradoxa (often quoted as a key habitat for the species)‚ which was absent from the immediate vicinity. It is suggested that the low numbers of Eyrean Grasswrens in the Strzelecki Desert in NSW might be a consequence of overgrazing by livestock and Red Kangaroos Osphranter rufus‚ the latter influenced by the culling of Dingoes Canis dingo‚ as well as the increased predation on smaller birds and mammals by Red Foxes Vulpes vulpes.
    Citation

    McAllan, I., Cooper, D., Kenway, P., Moody, M., & Martin, D. (2017). The first records of the Eyrean Grasswren Amytornis goyderi from New South Wales. Australian Field Ornithology, 34, 131–136. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo34131136

  14. Toon, A., Drew, A., Mason, I. J., Hughes, J. M., & Joseph, L. (2017). Relationships of the New Guinean subspecies, Gymnorhina tibicen papuana, of the Australian Magpie: an assessment from DNA sequence data. Emu, 117, 305–315. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2017.1324249

    Emu
    Emu
    Abstract

    Although it is well understood that New Guinea and Australia are essentially one landmass that connects periodically during sea-level fluctuations‚ the biogeographic history and effects of environmental change for species that span the two islands has not been studied in depth. The New Guinean subspecies of the Australian Magpie‚ Gymnorhina tibicen papuana‚ is known to share morphological traits with subspecies from north-western and south-western Australia (G. t. longirostris and G. t. dorsalis‚ respectively). Here‚ we use molecular data to explore the relationships of the New Guinean subspecies. Mitochondrial DNA supports a close relationship with a previously identified Australian phylogroup‚ which includes the two western Australian subspecies G. t. longirostris and G. t. dorsalis and western populations of what has been recognised as a northern subspecies G. t. eylandtensis. We infer that the formation of land bridges‚ most likely during the most recent glacial period‚ allowed movement of magpies between New Guinea and Australia but not‚ evidently‚ involving Cape York Peninsula‚ which is that part of Australia closest today to the range of G. t. papuana. Dispersal would have ceased following the most recent sea-level rise 16 500 years ago. Overall‚ our study is consistent with a hypothesis that savannah-associated species dispersed between Australia and New Guinea via a western route across land bridges associated with the Sahul Shelf.
    Citation

    Toon, A., Drew, A., Mason, I. J., Hughes, J. M., & Joseph, L. (2017). Relationships of the New Guinean subspecies, Gymnorhina tibicen papuana, of the Australian Magpie: an assessment from DNA sequence data. Emu, 117, 305–315. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2017.1324249

  15. Arnold, A., Kodym, A., Endersby-Harshman, N. M., Delpratt, J., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2017). Genetic structure of Gahnia radula (Cyperaceae), a key sedge for revegetation. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 128–139. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt16190

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Genetic studies can help guide effective ecological restoration by identifying potential source populations that contain the genetic variation necessary for adaptive potential‚ based on past landscape processes. Here we investigate genetic patterns in Gahnia radula (R.Br.) Benth.‚ a sedge from south-eastern Australia that has potential for revegetation of disturbed areas. We developed microsatellite markers for this species and used them to show that it propagates mostly in a clonal manner. Levels of genetic variability differed between populations and the spatial scale of this variability within these populations is identified. A population used in recent restoration efforts and which sets seed has a particularly high level of variability. Recommendations are developed for sourcing material when using this sedge for revegetation.
    Citation

    Arnold, A., Kodym, A., Endersby-Harshman, N. M., Delpratt, J., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2017). Genetic structure of Gahnia radula (Cyperaceae), a key sedge for revegetation. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 128–139. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt16190

  16. Nge, F. J., Keighery, G. J., & Thiele, K. R. (2017). A revision of the Calytrix acutifolia complex (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae). Nuytsia, 28, 321–337.

    Nuytsia
    Nuytsia
    abstract
    Citation

    Nge, F. J., Keighery, G. J., & Thiele, K. R. (2017). A revision of the Calytrix acutifolia complex (Myrtaceae: Chamelaucieae). Nuytsia, 28, 321–337.

  17. Supple, M. A., Bragg, J. G., Broadhurst, L. M., Nicotra, A. B., Byrne, M., Andrew, R. L., Widdup, A., Aitken, N. C., & Borevitz, J. (2017). Landscape genomic prediction for restoration of a Eucalyptus foundation species under climate change. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/200352

    bioRxiv
    bioRxiv
    abstract
    Citation

    Supple, M. A., Bragg, J. G., Broadhurst, L. M., Nicotra, A. B., Byrne, M., Andrew, R. L., Widdup, A., Aitken, N. C., & Borevitz, J. (2017). Landscape genomic prediction for restoration of a Eucalyptus foundation species under climate change. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/200352

  18. Taylor, G. S. (2017). New species of Acizzia (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from an Australian endemic Solanum (Solanaceae). Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12278

    Austral Entomology
    abstract
    Citation

    Taylor, G. S. (2017). New species of Acizzia (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) from an Australian endemic Solanum (Solanaceae). Austral Entomology. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12278

  19. Roitman, M., Gardner, M. G., New, T. R., Nguyen, T. T. T., Roycroft, E. J., Sunnucks, P., Yen, A. L., & Harrisson, K. A. (2017). Assessing the scope for genetic rescue of an endangered butterfly: the case of the Eltham copper. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 10, 399–414. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12235

    Insect Conservation and Diversity
    Abstract

    Genetic rescue is an under-utilised conservation strategy used to boost the genetic diversity and/or fitness of small‚ isolated populations through the introduction of novel genes. Effective implementation of genetic rescue requires an understanding of the evolutionary history and genetic distinctiveness of populations. The Eltham copper butterfly (ECB) is an endangered subspecies that exists as small‚ isolated populations across four disjunct regions in Victoria‚ Australia. Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data were used to assess the genetic distinctiveness of ECB from its nearest relative: the fiery dull copper butterfly (FDC)‚ explore the evolutionary history and population structure of ECB across its contemporary distribution‚ and assess the scope for genetic rescue of the most-threatened ECB population in Eltham-Greensborough. Findings support the current status of ECB and FDC as distinct evolutionary units‚ which should continue to be managed separately given current knowledge. Modest population genetic structure across the range of ECB was detected. However‚ low levels of historical gene flow and shared haplotypes between Eltham-Greensborough and the northern regions suggest relatively recent divergence. Given relatively recent divergence‚ low population numbers and low genetic diversity‚ the population located in the Eltham-Greensborough region is a strong candidate for genetic rescue. Using established criteria‚ explicit recommendations are made for the implementation of genetic rescue via translocations. Genetic rescue‚ together with ongoing habitat management‚ should improve genetic diversity‚ fitness and persistence of the ECB in the region most threatened by urban disturbance. Any risks associated with genetic rescue in conservation should be weighed against extinction risk as a result of inaction.
    Citation

    Roitman, M., Gardner, M. G., New, T. R., Nguyen, T. T. T., Roycroft, E. J., Sunnucks, P., Yen, A. L., & Harrisson, K. A. (2017). Assessing the scope for genetic rescue of an endangered butterfly: the case of the Eltham copper. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 10, 399–414. https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12235

  20. Miller, E. T., Wagner, S. K., Harmon, L. J., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2017). Radiating despite a Lack of Character: Ecological Divergence among Closely Related, Morphologically Similar Honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae) Co-occurring in Arid Australian Environments. The American Naturalist, 189, E14–E30. https://doi.org/10.1086/690008

    The American Naturalist
    Abstract

    Quantifying the relationship between form and function can inform use of morphology as a surrogate for ecology. How the strength of this relationship varies continentally can inform understanding of evolutionary radiations; for example‚ does the relationship break down when certain lineages invade and diversify in novel habitats? The 75 species of Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) are morphologically and ecologically diverse‚ with species feeding on nectar‚ insects‚ fruit‚ and other resources. We investigated Meliphagidae ecomorphology and community structure by (1) quantifying the concordance between morphology and ecology (foraging behavior)‚ (2) estimating rates of trait evolution in relation to the packing of ecological space‚ and (3) comparing phylogenetic and trait community structure across the broad environmental gradients of the continent. We found that morphology explained 37% of the variance in ecology (and 62% vice versa)‚ and we uncovered well-known bivariate relationships among the multivariate ecomorphological data. Ecological trait diversity declined less rapidly than phylogenetic diversity along a gradient of decreasing precipitation. We employ a new method (trait fields) and extend another (phylogenetic fields) to show that while species in phylogenetically clustered‚ arid-environment assemblages are similar morphologically‚ they are as varied in foraging behavior as those from more diverse assemblages. Thus‚ although closely related and similar morphologically‚ these arid-adapted species have diverged in ecological space to a similar degree as their mesic counterparts.
    Citation

    Miller, E. T., Wagner, S. K., Harmon, L. J., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2017). Radiating despite a Lack of Character: Ecological Divergence among Closely Related, Morphologically Similar Honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae) Co-occurring in Arid Australian Environments. The American Naturalist, 189, E14–E30. https://doi.org/10.1086/690008

  21. Rix, M. G., Huey, J. A., Main, B. Y., Waldock, J. M., Harrison, S. E., Comer, S., Austin, A. D., & Harvey, M. S. (2017). Where have all the spiders gone? The decline of a poorly known invertebrate fauna in the agricultural and arid zones of southern Australia. Austral Entomology, 56, 14–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12258

    Austral Entomology
    abstract
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Huey, J. A., Main, B. Y., Waldock, J. M., Harrison, S. E., Comer, S., Austin, A. D., & Harvey, M. S. (2017). Where have all the spiders gone? The decline of a poorly known invertebrate fauna in the agricultural and arid zones of southern Australia. Austral Entomology, 56, 14–22. https://doi.org/10.1111/aen.12258

  22. Drake, J. E., Varhammar, A., Kumarathunge, D., Medlyn, B. E., Pfautsch, S., Reich, P. B., Tissue, D. T., Ghannoum, O., & Tjoelker, M. G. (2017). A common thermal niche among geographically diverse populations of the widely distributed tree species Eucalyptus tereticornis: No evidence for adaptation to climate-of-origin. Global Change Biology, 23, 5069–5082. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13771

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    Impacts of climate warming depend on the degree to which plants are constrained by adaptation to their climate-of-origin or exhibit broad climatic suitability. We grew cool-origin‚ central and warm-origin provenances of Eucalyptus tereticornis in an array of common temperature environments from 18 to 35.5 degrees C to determine if this widely distributed tree species consists of geographically contrasting provenances with differentiated and narrow thermal niches‚ or if provenances share a common thermal niche. The temperature responses of photosynthesis‚ respiration‚ and growth were equivalent across the three provenances‚ reflecting a common thermal niche despite a 2‚200 km geographic distance and 13 degrees C difference in mean annual temperature at seed origin. The temperature dependence of growth was primarily mediated by changes in leaf area per unit plant mass‚ photosynthesis‚ and whole-plant respiration. Thermal acclimation of leaf‚ stem‚ and root respiration moderated the increase in respiration with temperature‚ but acclimation was constrained at high temperatures. We conclude that this species consists of provenances that are not differentiated in their thermal responses‚ thus rejecting our hypothesis of adaptation to climate-of-origin and suggesting a shared thermal niche. In addition‚ growth declines with warming above the temperature optima were driven by reductions in whole-plant leaf area and increased respiratory carbon losses. The impacts of climate warming will nonetheless vary across the geographic range of this and other such species‚ depending primarily on each provenance’s climate position on the temperature response curves for photosynthesis‚ respiration‚ and growth.
    Citation

    Drake, J. E., Varhammar, A., Kumarathunge, D., Medlyn, B. E., Pfautsch, S., Reich, P. B., Tissue, D. T., Ghannoum, O., & Tjoelker, M. G. (2017). A common thermal niche among geographically diverse populations of the widely distributed tree species Eucalyptus tereticornis: No evidence for adaptation to climate-of-origin. Global Change Biology, 23, 5069–5082. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13771

  23. Fusco, D. A., McDowell, M. C., Medlin, G., & Prideaux, G. J. (2017). Fossils reveal late Holocene diversity and post-European decline of the terrestrial mammals of the Murray–Darling Depression. Wildlife Research, 44. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr16134

    Wildlife Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Fusco, D. A., McDowell, M. C., Medlin, G., & Prideaux, G. J. (2017). Fossils reveal late Holocene diversity and post-European decline of the terrestrial mammals of the Murray–Darling Depression. Wildlife Research, 44. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr16134

  24. Gioia, P., & Hopper, S. D. (2017). A new phytogeographic map for the Southwest Australian Floristic Region after an exceptional decade of collection and discovery. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 184, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/box010

    Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    After an 11-year period of exceptional specimen acquisition‚ we evaluated the robustness of the Western Australian Herbarium Specimen Database in elucidating patterns of diversity and phytogeographic maps of the Southwest Australian Floristic Region (SWAFR). Using rarefaction strategies to compensate for sample bias and a novel approach to multivariate classification and site ordination‚ we generated maps of floristic provinces and districts in the SWAFR. A 33% increase in specimen numbers and 10% additional taxa were recorded in the study area (SWAFR and 75 km inland buffer) over the 11 years‚ although historical biases in collecting patterns tended to persist. Although floristic district concepts were robust‚ regional and provincial concepts were more equivocal. We therefore opted for broad delineations rather than geographically precise ones. We propose a novel phytogeographic map‚ adding a new floristic province (Kalbarri)‚ five new districts and other boundary adjustments for and in the SWAFR. The updated SWAFR has 8379 native vascular plant taxa (82% species and 18% subspecies)‚ of which 47% are endemic and 49% have been described since 1970. Biodiversity indices generated from collections data should be used cautiously. In contrast‚ the new phytogeographic regionalization of the SWAFR is robust at the district level. Despite shortcomings‚ herbarium collections provide the best information available for broadscale analyses of plant diversity. © 2017 The Linnean Society of London.
    Citation

    Gioia, P., & Hopper, S. D. (2017). A new phytogeographic map for the Southwest Australian Floristic Region after an exceptional decade of collection and discovery. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 184, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/box010

  25. Dunlop, J. A., Rayner, K., & Doherty, T. S. (2017). Dietary flexibility in small carnivores: a case study on the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus. Journal of Mammalogy, 98, 858–866. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx015

    Journal of Mammalogy
    abstract
    Citation

    Dunlop, J. A., Rayner, K., & Doherty, T. S. (2017). Dietary flexibility in small carnivores: a case study on the endangered northern quoll, Dasyurus hallucatus. Journal of Mammalogy, 98, 858–866. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx015

  26. Brennan, I. G., & Oliver, P. M. (2017). Mass turnover and recovery dynamics of a diverse Australian continental radiation. Evolution, 71, 1352–1365. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.13207

    Evolution
    Evolution
    Abstract

    Trends in global and local climate history have been linked to observed macroevolutionary patterns across a variety of organisms. These climatic pressures may unilaterally or asymmetrically influence the evolutionary trajectory of clades. To test and compare signatures of changing global (Eocene-Oligocene boundary cooling) and continental (Miocene aridification) environments on a continental fauna‚ we investigated the macroevolutionary dynamics of one of Australia’s most diverse endemic radiations‚ pygopodoid geckos. We generated a time-calibrated phylogeny (>90% taxon coverage) to test whether (i) asymmetrical pygopodoid tree shape may be the result of mass turnover deep in the group’s history‚ and (ii) how Miocene aridification shaped trends in biome assemblages. We find evidence of mass turnover in pygopodoids following the isolation of the Australian continental plate approximately 30 million years ago‚ and in contrast‚ gradual aridification is linked to elevated speciation rates in the young arid zone. Surprisingly‚ our results suggest that invasion of arid habitats was not an evolutionary end point. Instead‚ arid Australia has acted as a source for diversity‚ with repeated outward dispersals having facilitated diversification of this group. This pattern contrasts trends in richness and distribution of other Australian vertebrates‚ illustrating the profound effects historical biome changes have on macroevolutionary patterns.
    Citation

    Brennan, I. G., & Oliver, P. M. (2017). Mass turnover and recovery dynamics of a diverse Australian continental radiation. Evolution, 71, 1352–1365. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.13207

  27. Abernathy, V. E., & Langmore, N. E. (2017). The first stages of coevolution between a brood parasite and its new host: are naïve hosts defenceless? Emu, 117, 114–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2017.1296330

    Emu
    Emu
    abstract
    Citation

    Abernathy, V. E., & Langmore, N. E. (2017). The first stages of coevolution between a brood parasite and its new host: are naïve hosts defenceless? Emu, 117, 114–129. https://doi.org/10.1080/01584197.2017.1296330

  28. Ahrens, C. W., Supple, M. A., Aitken, N. C., Cantrill, D. J., Borevitz, J. O., & James, E. A. (2017). Genomic diversity guides conservation strategies among rare terrestrial orchid species when taxonomy remains uncertain. Annals of Botany, 119(8), 1267–1277. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcx022

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    Background and Aims: Species are often used as the unit for conservation‚ but may not be suitable for species complexes where taxa are difficult to distinguish. Under such circumstances‚ it may be more appropriate to consider species groups or populations as evolutionarily significant units (ESUs). A population genomic approach was employed to investigate the diversity within and among closely related species to create a more robust‚ lineage-specific conservation strategy for a nationally endangered terrestrial orchid and its relatives from south-eastern Australia. Methods: Four putative species were sampled from a total of 16 populations in the Victorian Volcanic Plain (VVP) bioregion and one population of a sub-alpine outgroup in south-eastern Australia. Morphological measurements were taken in situ along with leaf material for genotyping by sequencing (GBS) and microsatellite analyses. Key Results: Species could not be differentiated using morphological measurements. Microsatellite and GBS markers confirmed the outgroup as distinct‚ but only GBS markers provided resolution of population genetic structure. The nationally endangered Diuris basaltica was indistinguishable from two related species ( D. chryseopsis and D. behrii )‚ while the state-protected D. gregaria showed genomic differentiation. Conclusions: Genomic diversity identified among the four Diuris species suggests that conservation of this taxonomically complex group will be best served by considering them as one ESU rather than separately aligned with species as currently recognized. This approach will maximize evolutionary potential among all species during increased isolation and environmental change. The methods used here can be applied generally to conserve evolutionary processes for groups where taxonomic uncertainty hinders the use of species as conservation units.
    Citation

    Ahrens, C. W., Supple, M. A., Aitken, N. C., Cantrill, D. J., Borevitz, J. O., & James, E. A. (2017). Genomic diversity guides conservation strategies among rare terrestrial orchid species when taxonomy remains uncertain. Annals of Botany, 119(8), 1267–1277. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcx022

  29. Thornhill, A. H., Baldwin, B. G., Freyman, W. A., Nosratinia, S., Kling, M. M., Morueta-Holme, N., Madsen, T. P., Ackerly, D. D., & Mishler, B. D. (2017). Spatial phylogenetics of the native California flora. BMC Biology, 15, 96. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-017-0435-x

    BMC Biology
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: California is a world floristic biodiversity hotspot where the terms neo- and paleo-endemism were first applied. Using spatial phylogenetics‚ it is now possible to evaluate biodiversity from an evolutionary standpoint‚ including discovering significant areas of neo- and paleo-endemism‚ by combining spatial information from museum collections and DNA-based phylogenies. Here we used a distributional dataset of 1.39 million herbarium specimens‚ a phylogeny of 1083 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) and 9 genes‚ and a spatial randomization test to identify regions of significant phylogenetic diversity‚ relative phylogenetic diversity‚ and phylogenetic endemism (PE)‚ as well as to conduct a categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE). RESULTS: We found (1) extensive phylogenetic clustering in the South Coast Ranges‚ southern Great Valley‚ and deserts of California; (2) significant concentrations of short branches in the Mojave and Great Basin Deserts and the South Coast Ranges and long branches in the northern Great Valley‚ Sierra Nevada foothills‚ and the northwestern and southwestern parts of the state; (3) significant concentrations of paleo-endemism in Northwestern California‚ the northern Great Valley‚ and western Sonoran Desert‚ and neo-endemism in the White-Inyo Range‚ northern Mojave Desert‚ and southern Channel Islands. Multiple analyses were run to observe the effects on significance patterns of using different phylogenetic tree topologies (uncalibrated trees versus time-calibrated ultrametric trees) and using different representations of OTU ranges (herbarium specimen locations versus species distribution models). CONCLUSIONS: These analyses showed that examining the geographic distributions of branch lengths in a statistical framework adds a new dimension to California floristics that‚ in comparison with climatic data‚ helps to illuminate causes of endemism. In particular‚ the concentration of significant PE in more arid regions of California extends previous ideas about aridity as an evolutionary stimulus. The patterns seen are largely robust to phylogenetic uncertainty and time calibration but are sensitive to the use of occurrence data versus modeled ranges‚ indicating that special attention toward improving geographic distributional data should be top priority in the future for advancing understanding of spatial patterns of biodiversity.
    Citation

    Thornhill, A. H., Baldwin, B. G., Freyman, W. A., Nosratinia, S., Kling, M. M., Morueta-Holme, N., Madsen, T. P., Ackerly, D. D., & Mishler, B. D. (2017). Spatial phylogenetics of the native California flora. BMC Biology, 15, 96. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12915-017-0435-x

  30. Scott, J. K., & Batchelor, K. L. (2017). Management of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata in Western Australia. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 7, 190–196. https://doi.org/10.1614/ipsm-d-13-00052.1

    Invasive Plant Science and Management
    abstract
    Citation

    Scott, J. K., & Batchelor, K. L. (2017). Management of Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata in Western Australia. Invasive Plant Science and Management, 7, 190–196. https://doi.org/10.1614/ipsm-d-13-00052.1

  31. Schembri, B., & Jolly, C. J. (2017). A significant range extension of the unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus Storr, 1968) in the Einasleigh Uplands. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 60, 113–117. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.60.2017.2016-13

    Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
    Abstract

    Until now there have been two species of burrowing elapid from the genus Brachyurophis known to occur in the Einasleigh Uplands Bioregion of northeastern Queensland‚ the Australian coral snake (Brachyurophis australis Krefft‚ 1864) and the north-eastern (or Campbell’s) shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis campbelli Kinghorn‚ 1929). Here we report a third species from the region‚ the unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus Storr‚ 1968). This is significant because it is the most north-easterly known occurrence of this species in Australia‚ adds to the known biodiversity of the region and extends the species’ known range by more than 400km to the northeast. © The State of Queensland‚ Queensland Museum 2017.
    Citation

    Schembri, B., & Jolly, C. J. (2017). A significant range extension of the unbanded shovel-nosed snake (Brachyurophis incinctus Storr, 1968) in the Einasleigh Uplands. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 60, 113–117. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.60.2017.2016-13

  32. Miller, J. T., Terra, V., Riggins, C., Ebinger, J. E., & Seigler, D. S. (2017). Molecular Phylogenetics of Parasenegalia and Pseudosenegalia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae). Systematic Botany, 42, 465–469. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364417x696140

    Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    Studies have shown that the genus Acacia Miller s. l. is polyphyletic‚ consisting of at least seven distinct groups of species. One of these major groups‚ Senegalia s. l.‚ was also determined to be non-monophyletic. This has resulted in the recent recognition of two new genera‚ Parasenegalia Seigler and Ebinger‚ consisting of seven species‚ and Pseudosenegalia Seigler and Ebinger‚ consisting of two species. A molecular phylogenetic analysis of these genera and sister taxa‚ especially Mariosousa Seigler and Ebinger‚ determined that each is monophyletic‚ although Parasenegalia visco (Lorentz and Grisebach) Seigler and Ebinger is weakly supported as sister to the rest of Parasenegalia. Pseudosenegalia is sister to the rest of the ingroup‚ however the node containing Parasenegalia‚ Mariosousa‚ and the remaining ingroup grade of Ingeae and Acacia s. s. is poorly supported. These results provide a phylogenetic resolution for the major genera of the American species of Acacia s. l.‚ but full phylogenetic resolution requires a subfamily-based investigation. Simple synapomorphies do not correlate with all genera and these traits are discussed in the context of the phylogeny. A key to the four genera is presented.
    Citation

    Miller, J. T., Terra, V., Riggins, C., Ebinger, J. E., & Seigler, D. S. (2017). Molecular Phylogenetics of Parasenegalia and Pseudosenegalia (Fabaceae: Mimosoideae). Systematic Botany, 42, 465–469. https://doi.org/10.1600/036364417x696140

  33. Medina, I., Delhey, K., Peters, A., Cain, K. E., Hall, M. L., Mulder, R. A., & Langmore, N. E. (2017). Habitat structure is linked to the evolution of plumage colour in female, but not male, fairy-wrens. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 17, 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-016-0861-3

    BMC Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Both natural and sexual selection may drive the evolution of plumage colouration in birds. This can lead to great variation in plumage not only across species‚ but also between sexes within species. Australasian fairy-wrens are famous for their brightly coloured males‚ which exhibit colours ranging from bright blue to red and black. Female plumage in fairy wrens (and in general) has been rarely studied‚ but it can also be highly variable‚ including both bright and cryptic plumages. We use a comparative framework to explore the basis for this variation‚ and test the possibility that female fairy-wrens experience selection for cryptic plumage when they occupy more exposed habitats that offer little concealment from predators. We use spectral measurements of plumage for species and subspecies of Australasian fairy-wrens. RESULTS: We show that female colouration (contrast against background) is strongly correlated with vegetation cover: females in open habitats show less contrast to background colours than females in closed habitats‚ while male colouration is not associated with habitat type. CONCLUSIONS: Female plumage appears to be under stronger natural selection than male plumage in fairy-wrens‚ providing an example of how selection may act differently on males and females of the same species.
    Citation

    Medina, I., Delhey, K., Peters, A., Cain, K. E., Hall, M. L., Mulder, R. A., & Langmore, N. E. (2017). Habitat structure is linked to the evolution of plumage colour in female, but not male, fairy-wrens. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 17, 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-016-0861-3

  34. Framenau, V. W., & Harms, D. (2017). A new species of Mouse Spider (Actinopodidae, Missulena) from the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Evolutionary Systematics, 1, 39–46. https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.1.14665

    Evolutionary Systematics
    abstract
    Citation

    Framenau, V. W., & Harms, D. (2017). A new species of Mouse Spider (Actinopodidae, Missulena) from the Goldfields region of Western Australia. Evolutionary Systematics, 1, 39–46. https://doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.1.14665

  35. Lin, H. Y. (2017). Conserving migratory species under human impacts and climate change [PhD]. University of Queensland.
    https://doi.org/10.14264/uql.2017.750

    Abstract

    Migratory species use multiple habitats types and ecosystems to complete their life cycles‚ which exposes them to multiple human-caused stressors along their migratory routes. Overexploitation‚ habitat degradation‚ invasive species and connectivity loss have contributed to the decrease of migratory fishes globally in particular diadromous fishes that migrate between marine and freshwater systems. Therefore‚ understanding the joint impacts from anthropogenic disturbances and climate change on different habitats (e.g.‚ both feeding and spawning grounds) and habitat connectivity (e.g.‚ migration routes) is important for conserving migratory fish.
    Management will be most effective when management scales match ecological scales. This is particularly important for conserving migratory species‚ because of the requirement of multiple connected habitats that may cross local management boundaries. The main goals of this Ph.D. thesis are to quantify the impacts of multiple stressors on migratory fish species and prioritize management actions for conserving populations (chapters 2 & 3)‚ species (chapter 4)‚ and communities (chapter 5).
    A central challenge for managing diadromous fishes (species that migrate between freshwater and saltwater ecosystems) is to quantify increases in population persistence from actions that improve connectivity or reduce fishing mortality. In chapter 2‚ I used a population dynamic model and fish movement data to predict the interactive impacts of fishing pressure and connectivity loss by human modification of river flows on Australian bass Percalates novemaculeata. Then‚ in chapter 3‚ the monetary cost of management actions which included seasonal closures and restoring connectivity‚ were included in the model to find the most cost-effective way to conserve this fish population. The results reveal that the cost-effectiveness of management actions may vary with river flow and fishing pressure before implementing management actions‚ and implementation times. The spatiotemporal dynamics of how fish species and key resource users (i.e.‚ anglers) respond to management actions can influence the effectiveness of management strategies. Flexible management plans and increased cooperation between water and fishery managers can be used to achieve the most effective balance between conserving migratory fish populations and minimising cost.
    Migratory species are particularly vulnerable to climate change as they occupy different ecosystems‚ as well as transitional habitat which are all impacted by climate change differently. Anthropogenic barriers can further reduce the ability of species to respond to a shifting climate. In chapter 4‚ I assessed the impact of climate change on the distribution of a migratory fish species‚ Australian grayling Prototroctes maraena‚ and how it affected priorities for restoring connectivity. I found climate change moves at different rates in marine and freshwater systems‚ decoupling the habitats used by grayling. In addition‚ the changing spatial distribution of suitable habitats in marine and freshwater systems altered the degree the species was exposed to other anthropogenic disturbances and changed the priorities for where to restore connectivity.
    In ecosystems that are vulnerable to human impacts‚ understanding how species assemblages respond to multiple disturbances is a key issue for conservation and environmental management. In chapter 5‚ I examined changes in fish community structure in Fiji‚ in response to deforestation‚ anthropogenic barriers and introduced species. My findings suggest that species traits can be used to predict species loss in modified environments‚ helps identify the impact of partially-confounded disturbances and may ultimately help tailor conservation actions for the most vulnerable species. This thesis disentangles the interacting impacts of multiple disturbances on migratory species. It outlines a quantitative approach to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of management actions‚ and the impacts of disturbances across different ecological and management scales. Simple but spatial explicit population model‚ habitat suitability model and trait-based surrogate were used to overcome the lack of adequate data for non-salmon diadromous species. In a broader sense‚ it demonstrates that by integrating stressors throughout a species’ life cycle can help to optimise conservation effort for migratory species.
    Citation

    Lin, H. Y. (2017). Conserving migratory species under human impacts and climate change [PhD]. University of Queensland.

  36. Scroggie, M. P., Moloney, P. D., & Ramsey, D. S. L. (2017). Design of an aerial survey to estimate the abundance of kangaroos in Victoria (No. Technical Report No. 280). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.
    https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/consultations/14b5b0e9-3473-48b8-b4b6-17de025c2f7d/files/kangaroo-pet-food-trial-survey.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Scroggie, M. P., Moloney, P. D., & Ramsey, D. S. L. (2017). Design of an aerial survey to estimate the abundance of kangaroos in Victoria (No. Technical Report No. 280). Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research.

  37. Eddie, C. (2017). Ecological Assessment Report - Kentucky 2017 Core Hole. Boobook Ecological Consulting.
    https://www.santos.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/kentucky-ecological-assessment-report.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Eddie, C. (2017). Ecological Assessment Report - Kentucky 2017 Core Hole. Boobook Ecological Consulting.

  38. Morris, W. K. (2017). Value of information for conservation and natural resource management [PhD]. University of Melbourne.
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/192510

    Abstract

    The value of information (VOI) is a set of decision theoretic tools that were formulated over half a century ago. More recently‚ VOI analysis has been applied to decision problems for conservation and natural resource management. In this thesis I explore the use of VOI for the conservation sciences to date‚ extend its application to new subfields and problem types‚ and address gaps in the understanding of its implementation and implications for conservation decision makers.
    I begin this thesis with a review of VOI analysis for conservation and natural resource management. I found that there are two branches of VOI in the literature. The first consists of informal VOI analyses‚ commonly applied to spatial conservation planning problems. The second branch employs VOI in the formal sense. Formal VOI has tended to be used for problems involving the management of plant and animal populations. I conjecture that differences in how the two branches apply their analyses have led to formal VOI reporting low value of information‚ while informal methods often report larger value.
    I then undertake three new case studies using VOI analyses for conservation decision problems. In the first‚ I apply VOI to the management of Box-Ironbark forest and woodland management. Here I demonstrate how VOI can be calculated when a system model is large‚ complicated and involves many model parameters. I use modern statistical tools such as multivariate adaptive regression splines‚ and Monte Carlo simulation to make the problem more tractable. In the second case-study I extend the use of VOI to the field of spatial conservation planning‚ a field previously the domain of informal VOI analysis. Here I show how bootstrapped habitat maps can be used to summarize the inherent uncertainty in a spatial conservation plan and how spatial conservation planning software such as Zonation‚ in conjunction with statitistical boostrapping‚ can be used to calculate the value of reducing that uncertainty for the decision maker/reserve designer. In my last case-study I explore the use of expected value of sample information (EVSI) to optimize learning about bids in a conservation auction. In doing so‚ I propose a set of guiding principles that an agency conducting a conservation auction can apply before they decide to invest in conservation actions. The principles will allow a better allocation of resources for learning about bid cost-efficiency.
    Before concluding my thesis I tackle a subject so far avoided in the conservation and natural resources management literature; the interaction of risk-tolerance and value of information. Here I demonstrate‚ with the aid of a toy example‚ that ignoring the role of risk-tolerance in decision making can mislead an analyst who is calculating the value of information.
    This work has extended the number and types of problems for which VOI analyses have been applied for conservation problems and outlines a number of new techniques that may be of use to decision-makers.
    Citation

    Morris, W. K. (2017). Value of information for conservation and natural resource management [PhD]. University of Melbourne.

  39. Ellerton, D., Shulmeister, J., Woodward, C., & Moss, P. (2017). Last Glacial Maximum and Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition pollen record from northern NSW, Australia: evidence for a humid late Last Glacial Maximum and dry deglaciation in parts of eastern Australia. Journal of Quaternary Science, 32, 717–728. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.2960

    Journal of Quaternary Science
    Abstract

    This paper presents the results of a palynological investigation into the late Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) and last deglaciation (ca. 20 000-9000 cal a BP) from Little Llangothlin Lagoon‚ in the sub-tropics of eastern Australia. The Lagoon held permanent water during the late LGM and early deglaciation but was intermittently dry during the late deglaciation. During the late LGM‚ local vegetation was dominated by a sub-alpine herbfield but the significant presence of rainforest taxa in the pollen record indicates the survival of rainforest‚ rainforest margin or wet sclerophyll communities close to the site. By ca. 17 000 cal a BP‚ open Eucalyptus forest replaced the alpine herbfield vegetation indicating that warming had commenced. Rainforest taxa disappeared at this time but reappeared at the end of the deglaciation. The LGM conditions are consistent with a dominant circulation system whereby persistent high pressure over eastern Australia brings onshore easterlies to this region and maintains humid conditions along the east coast and highlands of the Great Dividing Range. This is similar to modern winter circulation but the persistence of rainforest and wet sclerophyll taxa suggests an increase in easterly flow over modern conditions during the LGM. Copyright (C) 2017 John Wiley & Sons‚ Ltd.
    Citation

    Ellerton, D., Shulmeister, J., Woodward, C., & Moss, P. (2017). Last Glacial Maximum and Last Glacial-Interglacial Transition pollen record from northern NSW, Australia: evidence for a humid late Last Glacial Maximum and dry deglaciation in parts of eastern Australia. Journal of Quaternary Science, 32, 717–728. https://doi.org/10.1002/jqs.2960

  40. Roberts, D. G., Forrest, C. N., Denham, A. J., & Ayre, D. J. (2017). Clonality disguises the vulnerability of a threatened arid zone Acacia. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 9451–9460. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3246

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Long-lived‚ widespread plant species are expected to be genetically diverse‚ reflecting the interaction between large population sizes‚ overlapping generations‚ and gene flow. Such species are thought to be resilient to disturbance‚ but may carry an extinction debt due to reproductive failure. Genetic studies of Australian arid zone plant species suggest an unusually high frequency of asexuality‚ polyploidy‚ or both. A preliminary AFLP genetic study implied that the naturally fragmented arid zone tree‚ Acacia carneorum‚ is almost entirely dependent on asexual reproduction through suckering‚ and stands may have lacked genetic diversity and interconnection even prior to the onset of European pastoralism. Here we surveyed microsatellite genetic variation in 20 stands to test for variation in life histories and further assessed the conservation status of the species by comparing genetic diversity within protected stands in National Parks and disturbed range lands. Using herbarium records‚ we estimate that 219 stands are extant‚ all of which occur in the arid zone‚ west of the Darling River in southeastern Australia. With two exceptions‚ all surveyed stands comprised only one multilocus genet and at least eight were putatively polyploid. Although some stands comprise thousands of stems‚ our findings imply that the species as a whole may represent \textasciitilde240 distinct genetic individuals‚ many of which are polyploid‚ and most are separated by >10 km of unsuitable habitat. With only 34% of stands (and therefore genets) occurring within conservation reserves‚ A. carneorum may be at much greater risk of extinction than inferred from on-ground census data. Land managers should prioritize on-ground preservation of the genotypes within existing reserves‚ protecting both vegetative suckers and seedlings from herbivory. Importantly‚ three stands are known to set viable seed and should be used to generate genetically diverse germ-plasm for ex situ conservation‚ population augmentation‚ or translocation.
    Citation

    Roberts, D. G., Forrest, C. N., Denham, A. J., & Ayre, D. J. (2017). Clonality disguises the vulnerability of a threatened arid zone Acacia. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 9451–9460. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3246

  41. Fromont, J., Wahab, M. A. A., Gomez, O., Ekins, M., Grol, M., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2017). Sponges of the north west of Western Australia: biogeography and considerations for dredging related research (Nos. Theme 6 ,  Project 6.2; p. 73). Western Australian Marine Science Institution.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/321532789

    abstract
    Citation

    Fromont, J., Wahab, M. A. A., Gomez, O., Ekins, M., Grol, M., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2017). Sponges of the north west of Western Australia: biogeography and considerations for dredging related research (Nos. Theme 6 ,  Project 6.2; p. 73). Western Australian Marine Science Institution.

  42. Grimm-Seyfarth, A., Mihoub, J. B., & Henle, K. (2017). Too hot to die? The effects of vegetation shading on past, present, and future activity budgets of two diurnal skinks from arid Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 6803–6813. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3238

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Behavioral thermoregulation is an important mechanism allowing ectotherms to respond to thermal variations. Its efficiency might become imperative for securing activity budgets under future climate change. For diurnal lizards‚ thermal microhabitat variability appears to be of high importance‚ especially in hot deserts where vegetation is highly scattered and sensitive to climatic fluctuations. We investigated the effects of a shading gradient from vegetation on body temperatures and activity timing for two diurnal‚ terrestrial desert lizards‚ Ctenotus regius‚ and Morethia boulengeri‚ and analyzed their changes under past‚ present‚ and future climatic conditions. Both species’ body temperatures and activity timing strongly depended on the shading gradient provided by vegetation heterogeneity. At high temperatures‚ shaded locations provided cooling temperatures and increased diurnal activity. Conversely‚ bushes also buffered cold temperature by saving heat. According to future climate change scenarios‚ cooler microhabitats might become beneficial to warm-adapted species‚ such as C. regius‚ by increasing the duration of daily activity. Contrarily‚ warmer microhabitats might become unsuitable for less warm-adapted species such as M. boulengeri for which midsummers might result in a complete restriction of activity irrespective of vegetation. However‚ total annual activity would still increase provided that individuals would be able to shift their seasonal timing towards spring and autumn. Overall‚ we highlight the critical importance of thermoregulatory behavior to buffer temperatures and its dependence on vegetation heterogeneity. Whereas studies often neglect ecological processes when anticipating species’ responses to future climate change the strongest impact of a changing climate on terrestrial ectotherms in hot deserts is likely to be the loss of shaded microhabitats rather than the rise in temperature itself. We argue that conservation strategies aiming at addressing future climate changes should focus more on the cascading effects of vegetation rather than on shifts of species distributions predicted solely by climatic envelopes.
    Citation

    Grimm-Seyfarth, A., Mihoub, J. B., & Henle, K. (2017). Too hot to die? The effects of vegetation shading on past, present, and future activity budgets of two diurnal skinks from arid Australia. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 6803–6813. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3238

  43. Zimmer, H. C., Florentine, S. K., Enke, R., & Westbrooke, M. (2017). Rainfall and grazing: Not the only barriers to arid-zone conifer recruitment. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 109–119. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16104

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    An understanding of the drivers of infrequent recruitment is fundamental in managing for species persistence. Callitris glaucophylla Joy Thomps. & L.A.S. Johnson (white cypress-pine) is a slow-growing‚ long-lived conifer‚ with a distribution that extends across arid Australia. Arid populations of C. glaucophylla are endangered in New South Wales‚ and are characterised by infrequent recruitment. We examined recruitment patterns of C. glaucophylla in differential grazing exclosures (excluding rabbits‚ excluding large herbivores or excluding both) and in unfenced areas. More recruitment occurred in rabbit-proof exclosures‚ compared with nearby large herbivore and control exclosures‚ although some rabbit-proof exclosures recorded no recruitment. Increases in recruitment at several long-term exclosures were associated with wet periods‚ as was recruitment at some unfenced sites. Apart from grazing and rainfall‚ recruitment was related to mature tree size and stand density (probably because of their influence on seed availability). These endangered arid C. glaucophylla woodlands are all that remains of a once extensive distribution‚ and are habitat for a suite of threatened species. Reduction in grazing pressure‚ particularly from rabbits‚ is clearly critical to maintain recruitment in these remnant populations. Chances of recruitment appear to be enhanced in low-density stands‚ around large trees‚ and in dune blow outs - fencing should focus on these areas. © 2017 CSIRO.
    Citation

    Zimmer, H. C., Florentine, S. K., Enke, R., & Westbrooke, M. (2017). Rainfall and grazing: Not the only barriers to arid-zone conifer recruitment. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 109–119. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16104

  44. Rozefelds, A. C., Milroy, A. K., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Maksimenko, A. (2017). Synchrotron computer tomographic (CT) scans complement traditional techniques in understanding the internal anatomy of permineralised Fontainocarpa (Crotonoideae, Euphorbiaceae) fruits from the Oligocene of eastern Australia. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 242, 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.03.001

    Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology
    Abstract

    The internal morphology and anatomy of silicified fruits of Fontainocarpa were studied using traditional thin sectioning techniques‚ SEM and synchrotron computed tomographic (CT) imaging and animations‚ to enable comparative analyses with extant‚ indehiscent-fruited genera in the Euphorbiaceae including Fontainea‚ Aleurites and Hylandia from Australia‚ and other non-Australian crotonoid genera. Thin sections and sectioning show that the fruits of Fontainocarpa are indehiscent‚ multicarpellate and usually 3- to 5-loculate‚ with axial placentation‚ a single ovule per carpel and the ovules are anatropous and have antitropous curvature. A ventral vascular trace that supplies each ovule is embedded in the bitegmic seed coat. The internal anatomy is therefore consistent with the Euphorbiaceae. Additional characters‚ including indehiscent fruits‚ distinctive vascular channels (foramina) that penetrate through the fruit wall into the locule‚ and thin membranous seed coats are restricted to very few genera in the Euphorbiaceae‚ but occur together in extant Fontainea. The seed coat in extant Fontainea and fossil Fontainocarpa seeds is membranous‚ and appears to lack the palisadal exotegmen of most genera in the Euphorbiaceae. Fontainocarpa fruits were compared with those of extant Fontainea and the fossil has a combination of features unlike those of extant taxa. It shares with Fontainea picrosperma in having endocarps with convex intersutural surfaces lacking ornamentation and a similar number of locules and with Fontainea venosa in having conspicuous foramina. This study therefore supports a close relationship between Fontainea and Fontainocarpa and is further evidence of the Crotonoideae in the fossil record in Australia‚ and is one of the few records of this subfamily worldwide. This study is one of the few‚ to date‚ using synchrotron CT imaging to reveal the internal morphology of silicified fruits and to utilize animations to examine the structure of these fruits. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A. C., Milroy, A. K., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Maksimenko, A. (2017). Synchrotron computer tomographic (CT) scans complement traditional techniques in understanding the internal anatomy of permineralised Fontainocarpa (Crotonoideae, Euphorbiaceae) fruits from the Oligocene of eastern Australia. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 242, 43–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.03.001

  45. Ritchie, A. L., Erickson, T. E., & Merritt, D. J. (2017). Monitoring of plant phenology and seed production identifies two distinct seed collection seasons in the Australian arid zone. The Rangeland Journal, 39, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1071/Rj16050

    The Rangeland Journal
    Abstract

    Phenological patterns including peak flowering and seed production of 19 grass‚ herb‚ shrub and tree species were studied in the Pilbara biogeographic region of Western Australia. Each plant population was monitored monthly over an 18-month period. Qualitative data was collected capturing plant phenophases. Plant fecundity was estimated using X-ray analyses to determine the proportion of seeds produced. Two main phenological patterns were established across plant life-forms. Precipitation during the summer wet season provided sufficient soil moisture for grasses to emerge from a dormant vegetative state and rapidly transition into flowering and seed production. In contrast‚ the deeper-rooted shrubs and herbs commenced flowering before the onset of the summer rains‚ completing their reproductive cycle before the period of higher moisture availability. The patterns observed indicated that the different plant life-forms co-existing within the Pilbara differentially exploit the available resources of this arid region. The contrasting phenological patterns between plant life-forms across seasons likely represent adaptations to a competitive‚ arid environment where water is the limiting resource. To meet the increasing demand for native seeds of diverse plant species for ecosystem restoration‚ plant phenological data will become increasingly important for deriving seed supply strategies from wild or managed plant populations.
    Citation

    Ritchie, A. L., Erickson, T. E., & Merritt, D. J. (2017). Monitoring of plant phenology and seed production identifies two distinct seed collection seasons in the Australian arid zone. The Rangeland Journal, 39, 73–83. https://doi.org/10.1071/Rj16050

  46. South, P. M., Floerl, O., Forrest, B. M., & Thomsen, M. S. (2017). A review of three decades of research on the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Australasia: An assessment of its success, impacts and status as one of the world’s worst invaders. Marine Environmental Research, 131, 243–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.015

    Marine Environmental Research
    Abstract

    Marine invasive macroalgae can have severe local-scale impacts on ecological communities. The kelp Undaria pinnatifida is one of the most successful marine invasive species worldwide‚ and is widely regarded as one of the worst. Here‚ we review research on Undaria in Australasia‚ where the kelp is established throughout much of New Zealand and south-eastern Australia. The presence of Undaria for at least three decades in these locations makes Australasia one of the longest-invaded bioregions globally‚ and a valuable case study for considering Undaria’s invasion success and associated impacts. In Australasia‚ Undaria has primarily invaded open spaces‚ turf communities‚ and gaps in native canopies within a relatively narrow elevation band on rocky shores. Despite its high biomass‚ Undaria has relatively few direct impacts on native species‚ and can increase community-wide attributes such as primary productivity and the provision of biogenic habitat. Therefore‚ Australasian Undaria research provides an example of a decoupling between the success and impact of an invasive species. Undaria will most likely continue to spread along thousands of kilometres of rocky coastline in temperate Australasia‚ due to its tolerance to large variations in temperature‚ ability to exploit disturbances to local communities‚ and the continued transfer among regions via vessel movements and aquaculture activities. However‚ the spread of Undaria remains difficult to manage as eradication is challenging and seldom successful. Therefore‚ understanding potential invasion pathways‚ maintaining native canopy-forming species that limit Undaria success‚ and effectively managing anthropogenic vectors of Undaria spread‚ should be key management priorities. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
    Citation

    South, P. M., Floerl, O., Forrest, B. M., & Thomsen, M. S. (2017). A review of three decades of research on the invasive kelp Undaria pinnatifida in Australasia: An assessment of its success, impacts and status as one of the world’s worst invaders. Marine Environmental Research, 131, 243–257. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.09.015

  47. Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Ekins, M. (2017). An Australian origin for the candle nut (Aleurites, Crotonoideae, Euphorbiaceae) and the fossil record of the Euphorbiaceae and related families in Australia and New Zealand. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 241, 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.01.006

    Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology
    Abstract

    A fossil seed from south east Queensland referable to the extant genus Aleurites (candlenut) is described as a new species‚ A. australis‚ and is one of the few macrofossil records of Euphorbiaceae from Australia. The new fossil data and phylogenetic studies of the biogeographical relationships of Aleurites based upon analysis of rbcL and trnL-F sequence data support a Gondwanic origin for the Glade. The macrofossil record of Euphorbiaceae in Australia is restricted to seeds of Aleurites; and fruits of Fontainocarpa which are thought to have affinities with Fontainea‚ and both extant genera are referable to the Crotonoideae. One group of crotonoids has inaperturate spheroidal pollen‚ that is comparable to the dispersed pollen genus‚ Crotonipollis‚ which has an Oligocene to Recent range in Australia. The fossil pollen record in Australia and New Zealand of other Euphorbiaceae and related families includes species of Malvacipollis that have affinities to the Picrodendraceae; Nyssapollenites endobalteus (McIntyre) Kemp and Harris has affinities with the subfamily Acalyphoideae (Euphorbiaceae); and putative records of Homalanthus suggest affinities with the subfamily Euphorbioideae (Euphorbiaceae). Fossil fruits of Glochidion provide possible evidence of the Phyllanthaceae. The stratigraphic range of these taxa in respect to the Weddellian Biostratigraphic Province‚ which includes southern South America‚ western Antarctica‚ New Zealand‚ and eastern Australia is also briefly reviewed. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Ekins, M. (2017). An Australian origin for the candle nut (Aleurites, Crotonoideae, Euphorbiaceae) and the fossil record of the Euphorbiaceae and related families in Australia and New Zealand. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 241, 39–48. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.01.006

  48. Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Carpenter, R. J. (2017). Lygodium (Schizaeaceae) in southern high latitudes during the Cenozoic - A new species and new insights into character evolution in the genus. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 247, 40–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.07.001

    Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology
    Abstract

    Utilising both macrofossil and spore evidence the fern‚ Lygodium Swartz‚ is shown to be common in the Cenozoic of eastem Australia. A new species‚ Lygodium goonyellum sp. nov. that has laminate fertile pinnules with crenulate margins and reticulate spore morphology (Crassiretitriletes vanraadshoovenii Germeraad‚ Hopping et Muller)‚ is described from Suttor Formation or its equivalents‚ near Moranbah‚ Queensland. Palynological data and isotopic dates support an Oligocene-early Miocene age for this unit. The laminate fertile pinnules and spores in L. goonyellum are morphologically similar to those of extant Lygodium microphyllum (A.J.Cavanilles) R.Brown and Lygodium reticulatum Schkuhr. It differs from the Australian Paleogene species Lygodium dinmorphylluin Churchill in both laminate fertile pinnules and reticulate spores. Additional distributional data on L. dinmorphyllum is provided‚ utilising evidence from both macrofossils and the dispersed spore record of Cyathidites splendens Harris. Macrofossils of L dinmorphyllum are recorded from the Lowana Road Locality and from the Tamar Basin in Tasmania‚ and the Lowmead Basin in Queensland. In addition to the previous records from Queensland‚ New South Wales‚ Victoria and South Australia recently collected material is also described from the type locality in southern Queensland. A review of the distribution and fossil record of Lygodium in New Zealand‚ South America and Antarctica suggests that the genus was widely distributed in high latitudes by the Paleocene‚ if the dispersed spores attributed to Cyathidites splendens are from Lygodium‚ and that the L microphyllum Glade appeared by the early Eocene. Spore morphology of Lygodium shows considerable variation‚ which provides important characters for differentiating groups of extant and fossil species within the genus. The stratigraphic range for these spore types is discussed. Although the known in situ occurrence of Cyathidites splendens is with fertile Lygodium in Cenozoic sediments‚ dispersed spores have been attributed to the mangrove fern Acrostichum L. (Pteridaceae)‚ or considered to have affinities with Adiantaceae or Cyatheaceae‚ even though evidence of association has not been demonstrated. Palaeoecological inferences‚ based upon spore data‚ that have interpreted sites as mangroves or certain forest types with an understorey of Cyatheaceae/Adiantaceae should be critically re-assessed. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Carpenter, R. J. (2017). Lygodium (Schizaeaceae) in southern high latitudes during the Cenozoic - A new species and new insights into character evolution in the genus. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 247, 40–52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.revpalbo.2017.07.001

  49. Rix, M. G., Cooper, S. J. B., Meusemann, K., Klopfstein, S., Harrison, S. E., Harvey, M. S., & Austin, A. D. (2017). Post-Eocene climate change across continental Australia and the diversification of Australasian spiny trapdoor spiders (Idiopidae: Arbanitinae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 109, 302–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.01.008

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    The formation and spread of the Australian arid zone during the Neogene was a profoundly transformative event in the biogeographic history of Australia‚ resulting in extinction or range contraction in lineages adapted to mesic habitats‚ as well as diversification and range expansion in arid-adapted taxa (most of which evolved from mesic ancestors). However‚ the geographic origins of the arid zone biota are still relatively poorly understood‚ especially among highly diverse invertebrate lineages‚ many of which are themselves poorly documented at the species level. Spiny trapdoor spiders (Idiopidae: Arbanitinae) are one such lineage‚ having mesic ’on-the-continent’ Gondwanan origins‚ while also having experienced major arid zone radiations in select clades. In this study‚ we present new orthologous nuclear markers for the phylogenetic inference of mygalomorph spiders‚ and use them to infer the phylogeny of Australasian Idiopidae with a 12-gene parallel tagged amplicon next-generation sequencing approach. We use these data to test the mode and timing of diversification of arid-adapted idiopid lineages across mainland Australia‚ and employ a continent-wide sampling of the fauna’s phylogenetic and geographic diversity to facilitate ancestral area inference. We further explore the evolution of phenotypic and behavioural characters associated with both arid and mesic environments‚ and test an ’out of south-western Australia’ hypothesis for the origin of arid zone clades. Three lineages of Idiopidae are shown to have diversified in the arid zone during the Miocene‚ one (genus Euoplos) exclusively in Western Australia. Arid zone Blakistonia likely had their origins in South Australia‚ whereas in the most widespread genus Aganippe‚ a more complex scenario is evident‚ with likely range expansion from southern Western Australia to southern South Australia‚ from where the bulk of the arid zone fauna then originated. In Aganippe‚ remarkable adaptations to phragmotic burrow-plugging in transitional arid zone taxa have evolved twice independently in Western Australia‚ while in Misgolas and Cataxia‚ burrow door-building behaviours have likely been independently lost at least three times in the eastern Australian mesic zone. We also show that the presence of idiopids in New Zealand (Cantuaria) is likely to be the result of recent dispersal from Australia‚ rather than ancient continental vicariance. By providing the first comprehensive‚ continental synopsis of arid zone biogeography in an Australian arachnid lineage‚ we show that the diversification of arbanitine Idiopidae was intimately associated with climate shifts during the Neogene‚ resulting in multiple Mio-Pliocene radiations.
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Cooper, S. J. B., Meusemann, K., Klopfstein, S., Harrison, S. E., Harvey, M. S., & Austin, A. D. (2017). Post-Eocene climate change across continental Australia and the diversification of Australasian spiny trapdoor spiders (Idiopidae: Arbanitinae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 109, 302–320. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.01.008

  50. Quarrell, S. R., Arabi, J., Suwalski, A., Veuille, M., Wirth, T., & Allen, G. R. (2017). The invasion biology of the invasive earwig, Forficula auricularia in Australasian ecosystems. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1646-3

    Biological Invasions
    abstract
    Citation

    Quarrell, S. R., Arabi, J., Suwalski, A., Veuille, M., Wirth, T., & Allen, G. R. (2017). The invasion biology of the invasive earwig, Forficula auricularia in Australasian ecosystems. Biological Invasions. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1646-3

  51. Laver, R. J., Nielsen, S. V., Rosauer, D. F., & Oliver, P. M. (2017). Trans-biome diversity in Australian grass-specialist lizards (Diplodactylidae: Strophurus). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 115, 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.07.015

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Comparisons of biodiversity patterns within lineages that occur across major climate gradients and biomes‚ can provide insights into the relative roles that lineage history‚ landscape and climatic variation‚ and environmental change have played in shaping regional biotas. In Australia‚ while there has been extensive research into the origins and patterns of diversity in the Australian Arid Zone (AAZ)‚ how diversity is distributed across this biome and the Australian Monsoonal Tropics (AMT) to the north‚ has been less studied. We compared the timing and patterns of diversification across this broad aridity gradient in a clade of lizards (Strophurus: phasmid geckos) that only occur in association with a unique Australian radiation of sclerophyllous grasses (Triodia: spinifex). Our results indicate that overall genetic diversity is much higher‚ older and more finely geographically structured within the AMT‚ including distantly related clades endemic to the sandstone escarpments of the Kimberley and Arnhem Plateau. Niche modelling analyses also suggest that the distribution of taxa in the AMT is more strongly correlated with variation in topographic relief than in the AAZ. The two broad patterns that we recovered - (i) lineage endemism increases as latitude decreases‚ and (ii) endemism is tightly correlated to rocky regions - parallel and corroborate other recent studies of habitat generalists and specialised saxicoline lineages occurring across these same regions. Early Miocene diversification estimates also suggest that‚ soon after Triodia grasses colonised Australia and began to diversify in the Miocene‚ phasmid geckos with Gondwanan ancestry shifted into these grasses‚ and have subsequently remained closely associated with this unique vegetation type.
    Citation

    Laver, R. J., Nielsen, S. V., Rosauer, D. F., & Oliver, P. M. (2017). Trans-biome diversity in Australian grass-specialist lizards (Diplodactylidae: Strophurus). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 115, 62–70. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.07.015

  52. ElQadi, M. M., Dorin, A., Dyer, A., Burd, M., Bukovac, Z., & Shrestha, M. (2017). Mapping species distributions with social media geo-tagged images: Case studies of bees and flowering plants in Australia. Ecological Informatics, 39, 23–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2017.02.006

    Ecological Informatics
    Abstract

    Data sources on species distribution and range are typically expensive and time consuming to build‚ and traditional survey techniques often have spatial‚ temporal‚ or scale-related gaps. Social network sites‚ on the other hand‚ can provide massive amounts of cost effective data that may potentially yield information of direct benefit to supplement and understand ecological phenomena. Previous research explored using social network site content to enhance information collected by experts or professional surveys in domains including species distribution and land cover. However‚ the data quality and general suitability of social network sites data for answering questions related to species distribution and range is highly variable and this aspect of its value to science remains underexplored.
    In this research we investigate some causes of social network site data unreliability and explore how to mitigate them. We filter data points based on our estimates of reliability and relevance. We then use the filtered data to infer species ranges and distributions in concert with Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) data. Our proposed methodology was applied to four Australian case studies including two insect pollinators‚ and two flowering plants. The case studies were chosen from Australia because of its unique geographical features‚ large landmass‚ sparse population‚ and the many tourists and residents who travel across it taking photos and sharing them through social media. We show that‚ despite some barriers‚ there are instances where the social network site data clearly complement the existing source‚ making our technique a valuable means of making repeatable‚ efficient additions to traditional species distribution data. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    ElQadi, M. M., Dorin, A., Dyer, A., Burd, M., Bukovac, Z., & Shrestha, M. (2017). Mapping species distributions with social media geo-tagged images: Case studies of bees and flowering plants in Australia. Ecological Informatics, 39, 23–31. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2017.02.006

  53. Christmas, M. J., Biffin, E., Breed, M. F., & Lowe, A. J. (2017). Targeted capture to assess neutral genomic variation in the narrow-leaf hopbush across a continental biodiversity refugium. Scientific Reports, 7, 41367. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep41367

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    The Adelaide geosyncline‚ a mountainous region in central southern Australia‚ is purported to be an important continental refugium for Mediterranean and semi-arid Australian biota‚ yet few population genetic studies have been conducted to test this theory. Here‚ we focus on a plant species distributed widely throughout the region‚ the narrow-leaf hopbush‚ Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima‚ and examine its genetic diversity and population structure. We used a hybrid-capture target enrichment technique to selectively sequence over 700 genes from 89 individuals across 17 sampling locations. We compared 815 single nucleotide polymorphisms among individuals and populations to investigate population genetic structure. Three distinct genetic clusters were identified; a Flinders/Gammon ranges cluster‚ an Eastern cluster‚ and a Kangaroo Island cluster. Higher genetic diversity was identified in the Flinders/Gammon Ranges cluster‚ indicating that this area is likely to have acted as a refugium during past climate oscillations. We discuss these findings and consider the historical range dynamics of these populations. We also provide methodological considerations for population genomics studies that aim to use novel genomic approaches (such as target capture methods) on non-model systems. The application of our findings to restoration of this species across the region are also considered.
    Citation

    Christmas, M. J., Biffin, E., Breed, M. F., & Lowe, A. J. (2017). Targeted capture to assess neutral genomic variation in the narrow-leaf hopbush across a continental biodiversity refugium. Scientific Reports, 7, 41367. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep41367

  54. Carpenter, R. J., Tarran, M., & Hill, R. S. (2017). Leaf fossils of Proteaceae subfamily Persoonioideae, tribe Persoonieae: tracing the past of an important Australasian sclerophyll lineage. Australian Systematic Botany, 30, 148–158. https://doi.org/10.1071/Sb16045

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    Fossils from the Eocene of South Australia and Western Australia and the Oligo-Miocene of Victoria represent the first known Australian leaf fossils of subfamily Persoonioideae‚ tribe Persoonieae. Persoonieaephyllum blackburnii sp. nov. is described from Middle Eocene Nelly Creek sediments near Lake Eyre‚ South Australia. Persoonieae are an important clade for understanding vegetation transitions in Australasia. The Nelly Creek leaf fossils are small (similar to 6 mm wide) and belong to an assemblage that has some characteristics of open vegetation‚ which is also inferred for the Oligo-Miocene of the Latrobe Valley‚ Victoria. In contrast‚ the Western Australian Late Eocene Persoonieae occur with diverse Lauraceae and other elements now typical of closed rainforests‚ and may‚ therefore‚ have been derived from communities that are unlike those in which most Persoonieae now occur. All fossil Persoonieae leaves so far known are hypostomatic (or virtually so)‚ a state of stomatal distribution now only found in species of reasonably mesic habitats in New Zealand‚ New Caledonia and eastern Australian eucalypt forests. The ancestral state of stomatal distribution in Persoonieae leaves is unclear‚ but evidence suggests ancient associations of amphistomaty with open habitats‚ evolutionary loss of adaxial stomata in more closed vegetation‚ and the evolution of pronounced xerophylly within south-western Australian heathlands.
    Citation

    Carpenter, R. J., Tarran, M., & Hill, R. S. (2017). Leaf fossils of Proteaceae subfamily Persoonioideae, tribe Persoonieae: tracing the past of an important Australasian sclerophyll lineage. Australian Systematic Botany, 30, 148–158. https://doi.org/10.1071/Sb16045

  55. Wilson, D., Hansen, B., Honan, J., & Chamberlain, R. (2017). 170 years of Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii arrivals in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory show no change in arrival date. Australian Field Ornithology, 34, 76–79. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo34076079

    Australian Field Ornithology
    Abstract

    An understanding of migration phenology is critical to the conservation of long-distance migrants. Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii is a cryptic‚ dispersed migratory wader that breeds in northern Japan during the austral winter and migrates to Australia for the non-breeding period. Records of this species for New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) were extracted from a range of data sources including hunting reports‚ the Atlas of Living Australia‚ eBird and citizen science records‚ generating a dataset of first-arrival dates for 170 years (1846-2016). The first record in each year‚ corresponding to the expected arrival period of Latham’s Snipe on southward migration‚ was used to infer the date of first arrival. These dates were analysed using simple linear regression against Julian day to test the hypothesis that changes in climate (i.e. increasing mean annual temperature) might result in a corresponding shift in arrival dates. The mean Julian day of first arrivals in NSW and the ACT was 14 August ± 9 days‚ with no significant change over the 170-year span of records. This suggests that migration phenology of Latham’s Snipe has not been strongly influenced by changing large-scale climatic conditions at either the breeding or non-breeding grounds.
    Citation

    Wilson, D., Hansen, B., Honan, J., & Chamberlain, R. (2017). 170 years of Latham’s Snipe Gallinago hardwickii arrivals in New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory show no change in arrival date. Australian Field Ornithology, 34, 76–79. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo34076079

  56. Whitau, R., Balme, J., O’Connor, S., & Wood, R. (2017). Wood charcoal analysis at Riwi cave, Gooniyandi country, Western Australia. Quaternary International, 457, 140–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2016.07.046

    Quaternary International
    Abstract

    Wood charcoals excavated from archaeological sites provide a useful tool for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction‚ particularly in arid and semi-arid zones‚ where suitable catchments for palynological archives are often limited. Preservation of organic material in northern Australia is characteristically poor‚ and wood charcoal analysis provides a viable alternative to understand shifts in woody vegetation in the past. The analysis of charcoal from matrix contexts at Riwi cave‚ located in the southern Kimberley region of northern Western Australia‚ has allowed a reconstruction of the local woody vegetation during occupation over the last 45‚000 years. The wood charcoal assemblage from the Holocene stratigraphic units reflects the composition of the modern vegetation‚ and illustrates that people were occupying the site during periods of relative humidity. The Pleistocene stratigraphic units show a shift in vegetation composition from Eucalyptus spp. to Corymbia sp. dominated savanna‚ with an understory of secondary shrub‚ associated with a Late MIS 3 arid event observed in both terrestrial and marine archives‚ suggesting that activities continued at Riwi during this arid event. Further anthracological analysis of other sites in the Kimberley will help to build a regional picture of woody vegetation change‚ and will further disentangle local and regional climatic signals‚ particularly in relation to phases of occupation. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd and INQUA. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Whitau, R., Balme, J., O’Connor, S., & Wood, R. (2017). Wood charcoal analysis at Riwi cave, Gooniyandi country, Western Australia. Quaternary International, 457, 140–154. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quaint.2016.07.046

  57. Vidal-García, M., & Keogh, J. S. (2017). Invasive cane toads are unique in shape but overlap in ecological niche compared to Australian native frogs. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 7609–7619. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3253

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Invasive species are an important issue worldwide but predicting invasiveness‚ and the underlying mechanisms that cause it‚ is difficult. There are several primary hypotheses to explain invasion success. Two main hypothesis based on niche spaces stand out as alternative‚ although not exclusive. The empty niche hypothesis states that invaders occupy a vacant niche space in the recipient community‚ and the niche competition hypothesis states that invaders overlap with native species in niche space. Studies on trait similarity/dissimilarity between the invader and native species can provide information on their niche overlap. Here‚ we use the highly invasive and well-studied cane toad (Rhinella marina) to test these two hypotheses in Australia‚ and assess its degree of overlap with native species in several niche dimensions. We compare extensive morphological and environmental data of this successful invader to 235 species (97%) of native Australian frogs. Our study is the first to document the significant morphological differences between the invasive cane toad and a continent-wide frog radiation: despite significant environmental overlap‚ cane toads were distinct in body size and shape from most Australian frog species‚ suggesting that in addition to their previously documented phenotypic plasticity and wide environmental and trophic niche breadth‚ their unique shape also may have contributed to their success as an invasive species in Australia. Thus‚ the invasive success of cane toads in Australia may be explained through them successfully colonizing an empty niche among Australian anurans. Our results support that the cane toad’s distinct morphology may have played a unique role in the invasiveness of this species in Australia‚ which coupled with a broad environmental niche breadth‚ would have boosted their ability to expand their distribution across Australia. We also propose RLLR (Relative limb length ratio) as a potentially useful measure of identifying morphological niche uniqueness and a potential measure of invasiveness potential in anuran amphibians. © 2017 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Vidal-García, M., & Keogh, J. S. (2017). Invasive cane toads are unique in shape but overlap in ecological niche compared to Australian native frogs. Ecology and Evolution, 7, 7609–7619. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.3253

  58. Sultana, S., Baumgartner, J. B., Dominiak, B. C., Royer, J. E., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Potential impacts of climate change on habitat suitability for the Queensland fruit fly. Scientific Reports, 7, 13025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13307-1

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    Anthropogenic climate change is a major factor driving shifts in the distributions of pests and invasive species. The Queensland fruit fly‚ Bactrocera tryoni Froggatt (Qfly)‚ is the most economically damaging insect pest of Australia’s horticultural industry‚ and its management is a key priority for plant protection and biosecurity. Identifying the extent to which climate change may alter the distribution of suitable habitat for Qfly is important for the development and continuation of effective monitoring programs‚ phytosanitary measures‚ and management strategies. We used Maxent‚ a species distribution model‚ to map suitable habitat for Qfly under current climate‚ and six climate scenarios for 2030‚ 2050 and 2070. Our results highlight that south-western Australia‚ northern regions of the Northern Territory‚ eastern Queensland‚ and much of south-eastern Australia are currently suitable for Qfly. This includes southern Victoria and eastern Tasmania‚ which are currently free of breeding populations. There is substantial agreement across future climate scenarios that most areas currently suitable will remain so until at least 2070. Our projections provide an initial estimate of the potential exposure of Australia’s horticultural industry to Qfly as climate changes‚ highlighting the need for long-term vigilance across southern Australia to prevent further range expansion of this species.
    Citation

    Sultana, S., Baumgartner, J. B., Dominiak, B. C., Royer, J. E., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Potential impacts of climate change on habitat suitability for the Queensland fruit fly. Scientific Reports, 7, 13025. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13307-1

  59. Steane, D. A., Mclean, E. H., Potts, B. M., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Stylianou, V. M., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2017). Evidence for adaptation and acclimation in a widespread eucalypt of semi-arid Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 121, 484–500. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blw051

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    As climates change‚ restoration programmes need to maximize the capacity of regenerating ecosystems to adapt to new environments‚ particularly when planting long-lived trees. By using a combined phenotypic and genomic approach‚ we assessed evidence of adaptation capacity in Eucalyptus loxophleba ssp. lissophloia‚ a mallee eucalypt important for restoration and oil production in Western Australia. Assessment of leaf traits in nine wild populations across a rainfall gradient showed that two traits were correlated with long-term moisture availability. Populations in more arid environments had lower specific leaf area and lower stomatal conductance‚ consistent with a stable plastic or adaptive response. Other leaf size and shape traits were correlated with short-term climate variables‚ suggesting a dynamic plastic response.
    Genome-wide scans with 4851 DArTseq markers and outlier analysis detected 50 markers showing signals of disruptive selection‚ consistent with local adaptation. Sixteen markers showed allele frequencies correlated with aridity; three were also associated with differences in stomatal conductance. Multivariate analysis and marker-environment associations signalled secondary directions of adaptation associated with maximum temperatures and soil phosphorus. We suggest that adaptation and acclimation are both likely determinants of functional phenotype in E. loxophleba‚ and argue that aridity is a critical driver of adaptation in this widespread species.
    Citation

    Steane, D. A., Mclean, E. H., Potts, B. M., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Stylianou, V. M., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2017). Evidence for adaptation and acclimation in a widespread eucalypt of semi-arid Australia. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 121, 484–500. https://doi.org/10.1093/biolinnean/blw051

  60. Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E. H., Collins, L., Holland, B. R., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2017). Genomic Scans across Three Eucalypts Suggest that Adaptation to Aridity is a Genome-Wide Phenomenon. Genome Biology and Evolution, 9, 253–265. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evw290

    Genome Biology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Widespread species spanning strong environmental (e.g.‚ climatic) gradients frequently display morphological and physiological adaptations to local conditions. Some adaptations are common to different species that occupy similar environments. However‚ the genomic architecture underlying such convergent traits may not be the same between species. Using genomic data from previous studies of three widespread eucalypt species that grow along rainfall gradients in southern Australia‚ our probabilistic approach provides evidence that adaptation to aridity is a genome-wide phenomenon‚ likely to involve multiple and diverse genes‚ gene families and regulatory regions that affect a multitude of complex genetic and biochemical processes.
    Citation

    Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E. H., Collins, L., Holland, B. R., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2017). Genomic Scans across Three Eucalypts Suggest that Adaptation to Aridity is a Genome-Wide Phenomenon. Genome Biology and Evolution, 9, 253–265. https://doi.org/10.1093/gbe/evw290

  61. Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2017). Climate modelling shows increased risk to eucalyptus sideroxylon on the eastern coast of Australia compared to eucalyptus albens. Plants, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants6040058

    Plants
    Plants
    Abstract

    Aim: To identify the extent and direction of range shift of Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. albens in Australia by 2050 through an ensemble forecast of four species distribution models (SDMs). Each was generated using four global climate models (GCMs)‚ under two representative concentration pathways (RCPs). Location: Australia. Methods: We used four SDMs of (i) generalized linear model‚ (ii) MaxEnt‚ (iii) random forest‚ and (iv) boosted regression tree to construct SDMs for species E. sideroxylon and E. albens under four GCMs including (a) MRI-CGCM3‚ (b) MIROC5‚ (c) HadGEM2-AO and (d) CCSM4‚ under two RCPs of 4.5 and 6.0. Here‚ the true skill statistic (TSS) index was used to assess the accuracy of each SDM. Results: Results showed that E. albens and E. sideroxylon will lose large areas of their current suitable range by 2050 and E. sideroxylon is projected to gain in eastern and southeastern Australia. Some areas were also projected to remain suitable for each species between now and 2050. Our modelling showed that E. sideroxylon will lose suitable habitat on the western side and will not gain any on the eastern side because this region is one the most heavily populated areas in the country‚ and the populated areas are moving westward. The predicted decrease in E. sideroxylon’s distribution suggests that land managers should monitor its population closely‚ and evaluate whether it meets criteria for a protected legal status. Main conclusions: Both Eucalyptus sideroxylon and E. albens will be negatively affected by climate change and it is projected that E. sideroxylon will be at greater risk of losing habitat than E. albens. © 2017 by the authors. Licensee MDPI‚ Basel‚ Switzerland.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2017). Climate modelling shows increased risk to eucalyptus sideroxylon on the eastern coast of Australia compared to eucalyptus albens. Plants, 6. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants6040058

  62. Shapcott, A., Lamont, R. W., Conroy, G., James, H. E., & Shimizu-Kimura, Y. (2017). Genetics and species distribution modelling of Solanum johnsonianum (Solanaceae) reveal impacts of brigalow land clearing on this endemic species. Conservation Genetics, 18, 1331–1346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-017-0983-1

    Conservation Genetics
    Abstract

    Australia is one of the centres of diversity for Solanum and many species are found in the arid zone with a concentration in the Brigalow belt. This region has been significantly impacted by land clearing and Brigalow is now an endangered vegetation type. Recent gas pipeline developments have led to further impacts to endangered species within the region necessitating offset and translocation activities. Solanum johnsonianum was impacted by pipeline construction despite little knowledge of its ecology or genetics to guide translocation or restoration. This study conducted field surveys‚ habitat modelling‚ and genetic analysis in order to increase understanding of S. johnsonianum. The species has moderate to low genetic diversity across its localised geographic range. The populations are not inbred‚ with some exhibiting heterozygote excess. The populations that are located close to the pipeline were among those with the highest genetic diversity. Population size varies among populations and was not correlated with genetic diversity. Evidence of clonal spread was found in most populations however they also produce viable seeds and most plants are productively active. The results indicate that care should be taken to maintain provenance and that it is recommended to follow guidelines which limit mixing of plants from different populations.
    Citation

    Shapcott, A., Lamont, R. W., Conroy, G., James, H. E., & Shimizu-Kimura, Y. (2017). Genetics and species distribution modelling of Solanum johnsonianum (Solanaceae) reveal impacts of brigalow land clearing on this endemic species. Conservation Genetics, 18, 1331–1346. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-017-0983-1

  63. Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Moilanen, A., & Graham, E. M. (2017). Examining current or future trade-offs for biodiversity conservation in north-eastern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0172230. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172230

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    With the high rate of ecosystem change already occurring and predicted to occur in the coming decades‚ long-term conservation has to account not only for current biodiversity but also for the biodiversity patterns anticipated for the future. The trade-offs between prioritising future biodiversity at the expense of current priorities must be understood to guide current conservation planning‚ but have been largely unexplored. To fill this gap‚ we compared the performance of four conservation planning solutions involving 662 vertebrate species in the Wet Tropics Natural Resource Management Cluster Region in north-eastern Australia. Input species data for the four planning solutions were: 1) current distributions; 2) projected distributions for 2055; 3) projected distributions for 2085; and 4) current‚ 2055 and 2085 projected distributions‚ and the connectivity between each of the three time periods for each species. The four planning solutions were remarkably similar (up to 85% overlap)‚ suggesting that modelling for either current or future scenarios is sufficient for conversation planning for this region‚ with little obvious trade-off. Our analyses also revealed that overall‚ species with small ranges occurring across steep elevation gradients and at higher elevations were more likely to be better represented in all solutions. Given that species with these characteristics are of high conservation significance‚ our results provide confidence that conservation planning focused on either current‚ near- or distant-future biodiversity will account for these species.
    Citation

    Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Moilanen, A., & Graham, E. M. (2017). Examining current or future trade-offs for biodiversity conservation in north-eastern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0172230. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0172230

  64. Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Shabani, F. (2017). Global risk levels for corn rusts (Puccinia sorghi and Puccinia polysora) under climate change projections. Journal of Phytopathology, 165, 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12593

    Journal of Phytopathology
    Abstract

    Common rust (Puccinia sorghi) and southern rust (Puccinia polysora) are two of the most important foliar corn diseases worldwide. These fungi have caused severe economic loss to corn yields worldwide. The current and future potential distribution of these diseases was modelled with CLIMEX using the known current geographic locations of the rusts‚ growth and stress indices. The models were run under the A2 scenario using CSIRO-Mk3·0 and MIROC-H for 2050 and 2100. The current projection shows areas with marginal to optimal suitability in all the continents. The models for future projections display a general reduction in the Southern hemisphere and increase in the Northern hemisphere‚ especially for the southern rust. The overlay of the General Circulation Models produce an estimation of the common areas under risk for future climate conditions for the simultaneous occurrence for both corn rusts‚ with a reduction of the medium- and high-risk categories by 2100. This study highlights the possible effects of climate change at a global level for common and southern rust‚ as well as the risk of occurrence of both diseases in common areas for future climate that could be particularly harmful for crops. © 2017 Blackwell Verlag GmbH
    Citation

    Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Shabani, F. (2017). Global risk levels for corn rusts (Puccinia sorghi and Puccinia polysora) under climate change projections. Journal of Phytopathology, 165, 563–574. https://doi.org/10.1111/jph.12593

  65. Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., & Moran, C. (2017). Trade-offs in carbon storage and biodiversity conservation under climate change reveal risk to endemic species. Biological Conservation, 207, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.01.004

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Carbon offset funds provide substantial opportunities for protection and restoration of native ecosystems‚ with corresponding gains for biodiversity and reductions in atmospheric carbon. However‚ biodiversity could be disadvantaged if not properly accounted for‚ particularly under climate change‚ where high carbon gains do not coincide spatially with biodiversity priorities. While globally there is congruence for species richness and carbon stocks‚ adequate conservation needs to incorporate more refined measures of biodiversity - and consideration of the impact of future climate change. We investigated the spatial trade-off for carbon and biodiversity priorities in north-eastern Australia based on current and projected climate‚ using the Zonation prioritisation software. By iteratively weighting carbon against biodiversity we found that prioritising laird based on biodiversity value (for 697 vertebrates) included priority areas for potential carbon sequestration (Maximum Potential Biomass). However‚ if prioritisation was based on carbon sequestration potential alone‚ substantial areas important for biodiversity would be lost. Policy frameworks need to be strengthened to remove barriers from landholder participation in carbon storage projects that have biodiversity benefits‚ and to require that both carbon and biodiversity gains are additional. Properly accounting for biodiversity in land-based carbon sequestration and storage prioritisation in this region is likely to generate substantial benefits for both biodiversity and carbon. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., & Moran, C. (2017). Trade-offs in carbon storage and biodiversity conservation under climate change reveal risk to endemic species. Biological Conservation, 207, 9–16. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2017.01.004

  66. Radnan, G. N., & Eldridge, D. J. (2017). Does the morphology of animal foraging pits influence secondary seed dispersal by ants? Austral Ecology, 42, 920–928. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12519

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Secondary seed dispersal by ants (myrmecochory) is an important process in semi-arid environments where seeds are transported from the soil surface to an ant nest. Microsites from which ants often remove seeds are the small pits and depressions made by native and exotic animals that forage in the soil. Previous studies have demonstrated greater seed retention in the pits of native than exotic animals‚ but little is known about how biotic factors such as secondary seed dispersal by ants affect seed removal and therefore retention in these foraging pits. We used an experimental approach to examine how the morphology of burrowing bettong (Bettongia lesueur)‚ greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis)‚ short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) foraging pits and ant body size influenced ant locomotion and seed removal from pits along an aridity gradient. Ants took 3.7-times longer to emerge from echidna pits (19.6 s) and six-times longer to emerge from bettong pits (30.5 s) than from rabbit pits (5.2 s)‚ resulting in lower seed removal from bettong pits than other pit types. Fewer seeds were removed from pits when cages were used to exclude large body-sized (>2 mm) ants. Few seeds were removed from the pits or surface up to aridity values of 0.5 (humid and dry sub-humid)‚ but removal increased rapidly in semi-arid and arid zones. Our study demonstrates that mammal foraging pit morphology significantly affects ant locomotion‚ the ability of ants to retrieve seeds‚ and therefore the likelihood that seeds will be retained within foraging pits. © 2017 Ecological Society of Australia
    Citation

    Radnan, G. N., & Eldridge, D. J. (2017). Does the morphology of animal foraging pits influence secondary seed dispersal by ants? Austral Ecology, 42, 920–928. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12519

  67. Penalba, J. V., Joseph, L., & Moritz, C. (2017). Current geography masks dynamic history of gene flow during speciation in northern Australian birds. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/178475

    bioRxiv
    bioRxiv
    abstract
    Citation

    Penalba, J. V., Joseph, L., & Moritz, C. (2017). Current geography masks dynamic history of gene flow during speciation in northern Australian birds. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/178475

  68. Pepper, M., Hamilton, D. G., Merkling, T., Svedin, N., Cser, B., Catullo, R. A., Pryke, S. R., & Keogh, J. S. (2017). Phylogeographic structure across one of the largest intact tropical savannahs: Molecular and morphological analysis of Australia’s iconic frilled lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 106, 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2016.09.002

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    The spectacular threat display of the savannah specialist Australo-Papuan frilled lizards has made them one of the world’s most iconic reptiles. They are increasingly used as a model system for research in evolutionary biology and ecology but little is known of their population structure. Their distribution across northern Australia and southern New Guinea also provides an opportunity to examine biogeographic patterns as they relate to the large-scale movement of savannah habitat during the Plio/Pleistocene and the associated increase in aridity. We generated sequence data for one mitochondria] and four nuclear DNA loci (5052 base pairs) for 83 frilled lizards sampled throughout their range. We also quantified body proportion variation for 279 individuals. Phylogenetic analyses based on maximum likelihood and Bayesian species-tree methods revealed three shallow clades that replace each other across the monsoon tropics. We found the expected pattern of male biased sexual size dimorphism in both maximum body size and head size but there was no sexual dimorphism in overall body shape or in frill size‚ relative to head size‚ supporting the hypothesis that the frill is used primarily as a threat display rather than a sexual display. The genetic clades are broadly consistent with known clinal variation in frill color that gradually shifts from west to east (red‚ orange‚ yellow/white) but otherwise show little morphological differentiation in body proportion measures. The biogeographic breaks between clades occur at the Carpentaria Gap and the lowlands surrounding the Ord River‚ and our ecological niche modeling predicts lower habitat suitability for C. kingii in these regions. While this biogeographic pattern is consistent with numerous other taxonomic groups in northern Australia‚ the overall low genetic diversity in frilled lizards across the entire monsoon tropics and southern New Guinea contrasts starkly to patterns seen in other terrestrial vertebrates. Extremely low intra-clade genetic diversity over vast geographic areas is indicative of recent gene flow that would likely have been facilitated by widespread savannah during interglacials‚ or alternatively may reflect population bottlenecks induced by extreme aridity during Pleistocene gladals. The shallow divergence between Australian and New Guinean samples is consistent with recent connectivity between Australia and New Guinea that would have been possible via a savannah corridor across the Torres Strait. Based on our molecular and morphological data‚ we do not support taxonomic recognition of any of the frilled lizard clades and instead consider C. kingii a single species with shallow phylogeographic structure and clinal variation in frill color. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Pepper, M., Hamilton, D. G., Merkling, T., Svedin, N., Cser, B., Catullo, R. A., Pryke, S. R., & Keogh, J. S. (2017). Phylogeographic structure across one of the largest intact tropical savannahs: Molecular and morphological analysis of Australia’s iconic frilled lizard Chlamydosaurus kingii. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 106, 217–227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2016.09.002

  69. Nunes, A. L., Zengeya, T. A., Measey, G. J., & Weyl, O. L. F. (2017). Freshwater crayfish invasions in South Africa: past, present and potential future. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 42(4), 309–323. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2017.1405788

    African Journal of Aquatic Science
    Abstract

    Freshwater crayfish invasions have been studied around the world‚ but less so in Africa‚ a continent devoid of native
    freshwater crayfish. The present study reviews historical and current information on alien freshwater crayfish species
    introduced into South Africa and aims to indicate which areas are at risk from invasion. As is the case elsewhere‚
    South Africans have shown a keen interest in both farming and keeping freshwater crayfish as pets‚ which has
    resulted in Cherax cainii‚ Cherax destructor‚ Cherax quadricarinatus and Procambarus clarkii being introduced to
    the country. There is evidence of successful establishment in the wild for C. quadricarinatus and P. clarkii in different
    parts of the country. Species distribution models suggest that the eastern part of the country and parts of the Eastern
    and Western Cape are at higher risk of invasion. At present‚ illegal translocations represent the most likely pathway
    of crayfish spread in South Africa. A continued risk of invasion by freshwater crayfish species in South Africa is
    highlighted‚ which reinforces the need for more research‚ as well as for strong mitigation measures‚ such as stronger
    policing of existing regulations‚ management or eradication where feasible and public education.
    Citation

    Nunes, A. L., Zengeya, T. A., Measey, G. J., & Weyl, O. L. F. (2017). Freshwater crayfish invasions in South Africa: past, present and potential future. African Journal of Aquatic Science, 42(4), 309–323. https://doi.org/10.2989/16085914.2017.1405788

  70. Ofori, B. Y., Stow, A. J., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Influence of adaptive capacity on the outcome of climate change vulnerability assessment. Scientific Reports, 7, 12979. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13245-y

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    Climate change vulnerability assessment (CCVA) has become a mainstay conservation decision support tool. CCVAs are recommended to incorporate three elements of vulnerability - exposure‚ sensitivity and adaptive capacity - yet‚ lack of data frequently leads to the latter being excluded. Further‚ weighted or unweighted scoring schemes‚ based on expert opinion‚ may be applied. Comparisons of these approaches are rare. In a CCVA for 17 Australian lizard species‚ we show that membership within three vulnerability categories (low‚ medium and high) generally remained similar regardless of the framework or scoring scheme. There was one exception however‚ where‚ under the warm/dry scenario for 2070‚ including adaptive capacity lead to five fewer species being classified as highly vulnerable. Two species‚ Eulamprus leuraensis and E. kosciuskoi‚ were consistently ranked the most vulnerable‚ primarily due to projected losses in climatically suitable habitat‚ narrow thermal tolerance and specialist habitat requirements. Our findings provide relevant information for prioritizing target species for conservation and choosing appropriate conservation actions. We conclude that for the species included in this study‚ the framework and scoring scheme used had little impact on the identification of the most vulnerable species. We caution‚ however‚ that this outcome may not apply to other taxa or regions.
    Citation

    Ofori, B. Y., Stow, A. J., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Influence of adaptive capacity on the outcome of climate change vulnerability assessment. Scientific Reports, 7, 12979. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13245-y

  71. Nimbs, M. J., Willan, R. C., & Smith, S. D. A. (2017). Is Port Stephens, eastern Australia, a global hotspot for biodiversity of Aplysiidae (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia)? Molluscan Research, 37, 45–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/13235818.2016.1207280

    Molluscan Research
    Abstract

    Port Stephens‚ a large natural harbour on the central New South Wales (NSW) coast‚ provides ideal oceanographic and benthic conditions for the growth of marine algae and seagrasses‚ and this promotes a suite of herbivorous heterobranch sea slugs such as sea hares and sap-sucking sea slugs. In this article we document both historic and recent observations of sea hares (family Aplysiidae) from Port Stephens with the intention of recording species diversity. The western South Pacific region has the richest aplysiid fauna in the world‚ with 16 species now recorded in Port Stephens. This location is the most taxonomically diverse for this family in Australia. Despite this hotspot of aplysiid diversity‚ the taxonomy and nomenclature of 12 species is uncertain‚ a fact highlighted by a series of nomenclatural notes included in this article. We herein report the first observation of Petalifera sp. in Australian waters. Dolabrifera jacksoniensis Pilsbry‚ 1896 is newly synonymised with D. brazieri G.B. Sowerby II‚ 1870. Recent reports of southern range extensions for other heterobranch sea slugs‚ both in Port Stephens and elsewhere in NSW‚ highlight the importance of recording the existing aplysiid diversity in the port. Thus‚ any future alteration to species composition and range shifts driven by climate change may be detected. © 2016 The Malacological Society of Australasia and the Society for the Study of Molluscan Diversity.
    Citation

    Nimbs, M. J., Willan, R. C., & Smith, S. D. A. (2017). Is Port Stephens, eastern Australia, a global hotspot for biodiversity of Aplysiidae (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia)? Molluscan Research, 37, 45–65. https://doi.org/10.1080/13235818.2016.1207280

  72. Ofori, B. Y., Stow, A. J., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Combining dispersal, landscape connectivity and habitat suitability to assess climate-induced changes in the distribution of Cunningham’s skink, Egernia cunninghami. PLoS ONE, 12, e0184193. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184193

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    The ability of species to track their climate niche is dependent on their dispersal potential and the connectivity of the landscape matrix linking current and future suitable habitat. However‚ studies modeling climate-driven range shifts rarely address the movement of species across landscapes realistically‚ often assuming "unlimited" or "no" dispersal. Here‚ we incorporate dispersal rate and landscape connectivity with a species distribution model (Maxent) to assess the extent to which the Cunningham’s skink (Egernia cunninghami) may be capable of tracking spatial shifts in suitable habitat as climate changes. Our model was projected onto four contrasting‚ but equally plausible‚ scenarios describing futures that are (relative to now) hot/wet‚ warm/dry‚ hot/with similar precipitation and warm/wet‚ at six time horizons with decadal intervals (2020-2070) and at two spatial resolutions: 1 km and 250 m. The size of suitable habitat was projected to decline 23-63% at 1 km and 26-64% at 250 m‚ by 2070. Combining Maxent output with the dispersal rate of the species and connectivity of the intervening landscape matrix showed that most current populations in regions projected to become unsuitable in the medium to long term‚ will be unable to shift the distance necessary to reach suitable habitat. In particular‚ numerous populations currently inhabiting the trailing edge of the species’ range are highly unlikely to be able to disperse fast enough to track climate change. Unless these populations are capable of adaptation they are likely to be extirpated. We note‚ however‚ that the core of the species distribution remains suitable across the broad spectrum of climate scenarios considered. Our findings highlight challenges faced by philopatric species and the importance of adaptation for the persistence of peripheral populations under climate change.
    Citation

    Ofori, B. Y., Stow, A. J., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Combining dispersal, landscape connectivity and habitat suitability to assess climate-induced changes in the distribution of Cunningham’s skink, Egernia cunninghami. PLoS ONE, 12, e0184193. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0184193

  73. Morán-Ordóñez, A., Lahoz-Monfort, J. J., Elith, J., & Wintle, B. A. (2017). Evaluating 318 continental-scale species distribution models over a 60-year prediction horizon: what factors influence the reliability of predictions? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 26, 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12545

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Morán-Ordóñez, A., Lahoz-Monfort, J. J., Elith, J., & Wintle, B. A. (2017). Evaluating 318 continental-scale species distribution models over a 60-year prediction horizon: what factors influence the reliability of predictions? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 26, 371–384. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12545

  74. McKinney, M., & Kark, S. (2017). Factors shaping avian alien species richness in Australia vs Europe. Diversity and Distributions, 23, 1334–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12625

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    AimWe aim to examine the relative importance of human activity-related and natural variables in shaping spatial patterns of alien bird species richness at the continental scale for Australia. We examine the drivers shaping establishment of alien birds in Australia in the framework of the human activity hypothesis and the biotic acceptance hypothesis (the rich get richer model of biotic invasion)‚ and directly compare our results to Europe.
    LocationContinental Australia‚ Tasmania‚ Continental Europe‚ United Kingdom.
    MethodsWe use compiled atlas data on alien bird richness in continental Australia and Tasmania together and separately‚ records of known alien bird introduction events compiled from various sources and a suite of biogeographic variables to evaluate drivers of alien bird richness at a 50-km resolution in Australia. We use hierarchical portioning and spatial generalized linear models to quantify the relative contribution of each environmental variable to alien bird richness. We then compare our results directly to those from a previous continental-scale study in Europe and in the UK.
    ResultsWe identify 24 established alien bird species across Australia (including nearshore islands and Tasmania) and present a detailed map of alien bird richness in Australia. We discover that in Australia‚ native bird species richness and land cover heterogeneity are the strongest predictors of alien bird richness at a 50-km resolution‚ supporting the rich get richer model of species invasion.
    Main conclusionsOur results are contrary to Europe‚ where the human activity hypothesis was best supported. By performing a cross-continental comparison of drivers of alien bird richness‚ we show that processes shaping alien establishment and spread can vary across continents with variable human impact history and should be examined on a case-by-case basis before endorsing general hypotheses.
    Citation

    McKinney, M., & Kark, S. (2017). Factors shaping avian alien species richness in Australia vs Europe. Diversity and Distributions, 23, 1334–1342. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12625

  75. Martin-Fores, I., Guerin, G. R., & Lowe, A. J. (2017). Weed abundance is positively correlated with native plant diversity in grasslands of southern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0178681. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178681

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Weeds are commonly considered a threat to biodiversity‚ yet interactions between native and exotic species in grasslands are poorly understood and reported results vary depending on the spatial scale of study‚ the factors controlled for and the response variables analysed. We tested whether weed presence and abundance is related to declines in biodiversity in Australian grasslands. We employed existing field data from 241 plots along a disturbance gradient and correlated species richness‚ cover and Shannon diversity for natives and exotics‚ controlling for seasonal rainfall‚ climatic gradients and nutrient status. We found no negative relationships in terms of emergent diversity metrics and occupation of space‚ indeed‚ many positive relationships were revealed. When split by land-use‚ differences were found along the disturbance gradient. In high-moderately disturbed grasslands associated with land-uses such as cropping and modified pastures‚ positive associations were enhanced. Tolerance and facilitation mechanisms may be involved‚ such as complementary roles through different life history strategies: the exotic flora was dominated mainly by annual grasses and herbs whereas the native flora represented more diverse growth-forms with a higher proportion of perennials. The positive relationships existing between native and exotic plant species in high-moderately disturbed grasslands of South Australia are most likely due to facilitation through different strategies in occupation of space given that the effect of habitat suitability was controlled for by including environmental and disturbance factors. Consequently‚ although particular weeds may negatively impact biodiversity‚ this cannot be generalised and management focusing on general weed eradication in grasslands might be ineffectual.
    Citation

    Martin-Fores, I., Guerin, G. R., & Lowe, A. J. (2017). Weed abundance is positively correlated with native plant diversity in grasslands of southern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0178681. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0178681

  76. Lin, H. Y., Bush, A., Linke, S., Possingham, H. P., & Brown, C. J. (2017). Climate change decouples marine and freshwater habitats of a threatened migratory fish. Diversity and Distributions, 23, 751–760. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12570

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim: To assess how climate change may decouple the ecosystems used by a migratory fish‚ and how decoupling influences priorities for stream restoration.
    Location: Australia.
    Methods: We modelled changes in habitat suitability under climate change in both riverine and marine habitats for a threatened diadromous species‚ the Australian Grayling Prototroctes maraena‚ using niche models. The loss of riverine habitats for Grayling was compared with or without considering the impact of climate change on adjacent marine habitats. We also asked whether considering marine climate change changed the locations where removing dams had the greatest benefit for Grayling conservation.
    Results: Climate change is expected to cause local extinction in both marine and river habitats regardless of whether dams are retained or removed at the trailing edge of the Grayling’s range (north-eastern). Decoupling of habitats was most apparent in the eastern and south-eastern portion of the Grayling’s range‚ where ocean warming may cause a decline in the suitability of marine habitats for larvae‚ while many freshwater habitats retained suitable habitat for adults. Removing dams to restore connectivity between ocean and freshwater habitats was predicted to have the greatest benefit for Grayling in southern portions of their range. Under climate change‚ the priorities for barrier removal gradually shift towards dams at higher elevation because of increasing suitability of freshwater habitats at higher elevations.
    Main conclusions: Our study highlights the importance of assessing climate range shifts in multiple ecosystems for migratory species and can help inform priorities for stream restoration under a changing climate.
    Citation

    Lin, H. Y., Bush, A., Linke, S., Possingham, H. P., & Brown, C. J. (2017). Climate change decouples marine and freshwater habitats of a threatened migratory fish. Diversity and Distributions, 23, 751–760. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12570

  77. Lee, T. R. C., Evans, T. A., Cameron, S. L., Hochuli, D. F., Ho, S. Y. W., & Lo, N. (2017). Ecological diversification of the Australian Coptotermes termites and the evolution of mound building. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 1405–1417. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12878

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: The Australian Coptotermes (Family: Rhinotermitidae) are a small monophyletic group of termites‚ some of which build mounds. In this study‚ we construct predicted distributions based on environmental data (niche models) for all Australian species of Coptotermes to test whether specific environmental factors have contributed to the evolution of mound-building behaviour and whether the degree of niche similarity and degree of phylogenetic similarity are correlated. Location: The Australian mainland‚ including the known native ranges of all Australian species of Coptotermes. Methods: We estimated the phylogenetic relationships between the species of Australian Coptotermes. We then generated and compared environmental niche models in a phylogenetic framework for all study species to test niche conservation. Our analyses were based on location data from our own sampling and from the Atlas of Living Australia‚ genetic data from a previous study of Australian Coptotermes‚ and environmental data from WorldClim and ASRIS. Results: We found that no environmental variable differed consistently between mound-building and non-mound-building taxa and that the differences in niches between pairs of Australian species of Coptotermes are uncorrelated with time since divergence. The environmental tolerances of the Australian Coptotermes termites are more restricted by rainfall than they are by soil or temperature. Main conclusions: Our results show that mound-building behaviour has not necessarily evolved in response to similar abiotic conditions. Our results are consistent with ecological speciation leading to niche divergence since Coptotermes first arrived in Australia \textasciitilde12.5 million years ago. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
    Citation

    Lee, T. R. C., Evans, T. A., Cameron, S. L., Hochuli, D. F., Ho, S. Y. W., & Lo, N. (2017). Ecological diversification of the Australian Coptotermes termites and the evolution of mound building. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 1405–1417. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12878

  78. Koshkina, V., Wang, Y., Gordon, A., Dorazio, R. M., White, M., Stone, L., & Warton, D. (2017). Integrated species distribution models: combining presence-background data and site-occupancy data with imperfect detection. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 420–430. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210x.12738

    Methods in Ecology and Evolution
    abstract
    Citation

    Koshkina, V., Wang, Y., Gordon, A., Dorazio, R. M., White, M., Stone, L., & Warton, D. (2017). Integrated species distribution models: combining presence-background data and site-occupancy data with imperfect detection. Methods in Ecology and Evolution, 8, 420–430. https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210x.12738

  79. Jordan, R., Hoffmann, A. A., Dillon, S. K., & Prober, S. M. (2017). Evidence of genomic adaptation to climate in Eucalyptus microcarpa: Implications for adaptive potential to projected climate change. Molecular Ecology, 26, 6002–6020. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14341

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Understanding whether populations can adapt in situ or whether interventions are required is of key importance for biodiversity management under climate change. Landscape genomics is becoming an increasingly important and powerful tool for rapid assessments of climate adaptation‚ especially in long-lived species such as trees. We investigated climate adaptation in Eucalyptus microcarpa using the DArTseq genomic approach. A combination of FST outlier and environmental association analyses were performed using >4200 genomewide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 26 populations spanning climate gradients in southeastern Australia. Eighty-one SNPs were identified as putatively adaptive‚ based on significance in FST outlier tests and significant associations with one or more climate variables related to temperature (70/81)‚ aridity (37/81) or precipitation (35/81). Adaptive SNPs were located on all 11 chromosomes‚ with no particular region associated with individual climate variables. Climate adaptation appeared to be characterized by subtle shifts in allele frequencies‚ with no consistent fixed differences identified. Based on these associations‚ we predict adaptation under projected changes in climate will include a suite of shifts in allele frequencies. Whether this can occur sufficiently rapidly through natural selection within populations‚ or would benefit from assisted gene migration‚ requires further evaluation. In some populations‚ the absence or predicted increases to near fixation of particular adaptive alleles hint at potential limits to adaptive capacity. Together‚ these results reinforce the importance of standing genetic variation at the geographic level for maintaining species’ evolutionary potential.
    Citation

    Jordan, R., Hoffmann, A. A., Dillon, S. K., & Prober, S. M. (2017). Evidence of genomic adaptation to climate in Eucalyptus microcarpa: Implications for adaptive potential to projected climate change. Molecular Ecology, 26, 6002–6020. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.14341

  80. Hossain, M. M. (2017). Accounting for biodiversity in Australia The case of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Pacific Accounting Review, 29, 2–33. https://doi.org/10.1108/Par-03-2016-0033

    Pacific Accounting Review
    Abstract

    Purpose -This paper aims to respond to recent calls by Jones (2014) and Jones and Solomon (Accounting‚ Auditing & Accountability Journal‚ 2013) for more studies on biodiversity accounting and reporting. In particular‚ this paper explores biodiversity reporting of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA)‚ an Australian public sector enterprise.
    Design/methodology/approach - The paper uses content analysis of MDBA’s published annual reports over the period of 15 years (1998-2012). Archival data (from different government departments) are also used to prepare natural inventory model.
    Findings -The paper finds that although specific species‚ such as flora and fauna‚ and habitats-related disclosures have increased over the time‚ such information still allows only a partial construction of an inventory of natural assets‚ using Jones’ (1996‚ 2003) model. However‚ unlike prior studies that find lack of data availability to be the main impediment for operationalising biodiversity accounting‚ the abundance of biodiversity data in Australia makes it comparatively easier to produce such a statement.
    Research limitations/implications - Informed by the environmental stewardship framework‚ the results of this paper suggest that the disclosures made by MDBA are constrained potentially due to its use of traditional accounting mechanisms of reporting that only allow tradable items to be reported to stakeholders. An alternative reporting format would be more relevant to stakeholder groups who are more interested in information regarding quality and availability of water‚ and loss of biodiversity in the basin area rather than the financial performance of the MDBA.
    Originality/value - Although there are a growing number of studies exploring biodiversity reporting in Australia‚ this paper is one of the earlier attempts to operationalise biodiversity (particularly habitats‚ flora and fauna) within the context of an Australian public sector enterprise.
    Citation

    Hossain, M. M. (2017). Accounting for biodiversity in Australia The case of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority. Pacific Accounting Review, 29, 2–33. https://doi.org/10.1108/Par-03-2016-0033

  81. James, C. S., Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Pearson, R. G., Burrows, D., Capon, S. J., Harwood, T. D., Hodgson, L., & Waltham, N. J. (2017). Sink or swim? Potential for high faunal turnover in Australian rivers under climate change. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 489–501. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12926

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    AimClimate change threatens biodiversity in all ecosystems‚ and major shifts in species distributions are expected. Freshwater ecosystems are considered particularly vulnerable due to the ectothermic physiology of most freshwater species and their limited habitat extent and capacity to track climate trends. In this study‚ we examined what broad patterns in freshwater riverine species turnover might be expected under climate change across continental Australia and what are the implications of these patterns for aquatic species and the low aquatic biodiversity of some bioregions?
    LocationContinental Australia.
    MethodsWe built statistical relationships between bioclimatic environments and the occurrence of species of four freshwater taxa (freshwater fish‚ crayfish‚ turtles and frogs) and examined trends in projected species turnover for a business as usual’ climate scenario. We used Maxent to model species distributions and present the median projection across 18 global climate models. A recently derived national stream network was used to generate estimates of mean annual river flow and to produce realistic species distributions and migration options by restricting dispersal and migration opportunities usually available to riverine fauna.
    ResultsHigh species turnover was driven overwhelmingly by potential local extinctions particularly for stream frogs and crayfish where their current biodiversity is largely confined to higher elevation headwater streams. We predicted high turnover for inland regions of Australia‚ which are arid and generally support fewer freshwater species.
    Main conclusionsOur analysis indicates that under the most severe emissions pathway‚ projected climate change is likely to cause substantial changes to the composition of faunal assemblages in Australian rivers well before the end of this century. While freshwater systems globally are subject to immediate and pressing threats from anthropogenic land and water use‚ management interventions addressing these pressures need to be considered within the context of climate change.
    Citation

    James, C. S., Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Pearson, R. G., Burrows, D., Capon, S. J., Harwood, T. D., Hodgson, L., & Waltham, N. J. (2017). Sink or swim? Potential for high faunal turnover in Australian rivers under climate change. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 489–501. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12926

  82. Hill, L. (2017). Migration of green mirid, Creontiades dilutus (Stål) and residence of potato bug, Closterotomus norwegicus (Gmelin) in Tasmania (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae: Mirini). Crop Protection, 96, 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2017.02.006

    Crop Protection
    Abstract

    Adults but not nymphs of green mirid‚ Creontiades dilutus (Stål) (Hemiptera: Miridae) are sometimes detected in Tasmania. The species has been recorded‚ as adults at least‚ from a wide range of habitats‚ localities and plants in mainland Australia and suitable host plants occur in Tasmania. Most Tasmanian detections of C. dilutus have been in a long-term light trap and coincide with movements of known long-distance migratory insects and airflows favourable for migration across Bass Strait. In contrast adults and juveniles of the potato bug Closterotomus norwegicus (Gmelin) (Hemiptera: Miridae) are collected regularly in crops for which details are given. A published degree-day development model for C. dilutus was used to identify several impediments to fecundity‚ egg and juvenile survival and adult maturation such that even ephemeral seasonal establishment is highly unlikely. The absence of juveniles‚ coincidence of adults with migratory insects and northerly airflows and modelled obstacles to breeding in combination indicate that C. dilutus migrates to Tasmania. The results provide another example of a pest that fails to establish‚ even ephemerally‚ in Tasmania despite repeated migration from mainland Australia. Publications stating that the distribution of C. dilutus includes Tasmania are based only on captures of migratory adults. Climate matching models are prone to error if they assume C. dilutus is resident in Tasmania. © 2017 Elsevier Ltd
    Citation

    Hill, L. (2017). Migration of green mirid, Creontiades dilutus (Stål) and residence of potato bug, Closterotomus norwegicus (Gmelin) in Tasmania (Hemiptera: Miridae: Mirinae: Mirini). Crop Protection, 96, 211–220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2017.02.006

  83. Hirsch, H., Gallien, L., Impson, F. A. C., Kleinjan, C., Richardson, D. M., & Le Roux, J. J. (2017). Unresolved native range taxonomy complicates inferences in invasion ecology: Acacia dealbata Link as an example. Biological Invasions, 19, 1715–1722. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1381-9

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    Elaborate and expensive endeavours are underway worldwide to understand and manage biological invasions. However‚ the success of such efforts can be jeopardised due to taxonomic uncertainty. We highlight how unresolved native range taxonomy can complicate inferences in invasion ecology using the invasive tree Acacia dealbata in South Africa as an example. Acacia dealbata is thought to comprise two subspecies based on morphological characteristics and environmental requirements within its native range in Australia: ssp. dealbata and spp. subalpina. Biological control is the most promising option for managing invasive A. dealbata populations in South Africa‚ but it remains unknown which genetic/taxonomic entities are present in the country. Resolving this question is crucial for selecting appropriate biological control agents and for identifying areas with the highest invasion risk. We used species distribution models (SDMs) and phylogeographic approaches to address this issue. The ability of subspecies-specific and overall species SDMs to predict occurrences in South Africa was also explored. Furthermore‚ as non-overlapping bioclimatic niches between the two taxonomic entities may translate into evolutionary distinctiveness‚ we also tested genetic distances between the entities using DNA sequencing data and network analysis. Both approaches were unable to differentiate the two putative subspecies of A. dealbata. However‚ the SDM approach revealed a potential niche shift in the non-native range‚ and DNA sequencing results suggested repeated introductions of different native provenances into South Africa. Our findings provide important information for ongoing biological control attempts and highlight the importance of resolving taxonomic uncertainties in invasion ecology.
    Citation

    Hirsch, H., Gallien, L., Impson, F. A. C., Kleinjan, C., Richardson, D. M., & Le Roux, J. J. (2017). Unresolved native range taxonomy complicates inferences in invasion ecology: Acacia dealbata Link as an example. Biological Invasions, 19, 1715–1722. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-017-1381-9

  84. Hageer, Y., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Climate, soil or both? Which variables are better predictors of the distributions of Australian shrub species? PeerJ, 5, e3446. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3446

    PeerJ
    PeerJ
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Shrubs play a key role in biogeochemical cycles‚ prevent soil and water erosion‚ provide forage for livestock‚ and are a source of food‚ wood and non-wood products. However‚ despite their ecological and societal importance‚ the influence of different environmental variables on shrub distributions remains unclear. We evaluated the influence of climate and soil characteristics‚ and whether including soil variables improved the performance of a species distribution model (SDM)‚ Maxent. METHODS: This study assessed variation in predictions of environmental suitability for 29 Australian shrub species (representing dominant members of six shrubland classes) due to the use of alternative sets of predictor variables. Models were calibrated with (1) climate variables only‚ (2) climate and soil variables‚ and (3) soil variables only. RESULTS: The predictive power of SDMs differed substantially across species‚ but generally models calibrated with both climate and soil data performed better than those calibrated only with climate variables. Models calibrated solely with soil variables were the least accurate. We found regional differences in potential shrub species richness across Australia due to the use of different sets of variables. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides evidence that predicted patterns of species richness may be sensitive to the choice of predictor set when multiple‚ plausible alternatives exist‚ and demonstrates the importance of considering soil properties when modeling availability of habitat for plants.
    Citation

    Hageer, Y., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Baumgartner, J. B., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). Climate, soil or both? Which variables are better predictors of the distributions of Australian shrub species? PeerJ, 5, e3446. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.3446

  85. Haque, M. M., Nipperess, D. A., Gallagher, R. V., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). How well documented is Australia’s flora? Understanding spatial bias in vouchered plant specimens. Austral Ecology, 42, 690–699. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12487

    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Haque, M. M., Nipperess, D. A., Gallagher, R. V., & Beaumont, L. J. (2017). How well documented is Australia’s flora? Understanding spatial bias in vouchered plant specimens. Austral Ecology, 42, 690–699. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12487

  86. Harris, R. M. B., Kriticos, D. J., Remenyi, T., & Bindoff, N. (2017). Unusual suspects in the usual places: a phylo-climatic framework to identify potential future invasive species. Biological Invasions, 19, 577–596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-016-1334-8

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    A framework for identifying species that may become invasive under future climate conditions is presented‚ based on invader attributes and biogeography in combination with projections of future climate. We illustrate the framework using the CLIMEX niche model to identify future climate suitability for three species of Hawkweed that are currently present in the Australian Alps region and related species that are present in the neighbouring region. Potential source regions under future climate conditions are identified‚ and species from those emerging risk areas are identified. We use dynamically downscaled climate projections to complement global analyses and provide fine-scale projections of suitable climate for current and future (2070-2099) conditions at the regional scale. Changing climatic conditions may reduce the suitability for some invasive species and improve it for others. Invasive species with distributions strongly determined by climate‚ where the projected future climate is highly suitable‚ are those with the greatest potential to be future invasive species in the region. As the Alps region becomes warmer and drier‚ many more regions of the world become potential sources of invasive species‚ although only one additional species of Hawkweed is identified as an emerging risk. However‚ in the longer term‚ as the species in these areas respond to global climate change‚ the potential source areas contract again to match higher altitude regions. Knowledge of future climate suitability‚ based on species-specific climatic tolerances‚ is a useful step towards prioritising management responses such as targeted eradication and early intervention to prevent the spread of future invasive species.
    Citation

    Harris, R. M. B., Kriticos, D. J., Remenyi, T., & Bindoff, N. (2017). Unusual suspects in the usual places: a phylo-climatic framework to identify potential future invasive species. Biological Invasions, 19, 577–596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-016-1334-8

  87. Froese, J. G., Smith, C. S., Durr, P. A., McAlpine, C. A., & van Klinken, R. D. (2017). Modelling seasonal habitat suitability for wide-ranging species: Invasive wild pigs in northern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0177018. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177018

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Invasive wildlife often causes serious damage to the economy and agriculture as well as environmental‚ human and animal health. Habitat models can fill knowledge gaps about species distributions and assist planning to mitigate impacts. Yet‚ model accuracy and utility may be compromised by small study areas and limited integration of species ecology or temporal variability. Here we modelled seasonal habitat suitability for wild pigs‚ a widespread and harmful invader‚ in northern Australia. We developed a resource-based‚ spatially-explicit and regional-scale approach using Bayesian networks and spatial pattern suitability analysis. We integrated important ecological factors such as variability in environmental conditions‚ breeding requirements and home range movements. The habitat model was parameterized during a structured‚ iterative expert elicitation process and applied to a wet season and a dry season scenario. Model performance and uncertainty was evaluated against independent distributional data sets. Validation results showed that an expert-averaged model accurately predicted empirical wild pig presences in northern Australia for both seasonal scenarios. Model uncertainty was largely associated with different expert assumptions about wild pigs’ resource-seeking home range movements. Habitat suitability varied considerably between seasons‚ retracting to resource-abundant rainforest‚ wetland and agricultural refuge areas during the dry season and expanding widely into surrounding grassland floodplains‚ savanna woodlands and coastal shrubs during the wet season. Overall‚ our model suggested that suitable wild pig habitat is less widely available in northern Australia than previously thought. Mapped results may be used to quantify impacts‚ assess risks‚ justify management investments and target control activities. Our methods are applicable to other wide-ranging species‚ especially in data-poor situations.
    Citation

    Froese, J. G., Smith, C. S., Durr, P. A., McAlpine, C. A., & van Klinken, R. D. (2017). Modelling seasonal habitat suitability for wide-ranging species: Invasive wild pigs in northern Australia. PLoS ONE, 12, e0177018. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0177018

  88. García-Navas, V., Rodríguez-Rey, M., & Christidis, L. (2017). Ecological opportunity and ecomorphological convergence in Australasian robins (Petroicidae). Journal of Avian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01552

    Journal of Avian Biology
    abstract
    Citation

    García-Navas, V., Rodríguez-Rey, M., & Christidis, L. (2017). Ecological opportunity and ecomorphological convergence in Australasian robins (Petroicidae). Journal of Avian Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01552

  89. Entwisle, T. J., Cole, C., & Symes, P. (2017). Adapting the botanical landscape of Melbourne Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria) in response to climate change. Plant Diversity, 39, 338–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2017.11.001

    Plant Diversity
    abstract
    Citation

    Entwisle, T. J., Cole, C., & Symes, P. (2017). Adapting the botanical landscape of Melbourne Gardens (Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria) in response to climate change. Plant Diversity, 39, 338–347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pld.2017.11.001

  90. Farrell, C., Szota, C., & Arndt, S. K. (2017). Does the turgor loss point characterize drought response in dryland plants? Plant Cell and Environment, 40, 1500–1511. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12948

    Plant Cell and Environment
    Abstract

    The water potential at turgor loss point (Ψtlp) has been suggested as a key functional trait for determining plant drought tolerance‚ because of its close relationship with stomatal closure. Ψtlp may indicate drought tolerance as plants‚ which maintain gas exchange at lower midday water potentials as soil water availability declines also have lower Ψtlp. We evaluated 17 species from seasonally dry habitats‚ representing a range of life-forms‚ under well-watered and drought conditions‚ to determine how Ψtlp relates to stomatal sensitivity (pre-dawn water potential at stomatal closure: Ψgs0) and drought strategy (degree of isohydry or anisohydry; ΔΨMD between well-watered conditions and stomatal closure). Although Ψgs0 was related to Ψtlp‚ Ψgs0 was better related to drought strategy (ΔΨMD). Drought avoiders (isohydric) closed stomata at water potentials higher than their Ψtlp; whereas‚ drought tolerant (anisohydric) species maintained stomatal conductance at lower water potentials than their Ψtlp and were more dehydration tolerant. There was no significant relationship between Ψtlp and ΔΨMD. While Ψtlp has been related to biome water availability‚ we found that Ψtlp did not relate strongly to stomatal closure or drought strategy‚ for either drought avoiders or tolerators. We therefore suggest caution in using Ψtlp to predict vulnerability to drought. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
    Citation

    Farrell, C., Szota, C., & Arndt, S. K. (2017). Does the turgor loss point characterize drought response in dryland plants? Plant Cell and Environment, 40, 1500–1511. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12948

  91. Flores-Renteria, L., Rymer, P. D., & Riegler, M. (2017). Unpacking boxes: Integration of molecular, morphological and ecological approaches reveals extensive patterns of reticulate evolution in box eucalypts. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 108, 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.01.019

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Reticulate evolution by hybridization is considered a common process shaping the evolution of many plant species‚ however‚ reticulation could also be due to incomplete lineage sorting in biodiverse systems. For our study we selected a group of closely related plant taxa with contrasting yet partially overlapping geographic distributions and different population sizes‚ to distinguish between reticulated patterns due to hybridization and incomplete lineage sorting. We predicted that sympatric or proximal populations of different species are more likely to have gene flow than geographically distant populations of the same widespread species. Furthermore‚ for species with restricted distributions‚ and therefore‚ small effective population sizes‚ we predicted complete lineage sorting. Eastern grey box eucalypt species (Eucalyptus supraspecies Moluccanae) provide an ideal system to explore patterns of reticulate evolution. They form a diverse‚ recently evolved and phylogenetically undefined group within Eucalyptus‚ with overlapping morphological features and hybridization in nature. We used a multi-faceted approach‚ combining analyses of chloroplast and nuclear DNA‚ as well as seedling morphology‚ flowering time and ecological spatial differentiation in order to test for species delimitation and reticulate evolution in this group. The multiple layers of results were consistent and suggested a lack of monophyly at different hierarchical levels due to multidirectional gene flow among several species‚ challenging species delimitation. Chloroplast and nuclear haplotypes were shared among different species in geographic proximity‚ consistent with hybridization zones. Furthermore‚ species with restricted distributions appeared better resolved due to lineage sorting in the absence of hybridization. We conclude that a combination of molecular‚ morphological and ecological approaches is required to disentangle patterns of reticulate evolution in the box eucalypts.
    Citation

    Flores-Renteria, L., Rymer, P. D., & Riegler, M. (2017). Unpacking boxes: Integration of molecular, morphological and ecological approaches reveals extensive patterns of reticulate evolution in box eucalypts. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 108, 70–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2017.01.019

  92. Coops, N. C., Rickbeil, G. J. M., Bolton, D. K., Andrew, M. E., & Brouwers, N. C. (2017). Disentangling vegetation and climate as drivers of Australian vertebrate richness. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02813

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Coops, N. C., Rickbeil, G. J. M., Bolton, D. K., Andrew, M. E., & Brouwers, N. C. (2017). Disentangling vegetation and climate as drivers of Australian vertebrate richness. Ecography. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02813

  93. Chen, S. C., Cornwell, W. K., Zhang, H. X., & Moles, A. T. (2017). Plants show more flesh in the tropics: variation in fruit type along latitudinal and climatic gradients. Ecography, 40, 531–538. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02010

    Ecography
    Ecography
    Abstract

    Fruit type has a major impact on seed dispersal‚ seed predation and energy allocation‚ but our understanding of large-scale patterns in fruit type variation is weak. We used a dataset of 4008 Australian species to provide the first continental-scale tests of a series of hypotheses about the factors that might affect fruit type. We found a significant latitudinal gradient in the proportion of Fleshy-fruited species‚ with the percentage of fleshy-fruited species rising from 19% at 43.75 degrees S to 49% at 9.25 degrees S. Species bearing fleshy fruits were more frequent on the coastal fringes of Australia‚ while species bearing non-fleshy fruits became more frequent toward the arid centre. Wet‚ warm and stable climates favoured fleshy-fruited species‚ with the two best predictors of the proportion of fleshy-fruited species being maximum precipitation over five days (R-2 = 0.40)‚ and precipitation in the wettest month (R-2 = 0.25). These results remained consistent after accounting for phylogenetic correlation among species. A combined model including variables of precipitation‚ temperature‚ and climatic variation explained 67% of the variation in the proportion of fleshy-fruited species. Our results are consistent with the idea that plant reproductive strategies are more often tied to conditions during the parts of the year in which they grow than to conditions during the harsh parts of the year. Overall‚ our findings demonstrate strong relationships between plant reproductive traits and environmental gradients‚ and improve our understanding of the factors that shape large-scale patterns in plant ecological strategies.
    Citation

    Chen, S. C., Cornwell, W. K., Zhang, H. X., & Moles, A. T. (2017). Plants show more flesh in the tropics: variation in fruit type along latitudinal and climatic gradients. Ecography, 40, 531–538. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.02010

  94. Bui, E. N., Thornhill, A. H., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Knerr, N., & Miller, J. T. (2017). Climate and geochemistry as drivers of eucalypt diversification in Australia. Geobiology, 15, 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12235

    Geobiology
    Geobiology
    Abstract

    Eucalypts cover most of Australia. Here‚ we investigate the relative contribution of climate and geochemistry to the distribution and diversity of eucalypts. Using geostatistics‚ we estimate major element concentrations‚ pH‚ and electrical conductivity at sites where eucalypts have been recorded. We compare the median predicted geochemistry and reported substrate for individual species that appear associated with extreme conditions; this provides a partial evaluation of the predictions. We generate a site-by-species matrix by aggregating observations to the centroids of 100-km-wide grid cells‚ calculate diversity indices‚ and use numerical ecology methods (ordination‚ variation partitioning) to investigate the ecology of eucalypts and their response to climatic and geochemical gradients. We find that -diversity coincides with variations in climatic and geochemical patterns. Climate and geochemistry together account for less than half of the variation in eucalypt species assemblages across Australia but for greater than 80% in areas of high species richness. Climate is more important than geochemistry in explaining eucalypts species distribution and change in assemblages across Australia as a whole but there are correlations between the two sets of environmental variables. Many individual eucalypt species and entire taxonomic sections (Aromatica‚ Longistylus of subgenus Eucalyptus‚ Dumaria‚ and Liberivalvae of subgenus Symphyomyrtus) have distributions affected strongly by geochemistry. We conclude that eucalypt diversity is driven by steep geochemical gradients that have arisen as climate patterns have fluctuated over Australia over the Cenozoic‚ generally aridifying since the Miocene. The diversification of eucalypts across Australia is thus an excellent example of co-evolution of landscapes and biota in space and time and challenges accepted notions of macroecology.
    Citation

    Bui, E. N., Thornhill, A. H., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Knerr, N., & Miller, J. T. (2017). Climate and geochemistry as drivers of eucalypt diversification in Australia. Geobiology, 15, 427–440. https://doi.org/10.1111/gbi.12235

  95. Bustos-Segura, C., Dillon, S., Keszei, A., Foley, W. J., & Külheim, C. (2017). Intraspecific diversity of terpenes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) at a continental scale. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 257–269. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16183

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Plants show a high degree of intraspecific variation in several traits including plant secondary metabolites. This variation can be influenced by genetic and environmental factors that result in geographical structure in their distribution. By growing plants from several populations in a controlled environment‚ we studied variation in foliar terpenes in Eucalyptus camaldulensis‚ which is the widest distributed eucalypt‚ with a large range both latitudinally and longitudinally. We found that the concentration of terpenes is highly variable among subspecies. We identified four chemotypes dominated by 1‚8-cineole‚ γ-terpinene‚ α-A nd β-phellandrene. While the 1‚8-cineole chemotype is abundant in all populations‚ the other three chemotypes are rare in the central area and the north-east of Australia. The γ-terpinene chemotype is mainly restricted to the north and west of Australia‚ whereas the α-A nd β-phellandrene chemotypes show an opposite distribution in the north and south of the continent. The annual mean temperature and humidity of the source populations correlate with the abundance of the dominant terpenes. We also tested the effects of elevated CO2 concentrations on the terpene concentration and found that elevated CO2 atmosphere reduces the overall accumulation of foliar terpenes. The results suggest that variation in terpene composition in E. camaldulensis can be influenced by environmental variables‚ mainly favouring the 1‚8-cineole chemotype in arid locations. © 2017 CSIRO.
    Citation

    Bustos-Segura, C., Dillon, S., Keszei, A., Foley, W. J., & Külheim, C. (2017). Intraspecific diversity of terpenes of Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtaceae) at a continental scale. Australian Journal of Botany, 65, 257–269. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16183

  96. Byrne, M., Millar, M. A., Coates, D. J., Macdonald, B. M., McArthur, S. M., Zhou, M., & van Leeuwen, S. (2017). Refining expectations for environmental characteristics of refugia: two ranges of differing elevation and topographical complexity are mesic refugia in an arid landscape. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 2539–2550. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13057

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: Topographically complex areas are hypothesized to be mesic refugia in arid environments during periods of climatic change. We tested the hypothesis that an elevated and topographically complex range has been a historical refugium in an arid environment during Pleistocene climatic oscillations for a widespread eucalypt.
    Location: Pilbara region‚ north-west Australia.
    Methods: We evaluated genetic diversity and differentiation in chloroplast and nuclear genomes using microsatellite loci in 20 populations of Eucalyptus leucophloia from across the distribution in the Pilbara bioregion‚ including two ranges with differing topographical complexity and elevation. We evaluated phylogeographical structure using Permut and Network analysis‚ and assessed genetic structure using principle coordinate (PCoA) and Bayesian analyses.
    Results: We found moderate levels of genetic diversity and low genetic differentiation among populations‚ typical of widespread eucalypts. There was no evidence of genetic structure across the sampled range. Populations in both the Hamersley and Chichester ranges showed higher levels of chloroplast haplotype and nuclear diversity than those in surrounding areas. Diversity was negatively correlated with evapotranspiration‚ and positively correlated with precipitation.
    Main conclusions: Genetic signals of high diversity and low differentiation indicated population persistence throughout historical climate change in ranges‚ with a signal of expansion in surrounding areas. Our analysis was consistent with the hypothesis of the elevated‚ topographically complex Hamersley Range acting as a refugium‚ but revealed an unexpected result of the lower elevation‚ less rugged Chichester Range also being a refugium. Our results suggest refinement to expectations of environmental characteristics that facilitate persistence‚ where thresholds of mesic environments for refugia may be lower than expected and moisture availability may be an important contributory aspect of elevation and topographical complexity. In contrast to patterns in reptile species‚ lack of genetic structure associated with geological substrate and geomorphological features indicates dispersal is not impeded by these landscape features for this widespread eucalypt.
    Citation

    Byrne, M., Millar, M. A., Coates, D. J., Macdonald, B. M., McArthur, S. M., Zhou, M., & van Leeuwen, S. (2017). Refining expectations for environmental characteristics of refugia: two ranges of differing elevation and topographical complexity are mesic refugia in an arid landscape. Journal of Biogeography, 44, 2539–2550. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.13057

  97. Booth, T. H. (2017). Impacts of climate change on eucalypt distributions in Australia: an examination of a recent study. Australian Forestry, 80, 208–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2017.1365402

    Australian Forestry
    Abstract

    A recent study examined the possible impacts of climate change on 657 Australian eucalypt species in the period to 2085 using species distribution modelling (SDM). The study predicted that ‘within the next 60 years the vast majority of species distributions (91%) across Australia will shrink in size (on average by 51%)’. The purpose of the present paper is to demonstrate some of the strengths and weaknesses of this previous study. Its main strength is that it identifies relatively hot and dry areas of species distributions that may be vulnerable under climate change. Its main weakness is that the individual analyses tend to overestimate the areas of species natural distributions. Consequently‚ the predicted percentage losses of species distribution areas are unreliable. To illustrate the problem the freely available Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) is used examine two contrasting species (Eucalyptus diversicolor and E. nitens) in detail‚ so readers will be able to apply similar methods to any eucalypt species of interest. For well-known species a more reliable assessment of likely losses of distributional area under climate change may be obtained by applying the results of the SDM analysis‚ but assuming that ALA occurrences within 25 km x 25 km areas are an accurate representation of present natural distributions. Using this approach the estimated loss of area of natural distribution by 2085 for both E. diversicolor and E. nitens are less than half the estimates provided by the original paper. For lesser-known species‚ it is concluded that an additional SDM analysis is required to provide a closer representation of species natural distributions‚ to which the original SDM climate change results‚ which attempt to capture some of the species adaptability/plasticity‚ could be applied. © 2017 Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA).
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2017). Impacts of climate change on eucalypt distributions in Australia: an examination of a recent study. Australian Forestry, 80, 208–215. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2017.1365402

  98. Booth, T. H., Jovanovic, T., & Arnold, R. J. (2017). Planting domains under climate change for Eucalyptus pellita and Eucalyptus urograndis in parts of China and South East Asia. Australian Forestry, 80, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2016.1275101

    Australian Forestry
    Abstract

    A preliminary assessment of climate change impacts on planting domains is presented for Eucalyptus pellita and the E. urophylla x E. grandis hybrid in parts of China and south-east Asia. Simple descriptions of climatic requirements are verified and‚ where necessary‚ refined. Climate data for current conditions and projected temperature rises of 1.10‚ 1.96 and 3.83 degrees C (means across the study area compared against a 1986-2005 baseline) are then used to map at a 10-minute (about 18 km) resolution areas that are likely to have suitable climatic conditions for growing these species in the future. For E. pellita a 1.10 degrees C temperature rise has little impact on climatically suitable areas‚ while E. urophylla x E. grandis may lose some currently suitable areas in southern China and Sumatra. If temperatures rise by more than 2 degrees C‚ then larger currently suitable areas will fall outside the range of climatic conditions that are known to be suitable for the two taxa. The vulnerabilities of eucalypt plantations of the two taxa across the study region are generally low‚ as the short rotation lengths used should allow managers to adapt plantations relatively easily to changing conditions. While this preliminary analysis suggested climate change risks are manageable‚ the analysis highlighted two risks that are worthy of more detailed research: some existing E. urophylla x E. grandis plantations in lowland areas in Sumatra appear to experience similar climatic conditions to those where leaf diseases have been experienced in Brazil‚ and extreme frost risks exist in inland areas of southern China.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H., Jovanovic, T., & Arnold, R. J. (2017). Planting domains under climate change for Eucalyptus pellita and Eucalyptus urograndis in parts of China and South East Asia. Australian Forestry, 80, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2016.1275101

  99. Lambkin, T. A. (2017). “Argynnis hyperbius inconstans” Butler, 1873 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae): A review of its collection history and biology. Australian Entomologist, 44, 223–268.

    Australian Entomologist
    abstract
    Citation

    Lambkin, T. A. (2017). “Argynnis hyperbius inconstans” Butler, 1873 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae): A review of its collection history and biology. Australian Entomologist, 44, 223–268.

  100. MC Brundrett. (2017). Distribution and Evolution of Mycorrhizal Types and Other Specialised Roots in Australia. In Biogeography of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56363-3_17

    abstract
    Citation

    MC Brundrett. (2017). Distribution and Evolution of Mycorrhizal Types and Other Specialised Roots in Australia. In Biogeography of Mycorrhizal Symbiosis.

  101. Low-Choy, S., & Huijbers, C. (2017). Experimenting with Modelling via a Virtual Laboratory: Evaluating pseudo-absence strategies to refine a species distribution model. 22nd International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. https://doi.org/10.36334/modsim.2017.g8.lowchoy

    22nd International Congress on Modelling and Simulation
    Abstract

    Virtual laboratories (VLs) are fast becoming realities in many fields of enquiry. For instance‚ the
    Biodiversity and Climate Change Virtual Laboratory (BCCVL) provides users with a high-performance computational
    platform to enable more efficient investigation of biological systems. This kind of VL is more than
    a mere portal to dispersed data sources and a diverse range of modelling options; it also reduces computational
    overheads and tedium required to implement models. In this way‚ a VL allows users to explore each model to
    more fully apply scientific method in model development. Here we explore how the BCCVL can be used to
    support an iterative process of investigating and refining models‚ through experimentation.
    The BCCVL supports many kinds of modelling for biodiversity‚ measured by species presence‚ traits or aggregate
    measures such as species richness. Here we narrow our focus to consider species distribution modelling
    (SDM)‚ and in particular‚ the source of absence data. Absences in SDM provide a useful case study
    for exploring models in VLs‚ as there are many potential settings‚ known to substantially impact SDM results.
    When absence of the species has not been explicitly recorded‚ several strategies are available to impute
    ‘pseudo-absences’. New users may inadvertently specify pseudo-absences in a way that leads to issues such as
    ‘naughty noughts’ or pseudo-replication. It is possible to identify those issues during SDM‚ and this process
    can be accelerated through a VL. Additionally after initial exploration in a VL‚ it is easy to export data for
    analysis into a statistical package‚ such as R‚ and continue to refine SDMs.
    Here we show how the SDM for the Golden bowerbird is sensitive to the strategy for generating pseudoabsences‚
    as defined by settings that can be altered within the BCCVL. A sequence of well-defined experiments
    gradually helps refine the options defining this strategy. We begin with the study region‚ which implicitly delimits
    search effort‚ and potentially defined by: the continent‚ a bioregion or a convex hull delimited by the
    farthest occurrences. At the same time BCCVL makes it easy to compare SDM algorithms. We consider
    regression (GLM)‚ tree (CTA) and machine learning (MaxEnt) algorithms. Next we undertake separate experiments
    to further refine selection of pseudo-absences. The sampling strategy may be: completely random;
    constrained by a disc centred at occurrences; or defined by a Surface Range Envelope‚ comprising locations
    that fall outside the usual range of predictors evaluated at occurrences. In comparison to the number of occurrences‚
    the intensity of pseudo-absences may be set to be equal or any other ratio. We export model results for
    out-of-VL analysis‚ and apply recursive partitioning trees in R to investigate naughty noughts.
    The Golden bowerbird is similar to many specialist species in Australia: generating pseudo-absences across
    the continent gave a large contrast between occurrence and absence‚ as evidenced by the distribution of predicted
    probability of presences. Constraining pseudo-absences to a bioregion‚ we were able to choose an SDM
    algorithm that permitted examination of gradients from absence to presence‚ whilst retaining high accuracy.
    Further experimentation assessed sensitivity to the sampling strategy of pseudo-absences‚ with a good option
    being a 10:1 sampling ratio at least 10km from occurrences. Exporting these pseudo-absences to R‚ tree modelling
    identified uninhabited climates (with high mean temperature of the warmest quarter). When omitted‚
    the estimates of climate effects on this species’ presence were greatly sharpened. This demonstrates how a VL
    may be used to refine modelling‚ evaluating sensitivity to settings via performance measures relevant at each
    stage. In this case the choice of pseudo-absence strategy to support SDM for the Golden bowerbird might have
    been discarded using a ‘one-off’ modelling approach that focussed on a single indicator.
    Citation

    Low-Choy, S., & Huijbers, C. (2017). Experimenting with Modelling via a Virtual Laboratory: Evaluating pseudo-absence strategies to refine a species distribution model. 22nd International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. https://doi.org/10.36334/modsim.2017.g8.lowchoy

  102. Gelardi, M., Fechner, N., Halling, R., & Costanzo, F. (2017). Gymnogaster boletoides J.W. Cribb (Boletaceae, Boletales), a striking Australian secotioid bolete. Austrobaileya, 10, 121–129.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322477710

    Austrobaileya
    Abstract

    The austral secotioid species Gymnogaster boletoides J.W. Cribb has been reported from various
    localities in southern Queensland‚ New South Wales‚ Victoria and Western Australia. A detailed‚
    modern description of the species including macro- and micromorphological characters is provided‚
    accompanied by colour images taken in situ; photomicrographs; and line drawings of the main
    anatomical features. Comparative assessments of morphologically closely allied species are also
    presented.
    Citation

    Gelardi, M., Fechner, N., Halling, R., & Costanzo, F. (2017). Gymnogaster boletoides J.W. Cribb (Boletaceae, Boletales), a striking Australian secotioid bolete. Austrobaileya, 10, 121–129.

  103. Solanki, D. A., Kanejiya, J. R., & Gohil, B. M. (2017). Turricula Nelliae Spuria, Hedley, 1922 (Mollusca: Gastropod: Clavatulidae): Range Extension and New Country Record. Cibtech Journal of Zoology, 6, 14–19.
    http://www.cibtech.org/J-Zoology/PUBLICATIONS/2017/VOL_6_No_1/03-CJZ-004-SOLANKI-TURRICULA-RECORD.pdf

    Cibtech Journal of Zoology
    abstract
    Citation

    Solanki, D. A., Kanejiya, J. R., & Gohil, B. M. (2017). Turricula Nelliae Spuria, Hedley, 1922 (Mollusca: Gastropod: Clavatulidae): Range Extension and New Country Record. Cibtech Journal of Zoology, 6, 14–19.

  104. Tjoelker, M. G., Medlyn, B. E., & Drake, J. E. (2017). Climate suitability of diverse provenances of a widely-distributed eucalypt: Testing the’local is best’paradigm under climate warming. Australasian Plant Conservation, 26, 7–9.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=178161229206371;res=IELNZC

    Australasian Plant Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Tjoelker, M. G., Medlyn, B. E., & Drake, J. E. (2017). Climate suitability of diverse provenances of a widely-distributed eucalypt: Testing the’local is best’paradigm under climate warming. Australasian Plant Conservation, 26, 7–9.

  105. Harewood, G. (2017). Fauna Assessment - Doyle Place, Margaret River. amrshire.wa.gov.au.
    https://www.amrshire.wa.gov.au/library/file/0MP%20Advertising/2016%2017/Apdx%20D%20-%20Doyle%20Place%20Fauna%20Assessment%20Report%20V2a.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Harewood, G. (2017). Fauna Assessment - Doyle Place, Margaret River. amrshire.wa.gov.au.

  106. Skerratt, L. F., & Martin, G. (2017). Models that predict risk of Hendra virus transmission from flying foxes to horses (No. Publication No. 16/031). AgriFutures Australia.
    http://www.agrifutures.com.au/publications/models-that-predict-risk-for-hendra-virus-transmission-from-flying-fox-to-horses/

    abstract
    Citation

    Skerratt, L. F., & Martin, G. (2017). Models that predict risk of Hendra virus transmission from flying foxes to horses (No. Publication No. 16/031). AgriFutures Australia.

  107. Abernathy, V. (2017). Investigating the first stages of coevolution between the Pacific koel and its newest host, the red wattlebird [Ph.D.]. The Australian National University (Australia).
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/1994437659?accountid=26957

    Abstract

    Avian obligate brood parasites lay their eggs in the nests of other bird species and never provide their own parental care. This behaviour is a model example of coevolution and while multiple studies and reviews have discussed the different types of adaptations and counter-adaptations hosts and brood parasites evolve‚ there have only been a handful of empirical studies focused on how quickly coevolution can occur in a host-brood parasite system. Additionally‚ little is known about the early stages of brood parasite and host coevolutionary interactions. Understanding the rates of coevolution between brood parasites and their hosts is an important step in uncovering aspects about the process of speciation‚ determining which traits represent true genetic change and can aid in conservation decisions of endangered potential hosts‚ especially as brood parasites expand their breeding ranges with environmental changes. I investigated these issues by capitalising on the recent exploitation of the Red Wattlebird (Anthochaera carunculata) by the brood-parasitic Pacific Koel (Eudynamys orientalis). I conducted a literature review on factors that influence the rate of coevolution between avian obligate brood parasites and their hosts and performed observational and experimental studies at two sites where wattlebirds have experienced different durations of parasitism: Sydney (parasitism for 38-86 years) and Canberra (parasitism for 8-33 years). I determined that host switching can pose challenges for both the host and brood parasite‚ as parasitised wattlebird nests fledged significantly fewer young than unparasitised wattlebird nests‚ but fledged similar numbers of wattlebird and koel young. The koel’s later breeding season relative to the wattlebird’s and the koel’s poor timing of egg laying may have contributed to the low success of koel eggs. Mobbing experiments demonstrated that naïve hosts can learn to recognise a brood parasite within 33 years or less‚ but the speed at which this defence spreads throughout the population may be constrained by low parasitism rates. Egg rejection experiments indicated that more than 38 years is required for egg ejection to evolve in wattlebirds‚ as they only ejected model eggs at an extremely low rate in Sydney and Canberra‚ while two older hosts showed high levels of ejection at both sites. Lastly‚ I found evidence that the koel likely evolved mimicry of the eggs of one of its old hosts‚ which allowed it to exploit several other host species‚ including the wattlebird‚ due to all of its hosts having similar egg morphology. My results support the many theoretical models which agree that at least 30 or more years is required for egg ejection alleles to spread throughout a population. This process may be slowed because wattlebird eggs appear so similar to koel eggs‚ making it more difficult for wattlebirds to recognise parasitic eggs. However‚ I discovered that naïve hosts without specific anti-parasite traits can still utilise generalised defences‚ such as mobbing‚ in order to reduce the impact of brood parasitism‚ and that host switching can also be difficult for the brood parasite‚ as it may not be well-adapted to the new host’s breeding season or behavioural habits.
    Citation

    Abernathy, V. (2017). Investigating the first stages of coevolution between the Pacific koel and its newest host, the red wattlebird [Ph.D.]. The Australian National University (Australia).

  108. Curtis, E. M. (2017). Spatiotemporal dynamics of high-temperature tolerance in Australian arid-zone plants. University of Technology Sydney.
    https://opus.lib.uts.edu.au/handle/10453/120274

    abstract
    Citation

    Curtis, E. M. (2017). Spatiotemporal dynamics of high-temperature tolerance in Australian arid-zone plants. University of Technology Sydney.

  109. Hirst, M. (2017). Exploring adaptation in a key Australian genus Brachyscome through experimentation. University of Melbourne.
    http://hdl.handle.net/11343/198008

    abstract
    Citation

    Hirst, M. (2017). Exploring adaptation in a key Australian genus Brachyscome through experimentation. University of Melbourne.

  110. Smissen, P. J. (2017). Evolutionary biology of Australia’s rodents, the Pseudomys and Conilurus Species Groups. University of Melbourne.
    https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/194269

    abstract
    Citation

    Smissen, P. J. (2017). Evolutionary biology of Australia’s rodents, the Pseudomys and Conilurus Species Groups. University of Melbourne.

  111. Rolls, K. (2017). Species distribution limits and local adaptation in Acacia along an altitudinal gradient [M.Res.]. Western Sydney University (Australia).
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/2013166050?accountid=26957

    Abstract

    Understanding how species cope under changing climatic conditions contributes to natural resource management strategies‚ the conservation of biodiversity‚ and enhanced primary production. As the climate warms‚ species current ranges are expected to shift‚ forcing species to persist through these changes or risk local extinction. Plants that exhibit higher phenotypic plasticity will be better equipped to cope in a changing climate‚ while those more locally adapted may require translocations to more suitable climates. The altitudinal gradient in the Blue Mountains provides the opportunity to use space for time substitution in climate studies as temperatures are expected to shift up the mountain as the climate warms. A reciprocal transplant was conducted using seeds sourced from low‚ mid and high altitude populations of Acacia species restricted to lower (warmer) or higher (cooler) altitudes‚ as well as‚ species widespread across the altitudinal gradient. These were planted into low and high altitude common garden sites to capture climates within and beyond their current distributions. The aim was to investigate what factors influence species distribution limits along the gradient and determine if plants are locally adapted to the different altitudes. Three hypotheses were proposed for the study. The first‚ relating to local adaptation predicted that local is best and that seeds planted into sites similar to their climate of origin will exhibit greater fitness (in terms of growth and survival) than those planted further from their originating climate due to local adaptation. The following two hypothesis addressed distribution limits stating that restricted species will have greater fitness than widespread species in their local climate and planting beyond the species distribution will result in greater fitness losses compared to similar distances within their range limits. Results showed that seed was able to establish beyond the current distribution limits of species restricted to either low or high altitudes‚ indicating that dispersal limitation is a greater determinant of species distributions than environmental factors. Plant fitness (seed emergence‚ seedling growth and survival) was significantly affected by the planting altitude‚ where greater emergence‚ seedling growth and survival were seen at low altitude than high altitude sites. A significant GxE interaction revealed seed from low altitudes had greater fitness at low altitude planting sites. Climate (temperature‚ humidity and rainfall) was a significant determinant of plant fitness‚ while edaphic and geographic factors had a negligible effect. Plant fitness declined with increasing climate transfer distance in the low altitude planting sites. Despite the temperature gradient in the Blue Mountains‚ distribution limits in Acacia species may be determined by historic dispersal rather than climate. Local may still be best in the forward (warmer) edge of species distribution‚ but as climate warms high altitude population may be outperformed by populations originating from lower altitudes. These findings provide a scientific basis for adaptive management strategies‚ specifically assisted migration under climate change.
    Citation

    Rolls, K. (2017). Species distribution limits and local adaptation in Acacia along an altitudinal gradient [M.Res.]. Western Sydney University (Australia).

2016

  1. Fetterplace, L. C., Davis, A. R., Neilson, J. M., Taylor, M. D., & Knott, N. A. (2016). Active acoustic tracking suggests that soft sediment fishes can show site attachment: a preliminary assessment of the movement patterns of the blue-spotted flathead (Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus). Animal Biotelemetry, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-016-0107-6

    Animal Biotelemetry
    abstract
    Citation

    Fetterplace, L. C., Davis, A. R., Neilson, J. M., Taylor, M. D., & Knott, N. A. (2016). Active acoustic tracking suggests that soft sediment fishes can show site attachment: a preliminary assessment of the movement patterns of the blue-spotted flathead (Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus). Animal Biotelemetry, 4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-016-0107-6

  2. Beaumont, K. P., Mackay, D. A., & Whalen, M. A. (2016). Ant defence of a dioecious shrub, Adriana quadripartita (Euphorbiaceae), with extrafloral nectaries. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 539–546. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt16034
    10.1071/Bt16034

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) can function to indirectly reduce herbivory by attracting ants that interfere with or predate on herbivorous insects. So as to examine the efficacy of ants as defenders of plants with extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) against herbivores‚ an ant-exclusion experiment was conducted on plants of the dioecious species Adriana quadripartita (Euphorbiaceae). The experiment was conducted on Torrens Island‚ South Australia‚ and adds to previous work that examined the associations among adrianas‚ ants and invertebrate herbivores at several locations across Australia. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether ants that tend EFNs reduce herbivore numbers and levels of herbivory‚ and whether this ant-plant-herbivore interaction differs between male and female A. quadripartita plants. The abundances of ants and invertebrate herbivores were overall greater on male than on female plants. The exclusion of ants from branches resulted in an increase in herbivore abundance on male and female plants; however‚ ant exclusion resulted in an increase of foliar damage on male plants only. Whereas previous research on A. tomentosa shows that ants can decrease herbivore abundance‚ the results here provide the first evidence that EFNs on adrianas can function to decrease foliar herbivory.
    Citation

    Beaumont, K. P., Mackay, D. A., & Whalen, M. A. (2016). Ant defence of a dioecious shrub, Adriana quadripartita (Euphorbiaceae), with extrafloral nectaries. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 539–546. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt16034

  3. Reid, A. (2016). Cephalopods of Australia and Sub-Antarctic Territories. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=4572891

    abstract
    Citation

    Reid, A. (2016). Cephalopods of Australia and Sub-Antarctic Territories. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=4572891

  4. Capon, S., James, C., & Reid, M. (2016). Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes: Biology, Ecology and Management. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=4460275

    Abstract

    Vegetation communities in Australia’s riverine landscapes are ecologically‚ economically and culturally significant. They are also among the most threatened ecosystems on the continent and have been dramatically altered as a result of human activities and climate change. Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes brings together‚ for the first time‚ the results of the substantial amount of research that has been conducted over the last few decades into the biology‚ ecology and management of these important plant communities in Australia. The book is divided into four sections. The first section provides context with respect to the spatial and temporal dimensions of riverine landscapes in Australia. The second section examines key groups of riverine plants‚ while the third section provides an overview of riverine vegetation in five major regions of Australia‚ including patterns‚ significant threats and management. The final section explores critical issues associated with the conservation and management of riverine plants and vegetation‚ including water management‚ salinity‚ fire and restoration. Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes highlights the incredible diversity and dynamic nature of riverine vegetation across Australia‚ and will be an excellent reference for researchers‚ academics and environmental consultants.
    Citation

    Capon, S., James, C., & Reid, M. (2016). Vegetation of Australian Riverine Landscapes: Biology, Ecology and Management. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=4460275

  5. Bryant, L. M., & Krosch, M. N. (2016). Lines in the land: a review of evidence for eastern Australia’s major biogeographical barriers to closed forest taxa. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 119, 238–264. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12821
    10.1111/bij.12821

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    The influence of climatic changes occurring since the late Miocene on Australia’s eastern mesic ecosystems has received significant attention over the past 20 years. In particular‚ the impact of the dramatic shift from widespread rainforest habitat to a much drier landscape in which closed forest refugia were dissected by open woodland/savannah ecosystems has long been a focal point in Australian ecology and biogeography. Several specific regions along the eastern coast have been identified previously as potentially representing major biogeographical disjunctions for closed forest taxa. Initially‚ evidence stemmed from recognition of common zones where avian species/subspecies distributions and/or floral communities were consistently separated‚ but the body of work has since grown significantly with the rise of molecular phylogeographic tools and there is now a significant literature base that discusses the drivers‚ processes and effects of these hypothesised major biogeographical junctions ( termed barriers). Here‚ we review the literature concerning eight major barriers argued to have influenced closed forest taxa; namely‚ the Laura Basin‚ Black Mountain Corridor‚ Burdekin Gap‚ Saint Lawrence Gap‚ Brisbane Valley Barrier‚ Hunter Valley Barrier‚ Southern Transition Zone and East Gippsland Barrier. We synthesise reported phylogeographical patterns and the inferred timing of influence with current climatic‚ vegetation and geological characteristics for each barrier to provide insights into regional evolution and seek to elicit common trends. All eight putative biogeographical barriers are characterised currently by lowland zones of drier‚ warmer‚ more open woodland and savannah habitat‚ with adjacent closed forest habitats isolated to upland cool‚ wet refugia. Molecular divergence estimates suggest two pulses of divergence‚ one in the early Miocene (similar to 20-15 Mya) and a later one from the Pliocene-Pleistocene (similar to 6-0.04 Mya). We conclude with a prospectus for future research on the eastern Australian closed forests and highlight critical issues for ongoing studies of biogeographical barriers worldwide. (c) 2016 The Linnean Society of London‚ Biological Journal of the Linnean Society‚ 2016‚ 119‚ 238-264.
    Citation

    Bryant, L. M., & Krosch, M. N. (2016). Lines in the land: a review of evidence for eastern Australia’s major biogeographical barriers to closed forest taxa. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 119, 238–264. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12821

  6. Papanicolaou, A., & Varghese, T. (2016). GeoGenetics Wizard Drupal module.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/5592AF05E3E07

    Abstract

    This our GeoGenetics prototype on phylogeography and genetics to use a large array of data. Using Chado (GMOD.org) and web-services we have built most of the tool allowing for an interaction of geo-located samples with an unlimited array of data types. The data can be hosted locally or from any other server that serves the GeoJSON format. An added capability is the intersection of these data with more than 200 environmental layers derived from the Atlas of Living Australia.A further prototype capability is the ability to search for RNAi matches‚ as developed for a USDA proposal called "Reducing off-target effects of RNAi pesticides via functional genomics".This BZ2-compressed tar archive provides the pilot software and licensing statements. The GeoGenetics Wizard for Drupal is written in JavaScript‚ Perl‚ PHP‚ requires a postgres database and is supported for Linux 64-bit computers. It also requires the Drupal 6 software to operate. Due to its pilot nature‚ this software requires communication with the author in order to be installed in other systems. In general‚ this software is a prototype and may not work out of the box.
    Citation

    Papanicolaou, A., & Varghese, T. (2016). GeoGenetics Wizard Drupal module.

  7. TERN Eco-Informatics. (2016). AEKOS Poaceae Extraction 2014.
    https://doi.org/10.4227/05/5372F77350C26

    Abstract

    The dataset can be reused for contintental-wide synthesis of the cover of Australian grasses. It consists of high quality‚ well-described plot-based data extracted from AEKOS (portal.aekos.org.au) on 13/3/2014. The data includes vegetation records for the Poaceae family from the following dataset: ABARES Ground Cover Reference Sites Database‚ Biological Survey of South Australia - Vegetation Survey‚ Biological Database of South Australia‚ Corveg (Queensland)‚ TERN AusPlots Rangelands Survey Program‚ Biological Survey of the Ravensthorpe Range (Western Australia).The entire content of the portal was initially extracted using the portal’s download feature to obtain the full extent of available data for the following all datasets. These data were loaded into a PostgreSQL database. Subsequently‚ a SQL query was built for each of the cited datasets which produced a flat table containing information about the survey name‚ site identifier‚ visit date‚ coordinates‚ species‚ abundance‚ biomass and/or cover class‚ filtering on species of the Poaceae family using a genus list obtained from the website of the Atlas of Living Australia (http://www.ala.org.au/).
    Citation

    TERN Eco-Informatics. (2016). AEKOS Poaceae Extraction 2014.

  8. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Vascular Plants 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: VAS_v5_r11).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548696639EE2F

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Vascular Plants as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the CanESM2 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Layers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Vascular Plants‚ M: Vascular Plants‚ R: Vascular Plants and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Vascular Plants 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: VAS_v5_r11).

  9. Fisher, N. (2016). Australian National Insect Collection - Euryglossinae Bee (Part 1).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/50A9BF4E1DBD3

    Abstract

    Australia has over 1‚500 species of native bees in Australia. Photos used in the Atlas of Living Australia&apos;s Volunteer Portal adds to our knowledge about the distribution and diversity of Australia&apos;s Euryglossinae bees. Helping us unlock information that has been hidden away at the Australian National Insect Collection‚ but now will be available worldwide through the Atlas of Living Australia.
    Citation

    Fisher, N. (2016). Australian National Insect Collection - Euryglossinae Bee (Part 1).

  10. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Reptiles 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: REP_r3_v2).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548696AA3F043

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Reptiles as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the MIROC5 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Layers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Reptiles‚ M: Reptiles‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Reptiles 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: REP_r3_v2).

  11. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Vascular Plants 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: VAS_v5_r11).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548679F0BF6E0

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Vascular Plants as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the MIROC5 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Layers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Vascular Plants‚ M: Vascular Plants‚ R: Vascular Plants and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Vascular Plants 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: VAS_v5_r11).

  12. Harwood, T. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Mammals 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: MAM_R2).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548696E96D997

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Mammals as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the CanESM2 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Tom HALayers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Mammals‚ M: mammals‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Mammals 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: MAM_R2).

  13. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Amphibians 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: AMP_r2_PTS1).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548697DA1F3EE

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Amphibians as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the CanESM2 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Tom HALayers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: amphibians‚ M: mammals‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Amphibians 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: AMP_r2_PTS1).

  14. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Reptiles 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: REP_r3_v2).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/5486971B5A4E9

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Reptiles as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the CanESM2 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Layers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Reptiles‚ M: Reptiles‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Reptiles 1990:2050 CanESM2 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: REP_r3_v2).

  15. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Amphibians 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: AMP_r2_PTS1).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/54869747C4111

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Amphibians as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the MIROC5 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Tom HALayers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: amphibians‚ M: mammals‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Amphibians 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: AMP_r2_PTS1).

  16. Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Mammals 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: MAM_R2).
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/548697937D400

    Abstract

    Potential degree of ecological change in Mammals as a function of change in long term (30 year average) climates between the present (1990 centred) and projected future (2050 centred) under the MIROC5 model (RCP 8.5) based on Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM) of compositional turnover. This metric describes the change in long term average environmental conditions at a single location (9s grid square) from the present (1990 centred) to a 2050 centred future‚ scaled in terms of its expected effects on the turnover of species. Compositional turnover patterns in amphibian species across continental Australia were derived using Generalised Dissimilarity Modelling (GDM). These models use best-available biological data extracted from the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) in 2013‚ and spatial environmental predictor data compiled at 9 second resolution. GDM-scaled environmental grids were used as the basis for pairwise cell comparisons across space and time using the highly parallel CSIRO Muru software to derive the potential degree of ecological change. Each location is compared with its future state. The difference in environment is presented as an expected ecological similarity‚ ranging from 1 (completely similar) to 0‚ for which we would expect no species in common. If this environmental difference was observed in a different spatial location within the present‚ we would expect to observe such a difference if we visited both sites. This metric was developed along with others for use in an assessment of the efficacy of the protected area system for biodiversity under climate change at continental and global scales‚ presented at the IUCN World Parks Congress 2014. It is described in the AdaptNRM Guide Implications of Climate Change for Biodiversity: a community-level modelling approach‚ available online at: www.adaptnrm.org. Data are provided in two forms:1. Zipped ESRI float grids: Binary float grids (*.flt) with associated ESRI header files (*.hdr) and projection files (*.prj). After extracting from the zip archive‚ these files can be imported into most GIS software packages‚ and can be used as other binary file formats by substituting the appropriate header file.2. ArcGIS layer package (*.lpk): These packages contain can be unpacked by ArcGIS as a raster with associated legend.Additionally a short methods summary is provided in the file 9sMethodsSummary.pdf for further information.Layers in this 9s series use a consistent naming convention:BIOLOGICAL GROUP _ FROM BASE_ TO SCENARIO_ ANALYSISe.g. A_90_CAN85_S or R_90_MIR85_Lwhere BIOLOGICAL GROUP is A: Mammals‚ M: mammals‚ R: reptiles and V: vascular plants
    Citation

    Harwood, T., Williams, K., Ferrier, S., Ota, N., & Perry, J. (2016). 9-second gridded continental Australia potential degree of ecological change for Mammals 1990:2050 MIROC5 RCP 8.5 (CMIP5) (GDM: MAM_R2).

  17. Reid, A. (2016). Post-mortem drift in Australian cuttlefish sepions: its effect on the interpretation of species ranges. Molluscan Research, 36, 9–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13235818.2015.1064366

    Molluscan Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Reid, A. (2016). Post-mortem drift in Australian cuttlefish sepions: its effect on the interpretation of species ranges. Molluscan Research, 36, 9–21. https://doi.org/10.1080/13235818.2015.1064366

  18. Cardillo, M., & Skeels, A. (2016). Spatial, Phylogenetic, Environmental and Biological Components of Variation in Extinction Risk: A Case Study Using Banksia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0154431. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154431

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Comparative analyses of extinction risk routinely apply methods that account for phylogenetic non-independence‚ but few analyses of extinction risk have addressed the possibility of spatial non-independence. We explored patterns of extinction risk in Banksia‚ a plant genus largely endemic to Australia’s southwest biodiversity hotspot‚ using methods to partition the variance in two response variables (threat status and range size) into phylogenetic‚ spatial‚ and independent components. We then estimated the effects of a number of biological and external predictors on extinction risk independently of phylogeny and space. The models explained up to 34.2% of the variation in range size and up to 9.7% of the variation in threat status‚ nearly all of which was accounted for by the predictors‚ not by phylogeny or space. In the case of Banksia‚ therefore‚ high extinction risk can be clearly linked with biological syndromes (such as a brief flowering period) or geographic indicators of human impact (such as extensive habitat loss)‚ but cannot be predicted from phylogenetic relatedness or geographic proximity.
    Citation

    Cardillo, M., & Skeels, A. (2016). Spatial, Phylogenetic, Environmental and Biological Components of Variation in Extinction Risk: A Case Study Using Banksia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0154431. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0154431

  19. Pedler, R. D., & Lynch, C. E. (2016). An unprecedented irruption and breeding of Flock Bronzewings’ Phaps histrionica’in central South Australia. Australian Field Ornithology. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo33001013

    Australian Field Ornithology
    abstract
    Citation

    Pedler, R. D., & Lynch, C. E. (2016). An unprecedented irruption and breeding of Flock Bronzewings’ Phaps histrionica’in central South Australia. Australian Field Ornithology. https://doi.org/10.20938/afo33001013

  20. Bluff, L. A. (2016). Ground Parrots and fire in east Gippsland, Victoria: habitat occupancy modelling from automated sound recordings. Emu, 116, 402–410. https://doi.org/10.1071/Mu16014

    Emu
    Emu
    Abstract

    The peak-and-decline in the density of eastern populations of Ground Parrot (Pezoporus wallicus) with increasing time since fire is one of the best-documented post-fire responses of any Australian animal. However‚ existing studies have typically shown this relationship within a set of sites highly likely to be occupied by Ground Parrots‚ rather than demonstrating that fire history affects whether a site is occupied. This paper describes a landscape-scale‚ targeted survey of Ground Parrots at 80 heathland sites between Marlo and Mallacoota‚ Victoria. Selection of sites was stratified by combinations of time since fire and modelled predictions of the distribution of Ground Parrots. All sites were sampled 10 times in late 2013 using automated sound recorders‚ and a subset of 23 sites had at least one traditional‚ observer-based physical survey. Both time since fire and the species-distribution model were significantly associated with the probability of Ground Parrots occupying a site. The most parsimonious occupancy model was applied to two earlier datasets from the study area‚ and provided indirect evidence for an inferred decline in Ground Parrot occupancy in recent decades. Landscape modelling of the expected total area occupied by Ground Parrots between 1979 and 2013 suggested a strong peak would have occurred in the late 1990s; suitability of habitat over much of the landscape is now declining. Finally‚ given that many Australian fauna species are responsive to fire‚ this study shows that assumptions behind the management of such species can be tested efficiently by combining legacy datasets and literature with contemporary data collection and modelling methods.
    Citation

    Bluff, L. A. (2016). Ground Parrots and fire in east Gippsland, Victoria: habitat occupancy modelling from automated sound recordings. Emu, 116, 402–410. https://doi.org/10.1071/Mu16014

  21. Steinbauer, M. J., Farnier, K., Taylor, G. S., & Salminen, J.-P. (2016). Effects of eucalypt nutritional quality on the Bog gum-Victorian metapopulation of Ctenarytaina bipartita and implications for host and range expansion. Ecological Entomology, 41, 211–225. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12295

    Ecological Entomology
    abstract
    Citation

    Steinbauer, M. J., Farnier, K., Taylor, G. S., & Salminen, J.-P. (2016). Effects of eucalypt nutritional quality on the Bog gum-Victorian metapopulation of Ctenarytaina bipartita and implications for host and range expansion. Ecological Entomology, 41, 211–225. https://doi.org/10.1111/een.12295

  22. Tibby, J., Barr, C., McInerney, F. A., Henderson, A. C., Leng, M. J., Greenway, M., Marshall, J. C., McGregor, G. B., Tyler, J. J., & McNeil, V. (2016). Carbon isotope discrimination in leaves of the broad-leaved paperbark tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia, as a tool for quantifying past tropical and subtropical rainfall. Global Change Biology, 22, 3474–3486. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13277

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    Quantitative reconstructions of terrestrial climate are highly sought after but rare‚ particularly in Australia. Carbon isotope discrimination in plant leaves (Deltaleaf ) is an established indicator of past hydroclimate because the fractionation of carbon isotopes during photosynthesis is strongly influenced by water stress. Leaves of the evergreen tree Melaleuca quinquenervia have been recovered from the sediments of some perched lakes on North Stradbroke and Fraser Islands‚ south-east Queensland‚ eastern Australia. Here‚ we examine the potential for using M. quinquenervia leaf as a tracer of past rainfall by analysing carbon isotope ratios (delta(13) C) of modern leaves. We firstly assess Deltaleaf variation at the leaf and stand scale and find no systematic pattern within leaves or between leaves due to their position on the tree. We then examine the relationships between climate and Deltaleaf for a 11-year time series of leaves collected in a litter tray. M. quinquenervia retains its leaves for 1-4 years; thus‚ cumulative average climate data are used. There is a significant relationship between annual mean leaf and mean annual rainfall of the hydrological year for 1-4 years (i.e. 365-1460 days) prior to leaf fall (r(2) = 0.64‚ P = 0.003‚ n = 11). This relationship is marginally improved by accounting for the effect of pCO2 on discrimination (r(2) = 0.67‚ P = 0.002‚ n = 11). The correlation between rainfall and Deltaleaf ‚ and the natural distribution of Melaleuca quinquenervia around wetlands of eastern Australia‚ Papua New Guinea and New Caledonia offers significant potential to infer past rainfall on a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
    Citation

    Tibby, J., Barr, C., McInerney, F. A., Henderson, A. C., Leng, M. J., Greenway, M., Marshall, J. C., McGregor, G. B., Tyler, J. J., & McNeil, V. (2016). Carbon isotope discrimination in leaves of the broad-leaved paperbark tree, Melaleuca quinquenervia, as a tool for quantifying past tropical and subtropical rainfall. Global Change Biology, 22, 3474–3486. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13277

  23. Miller, J. T., Hui, C., Thornhill, A., Gallien, L., Le Roux, J. J., & Richardson, D. M. (2016). Is invasion success of Australian trees mediated by their native biogeography, phylogenetic history, or both? AoB Plants. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plw080

    AoB Plants
    AoB Plants
    Abstract

    For a plant species to become invasive it has to progress along the introduction-naturalization-invasion (INI) continuum which reflects the joint direction of niche breadth. Identification of traits that correlate with and drive species invasiveness along the continuum is a major focus of invasion biology. If invasiveness is underlain by heritable traits‚ and if such traits are phylogenetically conserved‚ then we would expect non-native species with different introduction status (i.e. position along the INI continuum) to show phylogenetic signal. This study uses two clades that contain a large number of invasive tree species from the genera Acacia and Eucalyptus to test whether geographic distribution and a novel phylogenetic conservation method can predict which species have been introduced‚ became naturalized‚ and invasive. Our results suggest that no underlying phylogenetic signal underlie the introduction status for both groups of trees‚ except for introduced acacias. The more invasive acacia clade contains invasive species that have smoother geographic distributions and are more marginal in the phylogenetic network. The less invasive eucalyptus group contains invasive species that are more clustered geographically‚ more centrally located in the phylogenetic network and have phylogenetic distances between invasive and non-invasive species that are trending toward the mean pairwise distance. This suggests that highly invasive groups may be identified because they have invasive species with smoother and faster expanding native distributions and are located more to the edges of phylogenetic networks than less invasive groups.
    Citation

    Miller, J. T., Hui, C., Thornhill, A., Gallien, L., Le Roux, J. J., & Richardson, D. M. (2016). Is invasion success of Australian trees mediated by their native biogeography, phylogenetic history, or both? AoB Plants. https://doi.org/10.1093/aobpla/plw080

  24. Merkling, T., Hamilton, D. G., Cser, B., Svedin, N., & Pryke, S. R. (2016). Proximate mechanisms of colour variation in the frillneck lizard: geographical differences in pigment contents of an ornament. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 117, 503–515. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12672

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Animal coloration has evolved in contexts such as communication‚ camouflage‚ and thermoregulation. Most studies of animal coloration focus on its adaptive benefits‚ whereas its underlying mechanisms have received less attention despite their potential influence on adaptive benefits. In fish and reptiles‚ for example‚ colour variation from yellow to red can be produced by carotenoid and/or pteridine pigments‚ which differ dramatically in the way they are obtained (carotenoids through diet and pteridines synthesized de novo). Hence‚ potential adaptive benefits could differ greatly depending on the relative contribution to coloration of different pigments. In the present study‚ we investigate the mechanisms underlying colour variation in the frill of the Australian frillneck lizard (Sauropsida: Chlamydosaurus kingii). Frill colour varies between populations across the species’ range (red‚ orange‚ yellow or white). We argue that this geographical variation results from different concentrations of carotenoids and pteridines in the frill. Frill carotenoid concentrations were lower in eastern populations (yellow and white forms)‚ and pteridines were present only in the red and orange forms‚ thereby explaining their redder hues. The observed geographical variation in frill carotenoids suggests variation in carotenoid availability across the species’ range‚ which is backed up by the finding that plasma carotenoid concentrations were higher in the red (western) compared to the yellow (eastern) form. Although no correlations were found between individual colour measurements‚ frill pigments and plasma carotenoids‚ our results suggest that selective pressures vary across the species’ range and we speculate that predation pressures and/or intrasexual signalling context differ between forms.
    Citation

    Merkling, T., Hamilton, D. G., Cser, B., Svedin, N., & Pryke, S. R. (2016). Proximate mechanisms of colour variation in the frillneck lizard: geographical differences in pigment contents of an ornament. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 117, 503–515. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12672

  25. Moritz, C., Fujita, M. K., Rosauer, D., Agudo, R., Bourke, G., Doughty, P., Palmer, R., Pepper, M., Potter, S., Pratt, R., Scott, M., Tonione, M., & Donnellan, S. (2016). Multilocus phylogeography reveals nested endemism in a gecko across the monsoonal tropics of Australia. Molecular Ecology, 25, 1354–1366. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13511

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Multilocus phylogeography can uncover taxonomically unrecognized lineage diversity across complex biomes. The Australian monsoonal tropics include vast‚ ecologically intact savanna-woodland plains interspersed with ancient sandstone uplands. Although recognized in general for its high species richness and endemism‚ the biodiversity of the region remains underexplored due to its remoteness. This is despite a high rate of ongoing species discovery‚ especially in wetter regions and for rock-restricted taxa. To provide a baseline for ongoing comparative analyses‚ we tested for phylogeographic structure in an ecologically generalized and widespread taxon‚ the gecko Heteronotia binoei. We apply coalescent analyses to multilocus sequence data (mitochondrial DNA and eight nuclear DNA introns) from individuals sampled extensively and at fine scale across the region. The results demonstrate surprisingly deep and geographically nested lineage diversity. Several intra-specific clades previously shown to be endemic to the region were themselves found to contain multiple‚ short-range lineages. To infer landscapes with concentrations of unique phylogeographic diversity‚ we probabilistically estimate the ranges of lineages from point data and then‚ combining these estimates with the nDNA species tree‚ estimate phyloendemism across the region. Highest levels of phyloendemism occur in northern Top End‚ especially on islands‚ across the topographically complex Arnhem escarpment‚ and across the sandstone ranges of the western Gulf region. These results drive home that deep phylogeographic structure is prevalent in tropical low-dispersal taxa‚ even ones that are ubiquitous across geography and habitats.
    Citation

    Moritz, C., Fujita, M. K., Rosauer, D., Agudo, R., Bourke, G., Doughty, P., Palmer, R., Pepper, M., Potter, S., Pratt, R., Scott, M., Tonione, M., & Donnellan, S. (2016). Multilocus phylogeography reveals nested endemism in a gecko across the monsoonal tropics of Australia. Molecular Ecology, 25, 1354–1366. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13511

  26. Jordan, R., Dillon, S. K., Prober, S. M., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2016). Landscape genomics reveals altered genome wide diversity within revegetated stands of Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey Box). New Phytologist, 212, 992–1006. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14084

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    In order to contribute to evolutionary resilience and adaptive potential in highly modified landscapes‚ revegetated areas should ideally reflect levels of genetic diversity within and across natural stands. Landscape genomic analyses enable such diversity patterns to be characterized at genome and chromosomal levels. Landscape-wide patterns of genomic diversity were assessed in Eucalyptus microcarpa‚ a dominant tree species widely used in revegetation in Southeastern Australia. Trees from small and large patches within large remnants‚ small isolated remnants and revegetation sites were assessed across the now highly fragmented distribution of this species using the DArTseq genomic approach. Genomic diversity was similar within all three types of remnant patches analysed‚ although often significantly but only slightly lower in revegetation sites compared with natural remnants. Differences in diversity between stand types varied across chromosomes. Genomic differentiation was higher between small‚ isolated remnants‚ and among revegetated sites compared with natural stands. We conclude that small remnants and revegetated sites of our E. microcarpa samples largely but not completely capture patterns in genomic diversity across the landscape. Genomic approaches provide a powerful tool for assessing restoration efforts across the landscape.
    Citation

    Jordan, R., Dillon, S. K., Prober, S. M., & Hoffmann, A. A. (2016). Landscape genomics reveals altered genome wide diversity within revegetated stands of Eucalyptus microcarpa (Grey Box). New Phytologist, 212, 992–1006. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.14084

  27. Guerin, G. R., Biffin, E., Baruch, Z., & Lowe, A. J. (2016). Identifying Centres of Plant Biodiversity in South Australia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0144779. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144779

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    We aimed to identify regional centres of plant biodiversity in South Australia‚ a sub-continental land area of 983‚482 km2‚ by mapping a suite of metrics. Broad-brush conservation issues associated with the centres were mapped‚ specifically climate sensitivity‚ exposure to habitat fragmentation‚ introduced species and altered fire regimes. We compiled 727‚417 plant species records from plot-based field surveys and herbarium records and mapped the following: species richness (all species; South Australian endemics; conservation-dependent species; introduced species); georeferenced weighted endemism‚ phylogenetic diversity‚ georeferenced phylogenetic endemism; and measures of beta diversity at local and state-wide scales. Associated conservation issues mapped were: climate sensitivity measured via ordination and non-linear modelling; habitat fragmentation represented by the proportion of remnant vegetation within a moving window; fire prone landscapes assessed using fire history records; invasive species assessed through diversity metrics‚ species distribution and literature. Compared to plots‚ herbarium data had higher spatial and taxonomic coverage but records were more biased towards major transport corridors. Beta diversity was influenced by sampling intensity and scale of comparison. We identified six centres of high plant biodiversity for South Australia: Western Kangaroo Island; Southern Mount Lofty Ranges; Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands; Southern Flinders Ranges; Southern Eyre Peninsula; Lower South East. Species composition in the arid-mediterranean ecotone was the most climate sensitive. Fragmentation mapping highlighted the dichotomy between extensive land-use and high remnancy in the north and intensive land-use and low remnancy in the south. Invasive species were most species rich in agricultural areas close to population centres. Fire mapping revealed large variation in frequency across the state. Biodiversity scores were not always congruent between metrics or datasets‚ notably for categorical endemism to South Australia versus georeferenced weighted endemism‚ justifying diverse approaches and cautious interpretation. The study could be extended to high resolution assessments of biodiversity centres and cost:benefit analysis for interventions.
    Citation

    Guerin, G. R., Biffin, E., Baruch, Z., & Lowe, A. J. (2016). Identifying Centres of Plant Biodiversity in South Australia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0144779. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0144779

  28. Gallagher, R. V. (2016). Correlates of range size variation in the Australian seed-plant flora. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1287–1298. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12711

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Gallagher, R. V. (2016). Correlates of range size variation in the Australian seed-plant flora. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1287–1298. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12711

  29. Fusco, D. A., McDowell, M. C., & Prideaux, G. J. (2016). Late-Holocene mammal fauna from southern Australia reveals rapid species declines post-European settlement: Implications for conservation biology. Holocene, 26, 699–708. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683615618261

    Holocene
    Holocene
    Abstract

    The arrival in Australia of Europeans and the species they brought with them initiated a sharp decline in native mammalian biodiversity. Consequently‚ one-third of the original or pre-European terrestrial mammal fauna is now extinct or threatened with extinction. Although the distributional ranges of many Australian mammals have contracted markedly‚ modern distributions are frequently used as baselines for conservation management and understanding ecological requirements. However‚ these often poorly reflect pre-European distributions‚ particularly in areas where biodiversity declines were rapid and occurred soon after European arrival. Here we analyse two late Holocene mammalian assemblages from Fleurieu Peninsula‚ South Australia‚ and reconstruct the pre-European terrestrial non-volant mammal fauna. The region was previously estimated to have lost perhaps 30% of its original terrestrial non-volant mammal fauna‚ but our results indicate a loss of almost 50%. We provide the first local records of the murids Mastacomys fuscus‚ Pseudomys australis‚ P. gouldii‚ P. novaehollandiae and P. shortridgei‚ and confirm the past occurrence of the now-extinct Conilurus albipes. Our study contributes new knowledge of species biogeography and ecology and will help refine restoration targets.
    Citation

    Fusco, D. A., McDowell, M. C., & Prideaux, G. J. (2016). Late-Holocene mammal fauna from southern Australia reveals rapid species declines post-European settlement: Implications for conservation biology. Holocene, 26, 699–708. https://doi.org/10.1177/0959683615618261

  30. Cleary, G. P., Parsons, H., Davis, A., Coleman, B. R., Jones, D. N., Miller, K. K., & Weston, M. A. (2016). Avian Assemblages at Bird Baths: A Comparison of Urban and Rural Bird Baths in Australia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0150899. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150899

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Private gardens provide habitat and resources for many birds living in human-dominated landscapes. While wild bird feeding is recognised as one of the most popular forms of human-wildlife interaction‚ almost nothing is known about the use of bird baths. This citizen science initiative explores avian assemblages at bird baths in private gardens in south-eastern Australia and how this differs with respect to levels of urbanisation and bioregion. Overall‚ 992 citizen scientists collected data over two‚ four-week survey periods during winter 2014 and summer 2015 (43% participated in both years). Avian assemblages at urban and rural bird baths differed between bioregions with aggressive nectar-eating species influenced the avian assemblages visiting urban bird baths in South Eastern Queensland‚ NSW North Coast and Sydney Basin while introduced birds contributed to differences in South Western Slopes‚ Southern Volcanic Plains and Victorian Midlands. Small honeyeaters and other small native birds occurred less often at urban bird baths compared to rural bird baths. Our results suggest that differences between urban versus rural areas‚ as well as bioregion‚ significantly influence the composition of avian assemblages visiting bird baths in private gardens. We also demonstrate that citizen science monitoring of fixed survey sites such as bird baths is a useful tool in understanding large-scale patterns in avian assemblages which requires a vast amount of data to be collected across broad areas.
    Citation

    Cleary, G. P., Parsons, H., Davis, A., Coleman, B. R., Jones, D. N., Miller, K. K., & Weston, M. A. (2016). Avian Assemblages at Bird Baths: A Comparison of Urban and Rural Bird Baths in Australia. PLoS ONE, 11, e0150899. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150899

  31. Gallien, L., Saladin, B., Boucher, F. C., Richardson, D. M., & Zimmermann, N. E. (2016). Does the legacy of historical biogeography shape current invasiveness in pines? New Phytologist, 209, 1096–1105. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13700

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Why are some introduced species more successful at establishing and spreading than others? Until now‚ characteristics of extant species have been intensively investigated to answer this question. We propose to gain new insights on species invasiveness by exploring the long-term biogeographic and evolutionary history of lineages. We exemplify our approach using one of the best-studied invasive plant genera‚ Pinus. We notably estimated the historical biogeography of pines and the rates of trait evolution in pines. These estimates were analysed with regard to species invasiveness status. The results revealed that currently invasive species belong to lineages that were particularly successful at colonizing new regions in the past. We also showed that highly mobile lineages had faster rates of niche evolution‚ but that these rates are poor proxies for species adaptive potential in invaded regions (estimated by niche shift among native and invaded regions). In summary‚ working at the interface of ecology‚ historical biogeography and evolutionary history offers stimulating perspectives to improve our understanding of the drivers of invasion success.
    Citation

    Gallien, L., Saladin, B., Boucher, F. C., Richardson, D. M., & Zimmermann, N. E. (2016). Does the legacy of historical biogeography shape current invasiveness in pines? New Phytologist, 209, 1096–1105. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13700

  32. Denzer, W., & Manthey, U. (2016). Remarks on the taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Hypsilurus Peters, 1867 (Reptilia, Agamidae, Amphibolurinae). Zoosystematics and Evolution, 92, 103–110. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.92.7469

    Zoosystematics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Specimens of Hypsilurus spp. corresponding to sequences deposited on GenBank were re-examined. The voucher specimens relating to GenBank sequences were tracked down and their species status confirmed. Sequences reported in earlier publication as H. "bruijnii" and H. "nigrigularis" turned out to be those of H. magnus and H. schultzewestrumi instead. Further confusion surrounded specimens of H. modestus‚ H. dilophus and H. papuensis. Based on these results a new phylogenetic tree was constructed and the genus name Lophosaurus Fitzinger‚ 1843 was resurrected.
    Citation

    Denzer, W., & Manthey, U. (2016). Remarks on the taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Hypsilurus Peters, 1867 (Reptilia, Agamidae, Amphibolurinae). Zoosystematics and Evolution, 92, 103–110. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.92.7469

  33. Dolman, G., & Joseph, L. (2016). Multi-locus sequence data illuminate demographic drivers of Pleistocene speciation in semi-arid southern Australian birds (Cinclosoma spp.). BMC Evolutionary Biology, 16, 226. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-016-0798-6

    BMC Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: During the Pleistocene‚ shifts of species distributions and their isolation in disjunct refugia led to varied outcomes in how taxa diversified. Some species diverged‚ others did not. Here‚ we begin to address another facet of the role of the Pleistocene in generating today’s diversity. We ask which processes contributed to divergence in semi-arid southern Australian birds. We isolated 11 autosomal nuclear loci and one mitochondrial locus from a total of 29 specimens of the sister species pair‚ Chestnut Quail-thrush Cinclosoma castanotum and Copperback Quail-thrush C. clarum. RESULTS: A population clustering analysis confirmed the location of the current species boundary as a well-known biogeographical barrier in southern Australia‚ the Eyrean Barrier. Coalescent-based analyses placed the time of species divergence to the Middle Pleistocene. Gene flow between the species since divergence has been low. The analyses suggest the effective population size of the ancestor was 54 to 178 times smaller than populations since divergence. This contrasts with recent multi-locus studies in some other Australian birds (butcherbirds‚ ducks) where a lack of phenotypic divergence was accompanied by larger historical population sizes. Post-divergence population size histories of C. clarum and C. castanotum were inferred using the extended Bayesian skyline model. The population size of C. clarum increased substantially during the late Pleistocene and continued to increase through the Last Glacial Maximum and Holocene. The timing of this expansion across its vast range is broadly concordant with that documented in several other Australian birds. In contrast‚ effective population size of C. castanotum was much more constrained and may reflect its smaller range and more restricted habitat east of the Eyrean Barrier compared with that available to C. clarum to the west. CONCLUSIONS: Our results contribute to awareness of increased population sizes‚ following significant contractions‚ as having been important in shaping diversity in Australian arid and semi-arid zones. Further‚ we improve knowledge of the role of Pleistocene climatic shifts in areas of the planet that were not glaciated at that time but which still experienced that period’s cyclical climatic fluctuations.
    Citation

    Dolman, G., & Joseph, L. (2016). Multi-locus sequence data illuminate demographic drivers of Pleistocene speciation in semi-arid southern Australian birds (Cinclosoma spp.). BMC Evolutionary Biology, 16, 226. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-016-0798-6

  34. Bolton, P. E., West, A. J., Cardilini, A. P. A., Clark, J. A., Maute, K. L., Legge, S., Brazill-Boast, J., Griffith, S. C., & Rollins, L. A. (2016). Three molecular markers show no evidence of population genetic structure in the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). PLoS ONE, 11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167723

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Assessment of genetic diversity and connectivity between regions can inform conservation managers about risk of inbreeding‚ potential for adaptation and where population boundaries lie. The Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae) is a threatened species in northern Australia‚ occupying the savannah woodlands of the biogeographically complex monsoon tropics. We present the most comprehensive population genetic analysis of diversity and structure the Gouldian finch using 16 microsatellite markers‚ mitochondrial control region and 3‚389 SNPs from genotyping-by-sequencing. Mitochondrial diversity is compared across three related‚ co-distributed finches with different conservation threat-statuses. There was no evidence of genetic differentiation across the western part of the range in any of the molecular markers‚ and haplotype diversity but not richness was lower than a common co-distributed species. Individuals within the panmictic population in the west may be highly dispersive within this wide area‚ and we urge caution when interpreting anecdotal observations of changes to the distribution and/or flock sizes of Gouldian finch populations as evidence of overall changes to the population size of this species. © 2016 Bolton et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License‚ which permits unrestricted use‚ distribution‚ and reproduction in any medium‚ provided the original author and source are credited.
    Citation

    Bolton, P. E., West, A. J., Cardilini, A. P. A., Clark, J. A., Maute, K. L., Legge, S., Brazill-Boast, J., Griffith, S. C., & Rollins, L. A. (2016). Three molecular markers show no evidence of population genetic structure in the Gouldian finch (Erythrura gouldiae). PLoS ONE, 11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0167723

  35. Burroughs, A. L., Durr, P. A., Boyd, V., Graham, K., White, J. R., Todd, S., Barr, J., Smith, I., Baverstock, G., Meers, J., Crameri, G., & Wang, L. F. (2016). Hendra Virus Infection Dynamics in the Grey-Headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) at the Southern-Most Extent of Its Range: Further Evidence This Species Does Not Readily Transmit the Virus to Horses. PLoS ONE, 11, e0155252. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155252

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Hendra virus (HeV) is an important emergent virus in Australia known to infect horses and humans in certain regions of the east coast. Whilst pteropid bats ("flying foxes") are considered the natural reservoir of HeV‚ which of the four mainland species is the principal reservoir has been a source of ongoing debate‚ particularly as shared roosting is common. To help resolve this‚ we sampled a colony consisting of just one of these species‚ the grey-headed flying fox‚ (Pteropus poliocephalus)‚ at the southernmost extent of its range. Using the pooled urine sampling technique at approximately weekly intervals over a two year period‚ we determined the prevalence of HeV and related paramyxoviruses using a novel multiplex (Luminex) platform. Whilst all the pooled urine samples were negative for HeV nucleic acid‚ we successfully identified four other paramyxoviruses‚ including Cedar virus; a henipavirus closely related to HeV. Collection of serum from individually caught bats from the colony showed that antibodies to HeV‚ as estimated by a serological Luminex assay‚ were present in between 14.6% and 44.5% of animals. The wide range of the estimate reflects uncertainties in interpreting intermediate results. Interpreting the study in the context of HeV studies from states to the north‚ we add support for an arising consensus that it is the black flying fox and not the grey-headed flying fox that is the principal source of HeV in spillover events to horses.
    Citation

    Burroughs, A. L., Durr, P. A., Boyd, V., Graham, K., White, J. R., Todd, S., Barr, J., Smith, I., Baverstock, G., Meers, J., Crameri, G., & Wang, L. F. (2016). Hendra Virus Infection Dynamics in the Grey-Headed Flying Fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) at the Southern-Most Extent of Its Range: Further Evidence This Species Does Not Readily Transmit the Virus to Horses. PLoS ONE, 11, e0155252. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0155252

  36. Bradbury, D., Tapper, S.-L., Coates, D., Hankinson, M., McArthur, S., & Byrne, M. (2016). How does the post-fire facultative seeding strategy impact genetic variation and phylogeographical history? The case ofBossiaea ornata(Fabaceae) in a fire-prone, mediterranean-climate ecosystem. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 96–110. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12615

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Bradbury, D., Tapper, S.-L., Coates, D., Hankinson, M., McArthur, S., & Byrne, M. (2016). How does the post-fire facultative seeding strategy impact genetic variation and phylogeographical history? The case ofBossiaea ornata(Fabaceae) in a fire-prone, mediterranean-climate ecosystem. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 96–110. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12615

  37. Beaumont, L. J., Graham, E., Duursma, D. E., Wilson, P. D., Cabrelli, A., Baumgartner, J. B., Hallgren, W., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Nipperess, D. A., Warren, D. L., Laffan, S. W., & VanDerWal, J. (2016). Which species distribution models are more (or less) likely to project broad-scale, climate-induced shifts in species ranges? Ecological Modelling, 342, 135–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.10.004

    Ecological Modelling
    abstract
    Citation

    Beaumont, L. J., Graham, E., Duursma, D. E., Wilson, P. D., Cabrelli, A., Baumgartner, J. B., Hallgren, W., Esperon-Rodriguez, M., Nipperess, D. A., Warren, D. L., Laffan, S. W., & VanDerWal, J. (2016). Which species distribution models are more (or less) likely to project broad-scale, climate-induced shifts in species ranges? Ecological Modelling, 342, 135–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolmodel.2016.10.004

  38. Udyawer, V., D’Anastasi, B., McAuley, R., & Heupel, M. (2016). Exploring the status of Western Australia’s sea snakes. nespmarine.edu.au.
    https://www.nespmarine.edu.au/document/exploring-status-western-australia%E2%80%99s-sea-snakes

    Abstract

    All sea snakes are listed marine species under the EPBC Act and three Australian endemic species are listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered‚ and as such are a national conservation priority. Recent findings of two Critically Endangered sea snake species (Aipysurus apraefrontalis and Aipysurus foliosquama) in locations outside of their previously defined ranges have highlighted the lack of information on species distributions along the North West coast of Australia. Data on sea snake sightings on previously collected baited remote underwater video surveys (BRUVS) and fisheries independent trawl surveys were used to assess the utility of these methodologies to accurately define relative abundance and distribution patterns of sea snakes in the North West Marine Region (NWMR)‚ including within Commonwealth Marine Reserves (CMRs)‚ to refine species’ status.
    Presence/absence data from BRUVS were used to predict locations that are likely important habitats for sea snake populations within the NWMR‚ which included mid-shelf and oceanic shoals along the Kimberley and Pilbara coasts. Limited fisheries-independent trawl sampling data collected in Shark Bay and Exmouth Gulf highlighted patterns of interaction between sea snakes and trawl fishing‚ with survivorship curves indicating that most sea snake species encountered within these regions may be able to sustain low to moderate levels of trawl fishing. Trawl survey data also highlighted the need for additional fisheries interaction data to accurately assess the species-specific influence of fishing activities (e.g. trawl and trap fishing) on different life stages of sea snakes susceptible to incidental capture (bycatch). This project highlights the need for more data on sea snakes in regions lacking information (e.g. mid-shelf shoals of Kimberley coast‚ Pilbara coast and Rowley Shoals). In addition‚ further research is also required to assess the degree of connectivity between sea snake populations from offshore reefs that have seen recent declines‚ and those on adjacent mid-shelf and oceanic shoals.
    Citation

    Udyawer, V., D’Anastasi, B., McAuley, R., & Heupel, M. (2016). Exploring the status of Western Australia’s sea snakes. nespmarine.edu.au.

  39. Ahrens, C. W., & James, E. A. (2016). Conserving the small milkwort, Comesperma polygaloides, a vulnerable subshrub in a fragmented landscape. Conservation Genetics, 17, 891–901. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-016-0830-9

    Conservation Genetics
    Abstract

    The conservation of remnant grassland vegetation on the Victorian volcanic plain (VVP) is crucial for the persistence of local biodiversity. Recent habitat loss has restricted the grassland to only a small percentage of its former range. Along with grassland habitats‚ species that occur on the VVP are in decline and many are legally protected. Comesperma polygaloides is a grassland species of the VVP that also occurs outside of the region in woodland habitats. We use 12 neutral microsatellite loci and two chloroplast regions to understand genotypic patterns of C. polygaloides in southeastern Australia. We found separate genetic clusters but they do not follow geographic boundaries. There are fewer alleles (2.96) and effective alleles (2.01) than expected from 12 microsatellite markers compared to other species. Even with the low number of alleles per locus there was a moderate level of genetic diversity detected (I = 0.69; H-o = 0.43; H-e = 0.40). Populations of the VVP could not be differentiated from populations elsewhere using neutral markers or chloroplast analyses. The genetic structure discovered was not consistent with the level of fragmentation observed. There may be several reasons for the observed lack of genetic structure: the species is more common than perceived‚ plants are long-lived and can reproduce clonally‚ and the bioregion is relatively young‚ geologically. Results indicate that restoration projects and long-term viability of C. polygaloides will be improved by composite seed sourcing‚ alleviating the risk of insufficient genetic diversity posed by an over-emphasis on local provenancing.
    Citation

    Ahrens, C. W., & James, E. A. (2016). Conserving the small milkwort, Comesperma polygaloides, a vulnerable subshrub in a fragmented landscape. Conservation Genetics, 17, 891–901. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10592-016-0830-9

  40. Arundel, J., Winter, S., Gui, G., & Keatley, M. (2016). A web-based application for beekeepers to visualise patterns of growth in floral resources using MODIS data. Environmental Modelling and Software, 83, 116–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.05.010

    Environmental Modelling and Software
    Abstract

    The honey bee industry is of immense importance to global agriculture. In many countries beekeepers are migratory and move their hives between flowering events. Predicting such flowering events is particularly difficult in Australia due to the irregular flowering of eucalypts. We have developed a web-based application for Victorian beekeepers to visualise patterns of growth in floral resources using MODIS and other data‚ and thus make remote predictions about whether flowering will occur at their apiary sites. We demonstrate the use of this application through comparing ironbark (Eucalyptus tricarpa) growth patterns with flowering and honey production records. While the scientific community as a whole has embraced the use of satellite imagery as a tool for phenological studies‚ our prototype represents the first attempt to make this same information available to a more general audience. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
    Citation

    Arundel, J., Winter, S., Gui, G., & Keatley, M. (2016). A web-based application for beekeepers to visualise patterns of growth in floral resources using MODIS data. Environmental Modelling and Software, 83, 116–125. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2016.05.010

  41. Evans, M. (2016). Species distribution modelling of the Glossy Black Cockatoo in Queensland’s Condamine region [B.Sc.(Hon)]. University of Southern Queensland.
    https://eprints.usq.edu.au/31397/

    Abstract

    This project undertakes species distribution modelling of the Glossy Black Cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami). Species distribution modelling is a GIS application that has been used in a number of different studies. In this instance it will be used to predict and map the habitat suitability of areas across the Condamine River catchment in Queensland for the subject species and thus provide information valuable for developing conservation strategies.
    The maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling software program was utilised in species distribution modelling. The data for the project has been sourced from a variety of spatial data custodians and then processed through the ArcGIS software to achieve the required data format for analysis. Two main types of datasets were required: the samples (sightings) data of the species‚ and the environmental variables that provide information to derive the prediction. These variables include; land use‚ DEM‚ slope‚ aspect‚ regional ecosystems‚ roads and drainage data.
    The modelling has produced a satisfactory and valuable set of results. The main output is a species distribution map‚ in which every area is assigned specific habitat suitability values for the cockatoo in the area. Another important result is the contribution made by each variable to the final model. In this project land use (46.2%) and elevation (34.9%) were the most important variables in the model‚ while aspect (1.3%) was the most inconsequential.
    Conducting this research has opened up avenues for further work such as expanding the scope to alternate species or different areas. Doing so would further assist in preventing the demise of an endangered species. Doing further research into the specific characteristics of the identified areas of high suitability would also be enlightening. The project has been successful in indentifying suitable habitat for the Glossy Black Cockatoo. The information obtained from this study could be useful in future conservation efforts for this species.
    Citation

    Evans, M. (2016). Species distribution modelling of the Glossy Black Cockatoo in Queensland’s Condamine region [B.Sc.(Hon)]. University of Southern Queensland.

  42. Etges, M. F. (2016). Axis axis em foco: efeitos da introdução e modelagem da invasão [Master]. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
    http://hdl.handle.net/10183/150711

    Abstract

    Alien vertebrates are intentionally introduced for leisure and economic purposes. Those who become able to expand their populations in the new areas are known as invasive and are often involved in undesirable effects in indigenous populations‚ communities and ecosystems. The axis deer was introduced worldwide for hunting. Despite its wide distribution and use‚ little is known about its effects on the invaded areas and regions in which this species can become invasive. This complicates the decision-making because assessing the effects of the introduction and predict areas at risk of invasion are key tasks for prevention strategies‚ prioritization and control actions. Like this. So‚ this study aimed to summarize the effects of the axis deer in invaded areas using a systematic review protocol and to model the potential distribution of this species globally and in South America using bioclimatic variables. To summarized the effects we conducted searches for studies on non-native areas in three databases‚ using three sets of key-words and classified the studies that met the criteria of the protocol according to the level of inference about the effects they investigated. We extracted the types mentioned effects and occurrence region. To model the potential distribution based on bioclimatic variables we used the program Maxent. We used occurrences from the original distribution and three regions where the species is invasive about which geographical coordinates could be obtained or estimated. Four studies demonstrated effects of the axis deer due to competition with native species‚ changes in the floristic and faunistic composition and facilitation of other invasion processes. Six studies speculated the occurrence of disease transmition‚ hybridization with other species and difuse degradation of forest areas in combination with other invasive species. The distribution model demonstrated that large extensions of South America‚ Central Africa and Southeast Asia are susceptible to invasion. In the southern cone of South America Brazil‚ Uruguay‚ northern Argentina and Paraguay include extensive areas prone to invasion based on the bioclamatic models.
    Citation

    Etges, M. F. (2016). Axis axis em foco: efeitos da introdução e modelagem da invasão [Master]. Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

  43. Taylor, S., & Kumar, L. (2016). Will climate change impact the potential distribution of a native vine (Merremia peltata) which is behaving invasively in the Pacific region? Ecology and Evolution, 6, 742–754. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1915

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Merremia peltata is a species with uncertain status in the island nations of the Pacific region. It has been designated introduced and invasive in some countries whereas it is considered native in others. Recent increase in its abundance across some island landscapes have led to calls for its designation as an invasive species of environmental concern with biological control being suggested as a control strategy. Climate change will add to the complications of managing this species since changes in climate will influence its range limits. In this study‚ we develop a process-oriented niche model of M. peltata using CLIMEX to investigate the impacts of climate change on its potential distribution. Information on the climatic requirements of M. peltata and its current geographic distribution were used to calibrate the model. The results indicate that under current climate‚ 273‚132 km2 of the land area in the region is climatically unsuitable or marginal for M. peltata whereas 664‚524 km2 is suitable to highly suitable. Under current climate‚ areas of climatic suitability for M. peltata were identified on the archipelagos of Fiji‚ Papua New Guinea‚ Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. By the end of the century‚ some archipelagos like Fiji‚ Hawaii‚ New Caledonia and Vanuatu will probably become more suitable while PNG and Solomon Islands become less suitable for M. peltata. The results can be used to inform biosecurity planning‚ management and conservation strategies on islands. © 2016 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Taylor, S., & Kumar, L. (2016). Will climate change impact the potential distribution of a native vine (Merremia peltata) which is behaving invasively in the Pacific region? Ecology and Evolution, 6, 742–754. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1915

  44. Brandis, K., & Bino, G. (2016). A review of the relationship between flow and waterbird ecology in the Condamine-Balonne and Barwon-Darling River. Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305986060

    abstract
    Citation

    Brandis, K., & Bino, G. (2016). A review of the relationship between flow and waterbird ecology in the Condamine-Balonne and Barwon-Darling River. Centre for Ecosystem Science, University of New South Wales.

  45. Campbell, L. P. (2016). Modeling Approaches to Investigating Distributions, Abundances, and Connectivity of Mosquito Vector Species [PhD]. University of Kansas.
    http://hdl.handle.net/1808/24211

    Abstract

    Vector-borne and zoonotic diseases comprise a serious public health concern globally. Over the past 30 years‚ an increase in newly-emerging vector-borne pathogens‚ coupled with the broader dispersal of known pathogens‚ has resulted in substantial challenges for public health intervention and prevention programs. This burden highlights the need for continued improvement of modeling approaches and prediction methods to help identify areas vulnerable to infection‚ thereby contributing toward more efficient distributions of limited public health resources. The field of disease ecology emphasizes interactions between disease system components and the natural environment‚ recognizing that humans are not always the catalyst for pathogen dispersal and distributions. While incorporating environmental factors in assessing potential pathogen risk is a logical first step‚ complexities in this approach exist because pathogens are nested within the broader community ecology of host‚ vector‚ and reservoir species‚ and often‚ not all of these elements are known. Although this element poses challenges to understanding limiting factors of specific environmental pathogens‚ the multitude of components within individual disease systems offer several avenues from which to study patterns‚ providing insight into risk. Mosquito vectors are one such component. This knowledge‚ coupled with advances in geospatial technologies‚ provides excellent opportunities to model environmental factors contributing to potential pathogen distributions and to help predict disease risk in humans. Here‚ I present three ecological modeling approaches to quantify and predict suitable environments‚ abundances‚ and connectivity for three mosquito vector species important to human and domestic livestock health. The first chapter delivers a global model of suitable environments for Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus under present and future climate change calibrated on presence-only data. The second chapter outlines a new approach to predicting Ae. mcintoshi abundances in Kenya and western Somalia at an 8-day temporal resolution during October to January from 2002–2015. The third chapter demonstrates the potential to investigate Ae. mcintoshi population genetic structure and associations between environmental variables across eastern Kenya using gene sequence data. Each of these chapters address individual research questions using a disease ecology approach‚ while contributing more broadly to knowledge of mosquito vector ecologies and the potential for human disease risk.
    Citation

    Campbell, L. P. (2016). Modeling Approaches to Investigating Distributions, Abundances, and Connectivity of Mosquito Vector Species [PhD]. University of Kansas.

  46. Stuart-Smith, J., Pecl, G., Pender, A., Tracey, S., Villanueva, C., & Smith-Vaniz, W. F. (2016). Southernmost records of two Seriola species in an Australian ocean-warming hotspot. Marine Biodiversity. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-016-0580-4

    Marine Biodiversity
    abstract
    Citation

    Stuart-Smith, J., Pecl, G., Pender, A., Tracey, S., Villanueva, C., & Smith-Vaniz, W. F. (2016). Southernmost records of two Seriola species in an Australian ocean-warming hotspot. Marine Biodiversity. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12526-016-0580-4

  47. Blacket, M. J., Shea, M., Semeraro, L., & Malipatil, M. B. (2016). Introduced Helicidae Garden Snails in Australia: Morphological and Molecular Diagnostics, Species Distributions and Systematics. Records of the Australian Museum, 68(3), 99–116. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.68.2016.1648

    Records of the Australian Museum
    Abstract

    There is a large number of Helicidae land snails native to the Western Palearctic‚ many of
    which have become invasive species in other parts of the world. In the past‚ multiple helicid species were
    introduced to Australia where they can now be major agricultural and horticultural pests. Determining
    which species have become established is essential for effective biosecurity and pest management. Here
    we have shown that three helicid species currently occur in Australia: Brown (Cornu aspersum Müller)‚
    Green (Cantareus apertus Born) and White (Theba pisana Müller) Garden Snails. A fourth formerly present
    species‚ the Chocolate Banded snail (Eobania vermiculata Müller) appears currently to be locally extinct.
    All four of these species are known to be highly invasive worldwide. Our study assessed the effectiveness
    of employing DNA barcoding for identification of garden snails in Australia through characterising DNA
    sequences of the mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase I and nuclear ITS2 loci. We were able to distinguish
    all four species‚ as well as other commonly intercepted Helicidae species. DNA sequences and diagnostic
    images of the helicid garden snails currently found in Australia have been added to the Barcode of Life
    Database (BOLD)‚ as project AMPH (Australian Mollusc Pests—Helicidae)‚ to aid in the identification
    of intercepted specimens‚ morphologically ambiguous individuals‚ or small juvenile specimens. We also
    examined the diagnostic morphological characters (juvenile and adult) that can be used to identify these
    species (including an illustrated key)‚ and summarize relevant systematic and nomenclatural changes.
    We also provide the first specimen records for Green Garden Snails in eastern Australia‚ where they were
    previously unknown and may become a serious plant pest.
    Citation

    Blacket, M. J., Shea, M., Semeraro, L., & Malipatil, M. B. (2016). Introduced Helicidae Garden Snails in Australia: Morphological and Molecular Diagnostics, Species Distributions and Systematics. Records of the Australian Museum, 68(3), 99–116. https://doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.68.2016.1648

  48. Weier, A., Radford, I. J., Oliveira, S. L. J., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). Recently but infrequently burnt breeding sites are favoured by threatened Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae). International Journal of Wildland Fire, 25. https://doi.org/10.1071/wf16105

    International Journal of Wildland Fire
    abstract
    Citation

    Weier, A., Radford, I. J., Oliveira, S. L. J., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). Recently but infrequently burnt breeding sites are favoured by threatened Gouldian finches (Erythrura gouldiae). International Journal of Wildland Fire, 25. https://doi.org/10.1071/wf16105

  49. Stimpson, M. L., Weston, P. H., Whalley, R. D. B., & Bruhl, J. J. (2016). A morphometric analysis of the Banksia spinulosa complex (Proteaceae) and its complex taxonomic implications. Australian Systematic Botany, 29, 55–86. https://doi.org/10.1071/Sb15030

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    Specimens of all known taxa and putative entities belonging to the Banksia spinulosa complex were collected from Kuranda in northern Queensland‚ western to central Queensland and down the eastern coast of Australia to Wilsons Promontory in southern Victoria. These specimens were used to investigate morphological variation in habit‚ stems‚ leaves‚ inflorescences‚ fruits and seeds in the complex. Phenetic analysis (unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic mean‚ UPGMA‚ clustering and semi-strong hybrid multi-dimensional scaling‚ SSH-MDS‚ ordination) was performed on the full dataset of 233 entities using 33 characters (18 quantitative‚ two binary and 13 multistate). To facilitate visualisation of patterns in both clustering and ordination‚ we also analysed subgroups based on the results of the phenogram from the full dataset. The results showed that the five known and described taxa are phenetically distinct‚ viz. B. collina sens. str.‚ B. cunninghamii sens. str.‚ B. neoanglica‚ B. spinulosa and B. vincentia‚ and provided support for a further 12 morphometrically diagnosable entities‚ four of which could not be diagnosed with simple combinations of character states and require further investigation. The present study has highlighted that there is much more hidden morphological diversity in the B. spinulosa complex than has previously been recognised in any of the current competing taxonomies.
    Citation

    Stimpson, M. L., Weston, P. H., Whalley, R. D. B., & Bruhl, J. J. (2016). A morphometric analysis of the Banksia spinulosa complex (Proteaceae) and its complex taxonomic implications. Australian Systematic Botany, 29, 55–86. https://doi.org/10.1071/Sb15030

  50. Menge, E. O., Bellairs, S. M., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). Seed-germination responses of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) to temperature and water stress in northern Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 441–450. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16044

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Understanding the seed biology of the introduced weed rubber bush (Calotropis procera (Aiton‚ W.T.Aiton)) is critical to its management in northern Australia. We examined the numbers of seeds produced and the effects of environmental temperature and water stress on germination performance (germinability G; mean germination time MGT) of rubber bush seeds from across northern Australia. Germination trials were conducted using seeds from wild populations monitored for 3 years. Seed numbers per fruit did not vary significantly among the six populations studied (mean±s.e.≤433.2±19.0)‚ but seed mass did (range from 8.32±0.24 to 5.24±0.06mg)‚ with no negative correlation between the measures. Maximum seed germination (68-100%) occurred at 30°C‚ associated with a mean germination time of 2.58 days. Under water stress‚ the proportion of germinated seeds declined significantly with increasing temperature from 92.5±1.1% at 20°C and 0MPa to 2.8±1.7% at 40°C and -0.4MPa respectively. Seeds were unable to germinate at ambient temperatures ≥40°C‚ but remained quiescent and hence viable. Planting depth influenced seedling emergence‚ with minimal germination of seeds on the surface (5.8%) but 88.5% germination at 3-cm depth. The effect of water stress was dependent on temperature‚ with water stress inducing a reduction in optimum germination temperature from 30°C to 20°C. Phenotypic plasticity in G and MGT did not show clear patterns among populations or years. Short MGTs increase seedling survival by rapid transition from endosperm resources to photosynthesis‚ whereas seed quiescence (cf. dormancy) optimises germination opportunities in a semiarid environment. Thus‚ the germination traits reported in the present study are likely to promote seedling survival and potential spread of rubber bush in semiarid Australia. © CSIRO 2016.
    Citation

    Menge, E. O., Bellairs, S. M., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). Seed-germination responses of Calotropis procera (Asclepiadaceae) to temperature and water stress in northern Australia. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 441–450. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT16044

  51. Letnic, M., Feit, A., Mills, C., & Feit, B. (2016). The crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) in the south-eastern Strzelecki Desert. Australian Mammalogy, 38, 241–245. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM15027

    Australian Mammalogy
    Abstract

    We report observations of the crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) in the south-eastern Strzelecki Desert. Our observations‚ made during spotlight surveys and using infrared cameras‚ extend the contemporary range of D. cristicauda to the east by 180km but subfossil records show that these observations are within the pre-European-settlement range of the species. Whether our observations represent a range expansion or localised population irruption of a previously unknown refuge population is not known. Future studies are recommended to establish the distribution of D. cristicauda in the region and the factors determining its distribution and abundance. © Australian Mammal Society 2016.
    Citation

    Letnic, M., Feit, A., Mills, C., & Feit, B. (2016). The crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda) in the south-eastern Strzelecki Desert. Australian Mammalogy, 38, 241–245. https://doi.org/10.1071/AM15027

  52. Medek, D. E., Beggs, P. J., Erbas, B., Jaggard, A. K., Campbell, B. C., Vicendese, D., Johnston, F. H., Godwin, I., Huete, A. R., Green, B. J., Burton, P. K., Bowman, D. M., Newnham, R. M., Katelaris, C. H., Haberle, S. G., Newbigin, E., & Davies, J. M. (2016). Regional and seasonal variation in airborne grass pollen levels between cities of Australia and New Zealand. Aerobiologia, 32, 289–302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-015-9399-x

    Aerobiologia
    Abstract

    Although grass pollen is widely regarded as the major outdoor aeroallergen source in Australia and New Zealand (NZ)‚ no assemblage of airborne pollen data for the region has been previously compiled. Grass pollen count data collected at 14 urban sites in Australia and NZ over periods ranging from 1 to 17 years were acquired‚ assembled and compared‚ revealing considerable spatiotemporal variability. Although direct comparison between these data is problematic due to methodological differences between monitoring sites‚ the following patterns are apparent. Grass pollen seasons tended to have more than one peak from tropics to latitudes of 37 degrees S and single peaks at sites south of this latitude. A longer grass pollen season was therefore found at sites below 37 degrees S‚ driven by later seasonal end dates for grass growth and flowering. Daily pollen counts increased with latitude; subtropical regions had seasons of both high intensity and long duration. At higher latitude sites‚ the single springtime grass pollen peak is potentially due to a cooler growing season and a predominance of pollen from C3 grasses. The multiple peaks at lower latitude sites may be due to a warmer season and the predominance of pollen from C4 grasses. Prevalence and duration of seasonal allergies may reflect the differing pollen seasons across Australia and NZ. It must be emphasized that these findings are tentative due to limitations in the available data‚ reinforcing the need to implement standardized pollen-monitoring methods across Australasia. Furthermore‚ spatiotemporal differences in grass pollen counts indicate that local‚ current‚ standardized pollen monitoring would assist with the management of pollen allergen exposure for patients at risk of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
    Citation

    Medek, D. E., Beggs, P. J., Erbas, B., Jaggard, A. K., Campbell, B. C., Vicendese, D., Johnston, F. H., Godwin, I., Huete, A. R., Green, B. J., Burton, P. K., Bowman, D. M., Newnham, R. M., Katelaris, C. H., Haberle, S. G., Newbigin, E., & Davies, J. M. (2016). Regional and seasonal variation in airborne grass pollen levels between cities of Australia and New Zealand. Aerobiologia, 32, 289–302. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10453-015-9399-x

  53. Davies, C. H., Coughlan, A., Hallegraeff, G., Ajani, P., Armbrecht, L., Atkins, N., Bonham, P., Brett, S., Brinkman, R., Burford, M., Clementson, L., Coad, P., Coman, F., Davies, D., Dela-Cruz, J., Devlin, M., Edgar, S., Eriksen, R., Furnas, M., … Richardson, A. J. (2016). A database of marine phytoplankton abundance, biomass and species composition in Australian waters. Scientific Data, 3, 160043. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2016.43

    Scientific Data
    Abstract

    There have been many individual phytoplankton datasets collected across Australia since the mid 1900s‚ but most are unavailable to the research community. We have searched archives‚ contacted researchers‚ and scanned the primary and grey literature to collate 3‚621‚847 records of marine phytoplankton species from Australian waters from 1844 to the present. Many of these are small datasets collected for local questions‚ but combined they provide over 170 years of data on phytoplankton communities in Australian waters. Units and taxonomy have been standardised‚ obviously erroneous data removed‚ and all metadata included. We have lodged this dataset with the Australian Ocean Data Network (http://portal.aodn.org.au/) allowing public access. The Australian Phytoplankton Database will be invaluable for global change studies‚ as it allows analysis of ecological indicators of climate change and eutrophication (e.g.‚ changes in distribution; diatom:dinoflagellate ratios). In addition‚ the standardised conversion of abundance records to biomass provides modellers with quantifiable data to initialise and validate ecosystem models of lower marine trophic levels.
    Citation

    Davies, C. H., Coughlan, A., Hallegraeff, G., Ajani, P., Armbrecht, L., Atkins, N., Bonham, P., Brett, S., Brinkman, R., Burford, M., Clementson, L., Coad, P., Coman, F., Davies, D., Dela-Cruz, J., Devlin, M., Edgar, S., Eriksen, R., Furnas, M., … Richardson, A. J. (2016). A database of marine phytoplankton abundance, biomass and species composition in Australian waters. Scientific Data, 3, 160043. https://doi.org/10.1038/sdata.2016.43

  54. Holtum, J. A. M., Hancock, L. P., Edwards, E. J., Crisp, M. D., Crayn, D. M., Sage, R., & Winter, K. (2016). Australia lacks stem succulents but is it depauperate in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)? Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 31, 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2016.03.018

    Current Opinion in Plant Biology
    Abstract

    In the flora of Australia‚ the driest vegetated continent‚ crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)‚ the most water-use efficient form of photosynthesis‚ is documented in only 0.6% of native species. Most are epiphytes and only seven terrestrial. However‚ much of Australia is unsurveyed‚ and carbon isotope signature‚ commonly used to assess photosynthetic pathway diversity‚ does not distinguish between plants with low-levels of CAM and C3 plants. We provide the first census of CAM for the Australian flora and suggest that the real frequency of CAM in the flora is double that currently known‚ with the number of terrestrial CAM species probably 10-fold greater. Still unresolved is the question why the large stem-succulent life - form is absent from the native Australian flora even though exotic large cacti have successfully invaded and established in Australia. © 2016 .
    Citation

    Holtum, J. A. M., Hancock, L. P., Edwards, E. J., Crisp, M. D., Crayn, D. M., Sage, R., & Winter, K. (2016). Australia lacks stem succulents but is it depauperate in plants with crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM)? Current Opinion in Plant Biology, 31, 109–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pbi.2016.03.018

  55. Lamont, B. B., He, T. H., & Lim, S. L. (2016). Hakea, the world’s most sclerophyllous genus, arose in southwestern Australian heathland and diversified throughout Australia over the past 12 million years. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt15134

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Hakea (Proteaceae) currently comprises over 150 species‚ with two-thirds confined to south-western Australia (SWA) and the remainder spread throughout Australia‚ especially along the eastern coast. We constructed a time-based molecular phylogeny for the genus and used area-assignment techniques to trace its biogeographic history. According to our area-cladogram analysis‚ there is a 95% probability that Hakea arose 18 million years ago (Ma) in the sandplains of SWA. From 12 Ma‚ the genus speciated and migrated into forest and onto granite outcrops within SWA‚ into the drier centre and then continued to the maritime forests of eastern Australia (EA) 3000 kmaway‚ and north-east to savanna grasslands. The Nullarbor Plain was an obstacle but it did not prevent eastward migration. Twelve west -> east‚ apparently allopatric‚ speciation events are identified that coincided with glacial maxima‚ but more likely represent sympatric speciation inSWAor central Australia‚ followed by further migration and speciation -> extinction -> speciation events across central to EA. During the period from 8 to 1 Ma‚ net speciation has been linear and strong in the sclerophyll shrublands of SWA and‚ to a lesser extent‚ the sclerophyll forests of EA. Four lines of evidence (historical distribution of sclerophyllous Proteaceae‚ historical subjection to aridity‚ species diversification patterns‚ relative allocation of drought-adapted traits) support our area-cladogram results that Hakea originated in SWA and gradually spread to all parts of Australia as suitable nutrient-impoverished‚ and open drought-and fire-prone habitats became available.
    Citation

    Lamont, B. B., He, T. H., & Lim, S. L. (2016). Hakea, the world’s most sclerophyllous genus, arose in southwestern Australian heathland and diversified throughout Australia over the past 12 million years. Australian Journal of Botany, 64, 77–88. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt15134

  56. Ekins, M., Erpenbeck, D., Wörheide, G., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2016). Staying well connected-Lithistid sponges on seamounts. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 96, 437–451. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315415000831

    Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom
    Abstract

    Three species of lithistid sponges‚ Neoaulaxinia zingiberadix‚ Isabella mirabilis and Neoschrammeniella fulvodesmus were collected from deep seamounts off New Caledonia to address questions about their population structure‚ gene flow and the relative contribution of sexual and asexual reproductive strategies to their populations. The sponges were tested by sequencing the ITS (internal transcribed spacer) and CO1 regions of their genomes. These rare and presumably ancient sponges have a distribution restricted to seamounts in the south-western Pacific. Deep seamounts represent geographically separated islands. Although the sponges could be expected to have sexual reproduction restricted to near neighbours due to low sexual dispersal opportunities via larvae‚ this study found surprisingly high levels of gene flow between the seamounts. Amongst the specimens of N. zingiberadix taken from two seamounts there was no population structure; CO1 resulted in identical genotypes. For the population structure within N. fulvodesmus‚ as revealed by ITS‚ most of the variation was within each individual from the six seamounts on which it occurred and CO1 revealed no difference between individuals or seamounts. The third species I. mirabilis showed four genotypes based on CO1‚ which were distributed across all the seamounts. Indirect measures of different species showed a range of reproductive strategies from asexual to sexual‚ but with much higher connection between seamounts than previously thought. Individual seamounts did not show a separate population structure as one might expect from ’islands’. The conclusion must be that these sponges have mechanisms to attain greater dispersal than previously thought. © 2014 Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom.
    Citation

    Ekins, M., Erpenbeck, D., Wörheide, G., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2016). Staying well connected-Lithistid sponges on seamounts. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 96, 437–451. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0025315415000831

  57. Dodd, A. J., McCarthy, M. A., Ainsworth, N., & Burgman, M. A. (2016). Identifying hotspots of alien plant naturalisation in Australia: approaches and predictions. Biological Invasions, 18, 631–645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-1035-8

    Biological Invasions
    Abstract

    The early detection of newly naturalised alien species is vital to ensuring the greatest chance of their successful eradication. Understanding where species naturalise most frequently is the first stage in allocating surveillance effort. Using Australia’s Virtual Herbarium‚ we compiled the collection records for all plant species in Australia. We controlled for potential spatial biases in collection effort to identify areas that have an elevated rate of first records of alien species’ occurrence in Australia. Collection effort was highly variable across Australia‚ but the most intense collection effort occurred either close to herbaria (located in cities) or in remote natural environments. Significant clusters of first records of occurrence were identified around each state’s capital city‚ coinciding with higher collection effort. Using Poisson point process modelling‚ we were able to determine the relative influence of environmental and anthropogenic factors on the spatial variation in the risk of species naturalisation. Effort-corrected naturalisation risk appeared to be strongly related to land use‚ road and human population densities‚ as well as environmental factors such as average temperature and rainfall. Our paper illustrates how the risk of naturalisation at a location can be estimated quantitatively. Improved understanding of factors that contribute to naturalisation risk enhances allocation of surveillance effort‚ thereby detecting novel species sooner‚ and increasing the likelihood of their eventual eradication. © 2015‚ Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Australia as represented by: Sally Salmon.
    Citation

    Dodd, A. J., McCarthy, M. A., Ainsworth, N., & Burgman, M. A. (2016). Identifying hotspots of alien plant naturalisation in Australia: approaches and predictions. Biological Invasions, 18, 631–645. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-1035-8

  58. Williams, A. A. E., Williams, M. R., Edwards, E. D., & Coppen, R. A. M. (2016). The sun-moths (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) of Western Australia: an inventory of distribution, larval food plants, habitat, behaviour, seasonality and conservation status. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 31, 90–162. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.31(2).2016.090-162

    Records of the Western Australian Museum
    abstract
    Citation

    Williams, A. A. E., Williams, M. R., Edwards, E. D., & Coppen, R. A. M. (2016). The sun-moths (Lepidoptera: Castniidae) of Western Australia: an inventory of distribution, larval food plants, habitat, behaviour, seasonality and conservation status. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 31, 90–162. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.31(2).2016.090-162

  59. Vanderduys, E. P., Reside, A. E., Grice, A., & Rechetelo, J. (2016). Addressing potential cumulative impacts of development on threatened species: The case of the endangered black-throated finch. PLoS ONE, 11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148485

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Where threatened biodiversity is adversely affected by development‚ policies often state that "no net loss" should be the goal and biodiversity offsetting is one mechanism available to achieve this. However‚ developments are often approved on an ad hoc basis and cumulative impacts are not sufficiently examined. We demonstrate the potential for serious threat to an endangered subspecies when multiple developments are planned. We modelled the distribution of the black-throated finch (Poephila cincta cincta) using bioclimatic data and Queensland’s Regional Ecosystem classification. We overlaid granted‚ extant extractive and exploratory mining tenures within the known and modelled ranges of black-throated finches to examine the level of incipient threat to this subspecies in central Queensland‚ Australia. Our models indicate that more than half of the remaining P. cincta cincta habitat is currently under extractive or exploratory tenure. Therefore‚ insufficient habitat exists to offset all potential development so "no net loss" is not possible. This has implications for future conservation of this and similarly distributed species and for resource development planning‚ especially the use of legislated offsets for biodiversity protection. © 2016 Vanderduys et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License‚ which permits unrestricted use‚ distribution‚ and reproduction in any medium‚ provided the original author and source are credited.
    Citation

    Vanderduys, E. P., Reside, A. E., Grice, A., & Rechetelo, J. (2016). Addressing potential cumulative impacts of development on threatened species: The case of the endangered black-throated finch. PLoS ONE, 11. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0148485

  60. Wang, T. L., Wang, G. Y., Innes, J., Nitschke, C., & Kang, H. J. (2016). Climatic niche models and their consensus projections for future climates for four major forest tree species in the Asia-Pacific region. Forest Ecology and Management, 360, 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2015.08.004

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Abstract

    Modeling and mapping the climatic niches of forest tree species and projecting their potential shift in geographic distribution under future climates are essential steps in assessing the impact of climate change on forests and in developing adaptive forest management strategies. It is particularly important for selecting suitable tree species to match future climates for afforestation and restoration of forest ecosystems. Large scale afforestation and reforestation projects have occurred or planned in Asia-Pacific region; however‚ the direct impact of climate change has not been widely considered. This has been at least partially due to the lack of availability of robust inventory data on forest vegetation and lack of access to appropriate climate data. In this study‚ we used our recently developed model‚ ClimateAP‚ to generate a large number of climate variables for point locations and used an ensemble modeling approach with Random Forest to overcome some limitations that exist with vegetation data. Uncertainty in future climates was incorporated into the analysis through consensus based projections using 12 climate change scenarios. We modeled the climatic niches for four economically and ecologically important forest tree species in the region and projected their shift in geographical distribution under climate change. Unusual patterns in the shift of geographic distributions of climatic niches were found in two species in Southern China. The implications of the projections in forest management for adaptation to climate change are discussed. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Wang, T. L., Wang, G. Y., Innes, J., Nitschke, C., & Kang, H. J. (2016). Climatic niche models and their consensus projections for future climates for four major forest tree species in the Asia-Pacific region. Forest Ecology and Management, 360, 357–366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2015.08.004

  61. Trumbo, D. R., Epstein, B., Hohenlohe, P. A., Alford, R. A., Schwarzkopf, L., & Storfer, A. (2016). Mixed population genomics support for the central marginal hypothesis across the invasive range of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia. Molecular Ecology, 25, 4161–4176. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13754

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Understanding factors that cause species’ geographic range limits is a major focus in ecology and evolution. The central marginal hypothesis (CMH) predicts that species cannot adapt to conditions beyond current geographic range edges because genetic diversity decreases from core to edge due to smaller‚ more isolated edge populations. We employed a population genomics framework using 24 235-33 112 SNP loci to test major predictions of the CMH in the ongoing invasion of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia. Cane toad tissue samples were collected along broad-scale‚ core-to-edge transects across their invasive range. Geographic and ecological core areas were identified using GIS and habitat suitability indices from ecological niche modelling. Bayesian clustering analyses revealed three genetic clusters‚ in the northwest invasion-front region‚ northeast precipitation-limited region and southeast cold temperature-limited region. Core-to-edge patterns of genetic diversity and differentiation were consistent with the CMH in the southeast‚ but were not supported in the northeast and showed mixed support in the northwest. Results suggest cold temperatures are a likely contributor to southeastern range limits‚ consistent with CMH predictions. In the northeast and northwest‚ ecological processes consisting of a steep physiological barrier and ongoing invasion dynamics‚ respectively‚ are more likely explanations for population genomic patterns than the CMH.
    Citation

    Trumbo, D. R., Epstein, B., Hohenlohe, P. A., Alford, R. A., Schwarzkopf, L., & Storfer, A. (2016). Mixed population genomics support for the central marginal hypothesis across the invasive range of the cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia. Molecular Ecology, 25, 4161–4176. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13754

  62. Tingley, R., Thompson, M. B., Hartley, S., & Chapple, D. G. (2016). Patterns of niche filling and expansion across the invaded ranges of an Australian lizard. Ecography, 39, 270–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.01576

    Ecography
    Ecography
    Abstract

    Studies of realized niche shifts in alien species typically ignore the potential effects of intraspecific niche variation and different invaded-range environments on niche lability. We incorporate our detailed knowledge of the native-range source populations and global introduction history of the delicate skink Lampropholis delicata to examine intraspecific variation in realized niche expansion and unfilling‚ and investigate how alternative niche modelling approaches are affected by that variation. We analyzed the realized niche dynamics of L. delicata using an ordination method‚ ecological niche models (ENMs)‚ and occurrence records from 1) Australia (native range)‚ 2) New Zealand‚ 3) Hawaii‚ 4) the two distinct native-range clades that were the sources for the New Zealand and Hawaii introductions‚ and 5) the species’ global range (including Lord Howe Island‚ Australia). We found a gradient of realized niche change across the invaded ranges of L. delicata: niche stasis on Lord Howe Island‚ niche unfilling in New Zealand (16%)‚ and niche unfilling (87%) and expansion (14%) in Hawaii. ENMs fitted to native-range data generally identified suitable climatic conditions at sites where the species has established non-native populations‚ whereas ENMs based on native-range source clades and non-native populations had lower spatial transferability. Our results suggest that the extent to which realized niches are maintained during invasion does not depend on species-level traits. When realized niche shifts are predominately due to niche unfilling‚ fully capturing species’ responses along climatic gradients by basing ENMs on native distributions may be more important for accurate invasion forecasts than incorporating phylogenetic differentiation‚ or integrating niche changes in the invaded range.
    Citation

    Tingley, R., Thompson, M. B., Hartley, S., & Chapple, D. G. (2016). Patterns of niche filling and expansion across the invaded ranges of an Australian lizard. Ecography, 39, 270–280. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.01576

  63. Thi Tran, L., Stoeckl, N., Esparon, M., & Jarvis, D. (2016). If climate change means more intense and more frequent drought, what will that mean for agricultural production? A case study in Northern Australia. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 23, 281–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2016.1152202

    Australasian Journal of Environmental Management
    abstract
    Citation

    Thi Tran, L., Stoeckl, N., Esparon, M., & Jarvis, D. (2016). If climate change means more intense and more frequent drought, what will that mean for agricultural production? A case study in Northern Australia. Australasian Journal of Environmental Management, 23, 281–297. https://doi.org/10.1080/14486563.2016.1152202

  64. Tindall, M. L., Thomson, F. J., Laffan, S. W., & Moles, A. T. (2016). Is there a latitudinal gradient in the proportion of species with spinescence? Journal of Plant Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtw031

    Journal of Plant Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Tindall, M. L., Thomson, F. J., Laffan, S. W., & Moles, A. T. (2016). Is there a latitudinal gradient in the proportion of species with spinescence? Journal of Plant Ecology. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpe/rtw031

  65. Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2016). A comparison of absolute performance of different correlative and mechanistic species distribution models in an independent area. Ecology and Evolution, 6, 5973–5986. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2332

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    To investigate the comparative abilities of six different bioclimatic models in an independent area‚ utilizing the distribution of eight different species available at a global scale and in Australia. Global scale and Australia. We tested a variety of bioclimatic models for eight different plant species employing five discriminatory correlative species distribution models (SDMs) including Generalized Linear Model (GLM)‚ MaxEnt‚ Random Forest (RF)‚ Boosted Regression Tree (BRT)‚ Bioclim‚ together with CLIMEX (CL) as a mechanistic niche model. These models were fitted using a training dataset of available global data‚ but with the exclusion of Australian locations. The capabilities of these techniques in projecting suitable climate‚ based on independent records for these species in Australia‚ were compared. Thus‚ Australia is not used to calibrate the models and therefore it is as an independent area regarding geographic locations. To assess and compare performance‚ we utilized the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves (AUC)‚ true skill statistic (TSS)‚ and fractional predicted areas for all SDMs. In addition‚ we assessed satisfactory agreements between the outputs of the six different bioclimatic models‚ for all eight species in Australia. The modeling method impacted on potential distribution predictions under current climate. However‚ the utilization of sensitivity and the fractional predicted areas showed that GLM‚ MaxEnt‚ Bioclim‚ and CL had the highest sensitivity for Australian climate conditions. Bioclim calculated the highest fractional predicted area of an independent area‚ while RF and BRT were poor. For many applications‚ it is difficult to decide which bioclimatic model to use. This research shows that variable results are obtained using different SDMs in an independent area. This research also shows that the SDMs produce different results for different species; for example‚ Bioclim may not be good for one species but works better for other species. Also‚ when projecting a “large” number of species into novel environments or in an independent area‚ the selection of the “best” model/technique is often less reliable than an ensemble modeling approach. In addition‚ it is vital to understand the accuracy of SDMs’ predictions. Further‚ while TSS‚ together with fractional predicted areas‚ are appropriate tools for the measurement of accuracy between model results‚ particularly when undertaking projections on an independent area‚ AUC has been proved not to be. Our study highlights that each one of these models (CL‚ Bioclim‚ GLM‚ MaxEnt‚ BRT‚ and RF) provides slightly different results on projections and that it may be safer to use an ensemble of models. © 2016 The Authors. Ecology and Evolution published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., Kumar, L., & Ahmadi, M. (2016). A comparison of absolute performance of different correlative and mechanistic species distribution models in an independent area. Ecology and Evolution, 6, 5973–5986. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2332

  66. Porfirio, L. L., Harris, R. M. B., Stojanovic, D., Webb, M. H., & Mackey, B. (2016). Projected direct and indirect effects of climate change on the Swift Parrot, an endangered migratory species. Emu, 116, 273–283. https://doi.org/10.1071/Mu15094

    Emu
    Emu
    Abstract

    Assessing future changes in the suitability of the climate niche for interacting species across different trophic levels can identify direct and indirect effects of climate change that may be missed using single-species approaches. We use ensembles of species distribution models based on a dynamically down-scaled regional climate model to project the future suitability of climate for the Swift Parrot (Lathamus discolor)‚ its primary food and habitat resources (Tasmanian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus) and Swamp Gum (E. ovata))‚ and an introduced nest predator‚ the Sugar Glider (Petaurus breviceps). These results are combined with layers representing mature forest and fire danger to identify locations that may act as refuges for the Swift Parrot from fire‚ deforestation and predation under baseline and future climates. Almost a quarter of the nesting habitat of Swift Parrots is projected to become climatically unsuitable by the end of the 21st century‚ but large areas may remain climatically suitable for both Swift Parrots and their food trees. However‚ loss of forests and the presence of Sugar Gliders are likely to limit the availability of high-quality habitat. Offshore islands that the Sugar Glider is unable to colonise or where future climate is not projected to be suitable for the Sugar Glider may be the only places‚ in the near future‚ where the Swift Parrot will be protected from nest predation by this introduced species.
    Citation

    Porfirio, L. L., Harris, R. M. B., Stojanovic, D., Webb, M. H., & Mackey, B. (2016). Projected direct and indirect effects of climate change on the Swift Parrot, an endangered migratory species. Emu, 116, 273–283. https://doi.org/10.1071/Mu15094

  67. Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Taylor, S. (2016). Crop niche modeling projects major shifts in common bean growing areas. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 218–219, 102–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2015.12.002

    Agricultural and Forest Meteorology
    Abstract

    Crops experience different climate stresses during development. The magnitude of damage will depend on the phenological stage of the crop and the stress duration. Climate change could intensify some or all of these stresses‚ thus negatively impacting agriculture. An assessment of staple crop productivity‚ quality and climatically suitable areas under climate change conditions is necessary to undertake any global initiatives to tackle food security issues. The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a staple crop and the main source of proteins and nutrients in Africa and Latin America. The purpose of this study is to develop a process-oriented niche model to assess the impacts of climate change on the current and future potential distribution of common bean and to use this model to investigate the changes in heat‚ cold‚ dry and wet stresses under climate change. We used A2 and A1B emission scenarios and two different global climate models‚ CSIRO-Mk3.0 and MIROC-H‚ for the years 2050 and 2100. Our results indicate future climate conditions are more favorable for common bean cultivation in the Northern Hemisphere‚ but are less favorable in the Southern Hemisphere. Heat and dry stresses are the main factors limiting and reducing common bean distribution under current and future projected conditions. Africa and Latin America are projected to decrease with respect to suitability for common bean cultivation. The model projections indicate that a shift in the common bean productive areas is highly likely with a loss of suitability of the current common bean cultivation areas and an increase in cold regions such as Canada‚ the Nordic countries and Russia. The results indicate the likelihood of changes in climatic suitability and the distribution of common bean at a global scale under a future climate‚ which will affect regions where this legume is a staple crop and an important source of household income. Regions in the Northern Hemisphere could take advantage of the increase in suitability by increasing the production and exportation of this grain. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.
    Citation

    Ramirez-Cabral, N. Y. Z., Kumar, L., & Taylor, S. (2016). Crop niche modeling projects major shifts in common bean growing areas. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 218–219, 102–113. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agrformet.2015.12.002

  68. Reichgelt, T., Kennedy, E. M., Jones, W. A., Jones, D. T., & Lee, D. E. (2016). Contrasting palaeoenvironments of the mid/late Miocene Dunedin Volcano, southern New Zealand: Climate or topography? Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 441, 696–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2015.10.029

    Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
    Abstract

    At the mid/late Miocene boundary‚ a northward shift occurred in the Subtropical Front neighbouring the New Zealand continental landmass. The terrestrial palaeoenvironment of New Zealand concurrently underwent a period of cooling. The Dunedin Volcanic Group in southern New Zealand spans the mid/late Miocene boundary and the sedimentary deposits from Kaikorai Valley and Double Hill within this group contain diverse and well-preserved floral assemblages. We used terrestrial palaeoclimate proxies CLAMP (Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program) and BA (Bioclimatic Analysis) to determine the paleoenvironment at southern mid-latitudes during the mid/late Miocene transition. Our results indicate that the mid/late Miocene climate of the Dunedin Volcano was warm-temperate to subtropical (mean annual temperature [MAT]: \textasciitilde 17-19 °C) at Double Hill‚ similar to modern coastal Queensland‚ and cool- to warm-temperate (MAT: \textasciitilde 12-14 °C) at Kaikorai Valley‚ similar to modern northern New Zealand. Winter temperatures at Kaikorai Valley were distinctly cooler (\textasciitilde 6-8 °C). Differing aspect (i.e. north vs south facing) may have played a part in determining solar radiation‚ particularly in an area of high relief‚ such as the Dunedin Volcano. Because Kaikorai Valley was situated facing south and Double Hill facing north‚ the two sites would have received differing radiative fluxes‚ particularly in winter‚ thereby possibly influencing the local environment‚ biota‚ and potentially also the palaeoclimate signal produced by floral proxies. This study provides evidence for the temperature decline in terrestrial palaeoenvironments at mid-latitudes caused by the northward movement of the Subtropical Front and strengthening of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current during the mid/late Miocene. © 2015 Elsevier B.V..
    Citation

    Reichgelt, T., Kennedy, E. M., Jones, W. A., Jones, D. T., & Lee, D. E. (2016). Contrasting palaeoenvironments of the mid/late Miocene Dunedin Volcano, southern New Zealand: Climate or topography? Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 441, 696–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2015.10.029

  69. Oliver, P. M., & McDonald, P. J. (2016). Young relicts and old relicts: A novel palaeoendemic vertebrate from the Australian central uplands. Royal Society Open Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160018

    Royal Society Open Science
    Abstract

    Climatic change‚ and in particular aridification‚ has played a dominant role in shaping Southern Hemisphere biotas since the mid-Neogene. In Australia‚ ancient and geologically stable ranges within the vast arid zone have functioned as refugia for populations of mesic taxa extirpated from surrounding areas‚ yet the extent to which relicts may be linked to major aridification events before or after the Pliocene has not been examined in detail. Here we use molecular phylogenetic and morphological data to show that isolated populations of saxicoline geckos in the genus Oedura from the Australian Central Uplands‚ formerly confounded as a single taxon‚ actually comprise two divergent species with contrasting histories of isolation. The recently resurrected Oedura cincta has close relatives occurring elsewhere in the Australian arid biomes with estimated divergence dates concentrated in the early Pliocene. A new taxon (described herein) diverged from all extant Oedura much earlier‚ well before the end of the Miocene. A review of data for Central Uplands endemic vertebrates shows that for most (including Oedura cincta)‚ gene flow with other parts of Australia probably occurred until at least the very late Miocene or Pliocene. There are‚ however‚ a small number of palaeoendemic taxa-often ecologically specialized forms-that show evidence of having persisted since earlier intensification of aridity in the late Miocene. © 2016 The Authors.
    Citation

    Oliver, P. M., & McDonald, P. J. (2016). Young relicts and old relicts: A novel palaeoendemic vertebrate from the Australian central uplands. Royal Society Open Science, 3. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.160018

  70. Pedler, R. D., Brandle, R., Read, J. L., Southgate, R., Bird, P., & Moseby, K. E. (2016). Rabbit biocontrol and landscape-scale recovery of threatened desert mammals. Conservation Biology, 30, 774–782. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12684

    Conservation Biology
    Abstract

    Funding for species conservation is insufficient to meet the current challenges facing global biodiversity‚ yet many programs use expensive single-species recovery actions and neglect broader management that addresses threatening processes. Arid Australia has the world’s worst modern mammalian extinction record‚ largely attributable to competition from introduced herbivores‚ particularly European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and predation by feral cats (Felis catus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). The biological control agent rabbit hemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) was introduced to Australia in 1995 and resulted in dramatic‚ widespread rabbit suppression. We compared the area of occupancy and extent of occurrence of 4 extant species of small mammals before and after RHDV outbreak‚ relative to rainfall‚ sampling effort‚ and rabbit and predator populations. Despite low rainfall during the first 14 years after RHDV‚ 2 native rodents listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)‚ the dusky hopping-mouse (Notomys fuscus) and plains mouse (Pseudomys australis)‚ increased their extent of occurrence by 241-365%. A threatened marsupial micropredator‚ the crest-tailed mulgara (Dasycercus cristicauda)‚ underwent a 70-fold increase in extent of occurrence and a 20-fold increase in area of occupancy. Both bottom-up and top-down trophic effects were attributed to RHDV‚ namely decreased competition for food resources and declines in rabbit-dependent predators. Based on these sustained increases‚ these 3 previously threatened species now qualify for threat-category downgrading on the IUCN Red List. These recoveries are on a scale rarely documented in mammals and give impetus to programs aimed at targeted use of RHDV in Australia‚ rather than simply employing top-down threat-based management of arid ecosystems. Conservation programs that take big-picture approaches to addressing threatening processes over large spatial scales should be prioritized to maximize return from scarce conservation funding. Further‚ these should be coupled with long-term ecological monitoring‚ a critical tool in detecting and understanding complex ecosystem change.
    Citation

    Pedler, R. D., Brandle, R., Read, J. L., Southgate, R., Bird, P., & Moseby, K. E. (2016). Rabbit biocontrol and landscape-scale recovery of threatened desert mammals. Conservation Biology, 30, 774–782. https://doi.org/10.1111/cobi.12684

  71. Nylinder, S., Razafimandimbison, S. G., & Anderberg, A. A. (2016). From the Namib around the world: biogeography of the Inuleae-Plucheinae (Asteraceae). Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1705–1716. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12764

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Nylinder, S., Razafimandimbison, S. G., & Anderberg, A. A. (2016). From the Namib around the world: biogeography of the Inuleae-Plucheinae (Asteraceae). Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1705–1716. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12764

  72. Menge, E. O., Stobo-Wilson, A., Oliveira, S. L. J., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). The potential distribution of the woody weed Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Asclepiadaceae) in Australia. The Rangeland Journal, 38, 35–46. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ15081

    The Rangeland Journal
    Abstract

    The potential spread of any invasive plant is a central concern in weed risk assessment. Calotropis procera is wind dispersed and forms extensive monospecific stands that reduce the productivity of pastoral land‚ but its potential distribution and drivers of its spread are not well known. Using maximum entropy methodology‚ we modelled current and future potential distributions of C. procera in Australia. Occurrence data (n≤5976 presence records) were collated from regional databases and a field survey. Of a set of ’independent’ environmental correlates‚ those that best accounted for the observed distribution of C. procera in Australia were distance (km) to roads‚ average annual rainfall (mm)‚ mean temperature (°C)‚ average wind speed (km/h)‚ beef density and vegetation type‚ in that order of importance. Current and potential distribution of C. procera was best explained by interactions between anthropogenic disturbance and climatic factors‚ all underpinned by species characteristics. Models were based on a grid cell size of 5km×5km and model performance was good (mean AUC≤0.916; s.d.≤0.014; AUC≤area under the curve; perfect fit≤1). The model showed that C. procera has not saturated its current potential distribution. Models of future spread derived from climate change projections‚ based on global circulation models in the ’Representative Concentration Pathway 4.5 emissions scenario for 2035’‚ show the area suitable for C. procera will increase‚ increasing the risk the weed poses. Range expansion will occur into all three states surrounding the Northern Territory‚ but mostly into the north-eastern border regions of Western Australia and north-western Queensland. Joint management of rubber bush at a regional scale across jurisdictions‚ is urgently advised to avoid future spread of rubber bush and further reductions in pastoral productivity. © Australian Rangeland Society 2016.
    Citation

    Menge, E. O., Stobo-Wilson, A., Oliveira, S. L. J., & Lawes, M. J. (2016). The potential distribution of the woody weed Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton (Asclepiadaceae) in Australia. The Rangeland Journal, 38, 35–46. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ15081

  73. Martin, G. A., Yanez-Arenas, C., Roberts, B. J., Chen, C., Plowright, R. K., Webb, R. J., & Skerratt, L. F. (2016). Climatic suitability influences species specific abundance patterns of Australian flying foxes and risk of Hendra virus spillover. One Health, 2, 115–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.07.004

    One Health
    One Health
    Abstract

    Hendra virus is a paramyxovirus of Australian flying fox bats. It was first detected in August 1994‚ after the death of 20 horses and one human. Since then it has occurred regularly within a portion of the geographical distribution of all Australian flying fox (fruit bat) species. There is‚ however‚ little understanding about which species are most likely responsible for spillover‚ or why spillover does not occur in other areas occupied by reservoir and spillover hosts. Using ecological niche models of the four flying fox species we were able to identify which species are most likely linked to spillover events using the concept of distance to the niche centroid of each species. With this novel approach we found that 20 out of 27 events occur disproportionately closer to the niche centroid of two species (P. alecto and P. conspicillatus). With linear regressions we found a negative relationship between distance to the niche centroid and abundance of these two species. Thus‚ we suggest that the bioclimatic niche of these two species is likely driving the spatial pattern of spillover of Hendra virus into horses and ultimately humans.
    Citation

    Martin, G. A., Yanez-Arenas, C., Roberts, B. J., Chen, C., Plowright, R. K., Webb, R. J., & Skerratt, L. F. (2016). Climatic suitability influences species specific abundance patterns of Australian flying foxes and risk of Hendra virus spillover. One Health, 2, 115–121. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2016.07.004

  74. Łukowiak, M. (2016). Fossil and modern sponge fauna of southern Australia and adjacent regions compared: interpretation, evolutionary and biogeographic significance of the late Eocene ‘soft’ sponges. Contributions to Zoology, 85(1), 13–35. https://doi.org/10.1163/18759866-08501002

    Contributions to Zoology
    abstract
    Citation

    Łukowiak, M. (2016). Fossil and modern sponge fauna of southern Australia and adjacent regions compared: interpretation, evolutionary and biogeographic significance of the late Eocene ‘soft’ sponges. Contributions to Zoology, 85(1), 13–35. https://doi.org/10.1163/18759866-08501002

  75. Jupp, T., Fitzsimons, J., Carr, B., & See, P. (2016). New partnerships for managing large desert landscapes: experiences from the Martu Living Deserts Project. The Rangeland Journal. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ15047

    The Rangeland Journal
    abstract
    Citation

    Jupp, T., Fitzsimons, J., Carr, B., & See, P. (2016). New partnerships for managing large desert landscapes: experiences from the Martu Living Deserts Project. The Rangeland Journal. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ15047

  76. Le Feuvre, M. C., Dempster, T., Shelley, J. J., & Swearer, S. E. (2016). Macroecological relationships reveal conservation hotspots and extinction-prone species in Australia’s freshwater fishes. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 176–186. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12397

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Le Feuvre, M. C., Dempster, T., Shelley, J. J., & Swearer, S. E. (2016). Macroecological relationships reveal conservation hotspots and extinction-prone species in Australia’s freshwater fishes. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 176–186. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12397

  77. Jordan, G. J., Harrison, P. A., Worth, J. R. P., Williamson, G. J., & Kirkpatrick, J. B. (2016). Palaeoendemic plants provide evidence for persistence of open, well-watered vegetation since the Cretaceous. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 127–140. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12389

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Jordan, G. J., Harrison, P. A., Worth, J. R. P., Williamson, G. J., & Kirkpatrick, J. B. (2016). Palaeoendemic plants provide evidence for persistence of open, well-watered vegetation since the Cretaceous. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 127–140. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12389

  78. Knuckey, C. G., Van Etten, E. J. B., & Doherty, T. S. (2016). Effects of long-term fire exclusion and frequent fire on plant community composition: A case study from semi-arid shrublands. Austral Ecology, 41, 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12388

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Time since last fire and fire frequency are strong determinants of plant community composition in fire-prone landscapes. Our study aimed to establish the influence of time since last fire and fire frequency on plant community composition and diversity of a south-west Australian semi-arid shrubland. We employed a space-for-time approach using four fire age classes: ‘young’‚ 8–15 years since last fire; ‘medium’‚ 16–34; ‘old’‚ 35–50; and ‘very old’‚ 51–100; and three fire frequency classes: burnt once‚ twice and three times within the last 50 years. Species diversity was compared using one-way ANOVA and species composition using PERMANOVA. Soil and climatic variables were included as covariables to partition underlying environmental drivers. We found that time since last fire influenced species richness‚ diversity and composition. Specifically‚ we recorded a late successional transition from woody seeders to long-lived‚ arid-zone‚ resprouting shrub species. Fire frequency did not influence species richness and diversity but did influence species composition via a reduction in cover of longer-lived resprouter species – presumably because of a reduced ability to replenish epicormic buds and/or sufficient starch stores. The distinct floristic composition of old and very old habitat‚ and the vulnerability of these areas to wildfires‚ indicate that these areas are ecologically important and management should seek to preserve them. © 2016 Ecological Society of Australia
    Citation

    Knuckey, C. G., Van Etten, E. J. B., & Doherty, T. S. (2016). Effects of long-term fire exclusion and frequent fire on plant community composition: A case study from semi-arid shrublands. Austral Ecology, 41, 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12388

  79. Gueta, T., & Carmel, Y. (2016). Quantifying the value of user-level data cleaning for big data: A case study using mammal distribution models. Ecological Informatics, 34, 139–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2016.06.001

    Ecological Informatics
    Abstract

    The recent availability of species occurrence data from numerous sources‚ standardized and connected within a single portal‚ has the potential to answer fundamental ecological questions. These aggregated big biodiversity databases are prone to numerous data errors and biases. The data-user is responsible for identifying these errors and assessing if the data are suitable for a given purpose. Complex technical skills are increasingly required for handling and cleaning biodiversity data‚ while biodiversity scientists possessing these skills are rare. Here‚ we estimate the effect of user-level data cleaning on species distribution model (SDM) performance. We implement several simple and easy-to-execute data cleaning procedures‚ and evaluate the change in SDM performance. Additionally‚ we examine if a certain group of species is more sensitive to the use of erroneous or unsuitable data. The cleaning procedures used in this research improved SDM performance significantly‚ across all scales and for all performance measures. The largest improvement in distribution models following data cleaning was for small mammals (1 g-100 g). Data cleaning at the user level is crucial when using aggregated occurrence data‚ and facilitating its implementation is a key factor in order to advance data-intensive biodiversity studies. Adopting a more comprehensive approach for incorporating data cleaning as part of data analysis‚ will not only improve the quality of biodiversity data‚ but will also impose a more appropriate usage of such data. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
    Citation

    Gueta, T., & Carmel, Y. (2016). Quantifying the value of user-level data cleaning for big data: A case study using mammal distribution models. Ecological Informatics, 34, 139–145. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecoinf.2016.06.001

  80. Fromont, J., Wahab, M. A. A., Gomez, O., Ekins, M., Grol, M., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2016). Patterns of sponge biodiversity in the Pilbara, Northwestern Australia. Diversity, 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/d8040021

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    This study assessed the biodiversity of sponges within the Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation for Australia (IMCRA) bioregions of the Pilbara using datasets amalgamated from the Western Australian Museum and the Atlas of Living Australia. The Pilbara accounts for a total of 1164 Linnean and morphospecies. A high level of "apparent endemism" was recorded with 78% of species found in only one of six bioregions‚ with less than 10% confirmed as widely distributed. The Ningaloo‚ Pilbara Nearshore and Pilbara Offshore bioregions are biodiversity hotspots (>250 species) and are recognised as having the highest conservation value‚ followed by North West Shelf containing 232 species. Species compositions differed between bioregions‚ with those that are less spatially separated sharing more species. Notably‚ the NorthWest Province bioregion (110 species) exhibited the most distinct species composition‚ highlighting it as a unique habitat within the Pilbara. While sponge biodiversity is apparently high‚ incomplete sampling effort for the region was identified‚ with only two sampling events recorded for the Central West Transition bioregion. Furthermore‚ only 15% of records in the dataset are presently described (Linnean) species‚ highlighting the continuing need for taxonomic expertise for the conservation and management of marine biodiversity resources. © 2016 by the authors.
    Citation

    Fromont, J., Wahab, M. A. A., Gomez, O., Ekins, M., Grol, M., & Hooper, J. N. A. (2016). Patterns of sponge biodiversity in the Pilbara, Northwestern Australia. Diversity, 8. https://doi.org/10.3390/d8040021

  81. de Boer, H. J., Drake, P. L., Wendt, E., Price, C., Schulze, E. D., Turner, N. C., Nicolle, D., & Veneklaas, E. J. (2016). Over-investment in leaf venation relaxes morphological constraints on photosynthesis in eucalypts. Plant Physiology, 172(4), 2286–2299. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.16.01313

    Plant Physiology
    Abstract

    The primary function of leaf venation is to supply the mesophyll with water that evaporates when stomata are open to allow CO2 uptake for photosynthesis. Theoretical analyses suggest that water is optimally distributed in the mesophyll when the lateral distance between veins (dx) is equal to the distance from these veins to the epidermis (dy)‚ expressed as dx:dy≈1. Although this theory is supported by observations on many derived angiosperms‚ we hypothesise that plants in arid environments may reduce dx:dy below unity owing to climate-specific functional adaptations of increased leaf thickness and increased vein density. To test our hypothesis we assembled leaf hydraulic‚ morphological and photosynthetic traits of 63 species from the Eucalyptus and Corymbia genera (termed eucalypts) along an aridity gradient in southwestern Australia. We inferred the potential gas exchange advantage of reducing dx beyond dy using a model that links leaf morphology and hydraulics to photosynthesis. Our observations reveal that eucalypts in arid environments have thick amphistomatous leaves with high vein densities‚ resulting in dx:dy ratios that range from 1.6 to 0.15 along the aridity gradient. Our model suggests that as leaves become thicker‚ the effect of reducing dx beyond dy is to offset the reduction in leaf gas exchange that would result from maintaining dx:dy at unity. This apparent over-investment in leaf venation may be explained from the selective pressure of aridity‚ under which traits associated with long leaf lifespan‚ high hydraulic and thermal capacitances‚ and high potential rates of leaf water transport confer a competitive advantage.
    Citation

    de Boer, H. J., Drake, P. L., Wendt, E., Price, C., Schulze, E. D., Turner, N. C., Nicolle, D., & Veneklaas, E. J. (2016). Over-investment in leaf venation relaxes morphological constraints on photosynthesis in eucalypts. Plant Physiology, 172(4), 2286–2299. https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.16.01313

  82. Curtis, E. M., Gollan, J., Murray, B. R., & Leigh, A. (2016). Native microhabitats better predict tolerance to warming than latitudinal macro-climatic variables in arid-zone plants. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1156–1165. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12713

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Curtis, E. M., Gollan, J., Murray, B. R., & Leigh, A. (2016). Native microhabitats better predict tolerance to warming than latitudinal macro-climatic variables in arid-zone plants. Journal of Biogeography, 43, 1156–1165. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12713

  83. Christmas, M. J., Biffin, E., Breed, M. F., & Lowe, A. J. (2016). Finding needles in a genomic haystack: targeted capture identifies clear signatures of selection in a nonmodel plant species. Molecular Ecology, 25, 4216–4233. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13750

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Teasing apart neutral and adaptive genomic processes and identifying loci that are targets of selection can be difficult‚ particularly for nonmodel species that lack a reference genome. However‚ identifying such loci and the factors driving selection have the potential to greatly assist conservation and restoration practices‚ especially for the management of species in the face of contemporary and future climate change. Here‚ we focus on assessing adaptive genomic variation within a nonmodel plant species‚ the narrow-leaf hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa ssp. angustissima)‚ commonly used for restoration in Australia. We used a hybrid-capture target enrichment approach to selectively sequence 970 genes across 17 populations along a latitudinal gradient from 30 degrees S to 36 degrees S. We analysed 8462 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for FST outliers as well as associations with environmental variables. Using three different methods‚ we found 55 SNPs with significant correlations to temperature and water availability‚ and 38 SNPs to elevation. Genes containing SNPs identified as under environmental selection were diverse‚ including aquaporin and abscisic acid genes‚ as well as genes with ontologies relating to responses to environmental stressors such as water deprivation and salt stress. Redundancy analysis demonstrated that only a small proportion of the total genetic variance was explained by environmental variables. We demonstrate that selection has led to clines in allele frequencies in a number of functional genes‚ including those linked to leaf shape and stomatal variation‚ which have been previously observed to vary along the sampled environmental cline. Using our approach‚ gene regions subject to environmental selection can be readily identified for nonmodel organisms.
    Citation

    Christmas, M. J., Biffin, E., Breed, M. F., & Lowe, A. J. (2016). Finding needles in a genomic haystack: targeted capture identifies clear signatures of selection in a nonmodel plant species. Molecular Ecology, 25, 4216–4233. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.13750

  84. Cardillo, M., & Warren, D. L. (2016). Analysing patterns of spatial and niche overlap among species at multiple resolutions. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12455

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Analyses of spatial overlap in species distributions are frequently used to test a range of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses‚ from the role of competition in community assembly to the geography of speciation. Most studies quantify overlap at one spatial resolution. Here we explore the effects of measuring spatial and niche overlap patterns for the same clade (Banksia) at multiple resolutions.
    Location Australia.
    Methods We quantify overlap among species using broad overlap of species range polygons‚ proximity of occurrence points and co-occurrence within small survey plots. We compare overlap patterns with null models using age-range correlations and the frequency of sympatric sister species. We then use similar methods to examine patterns of overlap in environmental niche dimensions.
    Results Banksia species show a wide range of overlap values based on range polygons and point proximities‚ but very low levels of co-occurrence at the local scale. Intercepts of age-range correlations point to higher levels of overlap among recently diverged species than expected. However‚ comparing the frequency of sympatric sister species with an evolutionary null model supports a prevailing allopatric mode of speciation. In many cases‚ niche overlap between species exceeds that expected from phylogenetic relatedness or spatial overlap alone.
    Main conclusions Patterns of broad geographical overlap among Banksia species support a predominantly allopatric mode of speciation‚ combined with post-speciation range drift. There is more evidence for niche conservatism than for rapid niche divergence among closely related species. This pattern is consistent with broad-scale geomorphic and landscape complexity as a driver of plant speciation in south-west Australia. It is less consistent with finer-scale mechanisms of species divergence such as fire mosaics‚ or with ecological divergence in sympatry. Analysis of species overlap patterns at different resolutions is a useful approach for revealing the multiple ecological and historical factors that influence species distributions.
    Citation

    Cardillo, M., & Warren, D. L. (2016). Analysing patterns of spatial and niche overlap among species at multiple resolutions. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 25, 951–963. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12455

  85. Catford, J. A., Baumgartner, J. B., Vesk, P. A., White, M., Buckley, Y. M., & McCarthy, M. A. (2016). Disentangling the four demographic dimensions of species invasiveness. Journal of Ecology, 104, 1745–1758. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12627

    Journal of Ecology
    Abstract

    A definitive list of invasive species traits remains elusive‚ perhaps due to inconsistent ways of identifying invasive species. Invasive species are typically identified using one or more of four demographic criteria (local abundance‚ geographic range‚ environmental range‚ spread rate)‚ referred to here as the demographic dimensions of invasiveness. In 112 studies comparing invasive and non-invasive plant traits‚ all 15 combinations of the four demographic dimensions were used to identify invasive species; 22% of studies identified invasive species solely by high abundance‚ while 25% ignored abundance. We used demographic data of 340 alien herbs classified as invasive or non-invasive in Victoria‚ Australia‚ to test whether the demographic dimensions are independent and which dimensions influence invasive species listing in practice. Species’ abundances‚ spread rates and range sizes were independent. Relative abundance best explained the invasiveness classification. However‚ invasive and non-invasive species each spanned the full range of each demographic dimension‚ indicating that no dimension clearly separates invasive from non-invasive species. Graminoids with longer minimum residence times were more frequently classified as invasive‚ as were forbs occurring near edges of native vegetation fragments.Synthesis. Conflating multiple forms of invasiveness‚ by not distinguishing invasive species that are identified using different demographic criteria‚ may obscure traits possessed by particular subsets of invasive species. Traits promoting high abundance likely differ from those enabling fast spread and broad ranges. Examining traits linked with the four demographic dimensions of invasiveness will highlight species at risk of becoming dominant‚ spreading quickly or occupying large ranges.
    Citation

    Catford, J. A., Baumgartner, J. B., Vesk, P. A., White, M., Buckley, Y. M., & McCarthy, M. A. (2016). Disentangling the four demographic dimensions of species invasiveness. Journal of Ecology, 104, 1745–1758. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12627

  86. Burley, H. M., Mokany, K., Ferrier, S., Laffan, S. W., Williams, K. J., & Harwood, T. D. (2016). Macroecological scale effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functions under environmental change. Ecology and Evolution, 6, 2579–2593. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2036

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Conserving different spatial and temporal dimensions of biological diversity is considered necessary for maintaining ecosystem functions under predicted global change scenarios. Recent work has shifted the focus from spatially local (alpha-diversity) to macroecological scales (beta- and gamma-diversity)‚ emphasizing links between macroecological biodiversity and ecosystem functions (MB-EF relationships). However‚ before the outcomes of MB-EF analyses can be useful to real-world decisions‚ empirical modeling needs to be developed for natural ecosystems‚ incorporating a broader range of data inputs‚ environmental change scenarios‚ underlying mechanisms‚ and predictions. We outline the key conceptual and technical challenges currently faced in developing such models and in testing and calibrating the relationships assumed in these models using data from real ecosystems. These challenges are explored in relation to two potential MB-EF mechanisms: "macroecological complementarity" and "spatiotemporal compensation." Several regions have been sufficiently well studied over space and time to robustly test these mechanisms by combining cutting-edge spatiotemporal methods with remotely sensed data‚ including plant community data sets in Australia‚ Europe‚ and North America. Assessing empirical MB-EF relationships at broad spatiotemporal scales will be crucial in ensuring these macroecological processes can be adequately considered in the management of biodiversity and ecosystem functions under global change.
    Citation

    Burley, H. M., Mokany, K., Ferrier, S., Laffan, S. W., Williams, K. J., & Harwood, T. D. (2016). Macroecological scale effects of biodiversity on ecosystem functions under environmental change. Ecology and Evolution, 6, 2579–2593. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.2036

  87. Borsa, P., Durand, J. D., Chen, W. J., Hubert, N., Muths, D., Mou-Tham, G., & Kulbicki, M. (2016). Comparative phylogeography of the western Indian Ocean reef fauna. Acta Oecologica, 72, 72–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2015.10.009

    Acta Oecologica
    Abstract

    Assessing patterns of connectivity at the community and population levels is relevant to marine resource management and conservation. The present study reviews this issue with a focus on the western Indian Ocean (WIO) biogeographic province. This part of the Indian Ocean holds more species than expected from current models of global reef fish species richness. In this study‚ checklists of reef fish species were examined to determine levels of endemism in each of 10 biogeographic provinces of the Indian Ocean. Results showed that the number of endemic species was higher in the WIO than in any other region of the Indian Ocean. Endemic species from the WIO on the average had a larger body size than elsewhere in the tropical Indian Ocean. This suggests an effect of peripheral speciation‚ as previously documented in the Hawaiian reef fish fauna‚ relative to other sites in the tropical western Pacific. To explore evolutionary dynamics of species across biogeographic provinces and infer mechanisms of speciation‚ we present and compare the results of phylogeographic surveys based on compilations of published and unpublished mitochondrial DNA sequences for 19 Indo-Pacific reef-associated fishes (rainbow grouper Cephalopholis argus‚ scrawled butterflyfish Chaetodon meyeri‚ bluespot mullet Crenimugil sp. A‚ humbug damselfish Dascyllus abudafur/Dascyllus aruanus‚ areolate grouper Epinephelus areolatus‚ blacktip grouper Epinephelus fasciatus‚ honeycomb grouper Epinephelus merra‚ bluespotted cornetfish Fistularia commersonii‚ cleaner wrasse Labroides sp. 1‚ longface emperor Lethrinus sp. A‚ bluestripe snapper Lutjanus kasmira‚ unicornfishes Naso brevirosris‚ Naso unicornis and Naso vlamingii‚ blue-spotted maskray Neotrygon kuhlii‚ largescale mullet Planiliza macrolepis‚ common parrotfish Scarus psicattus‚ crescent grunter Terapon jarbua‚ whitetip reef shark Triaenodon obelus) and three coastal Indo-West Pacific invertebrates (blue seastar Linckia laevigata‚ spiny lobster Panulirus homarus‚ small giant clam Tridacna maxima). Heterogeneous and often unbalanced sampling design‚ paucity of data in a number of cases‚ and among-species discrepancy in phylogeographic structure precluded any generalization regarding phylogeographic patterns. Nevertheless‚ the WIO might have been a source of haplotypes in some cases and it also harboured an endemic clade in at least one case. The present survey also highlighted likely cryptic species. This may eventually affect the accuracy of the current checklists of species‚ which form the basis of some of the recent advances in Indo-West Pacific marine ecology and biogeography. (C) 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Borsa, P., Durand, J. D., Chen, W. J., Hubert, N., Muths, D., Mou-Tham, G., & Kulbicki, M. (2016). Comparative phylogeography of the western Indian Ocean reef fauna. Acta Oecologica, 72, 72–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2015.10.009

  88. Briscoe, N. J., Kearney, M. R., Taylor, C. A., & Wintle, B. A. (2016). Unpacking the mechanisms captured by a correlative species distribution model to improve predictions of climate refugia. Global Change Biology, 22(7), 2425–2439. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13280

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    Climate refugia are regions that animals can retreat to‚ persist in and potentially then expand from under changing environmental conditions. Most forecasts of climate change refugia for species are based on correlative species distribution models (SDMs) using long-term climate averages‚ projected to future climate scenarios. Limitations of such methods include the need to extrapolate into novel environments and uncertainty regarding the extent to which proximate variables included in the model capture processes driving distribution limits (and thus can be assumed to provide reliable predictions under new conditions). These limitations are well documented; however‚ their impact on the quality of climate refugia predictions is difficult to quantify. Here‚ we develop a detailed bioenergetics model for the koala. It indicates that range limits are driven by heat-induced water stress‚ with the timing of rainfall and heat waves limiting the koala in the warmer parts of its range. We compare refugia predictions from the bioenergetics model with predictions from a suite of competing correlative SDMs under a range of future climate scenarios. SDMs were fitted using combinations of long-term climate and weather extremes variables‚ to test how well each set of predictions captures the knowledge embedded in the bioenergetics model. Correlative models produced broadly similar predictions to the bioenergetics model across much of the species’ current range - with SDMs that included weather extremes showing highest congruence. However‚ predictions in some regions diverged significantly when projecting to future climates due to the breakdown in correlation between climate variables. We provide unique insight into the mechanisms driving koala distribution and illustrate the importance of subtle relationships between the timing of weather events‚ particularly rain relative to hot-spells‚ in driving species-climate relationships and distributions. By unpacking the mechanisms captured by correlative SDMs‚ we can increase our certainty in forecasts of climate change impacts on species.
    Citation

    Briscoe, N. J., Kearney, M. R., Taylor, C. A., & Wintle, B. A. (2016). Unpacking the mechanisms captured by a correlative species distribution model to improve predictions of climate refugia. Global Change Biology, 22(7), 2425–2439. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13280

  89. Booth, T. H. (2016). Estimating potential range and hence climatic adaptability in selected tree species. Forest Ecology and Management, 366, 175–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.02.009

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Abstract

    Estimating climatic conditions within the potential range of different species is important‚ as it can assist evaluating their ability to tolerate climate change. Potential range was analysed using a BIOCLIM analysis in relation to three climatic variables: a growth index‚ the mean minimum temperature of the coldest period (week) and a moisture index. Three eucalypt species were analysed to demonstrate some of the strengths and weaknesses of the method. These included a well-known commercially important species (Eucalyptus globulus)‚ a lesser-known species (E. botryoides) and a rare species (E. kruseana). To provide a simple assessment of climatic adaptability the highest values of mean annual temperature were determined from within the potential ranges of the three species. It is concluded that‚ if they are available‚ analysing conditions at eucalypt plantings outside their natural distributions may be most useful for determining how species may cope with changing climates. However‚ if such data are not available‚ for example for lesser-known or rare species‚ then the analysis of the potential range may provide some tentative indication of species likely climatic adaptability. © 2016 Elsevier B.V.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2016). Estimating potential range and hence climatic adaptability in selected tree species. Forest Ecology and Management, 366, 175–183. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2016.02.009

  90. Bellard, C., Leclerc, C., Hoffmann, B. D., & Courchamp, F. (2016). Vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rise of the 35th biodiversity hotspot, the Forests of East Australia. Environmental Conservation, 43, 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1017/S037689291500020X

    Environmental Conservation
    Abstract

    There is an urgent need to understand how climate change‚ including sea-level rise‚ is likely to threaten biodiversity and cause secondary effects‚ such as agro-ecosystem alteration and human displacement. The consequences of climate change‚ and the resulting sea-level rise within the Forests of East Australia biodiversity hotspot‚ were modelled and assessed for the 2070-2099 period. Climate change effects were predicted to affect c. 100000 km2‚ and a rise in sea level an area of 860 km2; this could potentially lead to the displacement of 20600 inhabitants. The two threats were projected to mainly affect natural and agricultural areas. The greatest conservation benefits would be obtained by either maintaining or increasing the conservation status of areas in the northern (Wet Tropics) or southern (Sydney Basin) extremities of the hotspot‚ as they constitute about half of the area predicted to be affected by climate change‚ and both areas harbour high species richness. Increasing the connectivity of protected areas for Wet Tropics and Sydney Basin species to enable them to move into new habitat areas is also important. This study provides a basis for future research on the effects on local biodiversity and agriculture. © 2015 Foundation for Environmental Conservation.
    Citation

    Bellard, C., Leclerc, C., Hoffmann, B. D., & Courchamp, F. (2016). Vulnerability to climate change and sea-level rise of the 35th biodiversity hotspot, the Forests of East Australia. Environmental Conservation, 43, 79–89. https://doi.org/10.1017/S037689291500020X

  91. Booth, T. H. (2016). Identifying particular areas for potential seed collections for restoration plantings under climate change. Ecological Management and Restoration, 17, 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12219

    Ecological Management and Restoration
    Abstract

    A method to assist identifying potential sites for seed collections for restoration plantings is demonstrated using the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and an example site near Albury (New South Wales). The mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) of the example site are determined using the ALA. Data on likely changes in MAT and MAP are accessed from the ‘Climate Change in Australia’ website. The ALA’s ‘define environmental envelope’ function is then used to identify areas currently experiencing conditions similar to the future climatic conditions projected for the site. Species distribution data in the ALA indicate locations where suitable provenances of the chosen species are likely to be present. In the case of trees‚ satellite images in the ALA can indicate whether isolated trees or extensive stands‚ that may be genetically diverse‚ exist at locations of interest. Shrublands‚ grasslands or wetlands may also be identified from the satellite images. The Monitoring‚ Evaluation‚ Reporting and Improvement Tool (MERIT) within the ALA can be used to identify existing trials that may already be using suitable provenances for the restoration site. Some considerations for provenance selection under climate change are outlined‚ as well as the advantages and limitations of using the ALA for this purpose. © 2016 Ecological Society of Australia and John Wiley & Sons Australia‚ Ltd
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2016). Identifying particular areas for potential seed collections for restoration plantings under climate change. Ecological Management and Restoration, 17, 228–234. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12219

  92. Adhikari, M. K. (2016). Revised checklist to the mycotaxa proposed from Nepal. Bulletin of Department of Plant Resources, 38, 1–11.

    Bulletin of Department of Plant Resources
    Abstract

    The proposed mycotaxa accumulated since the works of Berkely (1854) from Nepal are revised based
    on 156 published papers for their endemism.The papers record about 5 monotypic taxa and 203 species
    of mycobiota gathered from different regions of Nepalese Himalayan belt. At present‚ the list shows 131
    endemic species. Among them the nomenclature of 120 taxa remains as proposed‚ while 11 species
    have undergone synonyms. Sixtyfour species have been recorded to occure in other countries.Two taxa
    remains invalid.
    Citation

    Adhikari, M. K. (2016). Revised checklist to the mycotaxa proposed from Nepal. Bulletin of Department of Plant Resources, 38, 1–11.

  93. Mo, M. (2016). The Beach Stone-Curlew (Esacus magnisrostris) in the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 138, 69–81.

    Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
    abstract
    Citation

    Mo, M. (2016). The Beach Stone-Curlew (Esacus magnisrostris) in the Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions of New South Wales. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 138, 69–81.

  94. Baumann, J. M., Walker, K., Threlfall, C., & Williams, N. S. G. (2016). African Carder bee,’Afranthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum’(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): A new exotic species for Victoria. Victorian Naturalist, The, 133, 21–25.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=922336207230970;res=IELHSS

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    abstract
    Citation

    Baumann, J. M., Walker, K., Threlfall, C., & Williams, N. S. G. (2016). African Carder bee,’Afranthidium (Immanthidium) repetitum’(Hymenoptera: Megachilidae): A new exotic species for Victoria. Victorian Naturalist, The, 133, 21–25.

  95. Broadhurst, L., Clarke, B., & Pleines, T. (2016). Constraints to Threatened Plant Recovery in Commonwealth National Parks. CSIRO.
    http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/threatened/publications/constraints-threatened-plant-recovery-commonwealth-national-parks

    abstract
    Citation

    Broadhurst, L., Clarke, B., & Pleines, T. (2016). Constraints to Threatened Plant Recovery in Commonwealth National Parks. CSIRO.

  96. Butcher, R., & Hale, J. (2016). Addendum to Ecological Character Description for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site. Vic Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
    https://www.water.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0028/85456/Kerang-Wetlands-Ramsar-Site-Ecological-Character-Description-Addendum.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Butcher, R., & Hale, J. (2016). Addendum to Ecological Character Description for the Kerang Wetlands Ramsar Site. Vic Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

  97. Jones, R. (2016). Corals of the north west of Western Australia: biogeography and considerations for dredging-related research (Nos. Theme 4 ,  Project 4.5). Western Australian Marine Science Institution.
    http://www.wamsi.org.au/sites/wamsi.org.au/files/files/Coral%20biogeography%20of%20Western%20Australia_Review_WAMSI%20DSN%20Report%204_3_Jones%202016_Final.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Jones, R. (2016). Corals of the north west of Western Australia: biogeography and considerations for dredging-related research (Nos. Theme 4 ,  Project 4.5). Western Australian Marine Science Institution.

  98. Vanderduys, E. (2016). Mungalla Terrestrial Fauna Survey. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship.
    https://www.mungallaaboriginaltours.com.au/images/documents/fauna_study_2016.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Vanderduys, E. (2016). Mungalla Terrestrial Fauna Survey. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship.

  99. Bahar, N. H. A. (2016). Photosynthetic characterisation of tropical and temperate rainforest species [PhD]. ANU.
    http://hdl.handle.net/1885/117236

    abstract
    Citation

    Bahar, N. H. A. (2016). Photosynthetic characterisation of tropical and temperate rainforest species [PhD]. ANU.

  100. Laver, R. J. (2016). Comparative phylogeography and diversity of Australian Monsoonal Tropics lizards. University of melbourne.
    https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/123383

    abstract
    Citation

    Laver, R. J. (2016). Comparative phylogeography and diversity of Australian Monsoonal Tropics lizards. University of melbourne.

  101. Moore, T. Y. (2016). An Integrative Investigation of Convergent Bipedal Locomotion in Desert Rodents [Ph.D.]. Harvard University.
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/1931831306?accountid=26957

    Abstract

    Bipedalism is commonly assumed to be an adaptive convergence because it has evolved independently three times in small desert rodents. However‚ the functional benefits of bipedality in this ecosystem have long been unclear. In this thesis I integrate phylogenetics‚ functional morphology‚ biomechanics‚ information theory‚ and behavior to investigate whether and how bipedality increases fitness in desert ecosystems‚ and whether bipedal rodents convergently evolved to have the role in their respective ecosystems. Based on the diversity of extant dipodid rodents‚ I begin by statistically reconstructing the pattern of morphological evolution in jerboas. I find that the strongest indicator of bipedality is metatarsal to humerus length‚ and that changes in this ratio are associated with increased rates of speciation‚ supporting a punctuated equilibrium pattern of evolution in this clade. Furthermore‚ the distinct patterns of morphological evolution suggest that a complex suite of genetic and developmental mechanisms governs the acquisition of bipedality in jerboas. I then use an inverse dynamics approach to characterize the biomechanics of bipedal hopping in a derived jerboa. I find that the dynamics of jerboa hopping are generated predominantly by muscular contractions‚ rather than tendon–based elastic energy storage and return between strides. Therefore hopping in small rodents favors rapid production and absorption of forces‚ rather than sustained bouts of steady–state locomotion. By reviewing predator–prey studies in biomechanics‚ ecology‚ and evolution I hypothesize that ricochetal locomotion enhances the ability of small rodents to evade predators that hunt via ballistic interception. I then develop Information Theoretic techniques to measure the unpredictability of escape trajectories in sympatric bipedal and quadrupedal rodents. As expected‚ bipedal rodents use significantly more unpredictable escape trajectories‚ likely enhancing predator evasion ability and enabling foraging in exposed areas with higher predation risk. I then found that bipedal rodents exhibit a stronger preference for exploring open spaces‚ matching previously established foraging patterns. These findings suggest that the evolution of bipedality enables spatial resource partitioning to limit interspecific competition in desert rodents. Based on the functional studies in my thesis‚ I evaluate ecological models to predict the occurrence of convergent bipedal rodents in Myomorpha. I show that diet specialization and aridity are insufficient to predict the locomotor morphology of these rodents and develop novel hypotheses for the convergent evolution of bipedalism in desert rodents. My thesis investigates the functional consequences of morphological evolution in the context of evolutionary ecology. By considering the interconnectedness of ecology‚ behavior‚ and evolution‚ studies in biomechanics can be designed to inform each of these fields. This interdisciplinary approach is necessary to study the adaptive nature of behavioral traits that are governed by myriad genetic‚ developmental‚ and environmental factors.
    Citation

    Moore, T. Y. (2016). An Integrative Investigation of Convergent Bipedal Locomotion in Desert Rodents [Ph.D.]. Harvard University.

2015

  1. Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2015). Maratus elephans, a new member of the volans group from New South Wales (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryinae). Peckhamia, 123(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5092892
    Publisher: Zenodo

    Peckhamia
    Peckhamia
    Abstract

    A new peacock spider‚ Maratus elephans‚ is described from two males and one femalerecently collected in New South Wales. Physical characters‚ courtship display‚ and distribution of thethree known members of the volans group (M. elephans‚ M. pardus‚ and M. volans) are compared.
    Citation

    Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2015). Maratus elephans, a new member of the volans group from New South Wales (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryinae). Peckhamia, 123(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.5092892

  2. Firn, J., Carwardine, J., Chades, I., Nicol, S., & Martin, T. (2015). Lake Eyre Basin Invasive Plants Priority Threat Management. CSIRO.
    https://doi.org/10.4225/08/557FB6281353D

    Abstract

    A summary of the native threatened fauna and flora in the Lake Eyre Basin‚ the invasive plants that threaten their persistence and an appraisal of the management strategies for mitigating the impacts of the invasive plants
    Citation

    Firn, J., Carwardine, J., Chades, I., Nicol, S., & Martin, T. (2015). Lake Eyre Basin Invasive Plants Priority Threat Management. CSIRO.

  3. Coghlan, B. A., Goldizen, A. W., Thomson, V. A., & Seddon, J. M. (2015). Phylogeography of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, suggests a mesic refugium in eastern Australia. PLoS ONE, 10. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0128160

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Phylogeographic studies around the world have identified refugia where fauna were able to persist during unsuitable climatic periods‚ particularly during times of glaciation. In Australia the effects of Pleistocene climate oscillations on rainforest taxa have been well studied but less is known about the effects on mesic-habitat fauna‚ such as the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus). The eastern grey kangaroo is a large mammal that is common and widespread throughout eastern Australia‚ preferring dry mesic habitat‚ rather than rainforest. As pollen evidence suggests that the central-eastern part of Australia (southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales) experienced cycles of expansion in mesic habitat with contraction in rainforests‚ and vice versa during glacial and interglacial periods‚ respectively‚ we hypothesise that the distribution of the eastern grey kangaroo was affected by these climate oscillations and may have contracted to mesic habitat refugia. From 375 mitochondrial DNA control region sequences from across the distribution of eastern grey kangaroos we obtained 108 unique haplotypes. Phylogenetic analysis identified two clades in Queensland‚ one of which is newly identified and restricted to a small coastal region in southern Queensland north of Brisbane‚ known as the Sunshine Coast. The relatively limited geographic range of this genetically isolated clade suggests the possibility of a mesic habitat refugium forming during rainforest expansion during wetter climate cycles. Other potential‚ although less likely‚ reasons for the genetic isolation of the highly distinct clade include geographic barriers‚ separate northward expansions‚ and strong local adaptation. © 2015 Coghlan et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License‚ which permits unrestricted use‚ distribution‚ and reproduction in any medium‚ provided the original author and source are credited.
    Citation

    Coghlan, B. A., Goldizen, A. W., Thomson, V. A., & Seddon, J. M. (2015). Phylogeography of eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, suggests a mesic refugium in eastern Australia. PLoS ONE, 10. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0128160

  4. Kujala, H., Whitehead, A. L., Morris, W. K., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Towards strategic offsetting of biodiversity loss using spatial prioritization concepts and tools: A case study on mining impacts in Australia. Biological Conservation, 192, 513–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.08.017

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Governments and industries increasingly use offsets to compensate for the unavoidable impacts of development on biodiversity. However‚ high uncertainty about the biodiversity outcomes of offsetting strategies has led to significant criticism in the academic and policy literature‚ while the ad-hoc application of offset rules within a region may lead to offsets favouring some species and communities at the expense of others. Here we explored opportunities to improve offsetting outcomes through strategic regional offset approaches‚ underpinned by concepts of complementarity and irreplaceability from the conservation planning literature‚ in comparison to more commonly used like-for-like approach. We assessed different offsetting strategies in the Hunter Valley‚ NSW‚ a rapidly developing region in Australia with an active mining industry. We quantified regional-level biodiversity losses arising from minimal to extensive mining expansion‚ along with species-specific impacts for 569 flora and fauna species‚ and prioritized areas for protection‚ restoration or both to offset the anticipated losses. Accounting for how well the offsets would complement existing protected areas‚ we compared the area needed for offsetting and the expected biodiversity outcomes among the different strategies. Our results highlight the benefits of a more systematic approach to offsetting in terms of an enhanced understanding of regional-scale impacts‚ more efficient identification of offset sites and improved biodiversity outcomes. Our approach encourages forward thinking about impending threats to‚ and opportunities for‚ biodiversity conservation and could serve as a template for strategic regional offset planning based on plausible scenarios of future biodiversity loss.
    Citation

    Kujala, H., Whitehead, A. L., Morris, W. K., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Towards strategic offsetting of biodiversity loss using spatial prioritization concepts and tools: A case study on mining impacts in Australia. Biological Conservation, 192, 513–521. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.08.017

  5. Carnegie, A. J., Kathuria, A., Pegg, G. S., Entwistle, P., Nagel, M., & Giblin, F. R. (2015). Impact of the invasive rust Puccinia psidii (myrtle rust) on native Myrtaceae in natural ecosystems in Australia. Biological Invasions, 18, 127–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-0996-y

    Biological Invasions
    abstract
    Citation

    Carnegie, A. J., Kathuria, A., Pegg, G. S., Entwistle, P., Nagel, M., & Giblin, F. R. (2015). Impact of the invasive rust Puccinia psidii (myrtle rust) on native Myrtaceae in natural ecosystems in Australia. Biological Invasions, 18, 127–144. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-015-0996-y

  6. Bishop-Taylor, R., Tulbure, M. G., & Broich, M. (2015). Surface water network structure, landscape resistance to movement and flooding vital for maintaining ecological connectivity across Australia’s largest river basin. Landscape Ecology, 30, 2045–2065. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-015-0230-4

    Landscape Ecology
    Abstract

    Landscape-scale research quantifying ecological connectivity is required to maintain the viability of populations in dynamic environments increasingly impacted by anthropogenic modification and environmental change.
    To evaluate how surface water network structure‚ landscape resistance to movement‚ and flooding affect the connectivity of amphibian habitats within the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB)‚ a highly modified but ecologically significant region of south-eastern Australia.
    We evaluated potential connectivity network graphs based on circuit theory‚ Euclidean and least-cost path distances for two amphibian species with different dispersal abilities‚ and used graph theory metrics to compare regional- and patch-scale connectivity across a range of flooding scenarios.
    Circuit theory graphs were more connected than Euclidean and least-cost equivalents in floodplain environments‚ and less connected in highly modified or semi-arid regions. Habitat networks were highly fragmented for both species‚ with flooding playing a crucial role in facilitating landscape-scale connectivity. Both formally and informally protected habitats were more likely to form important connectivity "hubs" or "stepping stones" compared to non-protected habitats‚ and increased in importance with flooding.
    Surface water network structure and the quality of the intervening landscape matrix combine to affect the connectivity of MDB amphibian habitats in ways which vary spatially and in response to flooding. Our findings highlight the importance of utilising organism-relevant connectivity models which incorporate landscape resistance to movement‚ and accounting for dynamic landscape-scale processes such as flooding when quantifying connectivity to inform the conservation of dynamic and highly modified environments.
    Citation

    Bishop-Taylor, R., Tulbure, M. G., & Broich, M. (2015). Surface water network structure, landscape resistance to movement and flooding vital for maintaining ecological connectivity across Australia’s largest river basin. Landscape Ecology, 30, 2045–2065. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10980-015-0230-4

  7. Ross, C., & Brack, C. (2015). Eucalyptus viminalisdieback in the Monaro region, NSW. Australian Forestry, 78, 243–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2015.1076754

    Australian Forestry
    abstract
    Citation

    Ross, C., & Brack, C. (2015). Eucalyptus viminalisdieback in the Monaro region, NSW. Australian Forestry, 78, 243–253. https://doi.org/10.1080/00049158.2015.1076754

  8. Rix, M. G., Edwards, D. L., Byrne, M., Harvey, M. S., Joseph, L., & Roberts, J. D. (2015). Biogeography and speciation of terrestrial fauna in the south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot. Biological Reviews, 90, 762–793. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12132

    Biological Reviews
    Abstract

    The south-western land division of Western Australia (SWWA)‚ bordering the temperate Southern and Indian Oceans‚ is the only global biodiversity hotspot recognised in Australia. Renowned for its extraordinary diversity of endemic plants‚ and for some of the largest and most botanically significant temperate heathlands and woodlands on Earth‚ SWWA has long fascinated biogeographers. Its flat‚ highly weathered topography and the apparent absence of major geographic factors usually implicated in biotic diversification have challenged attempts to explain patterns of biogeography and mechanisms of speciation in the region. Botanical studies have always been central to understanding the biodiversity values of SWWA‚ although surprisingly few quantitative botanical analyses have allowed for an understanding of historical biogeographic processes in both space and time. Faunistic studies‚ by contrast‚ have played little or no role in defining hotspot concepts‚ despite several decades of accumulating quantitative research on the phylogeny and phylogeography of multiple lineages. In this review we critically analyse datasets with explicit supporting phylogenetic data and estimates of the time since divergence for all available elements of the terrestrial fauna‚ and compare these datasets to those available for plants. In situ speciation has played more of a role in shaping the south-western Australian fauna than has long been supposed‚ and has occurred in numerous endemic lineages of freshwater fish‚ frogs‚ reptiles‚ snails and less-vagile arthropods. By contrast‚ relatively low levels of endemism are found in birds‚ mammals and highly dispersive insects‚ and in situ speciation has played a negligible role in generating local endemism in birds and mammals. Quantitative studies provide evidence for at least four mechanisms driving patterns of endemism in south-western Australian animals‚ including: (i) relictualism of ancient Gondwanan or Pangaean taxa in the High Rainfall Province; (ii) vicariant isolation of lineages west of the Nullarbor divide; (iii) in situ speciation; and (iv) recent population subdivision. From dated quantitative studies we derive four testable models of historical biogeography for animal taxa in SWWA‚ each explicit in providing a spatial‚ temporal and topological perspective on patterns of speciation or divergence. For each model we also propose candidate lineages that may be worthy of further study‚ given what we know of their taxonomy‚ distributions or relationships. These models formalise four of the strongest patterns seen in many animal taxa from SWWA‚ although other models are clearly required to explain particular‚ idiosyncratic patterns. Generating numerous new datasets for suites of co-occurring lineages in SWWA will help refine our understanding of the historical biogeography of the region‚ highlight gaps in our knowledge‚ and allow us to derive general postulates from quantitative (rather than qualitative) results. For animals‚ this process has now begun in earnest‚ as has the process of taxonomically documenting many of the more diverse invertebrate lineages. The latter remains central to any attempt to appreciate holistically biogeographic patterns and processes in SWWA‚ and molecular phylogenetic studies should - where possible - also lead to tangible taxonomic outcomes.
    Citation

    Rix, M. G., Edwards, D. L., Byrne, M., Harvey, M. S., Joseph, L., & Roberts, J. D. (2015). Biogeography and speciation of terrestrial fauna in the south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot. Biological Reviews, 90, 762–793. https://doi.org/10.1111/brv.12132

  9. Emery, N. J., Henwood, M. J., Offord, C. A., & Wardle, G. M. (2015). Actinotus helianthi Populations across a Wide Geographic Range Exhibit Different Climatic Envelopes and Complex Relationships with Plant Traits. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 176, 739–750. https://doi.org/10.1086/682336

    International Journal of Plant Sciences
    Abstract

    Premise of research.Climate envelopes are generated by overlaying climate variables derived from temperature and rainfall data onto mapped geographic locations of occurrences. Typically‚ the species data are amalgamated into a single climate envelope‚ missing the opportunity to account for the potential of different environments to independently shape the functional plant trait values within populations. Here we explore how climate envelopes vary among populations and whether individuals with similar trait values are similarly matched to particular climate envelopes or to spatial layers of environmental classifications based on additional variables other than climate.Methodology.We generated climate envelopes from 35 populations of the widely distributed plant species Actinotus helianthi Labill. (Apiaceae). Populations with at least 84% similarity in their local climate were grouped by hierarchical cluster analysis. We then tested whether the similar climate envelopes would covary with populations of plants with similar traits. We also compared whether the climate envelopes were representative of other environmental groupings‚ including the Interim Biogeographical Regionalisation of Australia (IBRA) and soil types.Pivotal results.Plant trait values were significantly different among populations (P 0.001) and soil types (P 0.003). All traits‚ except main stem diameter and distance to closest conspecific‚ were significantly different among bioregions. Seven climate envelopes were identified across sampled populations‚ and plant trait values within climatically similar populations were highly dissimilar (global R = 0.09). IBRA regions and soil types showed greater similarity with plant traits (global R = 0.27 and 0.25‚ respectively).Conclusions.This study demonstrates how the collection of data on plant traits and other environmental factors beyond climate can improve models of species distributions. Consequently‚ studies that rely on climate-only dataor single broad climate envelopesmay be too general or disconnected from the population-level processes that shape the persistence and distribution of species across the landscape.
    Citation

    Emery, N. J., Henwood, M. J., Offord, C. A., & Wardle, G. M. (2015). Actinotus helianthi Populations across a Wide Geographic Range Exhibit Different Climatic Envelopes and Complex Relationships with Plant Traits. International Journal of Plant Sciences, 176, 739–750. https://doi.org/10.1086/682336

  10. Drake, J. E., Aspinwall, M. J., Pfautsch, S., Rymer, P. D., Reich, P. B., Smith, R. A., Crous, K. Y., Tissue, D. T., Ghannoum, O., & Tjoelker, M. G. (2015). The capacity to cope with climate warming declines from temperate to tropical latitudes in two widely distributed Eucalyptus species. Global Change Biology, 21, 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12729

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    As rapid climate warming creates a mismatch between forest trees and their home environment‚ the ability of trees to cope with warming depends on their capacity to physiologically adjust to higher temperatures. In widespread species‚ individual trees in cooler home climates are hypothesized to more successfully acclimate to warming than their counterparts in warmer climates that may approach thermal limits. We tested this prediction with a climate-shift experiment in widely distributed Eucalyptus tereticornis and E. grandis using provenances originating along a \textasciitilde2500 km latitudinal transect (15.5-38.0 degrees S) in eastern Australia. We grew 21 provenances in conditions approximating summer temperatures at seed origin and warmed temperatures (+3.5 degrees C) using a series of climate-controlled glasshouse bays. The effects of +3.5 degrees C warming strongly depended on home climate. Cool-origin provenances responded to warming through an increase in photosynthetic capacity and total leaf area‚ leading to enhanced growth of 20-60%. Warm-origin provenances‚ however‚ responded to warming through a reduction in photosynthetic capacity and total leaf area‚ leading to reduced growth of approximately 10%. These results suggest that there is predictable intraspecific variation in the capacity of trees to respond to warming; cool-origin taxa are likely to benefit from warming‚ while warm-origin taxa may be negatively affected.
    Citation

    Drake, J. E., Aspinwall, M. J., Pfautsch, S., Rymer, P. D., Reich, P. B., Smith, R. A., Crous, K. Y., Tissue, D. T., Ghannoum, O., & Tjoelker, M. G. (2015). The capacity to cope with climate warming declines from temperate to tropical latitudes in two widely distributed Eucalyptus species. Global Change Biology, 21, 459–472. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12729

  11. Dodd, A. J., Burgman, M. A., McCarthy, M. A., & Ainsworth, N. (2015). The changing patterns of plant naturalization in Australia. Diversity and Distributions, 21, 1038–1050. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12351

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim: To identify the temporal patterns of plant naturalization in Australia‚ particularly the interaction between taxonomy‚ geographic origin and economic use. Location: Australia. Methods: From Australia’s Virtual Herbarium‚ we compiled a database of information for the entire naturalized flora of Australia. We then examined the database in discrete time intervals to determine the changes in patterns of naturalized species taxonomy‚ geographic origin and economic use over time. Results: Contrary to prevailing hypotheses‚ we found no evidence to indicate that the rate of alien flora naturalization is increasing in Australia. The number of naturalized species has grown linearly during the period 1880-2000‚ with the underlying rate of new species detected per thousand specimens declining over the same time period. Despite this‚ the diversity of both species taxonomy and geographic origin has increased over the last 120 years‚ leading to increased rates of growth in the total phylogenetic diversity of the Australian flora. Main Conclusions: By classifying species according to their likely origin and economic use‚ we are able to infer the circumstances driving the patterns of naturalization. In particular‚ we identify how the contribution of individual pathways has changed since European settlement corresponding with the socio-economic development of the continent. Our study illustrates how the changing nature of ’high-risk’ pathways is relevant to directing interventions such as biosecurity regulation. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Dodd, A. J., Burgman, M. A., McCarthy, M. A., & Ainsworth, N. (2015). The changing patterns of plant naturalization in Australia. Diversity and Distributions, 21, 1038–1050. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12351

  12. Davis, B. J., Phillips, R. D., Wright, M., Linde, C. C., & Dixon, K. W. (2015). Continent-wide distribution in mycorrhizal fungi: implications for the biogeography of specialized orchids. Annals of Botany, 116, 413–421. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcv084

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Although mycorrhizal associations are predominantly generalist‚ specialized mycorrhizal interactions have repeatedly evolved in Orchidaceae‚ suggesting a potential role in limiting the geographical range of orchid species. In particular‚ the Australian orchid flora is characterized by high mycorrhizal specialization and short-range endemism. This study investigates the mycorrhizae used by Pheladenia deformis‚ one of the few orchid species to occur across the Australian continent. Specifically‚ it examines whether P. deformis is widely distributed through using multiple fungi or a single widespread fungus‚ and if the fungi used by Australian orchids are widespread at the continental scale. METHODS: Mycorrhizal fungi were isolated from P. deformis populations in eastern and western Australia. Germination trials using seed from western Australian populations were conducted to test if these fungi supported germination‚ regardless of the region in which they occurred. A phylogenetic analysis was undertaken using isolates from P. deformis and other Australian orchids that use the genus Sebacina to test for the occurrence of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) in eastern and western Australia. KEY RESULTS: With the exception of one isolate‚ all fungi used by P. deformis belonged to a single fungal OTU of Sebacina. Fungal isolates from eastern and western Australia supported germination of P. deformis. A phylogenetic analysis of Australian Sebacina revealed that all of the OTUs that had been well sampled occurred on both sides of the continent. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a widespread fungal OTU in P. deformis enables a broad distribution despite high mycorrhizal specificity. The Sebacina OTUs that are used by a range of Australian orchids occur on both sides of the continent‚ demonstrating that the short-range endemism prevalent in the orchids is not driven by fungal species with narrow distributions. Alternatively‚ a combination of specific edaphic requirements and a high incidence of pollination by sexual deception may explain biogeographic patterns in southern Australian orchids.
    Citation

    Davis, B. J., Phillips, R. D., Wright, M., Linde, C. C., & Dixon, K. W. (2015). Continent-wide distribution in mycorrhizal fungi: implications for the biogeography of specialized orchids. Annals of Botany, 116, 413–421. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcv084

  13. Ahrens, C. W., & James, E. A. (2015). Range-wide genetic analysis reveals limited structure and suggests asexual patterns in the rare forb Senecio macrocarpus. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 115, 256–269. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12512

    Biological Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    Genetic diversity and recombination underlie the long-term persistence and evolution of species and are strongly influenced by population size‚ breeding system and plant longevity. Here‚ we study genetic structure in the rare Senecio macrocarpus in southeastern Australia to guide current conservation practices. Thirteen neutral microsatellite markers and two chloroplast regions were used to survey the 20 known S.macrocarpus populations and one sympatric S.squarrosus population‚ a morphologically similar species. All markers showed severe excess or deficit of heterozygotes and linkage disequilibrium was significant. Microsatellite markers revealed 100 multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) from 523 S.macrocarpus individuals and a further 4 MLGs from 27 S.squarrosus individuals. MLGs varied in frequency and distribution. At the extremes‚ one MLG was found 108 times across the sampling region and 66 MLGs were found once. The MLGs of all 38 seedlings genotyped were identical to their seed parents implying an asexual origin. Chloroplast regions showed little variation within S. macrocarpus but differed from S. squarrosus. Chromosome counts for S. macrocarpus revealed the same ploidy level as S. squarrosus (2n=6x=60) and pollen-ovule ratios were typical of erechthitoid Senecio species showing self-compatibility. Results suggest that establishment of small populations occur primarily from one extensive source population with indications that both apomixis and selfing may be contributing to its reproduction cycle. We suggest that this species may contribute to future evolutionary processes despite limited genotypic variation and restricted distribution. Its conservation will safeguard evolutionary processes that might occur through occasional outcrossing and hybridization events between sympatric species.(c) 2015 The Linnean Society of London‚ Biological Journal of the Linnean Society‚ 2015‚ 115‚ 256-269.
    Citation

    Ahrens, C. W., & James, E. A. (2015). Range-wide genetic analysis reveals limited structure and suggests asexual patterns in the rare forb Senecio macrocarpus. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 115, 256–269. https://doi.org/10.1111/bij.12512

  14. Burns, P. A., Rowe, K. M. C., Holmes, B. P., & Rowe, K. C. (2015). Historical resurveys reveal persistence of smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) populations over the long-term and through the short-term impacts of fire. Wildlife Research, 42. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr15096

    Wildlife Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Burns, P. A., Rowe, K. M. C., Holmes, B. P., & Rowe, K. C. (2015). Historical resurveys reveal persistence of smoky mouse (Pseudomys fumeus) populations over the long-term and through the short-term impacts of fire. Wildlife Research, 42. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr15096

  15. Rozefelds, A., Walker, J., Norris, E., Wicks, D., & Ilic, J. (2015). A drift log from Cape York Peninsula, Australia identified as Vatica (Dipterocarpaceae), and the use of botanical, zoological, geological and ethnographic data in interpreting the direction of oceanic drift. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 59, 235–243. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.59.2015.2015-04

    Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
    abstract
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A., Walker, J., Norris, E., Wicks, D., & Ilic, J. (2015). A drift log from Cape York Peninsula, Australia identified as Vatica (Dipterocarpaceae), and the use of botanical, zoological, geological and ethnographic data in interpreting the direction of oceanic drift. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 59, 235–243. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.59.2015.2015-04

  16. Zozaya, S. M., & Hoskin, C. J. (2015). A significant range extension for the Magnificent Broodfrog Pseudophryne covacevichae, with comments on similarity with P. mayor, and additional data on the distribution of Uperoleia altissima. Australian Zoologist, 37, 365–368. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2014.041

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    The Magnificent Broodfrog Pseudophryne covacevkhae Ingram and Corben 1994 is a Vulnerable frog species that was believed to be highly localised in the Ravenshoe region of the southern Atherton Tableland‚ north Queensland. Here we extend the known range of P. covacevkhae approximately 160 km south-southeast to the Paluma Range. This represents a significant range extension and we point out the need for surveys in the intervening upland open forests‚ and genetic analysis of population structure of this threatened species. Additionally‚ we extend the range of Uperoleia altissima Davies et al. 1993 south to the Paluma Range‚ and provide additional information on its distribution and habitat We also discuss the need for detailed analysis of the relationship between P. covacevkhae and the phenotypically similar species P. major Parker 1940.
    Citation

    Zozaya, S. M., & Hoskin, C. J. (2015). A significant range extension for the Magnificent Broodfrog Pseudophryne covacevichae, with comments on similarity with P. mayor, and additional data on the distribution of Uperoleia altissima. Australian Zoologist, 37, 365–368. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2014.041

  17. Pope, L. C., Riginos, C., Ovenden, J., Keyse, J., & Blomberg, S. P. (2015). Population Genetic Diversity in the Australian “Seascape”: A Bioregion Approach. PLoS ONE, 10, e0136275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136275

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Genetic diversity within species may promote resilience to environmental change‚ yet little is known about how such variation is distributed at broad geographic scales. Here we develop a novel Bayesian methodology to analyse multi-species genetic diversity data in order to identify regions of high or low genetic diversity. We apply this method to co-distributed taxa from Australian marine waters. We extracted published summary statistics of population genetic diversity from 118 studies of 101 species and > 1000 populations from the Australian marine economic zone. We analysed these data using two approaches: a linear mixed model for standardised data‚ and a mixed beta-regression for unstandardised data‚ within a Bayesian framework. Our beta-regression approach performed better than models using standardised data‚ based on posterior predictive tests. The best model included region (Integrated Marine and Coastal Regionalisation of Australia (IMCRA) bioregions)‚ latitude and latitude squared. Removing region as an explanatory variable greatly reduced model performance (delta DIC 23.4). Several bioregions were identified as possessing notably high genetic diversity. Genetic diversity increased towards the equator with a ’hump’ in diversity across the range studied (-9.4 to -43.7 degrees S). Our results suggest that factors correlated with both region and latitude play a role in shaping intra-specific genetic diversity‚ and that bioregion can be a useful management unit for intra-specific as well as species biodiversity. Our novel statistical model should prove useful for future analyses of within species genetic diversity at broad taxonomic and geographic scales.
    Citation

    Pope, L. C., Riginos, C., Ovenden, J., Keyse, J., & Blomberg, S. P. (2015). Population Genetic Diversity in the Australian “Seascape”: A Bioregion Approach. PLoS ONE, 10, e0136275. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0136275

  18. Przeslawski, R., Alvarez, B., Kool, J., Bridge, T., Caley, M. J., & Nichol, S. (2015). Implications of Sponge Biodiversity Patterns for the Management of a Marine Reserve in Northern Australia. PLoS ONE, 10, e0141813. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141813

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Marine reserves are becoming progressively more important as anthropogenic impacts continue to increase‚ but we have little baseline information for most marine environments. In this study‚ we focus on the Oceanic Shoals Commonwealth Marine Reserve (CMR) in northern Australia‚ particularly the carbonate banks and terraces of the Sahul Shelf and Van Diemen Rise which have been designated a Key Ecological Feature (KEF). We use a species-level inventory compiled from three marine surveys to the CMR to address several questions relevant to marine management: 1) Are carbonate banks and other raised geomorphic features associated with biodiversity hotspots? 2) Can environmental (depth‚ substrate hardness‚ slope) or biogeographic (east vs west) variables help explain local and regional differences in community structure? 3) Do sponge communities differ among individual raised geomorphic features? Approximately 750 sponge specimens were collected in the Oceanic Shoals CMR and assigned to 348 species‚ of which only 18% included taxonomically described species. Between eastern and western areas of the CMR‚ there was no difference between sponge species richness or assemblages on raised geomorphic features. Among individual raised geomorphic features‚ sponge assemblages were significantly different‚ but species richness was not. Species richness showed no linear relationships with measured environmental factors‚ but sponge assemblages were weakly associated with several environmental variables including mean depth and mean backscatter (east and west) and mean slope (east only). These patterns of sponge diversity are applied to support the future management and monitoring of this region‚ particularly noting the importance of spatial scale in biodiversity assessments and associated management strategies.
    Citation

    Przeslawski, R., Alvarez, B., Kool, J., Bridge, T., Caley, M. J., & Nichol, S. (2015). Implications of Sponge Biodiversity Patterns for the Management of a Marine Reserve in Northern Australia. PLoS ONE, 10, e0141813. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0141813

  19. Nagalingum, N. S., Knerr, N., Laffan, S. W., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Miller, J. T., & Mishler, B. D. (2015). Continental scale patterns and predictors of fern richness and phylogenetic diversity. Frontiers in Genetics, 6, 132. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2015.00132

    Frontiers in Genetics
    Abstract

    Because ferns have a wide range of habitat preferences and are widely distributed‚ they are an ideal group for understanding how diversity is distributed. Here we examine fern diversity on a broad-scale using standard and corrected richness measures as well as phylogenetic indices; in addition we determine the environmental predictors of each diversity metric. Using the combined records of Australian herbaria‚ a dataset of over 60‚000 records was obtained for 89 genera to infer richness. A molecular phylogeny of all the genera was constructed and combined with the herbarium records to obtain phylogenetic diversity patterns. A hotspot of both taxic and phylogenetic diversity occurs in the Wet Tropics of northeastern Australia. Although considerable diversity is distributed along the eastern coast‚ some important regions of diversity are identified only after sample-standardization of richness and through the phylogenetic metric. Of all of the metrics‚ annual precipitation was identified as the most explanatory variable‚ in part‚ in agreement with global and regional fern studies. However‚ precipitation was combined with a different variable for each different metric. For corrected richness‚ precipitation was combined with temperature seasonality‚ while correlation of phylogenetic diversity to precipitation plus radiation indicated support for the species-energy hypothesis. Significantly high and significantly low phylogenetic diversity were found in geographically separate areas. These separate areas correlated with different climatic conditions such as seasonality in precipitation. The phylogenetic metrics identified additional areas of significant diversity‚ some of which have not been revealed using traditional taxonomic analyses‚ suggesting that different ecological and evolutionary processes have operated over the continent. Our study demonstrates that it is possible and vital to incorporate evolutionary metrics when inferring biodiversity hotspots from large compilations of data.
    Citation

    Nagalingum, N. S., Knerr, N., Laffan, S. W., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Miller, J. T., & Mishler, B. D. (2015). Continental scale patterns and predictors of fern richness and phylogenetic diversity. Frontiers in Genetics, 6, 132. https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2015.00132

  20. Jordan, G. J., Carpenter, R. J., Koutoulis, A., Price, A., & Brodribb, T. J. (2015). Environmental adaptation in stomatal size independent of the effects of genome size. New Phytologist, 205, 608–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13076

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    Cell sizes are linked across multiple tissues‚ including stomata‚ and this variation is closely correlated with genome size. These associations raise the question of whether generic changes in cell size cause suboptimal changes in stomata‚ requiring subsequent evolution under selection for stomatal size. We tested the relationships among guard cell length‚ genome size and vegetation type using phylogenetically independent analyses on 67 species of the ecologically and structurally diverse family‚ Proteaceae. We also compared how genome and stomatal sizes varied at ancient (among genera) and more recent (within genus) levels. The observed 60-fold range in genome size in Proteaceae largely reflected the mean chromosome size. Compared with variation among genera‚ genome size varied much less within genera (< 6% of total variance) than stomatal size‚ implying evolution in stomatal size subsequent to changes in genome size. Open vegetation and closed forest had significantly different relationships between stomatal and genome sizes. Ancient changes in genome size clearly influenced stomatal size in Proteaceae‚ but adaptation to habitat strongly modified the genome-stomatal size relationship. Direct adaptation to the environment in stomatal size argues that new proxies for past concentrations of atmospheric CO2 that incorporate stomatal size are superior to older models based solely on stomatal frequency.
    Citation

    Jordan, G. J., Carpenter, R. J., Koutoulis, A., Price, A., & Brodribb, T. J. (2015). Environmental adaptation in stomatal size independent of the effects of genome size. New Phytologist, 205, 608–617. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13076

  21. Lavoué, S. (2015). Testing a time hypothesis in the biogeography of the arowana genus Scleropages (Osteoglossidae). Journal of Biogeography, 42, 2427–2439. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12585

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: To infer the timing of the early divergence of the freshwater arowana genus Scleropages and to determine whether it was contemporary with‚ or post-dated‚ the latest possible freshwater route between Sundaland-Indochina and Australia-New Guinea through the drifting of India‚ estimated at a minimum of 115.0 Ma. Location: Sundaland-Indochina and Australia-New Guinea. Methods: Time-calibrated phylogenetic reconstructions based on the mitogenome‚ a Bayesian method and a relaxed molecular clock‚ differing in how fossils were used to calibrate the clock and how the phylogenetic signal was corrected for saturation. Results: The phylogenetic analyses supported the monophyly of Scleropages and its sister relationship with Osteoglossum. Within Scleropages‚ the Sundaland-Indochina species was the sister group of the two Australian species. After filtering the phylogenetic signal‚ the estimated mean ages of crown-group Scleropages and their 95% credibility intervals (CI) ranged from 79.9 Ma (CI‚ 93.1-67.2 Ma) to 101.4 Ma (CI‚ 114.7-85.5 Ma). Main conclusions: In all reconstructions‚ the ’early freshwater origin’ hypothesis is rejected‚ because the age CI of Scleropages do not overlap with the final separation between India and Australia-Antarctica. The palaeontological evidence often presented in support of the ’late marine origin’ hypothesis is inconclusive because none of the marine osteoglossid fossils are exclusively related to Scleropages‚ and Scleropages fossils are too fragmentary to be precisely classified. Altogether‚ there is evidence to reject the ’early freshwater origin’ but no evidence favouring the ’late marine origin’. Scleropages represents an additional case of trans-oceanically distributed freshwater/terrestrial vertebrates that started to diversify during the Late Cretaceous‚ after the final separation between India and Australia-Antarctica. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Lavoué, S. (2015). Testing a time hypothesis in the biogeography of the arowana genus Scleropages (Osteoglossidae). Journal of Biogeography, 42, 2427–2439. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12585

  22. Groom, Q. J. (2015). Using legacy botanical literature as a source of phytogeographical data. Plant Ecology and Evolution, 148, 256–266. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2015.1048

    Plant Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Aim - Paper-based publications were the main repository for phytogeographical information until the end of the 20th century. These texts are still an important reference source for phytogeography and potentially a valuable source of data for research on environmental change. The recent digitization of biodiversity publications‚ text-mining and mark-up protocols means that these data are now more accessible than ever before. Here I examine the value of legacy literature specifically for studies on phytogeography.
    Methods - Three contrasting data mobilisation projects are used as case studies for the extraction of phytogeographic data. Two were digitisations and XML mark-up of floras‚ the Flore d’Afrique Centrale from the 20th century and the Flora of Northumberland and Durham from the 19th century. A third case study used Chenopodium vulvaria L. as a test case‚ where I attempted to recover as much phytogeographic data as possible for one species‚ both from literature and from herbarium specimens.
    Results - A large amount of useful information was extractable from legacy literature. The main limitations are that most localities need georeferencing and that observations are only rarely associated with a precise date. In the case of C. vulvaria literature contributed about 20% of all available observations of the species. Literature becomes a progressively more important source of data the further back in time one looks. However‚ useful observations become much rarer earlier than about 1850.
    Main conclusions - Sourcing phytogeographic data from legacy literature is valuable. It contains observations and links to other data that are unavailable from any other source. Nevertheless‚ its extraction takes a substantial investment in time. Before commencing on such a project it is important to prioritise work and understand the limitations of such data‚ particularly with regard to georeferencing.
    Citation

    Groom, Q. J. (2015). Using legacy botanical literature as a source of phytogeographical data. Plant Ecology and Evolution, 148, 256–266. https://doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.2015.1048

  23. Groom, Q. J. (2015). Piecing together the biogeographic history of Chenopodium vulvaria L. using botanical literature and collections. PeerJ, 2015. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.723

    PeerJ
    PeerJ
    Abstract

    This study demonstrates the value of legacy literature and historic collections as a source of data on environmental history. Chenopodium vulvaria L. has declined in northern Europe and is of conservation concern in several countries‚ whereas in other countries outside Europe it has naturalised and is considered an alien weed. In its European range it is considered native in the south‚ but the northern boundary of its native range is unknown. It is hypothesised thatmuch of its former distribution in northern Europe was the result of repeated introductions fromsouthern Europe and that its decline in northern Europe is the result of habitat change and a reduction in the number of propagules imported to the north. A historical analysis of its ecology and distribution was conducted by mining legacy literature and historical botanical collections. Text analysis of habitat descriptions written on specimens and published in botanical literature covering a period of more than 200 years indicate that the habitat and introduction pathways of C. vulvaria have changed with time. Using the non-European naturalised range in a climate niche model‚ it is possible to project the range in Europe. By comparing this predicted model with a similar model created fromall observations‚ it is clear that there is a large discrepancy between the realized and predicted distributions. This is discussed together with the social‚ technological and economic changes that have occurred in northern Europe‚ with respect to their influence on C. vulvaria. © 2015 Groom.
    Citation

    Groom, Q. J. (2015). Piecing together the biogeographic history of Chenopodium vulvaria L. using botanical literature and collections. PeerJ, 2015. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.723

  24. Cook, L. G., Hardy, N. B., & Crisp, M. D. (2015). Three explanations for biodiversity hotspots: small range size, geographical overlap and time for species accumulation. An Australian case study. New Phytologist, 207, 390–400. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13199

    New Phytologist
    Abstract

    To understand the generation and maintenance of biodiversity hotspots‚ we tested three major hypotheses: rates of diversification‚ ecological limits to diversity‚ and time for species accumulation. Using dated molecular phylogenies‚ measures of species’ range size and geographical clade overlap‚ niche modelling‚ and lineages-through-time plots of Australian Fabaceae‚ we compared the southwest Australia Floristic Region (SWAFR; a global biodiversity hotspot) with a latitudinally equivalent non-hotspot‚ southeast Australia (SEA). Ranges of species (real and simulated) were smaller in the SWAFR than in SEA. Geographical overlap of clades was significantly greater for Daviesia in the SWAFR than in SEA‚ but the inverse for Bossiaea. Lineage diversification rates over the past 10 Myr did not differ between the SWAFR and SEA in either genus. Interaction of multiple factors probably explains the differences in measured diversity between the two regions. Steeper climatic gradients in the SWAFR probably explain the smaller geographical ranges of both genera there. Greater geographical overlap of clades in the SWAFR‚ combined with a longer time in the region‚ can explain why Daviesia is far more species-rich there than in SEA. Our results indicate that the time for speciation and ecological limits hypotheses‚ in concert‚ can explain the differences in biodiversity.
    Citation

    Cook, L. G., Hardy, N. B., & Crisp, M. D. (2015). Three explanations for biodiversity hotspots: small range size, geographical overlap and time for species accumulation. An Australian case study. New Phytologist, 207, 390–400. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.13199

  25. Dwyer, R. G., Brooking, C., Brimblecombe, W., Campbell, H. A., Hunter, J., Watts, M., & Franklin, C. E. (2015). An open Web-based system for the analysis and sharing of animal tracking data. Animal Biotelemetry, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-014-0021-8

    Animal Biotelemetry
    Abstract

    Background: Improvements in telemetry technology are allowing us to monitor animal movements with increasing accuracy‚ precision and frequency. The increased complexity of the data collections‚ however‚ demands additional software and programming skills to process‚ store and disseminate the datasets. Recent focus on data availability has also heightened the need for sustainable data management solutions to ensure data integrity and provide longer term access. In the last ten years‚ a number of online facilities have been developed for the archiving‚ processing and sharing of telemetry data. These facilities offer secure storage‚ multi-user support and analysis tools and are a step along the way to improving data access‚ long-term data preservation and science communication. While these software platforms promote data sharing‚ access to the majority of the data and to the software behind these systems remains restricted. In this paper‚ we present a comprehensive‚ highly accessible and fully transparent software facility for animal movement data. Results: The online system we developed ( http://oztrack.org ) offers a set of robust‚ up-to-date and accessible tools for managing‚ processing‚ visualising and analysing animal location data and linking these outputs with environmental datasets. As OzTrack uses exclusively free and open-source software‚ and the source code is available online‚ the system promotes open access not only to data but also to the tools and software underpinning the system. Conclusions: We outline the capabilities and limitations of the infrastructure design and discuss the uptake of this platform by the Australasian biotelemetry community. We discuss whether an open approach to analysis tools and software encourages a more open approach to sharing data‚ information and knowledge. Finally‚ we discuss why a free and open approach enhances longer term sustainability and enables data storage facilities to evolve in parallel with the telemetry devices themselves. © 2015 Dwyer et al.; licensee BioMed Central.
    Citation

    Dwyer, R. G., Brooking, C., Brimblecombe, W., Campbell, H. A., Hunter, J., Watts, M., & Franklin, C. E. (2015). An open Web-based system for the analysis and sharing of animal tracking data. Animal Biotelemetry, 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40317-014-0021-8

  26. Bush, A. (2015). Priorities and Uncertainties of Predicted Impacts of Climate Change on Freshwater Biodiversity in New South Wales (p. 96). Macquarie University.
    https://www.mq.edu.au/research/research-centres-groups-and-facilities/secure-planet/centres/biodiversity-node/our-projects/Effect-of-Climate-Change-on-Freshwater-Biodiversity-of-NSW.-Final-Report.pdf

    Abstract

    Alongside a growing awareness that climate change represents a substantial threat
    to biodiversity in New South Wales‚ it has become increasingly evident that we
    cannot afford to wait until climatic shifts result in confirmed impacts to ecosystems.
    The scale of projected changes‚ and the significant implications these will have for
    the functioning of ecological communities mean we must act early to reduce the risk
    posed by climate change‚ in addition to multiple other processes driving biodiversity
    loss. Freshwater systems are challenging environments to manage for multiple
    stakeholders‚ and climate change will further exacerbate many existing conflicts or
    threats to biodiversity. This report provides guidance for land and water managers on
    conservation management may improve the long-term capacity of freshwater
    ecosystems to adapt and reduce biodiversity loss. A comprehensive assessment
    was made of the risk posed by climate change to the persistence of over 500
    freshwater plants and animals in the basins of New South Wales. The report deals
    first with the projected vulnerability of those species to the impacts of climate
    change‚ and to what extent sources of uncertainty influences our assessment‚ and
    ultimately our choice of management priorities. The second part focuses in detailed
    approach to understanding how environmental management of non-climatic threats
    at local to regional scales could be best used to alleviate the impacts of climate
    change to fish species and communities.
    Citation

    Bush, A. (2015). Priorities and Uncertainties of Predicted Impacts of Climate Change on Freshwater Biodiversity in New South Wales (p. 96). Macquarie University.

  27. Duke, N. C., Burrows, D., & Mackenzie, J. R. (2015). Mangrove and Freshwater Wetland Habitat Status of the Torres Strait Islands. Biodiversity, Biomass and Changing Condition of Wetlands. (p. 117). Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Lmt.
    http://www.nerptropical.edu.au/publication/project-22-final-report-mangrove-and-freshwater-wetland-habitat-status-torres-strait

    abstract
    Citation

    Duke, N. C., Burrows, D., & Mackenzie, J. R. (2015). Mangrove and Freshwater Wetland Habitat Status of the Torres Strait Islands. Biodiversity, Biomass and Changing Condition of Wetlands. (p. 117). Reef and Rainforest Research Centre Lmt.

  28. Sing, A. E. (2015). Forest ecosystem water use: does species identity and ecosystem composition matter? [PhD]. Western Sydney University (Australia).
    http://hdl.handle.net/1959.7/uws:37544

    Abstract

    Transpirational water use by trees has been long known to be regulated by evaporative demand and temperature‚ solar radiation‚ stomatal conductance and tree leaf area. More recently control of transpiration by plant hydraulic traits has been highlighted‚ and these as well as stomatal conductance and its response to air saturation vapour pressure deficit remain unstudied for the majority of Australian native tree species. To predict how forested ecosystem water use may change under future climates and enable better estimates of catchment water losses‚ we must understand stomatal and hydraulic behaviour of trees in the field under a range of conditions. In this study‚ I quantified traits describing stomatal and hydraulic behaviour for five Eucalyptus species from differing climates. Patterns in whole tree water use‚ stomatal sensitivity and responses to low water availability of these species in a common garden were correlated with species identity and with their characteristic climate of origin. I found that different Eucalyptus species employed different strategies to deal with water deficits which were linked to hydraulic‚ anatomical and leaf tissue water relations characteristics‚ and also with the original climatic range of the species. Tree water use‚ growth and tolerance of low water availability were enhanced in species mixtures compared to monocultures‚ an effect ascribed to asymmetric competition of component species in these mixtures. A basis for incorporating species stomatal and hydraulic parameters into forest stand-level water use models is provided. Ultimately‚ doing so will enhance predictions of water use‚ and enable estimates of stand water-use efficiency and productivity under current and future climate conditions. The findings are key to inform plantation and land management decisions‚ and can assist in the identification of vulnerable species or ecosystems‚ and the conservation of catchment water supplies in a changing climate.
    Citation

    Sing, A. E. (2015). Forest ecosystem water use: does species identity and ecosystem composition matter? [PhD]. Western Sydney University (Australia).

  29. Trumbo, D. R. (2015). Landscape genomics and species range limit evolution of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia [PhD]. Washington State University.
    http://search.proquest.com/openview/605b92e2de6bf3ec220791a006d00a38/1.pdf?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y#page=29

    Abstract

    The cane toad (Rhinella [Bufo] marina) is one of only three amphibians to be named one of the top 100 world’s worst invasive species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. This large‚ Neotropical toad has been introduced and become invasive in over 40 countries in tropical and subtropical ecosystems around the world. The largest and arguably most damaging invasion site is in Australia. Originally introduced in 1935 as a biocontrol agent to control sugar cane beetle pests‚ the toad has since expanded its Australian range across nearly 20% of the continent’s landmass. It is still expanding its range in northwest Australia‚ while range edges in eastern and southern Australia are relatively stable. Species invasions‚ although unfortunate‚ provide unique opportunities to study the evolutionary and ecological causes for species’ geographic range limits. This field has had an abundance of theoretical development over the last few decades‚ but fewer empirical studies. Understanding species’ range limits in natural systems has become an urgent priority because global warming‚ exotic species invasions‚ and habitat alteration are currently changing the distributions of many species around the world. We used the cane toad invasion of Australia as a model system to study the ecological and evolutionary causes for species’ geographic range limits in a landscape genomics framework. Using next generation sequencing we developed approximately 28‚000 genomic markers (single nucleotide polymorphisms) for population and landscape genomic analyses. We first investigated general patterns of genomic diversity and differentiation across the cane toad’s Australian range in the context of species’ range limits. We found that the ‘central marginal hypothesis’ for species’ range limits is supported. We then used genetic differentiation outliers and genotype environment association analyses to detect genomic regions under selection. We found strong evidence for rapid evolution at the expanding invasion front‚ at even higher levels than stable range edges in eastern and southern Australia. Finally‚ we performed a common garden laboratory experiment and found phenotypic evidence of local adaptation to breeding pond temperatures at an arid inland edge‚ but not at a cold southern edge‚ of the cane toad’s Australian range.
    Citation

    Trumbo, D. R. (2015). Landscape genomics and species range limit evolution of the invasive cane toad (Rhinella marina) in Australia [PhD]. Washington State University.

  30. Hageer, Y. (2015). Modelling the distributions of Australian shrublands and shrub species: the role of climate and soil properties [PhD]. Macquarie University.
    http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1068495

    Abstract

    Shrubs‚ short multi-stemmed species‚ are an important plant growth form that can play a key role in biogeochemical cycles‚ stability of soil and prevention of soil and water erosion‚ provision of forage for livestock‚ and are a source of wood and non-woody products and foodstuff for many populations. However‚ there is a lack of knowledge regarding the influence of environmental variables on shrub distributions‚ and shrubland remains undefined as a plant functional type in most global vegetation models.
    Broadly‚ the goal of my thesis was to assess relationships between the distribution of Australian shrubland and shrub species and environmental properties‚ specifically climate and soil characteristics. The objectives of my thesis were three-fold. I initially assessed how the climate envelope of shrubland differed from other major vegetation types (forest‚ woodland‚ grassland) as well as differences between the six major shrubland classes (Acacia‚ Chenopod‚ Heathland‚ Mallee‚ Tall shrublands‚ “other” shrublands). Using generalized linear models I found that shrublands separate from other major vegetation types along a seasonal soil moisture gradient‚ with shrublands being the dominant vegetation type in areas with lower moisture.
    I then used MaxEnt‚ a species distribution model‚ to assess drivers of thedistributions of 29 shrub species that together represented dominant members of each of the six shrubland classes. In particular‚ I sought to determine whether the inclusion of soil characteristics‚ along with climate variables‚ improved models of species distributions. I found that whilst models calibrated with soil and climate were not significantly more powerful than those calibrated with only climate variables‚ for some species projections of the distribution of suitable habitat differed substantially across these models. This led to regional differences in projected species richness‚ highlighting the value of exploring a broader range of predictor variables when developing models‚ rather than relying solely on climate.
    Finally‚ I examined spatial changes to the distribution of suitable habitat for the 29 shrub species that may occur due to climate change. Given uncertainty in the direction of future precipitation changes‚ I compared distribution patterns that may result under a hot‚ dry future versus a warm‚ wet future. In general‚ the size of suitable habitat was projected to decline for most species‚ with greater contractions in central and western regions of Australia and some extensions in temperate regions. Importantly‚ for some species the direction and magnitude of projected changes varied between models calibrated with only climate variables versus those calibrated with climate and soil variables. The net impact of this meant that different regional patterns in species richness may be projected as a result of model calibration and future climate scenario.
    This thesis has identified the climate envelopes of shrublands and dominant Australian shrub species; highlighted the importance of considering soil properties when modelling plant species distributions; demonstrated potential impacts of climate change and how patterns of species richness may vary depending on whether the future is warm and wet or hot and dry; and revealed uncertainty in projections of future suitable habitat that may occur due to selection of predictor variables.
    Citation

    Hageer, Y. (2015). Modelling the distributions of Australian shrublands and shrub species: the role of climate and soil properties [PhD]. Macquarie University.

  31. González-Orozco, C. E., Mishler, B. D., Miller, J. T., Laffan, S. W., Knerr, N., Unmack, P., Georges, A., Thornhill, A. H., Rosauer, D. F., & Gruber, B. (2015). Assessing biodiversity and endemism using phylogenetic methods across multiple taxonomic groups. Ecology and Evolution, 5, 5177–5192. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1747

    Ecology and Evolution
    Abstract

    Identifying geographical areas with the greatest representation of the tree of life is an important goal for the management and conservation of biodiversity. While there are methods available for using a single phylogenetic tree to assess spatial patterns of biodiversity‚ there has been limited exploration of how separate phylogenies from multiple taxonomic groups can be used jointly to map diversity and endemism. Here‚ we demonstrate how to apply different phylogenetic approaches to assess biodiversity across multiple taxonomic groups. We map spatial patterns of phylogenetic diversity/endemism to identify concordant areas with the greatest representation of biodiversity across multiple taxa and demonstrate the approach by applying it to the Murray-Darling basin region of southeastern Australia. The areas with significant centers of phylogenetic diversity and endemism were distributed differently for the five taxonomic groups studied (plant genera‚ fish‚ tree frogs‚ acacias‚ and eucalypts); no strong shared patterns across all five groups emerged. However‚ congruence was apparent between some groups in some parts of the basin. The northern region of the basin emerges from the analysis as a priority area for future conservation initiatives focused on eucalypts and tree frogs. The southern region is particularly important for conservation of the evolutionary heritage of plants and fishes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    González-Orozco, C. E., Mishler, B. D., Miller, J. T., Laffan, S. W., Knerr, N., Unmack, P., Georges, A., Thornhill, A. H., Rosauer, D. F., & Gruber, B. (2015). Assessing biodiversity and endemism using phylogenetic methods across multiple taxonomic groups. Ecology and Evolution, 5, 5177–5192. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.1747

  32. Bernays, S. (2015). Chasing the Dragon: The Resilience of a Species to Climate Change in the Wet Tropics, Australia [PhD]. Griffith University.
    http://hdl.handle.net/10072/367595

    Abstract

    Throughout history‚ climatic changes have caused environmental systems to shift and have influenced biotic assemblages. Most of these changes have occurred slowly‚ over millions of years‚ enabling species to either adapt to new conditions‚ endure the changes‚ or shift distributions to maintain their habitat requirements. Due to the fast rate at which climate change is currently occurring‚ it is unknown if species will be able to use these mechanisms to successfully respond to this rapidly changing environment. Areas that have small geographical extents‚ elevated uplands and high numbers of endemic species‚ such as the Wet Tropics in north-eastern Queensland‚ are expected to be particularly vulnerable to climate change. The endemic species in this at-risk area are also expected to be more susceptible to climate change. The endemic Boyd’s forest dragon (Hypsilurus boydii‚ Macleay) is a highly camouflaged‚ large lizard that inhabits lowland and upland forests from the northern to the southern boundary of the Wet Tropics. Determining how H. boydii has responded to previous climate change may give insight into how the species may respond to future climatic changes. The main aims of this study were to understand how geographical features and climate have influenced the genetic makeup‚ morphology and distribution of H. boydii‚ and to use this information to determine how climate change may influence future populations. This study used genetic analyses to identify evolutionary and geographical relationships across the Wet Tropics (north vs. south of the Black Mountain corridor [BMC] and upland vs. lowland) and within each of these regions; explore morphological variation across the regions and examine conformity to three eco-geographical rules (Bergmann’s rule‚ Allen’s rule‚ and the isolation rule); and attempt to predict species distribution patterns of the species throughout the Wet Tropics during past‚ present and future climatic scenarios. Seventy-seven dragons were collected from nine sites across the Wet Tropics‚ with a blood sample (for genetic analyses) taken from each individual‚ 47 of these individuals‚ from eight of the sites‚ were sampled for morphological measurements. Due to the cryptic and ambush nature of the species‚ sample sizes were low and uneven.
    Citation

    Bernays, S. (2015). Chasing the Dragon: The Resilience of a Species to Climate Change in the Wet Tropics, Australia [PhD]. Griffith University.

  33. Toon, A., Crisp, M. D., Gamage, H., Mant, J., Morris, D. C., Schmidt, S., & Cook, L. G. (2015). Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia. Scientific Reports, 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep12398

    Scientific Reports
    Abstract

    The evolution of novel traits ("key innovations") allows some lineages to move into new environments or adapt to changing climates‚ whereas other lineages may track suitable habitat or go extinct. We test whether‚ and how‚ trait shifts are linked to environmental change using Triodiinae‚ C-4 grasses that form the dominant understory over about 30% of Australia. Using phylogenetic and relaxed molecular clock estimates‚ we assess the Australian biogeographic origins of Triodiinae and reconstruct the evolution of stomatal and vascular bundle positioning. Triodiinae diversified from the mid-Miocene‚ coincident with the aridification of Australia. Subsequent niche shifts have been mostly from the Eremaean biome to the savannah‚ coincident with the expansion of the latter. Biome shifts are correlated with changes in leaf anatomy and radiations within Triodiinae are largely regional. Symplectrodia and Monodia are nested within Triodia. Rather than enabling biome shifts‚ convergent changes in leaf anatomy have probably occurred after taxa moved into the savannah biome-they are likely to have been subsequent adaptions rather than key innovations. Our study highlights the importance of testing the timing and origin of traits assumed to be phenotypic innovations that enabled ecological shifts.
    Citation

    Toon, A., Crisp, M. D., Gamage, H., Mant, J., Morris, D. C., Schmidt, S., & Cook, L. G. (2015). Key innovation or adaptive change? A test of leaf traits using Triodiinae in Australia. Scientific Reports, 5. https://doi.org/10.1038/srep12398

  34. Rutherford, S., Wilson, P. G., Rossetto, M., & Bonser, S. P. (2015). Phylogenomics of the green ash eucalypts (Myrtaceae): A tale of reticulate evolution and misidentification. Australian Systematic Botany, 28, 326–354. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB15038

    Australian Systematic Botany
    Abstract

    Eucalyptus is a genus that occurs in a range of habitats in Australia‚ Papua New Guinea‚ Timor‚ Sulawesi and the Philippines‚ with several species being used as sources of timber and fibre. However‚ despite its ecological and commercial significance‚ understanding its evolutionary history remains a challenge. The focus of the present study is the green ashes (subgenus Eucalyptus section Eucalyptus). Although previous studies‚ based primarily on morphology‚ suggest that the green ashes form a monophyletic group‚ there has been disagreement concerning the divergence of taxa. The present study aims to estimate the phylogeny of the green ashes and closely related eucalypts (37 taxa from over 50 locations in south-eastern Australia)‚ using genome-wide analyses based on Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT). Results of analyses were similar in topology and consistent with previous phylogenies based on sequence data. Many of the relationships supported those proposed by earlier workers. However‚ other relationships‚ particularly of taxa within the Sydney region and Blue Mountains‚ were not consistent with previous classifications. These findings raise important questions concerning how we define species and discern relationships in Eucalyptus and may have implications for other plant species‚ particularly those with a complex evolutionary history where hybridisation and recombination have occurred. © CSIRO 2015.
    Citation

    Rutherford, S., Wilson, P. G., Rossetto, M., & Bonser, S. P. (2015). Phylogenomics of the green ash eucalypts (Myrtaceae): A tale of reticulate evolution and misidentification. Australian Systematic Botany, 28, 326–354. https://doi.org/10.1071/SB15038

  35. Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E., Collins, L., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2015). Genome-wide scans reveal cryptic population structure in a dry-adapted eucalypt. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-015-0864-z

    Tree Genetics & Genomes
    Abstract

    Genome-wide DArTseq scans of 268 individuals of Eucalyptus salubris‚ distributed along an aridity gradient in southwestern Australia‚ revealed cryptic population structure that appears to signal hitherto unappreciated ecotypic differentiation and barriers to gene flow. Genome-wide scans were undertaken on 30 wild-sampled individuals from each of nine populations; 10 individuals per population were measured for habit and functional traits. DArTseq generated 16‚122 high-quality markers‚ of which 56.3 % located to E. grandis chromosomes. Genetic affinities of the nine populations were only weakly correlated with geographic distances. Rather‚ populations appeared to form two distinct molecular lineages that maintained their distinctiveness in an area of geographic overlap. Twenty-four outlier markers signalled divergent selection and differentiation of the two putative lineages. Populations from the two lineages were phenotypically differentiated in leaf thickness‚ specific leaf area (SLA) and leaf nitrogen per unit mass (Nmass). The more northerly lineage (with thinner leaves) occurred in hotter‚ drier conditions with higher radiation. Populations of the more southerly lineage occurred on soils that were relatively low in phosphorus; the trees had thicker leaves‚ lower SLA and lower leaf Nmass‚ consistent with general responses to low nutrient levels. While historic isolation and drift may have contributed to the cryptic population structure observed‚ there is evidence of ecotypic adaptation‚ which may provide an exogenous barrier to gene flow. This study highlights the power of new molecular technologies to provide novel insights into the genetic architecture of wild populations.
    Citation

    Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E., Collins, L., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2015). Genome-wide scans reveal cryptic population structure in a dry-adapted eucalypt. Tree Genetics & Genomes, 11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11295-015-0864-z

  36. Sheedy, E. M., van de Wouw, A. P., Howlett, B. J., & May, T. W. (2015). Population genetic structure of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria sp A resembles that of its host tree Nothofagus cunninghamii. Fungal Ecology, 13, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2014.08.005

    Fungal Ecology
    Abstract

    The ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria sp. A is restricted to temperate rainforest of southeast Australia‚ associated with its host tree Nothofagus cunninghamii. Eight mitochondrial microsatellite markers were used to investigate the population genetic structure of L. sp. A across its distribution in Tasmania and Victoria. The highest allelic diversity was found in Tasmania‚ which appeared to contain a panmictic population‚ whereas the more fragmented Victorian populations were characterized by low allelic diversity and differentiation between east and west. There is evidence of glacial refugia in the west and the northeast of Tasmania‚ and in Victoria in the Otway Ranges and Central Highlands‚ with postglacial migration into the Strzelecki Ranges. Narrow host-specificity may have contributed to the presence of population structure in this fungus. Allelic diversity patterns in L. sp. A are largely congruent with diversity patterns already established in populations of its host‚ N. cunninghamii. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd and The British Mycological Society.
    Citation

    Sheedy, E. M., van de Wouw, A. P., Howlett, B. J., & May, T. W. (2015). Population genetic structure of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria sp A resembles that of its host tree Nothofagus cunninghamii. Fungal Ecology, 13, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.funeco.2014.08.005

  37. Reeve, I. J., Coleman, M. J., & Sindel, B. M. (2015). Factors influencing rural landholder support for a mandated weed control policy. Land Use Policy, 46, 314–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.03.010

    Land Use Policy
    Abstract

    Mandated weed control has a long history as a tool to restrict the spread and impact of serious agricultural and environmental weed species. For mandated control to be effective‚ control requirements must be strictly enforced for both private and public landholders‚ and landholders themselves must be supportive of legal enforcement requirements. Using data from a 2011 landholder survey of fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis) impact and management in south-eastern Australia‚ we explored the factors influencing attitudes to mandated weed control. Factors associated with support for mandated fireweed weed control included compelling poorly performing neighbours to manage their weeds more effectively‚ optimism regarding the potential to restrict a weed’s impact‚ current control activity‚ and the potential for mandated control to restrict or slow the spread of fireweed. Factors associated with opposition to mandated fireweed control included the burden it places on landholders‚ pessimism about the potential to restrict a weed’s spread or reduce its impact‚ the view that bad fireweed problems result from certain land management practices‚ and a belief that declaration had not worked for other weed species. Mandated fireweed control is most likely to be of benefit in regions where the weed has not established fully‚ and there is a greater chance of successfully restricting its spread and establishment. It is critical to focus on lifestyle farmers and absentee farmers who are less likely to have an economic incentive to manage fireweed. In regions where fireweed is already established‚ the goal is to reduce its impact on farm productivity‚ rather than attempting containment or eradication. In this case‚ non-mandated control approaches are more appropriate‚ including education‚ control support‚ and encouragement of cross-boundary control activities. Crown Copyright (C) 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Reeve, I. J., Coleman, M. J., & Sindel, B. M. (2015). Factors influencing rural landholder support for a mandated weed control policy. Land Use Policy, 46, 314–323. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2015.03.010

  38. Roger, E., Duursma, D. E., Downey, P. O., Gallagher, R. V., Hughes, L., Steel, J., Johnson, S. B., & Leishman, M. R. (2015). A tool to assess potential for alien plant establishment and expansion under climate change. Journal of Environmental Management, 159, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.05.039

    Journal of Environmental Management
    Abstract

    Predicting the influence of climate change on the potential distribution of naturalised alien plant species is an important and challenging task. While prioritisation of management actions for alien plants under current climatic conditions has been widely adopted‚ very few systems explicitly incorporate the potential of future changes in climate conditions to influence the distribution of alien plant species. Here‚ we develop an Australia-wide screening tool to assess the potential of naturalised alien plants to establish and spread under both current and future climatic conditions. The screening tool developed uses five spatially explicit criteria to establish the likelihood of alien plant population establishment and expansion under baseline climate conditions and future climates for the decades 2035 and 2065. Alien plants are then given a threat rating according to current and future threat to enable natural resource managers to focus on those species that pose the largest potential threat now and in the future. To demonstrate the screening tool‚ we present results for a representative sample of approximately 10% (n = 292) of Australia’s known‚ naturalised alien plant species. Overall‚ most alien plant species showed decreases in area of habitat suitability under future conditions compared to current conditions and therefore the threat rating of most alien plant species declined between current and future conditions. Use of the screening tool is intended to assist natural resource managers in assessing the threat of alien plant establishment and spread under current and future conditions and thus prioritise detailed weed risk assessments for those species that pose the greatest threat. The screening tool is associated with a searchable database for all 292 alien plant species across a range of spatial scales‚ available through an interactive web-based portal at http://weedfutures.net/.
    Citation

    Roger, E., Duursma, D. E., Downey, P. O., Gallagher, R. V., Hughes, L., Steel, J., Johnson, S. B., & Leishman, M. R. (2015). A tool to assess potential for alien plant establishment and expansion under climate change. Journal of Environmental Management, 159, 121–127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2015.05.039

  39. Mueller, R. J. (2015). Evidence for the biotic origin of seabed pockmarks on the Australian continental shelf. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 64, 276–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.12.016

    Marine and Petroleum Geology
    Abstract

    The generally accepted formation mechanism of pockmarks worldwide is the expulsion of fluid at the seafloor‚ but such a mechanism does not explain the close association between pockmarks and seabed infrastructure such as pipelines and wellheads within the Stag oil field on the North West Shelf of Australia. Furthermore‚ certain characteristics of the pockmarks‚ such as conical mounds of sediment positioned around their perimeters‚ are strongly suggestive of a biotic origin. Pockmarks in this case are typically 5m in diameter and 1m deep‚ excavated within a sandy seabed in 45m water depth. Inspection of ROV footage acquired during oilfield operations within the Stag field supports but does not entirely confirm without doubt the proposition that the pockmarks are created by fish of the genus Epinephelus.Having determined the characteristic features of pockmarks within the Stag field which mark them as biotic excavations‚ data from commercial seabed surveys at 11 other sites on the North West Shelf‚ all of which reveal numerous pockmarks‚ was reviewed for evidence of similar pockmark characteristics. Based on the review‚ it appears likely that the majority of pockmarks on the shallow North West Shelf (between 40m and 130m water depth) are representative of biological rather than geological activity. The probability that pockmarks less than approximately 10m in diameter throughout the remainder of the Australian continental shelf are also the result of purely biological activity is high‚ as demonstrated by the analysis of data from three further sites.Close inspection of seabed survey data from further afield could extend the findings of this paper throughout not only the tropical Indo-West Pacific (the range of the particular fish species implicated on the North West Shelf)‚ but potentially worldwide if other species can be shown to display similar behaviour. coioides‚ but definitive proof of its activity is lacking. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
    Citation

    Mueller, R. J. (2015). Evidence for the biotic origin of seabed pockmarks on the Australian continental shelf. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 64, 276–293. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2014.12.016

  40. Costion, C. M., Simpson, L., Pert, P. L., Carlsen, M. M., John Kress, W., & Crayn, D. (2015). Will tropical mountaintop plant species survive climate change? Identifying key knowledge gaps using species distribution modelling in Australia. Biological Conservation, 191, 322–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.07.022

    Biological Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Costion, C. M., Simpson, L., Pert, P. L., Carlsen, M. M., John Kress, W., & Crayn, D. (2015). Will tropical mountaintop plant species survive climate change? Identifying key knowledge gaps using species distribution modelling in Australia. Biological Conservation, 191, 322–330. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.07.022

  41. Brookes, D. R., Hereward, J. P., Terry, L. I., & Walter, G. H. (2015). Evolutionary dynamics of a cycad obligate pollination mutualism - Pattern and process in extant Macrozamia cycads and their specialist thrips pollinators. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 93, 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2015.07.003

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    Obligate pollination mutualisms are rare and few have been investigated deeply. This paper focuses on one such mutualism involving thrips in the genus Cycadothrips that pollinate cycads in the genus Macrozamia. Both represent old lineages relative to insects and plants generally‚ are endemic to Australia‚ and are mutually co-dependent. The phylogenetic analyses presented here demonstrate that the pollinator is much more diverse than previously considered‚ with each pollinator lineage being extremely specific to between one and three host species where these latter share part of their distribution. The new species diversity we demonstrate in Cycadothrips all presently falls under the species name C. chadwicki‚ and these different lineages diversified during two periods. An older divergence‚ beginning 7.3 Mya (4.4-11.1‚ 95% HPD)‚ resulted in three major lineages‚ and then further diversification within each of these three lineages took place at most 1.1 Mya (0.6-1.8‚ 95% HPD). These divergence estimates correspond to times when aridification was increasing in Australia‚ suggesting that population fragmentation following climatic change has played a significant role in the evolutionary history of Cycadothrips and Macrozamia. This means that co-diversification of the host and pollinator in allopatry appears to be the dominant process affecting species diversity. Host switching is also clearly evident in the discrepancy between the divergence times of the C. chadwicki lineage and C. albrechti‚ about 10.8 Mya (6.0-17.1‚ 95% HPD)‚ and their hosts‚ at about 1.1 Mya (0.2-3.4 Mya‚ 95% HPD)‚ in that the pollinator split pre-dates the origin of the associated host species of each. These results add to the body of evidence that the evolutionary processes important in obligate pollinator mutualisms are more varied than previously assumed. (C) 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Brookes, D. R., Hereward, J. P., Terry, L. I., & Walter, G. H. (2015). Evolutionary dynamics of a cycad obligate pollination mutualism - Pattern and process in extant Macrozamia cycads and their specialist thrips pollinators. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 93, 83–93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2015.07.003

  42. Casanova, M. T., & Powling, I. J. (2015). What makes a swamp swampy? Water regime and the botany of endangered wetlands in western Victoria. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14119

    Australian Journal of Botany
    abstract
    Citation

    Casanova, M. T., & Powling, I. J. (2015). What makes a swamp swampy? Water regime and the botany of endangered wetlands in western Victoria. Australian Journal of Botany. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14119

  43. Zhao, L., Hou, P., Zhu, G. P., Li, M., Xie, T. X., & Liu, Q. (2015). Mapping the disjunct distribution of introduced codling moth Cydia pomonella in China. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 17, 214–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12104

    Agricultural and Forest Entomology
    Abstract

    Eastern China was once listed as an area infested with the invasive codling moth Cydia pomonellaL. (Lepidoptera: Tortricide). Intensive efforts later revealed the absence of such infestation. Currently‚ the majority of the population is distributed in western China. A disjunct population is also observed in the north east. In present study‚ the disjunct distribution was interpreted by mapping the climate dimension and potential distribution using an ecological niche modelling approach. The preferred niche models were utilized to identify the relative roles of climate‚ human influence and vegetation with respect to the present distribution and also to extrapolate the climate dimensions suitable for the codling moth in China. The results of the present study suggest that a combination of climate suitability and human influence explain the range expansion. Undistributed areas in eastern China were found to have low to medium climate suitability. Nonetheless‚ these areas belong to apple-growing regions that have high propagule pressure; thus‚ eventual establishment appears to be possible because of host plant availability‚ human activity and the wide ecological flexibility of the moth. Highly suitable habitats were found to be strongly related to high temperature and low precipitation throughout the year‚ whereas areas with low temperature and plenty of rainfall are unfavourable.
    Citation

    Zhao, L., Hou, P., Zhu, G. P., Li, M., Xie, T. X., & Liu, Q. (2015). Mapping the disjunct distribution of introduced codling moth Cydia pomonella in China. Agricultural and Forest Entomology, 17, 214–222. https://doi.org/10.1111/afe.12104

  44. Zimmer, H. C., Brodribb, T. J., Delzon, S., & Baker, P. J. (2015). Drought avoidance and vulnerability in the Australian Araucariaceae. Tree Physiology, 36, 218–228. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpv111

    Tree Physiology
    Abstract

    The Araucariaceae is an iconic tree family. Once globally important‚ the Araucariaceae declined dramatically over the Cenozoic period. Increasing aridity is thought to be responsible for extinction and range contraction of Araucariaceae in Australia‚ yet little is known about how these trees respond to water stress. We examined the response to water stress of the recently discovered tree Wollemia nobilis Jones‚ W.G.‚ Hill‚ K.D. &amp; Allen‚ J.M. (Araucariaceae) and two closely related and widespread tree species‚ Araucaria bidwillii Hook. and Araucaria cunninghamii Mudie‚ and the island-endemic species‚ Araucaria heterophylla (Salisb.) Franco. Leaf water potential in all Araucaria spp. remained remarkably unchanged during both dehydration and rehydration‚ indicating strong isohydry. The xylem tensions at which shoot and stem hydraulic conductances were reduced to 50% (P50shoot and P50stem) were closely correlated in all species. Among the four species‚ W. nobilis exhibited greater resistance to xylem hydraulic dysfunction during water stress (as indicated by P50shoot and P50stem). Unexpectedly‚ W. nobilis also experienced the highest levels of crown mortality in response to dehydration‚ suggesting that this was the most drought-sensitive species in this study. Our results highlight that single traits (e.g.‚ P50) should not be used in isolation to predict drought survival. Further‚ we found no clear correlation between species’ P50 and rainfall across their distributional range. Diversity in drought response among these closely related Araucariaceae species was surprisingly high‚ considering their reputation as a functionally conservative family. © 2015 The Author 2015. Published by Oxford University Press. All rights reserved. For Permissions‚ please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.
    Citation

    Zimmer, H. C., Brodribb, T. J., Delzon, S., & Baker, P. J. (2015). Drought avoidance and vulnerability in the Australian Araucariaceae. Tree Physiology, 36, 218–228. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpv111

  45. Worth, J. R. P., Harrison, P. A., Williamson, G. J., & Jordan, G. J. (2015). Whole range and regional-based ecological niche models predict differing exposure to 21st century climate change in the key cool temperate rainforest tree southern beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii). Austral Ecology, 40, 126–138. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12184

    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Worth, J. R. P., Harrison, P. A., Williamson, G. J., & Jordan, G. J. (2015). Whole range and regional-based ecological niche models predict differing exposure to 21st century climate change in the key cool temperate rainforest tree southern beech (Nothofagus cunninghamii). Austral Ecology, 40, 126–138. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12184

  46. Wardle, G. M., Greenville, A. C., Frank, A. S. K., Tischler, M., Emery, N. J., & Dickman, C. R. (2015). Ecosystem risk assessment of Georgina gidgee woodlands in central Australia. Austral Ecology, 40, 444–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12265

    Austral Ecology
    Abstract

    Ecosystems across the world‚ and the biodiversity they support‚ are experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressure‚ and many will not persist without intervention. Given their complexity‚ the International Union for Conservation of Nature has adopted an international standard for ecosystem risk assessment that builds on the strengths of the species-based Red List criteria. We applied this protocol to the relatively understudied Georgina gidgee woodland ecosystem‚ which has a patchy but widespread distribution in central Australia. To address the extensive knowledge gaps‚ we gathered data to provide the first description of the characteristic biota‚ distribution of dominant species and the processes that support the ecosystem. Criteria evaluated include historical‚ current and future declines in spatial distribution‚ the extent and area of occupancy‚ and disruptions to abiotic and biotic processes. Future declines in suitable habitat were based on key climatic variables of rainfall‚ temperature and soil substrate. We also quantified the uncertainty in bioclimatic models and scenarios as part of predicting degradation of the abiotic environment. Overall‚ we assessed the risk status of Georgina gidgee woodlands as vulnerable based on the degradation of abiotic and biotic processes. Bioclimatically suitable habitat was predicted to decline by at least 30% in eight scenarios over the period 2000 to 2050. Predicted declines in overall suitable habitat varied substantially across all scenarios (7-95%). Pressures from grazing‚ weed encroachment and altered fire regimes further threaten the ecosystem; therefore‚ vulnerable status was also recorded for future declines based on altered biotic processes. Accurate mapping and monitoring of the study ecosystem should receive priority to inform conservation decisions‚ and sustainable grazing practices encouraged. Our findings focus attention on other patchily distributed ecosystems that may also have escaped attention despite their contribution to supporting unique biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is timely that environmental monitoring and policy account for these natural assets.
    Citation

    Wardle, G. M., Greenville, A. C., Frank, A. S. K., Tischler, M., Emery, N. J., & Dickman, C. R. (2015). Ecosystem risk assessment of Georgina gidgee woodlands in central Australia. Austral Ecology, 40, 444–459. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12265

  47. Wen, L., Saintilan, N., Yang, X., Hunter, S., & Mawer, D. (2015). MODIS NDVI based metrics improve habitat suitability modelling in fragmented patchy floodplains. Remote Sensing Applications, 1, 85–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2015.08.001

    Remote Sensing Applications
    abstract
    Citation

    Wen, L., Saintilan, N., Yang, X., Hunter, S., & Mawer, D. (2015). MODIS NDVI based metrics improve habitat suitability modelling in fragmented patchy floodplains. Remote Sensing Applications, 1, 85–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rsase.2015.08.001

  48. Vidal-García, M., & Keogh, J. S. (2015). Convergent evolution across the Australian continent: Ecotype diversification drives morphological convergence in two distantly related clades of Australian frogs. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 28, 2136–2151. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12746

    Journal of Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    Animals from different clades but subject to similar environments often evolve similar body shapes and physiological adaptations due to convergent evolution‚ but this has been rarely tested at the transcontinental level and across entire classes of animal. Australia’s biome diversity‚ isolation and aridification history provide excellent opportunities for comparative analyses on broad-scale macroevolutionary patterns. We collected morphological and environmental data on eighty-four (98%) Australian hylid frog species and categorized them into ecotypes. Using a phylogenetic framework‚ we tested the hypothesis that frogs from the same ecotype display similar body shape patterns: (i) across all the Australian hylids‚ and (ii) through comparison with a similar previous study on 127 (97%) Australian myobatrachid species. Body size and shape variation did not follow a strong phylogenetic pattern and was not tightly correlated with environment‚ but there was a stronger association between morphotype and ecotype. Both arboreal and aquatic frogs had long limbs‚ whereas limbs of fossorial species were shorter. Other terrestrial species were convergent on the more typical frog body shape. We quantified the strength of morphological convergence at two levels: (i) between fossorial myobatrachid and hylid frogs‚ and (ii) in each ecomorph within the hylids. We found strong convergence within ecotypes‚ especially in fossorial species. Ecotypes were also reflected in physiological adaptations: both arboreal and cocooned fossorial frogs tend to have higher rates of evaporative water loss. Our results illustrate how adaptation to different ecological niches plays a crucial role in morphological evolution‚ boosting phenotypic diversity within a clade. Despite phylogenetic conservatism‚ morphological adaptation to repeatedly emerging new environments can erase the signature of ancestral morphotypes‚ resulting in phenotypic diversification and convergence both within and between diverse clades. © 2015 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.
    Citation

    Vidal-García, M., & Keogh, J. S. (2015). Convergent evolution across the Australian continent: Ecotype diversification drives morphological convergence in two distantly related clades of Australian frogs. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 28, 2136–2151. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12746

  49. Sheehan, M. J., Botero, C. A., Hendry, T. A., Sedio, B. E., Jandt, J. M., Weiner, S., Toth, A. L., & Tibbetts, E. A. (2015). Different axes of environmental variation explain the presence vs. extent of cooperative nest founding associations in Polistes paper wasps. Ecology Letters, 18, 1057–1067. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12488

    Ecology Letters
    Abstract

    Ecological constraints on independent breeding are recognised as major drivers of cooperative breeding across diverse lineages. How the prevalence and degree of cooperative breeding relates to ecological variation remains unresolved. Using a large data set of cooperative nesting in Polistes wasps we demonstrate that different aspects of cooperative breeding are likely to be driven by different aspects of climate. Whether or not a species forms cooperative groups is associated with greater short-term temperature fluctuations. In contrast‚ the number of cooperative foundresses increases in more benign environments with warmer‚ wetter conditions. The same data set reveals that intraspecific responses to climate variation do not mirror genus-wide trends and instead are highly heterogeneous among species. Collectively these data suggest that the ecological drivers that lead to the origin or loss of cooperation are different from those that influence the extent of its expression within populations.
    Citation

    Sheehan, M. J., Botero, C. A., Hendry, T. A., Sedio, B. E., Jandt, J. M., Weiner, S., Toth, A. L., & Tibbetts, E. A. (2015). Different axes of environmental variation explain the presence vs. extent of cooperative nest founding associations in Polistes paper wasps. Ecology Letters, 18, 1057–1067. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12488

  50. Schories, D., Sanamyan, K., Sanamyan, N., Diaz, M. J., Garrido, I., Heran, T., Holtheuer, J., & Kohlberg, G. (2015). Geographic ranges of ascidians from Antarctica and the southeastern Pacific. Advances in Polar Science, 26, 8–23. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2015.1.00008

    Advances in Polar Science
    abstract
    Citation

    Schories, D., Sanamyan, K., Sanamyan, N., Diaz, M. J., Garrido, I., Heran, T., Holtheuer, J., & Kohlberg, G. (2015). Geographic ranges of ascidians from Antarctica and the southeastern Pacific. Advances in Polar Science, 26, 8–23. https://doi.org/10.13679/j.advps.2015.1.00008

  51. Saslis-Lagoudakis, C. H., Hua, X., Bui, E., Moray, C., & Bromham, L. (2015). Predicting species’ tolerance to salinity and alkalinity using distribution data and geochemical modelling: a case study using Australian grasses. Annals of Botany, 115, 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu248

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Salt tolerance has evolved many times independently in different plant groups. One possible explanation for this pattern is that it builds upon a general suite of stress-tolerance traits. If this is the case‚ then we might expect a correlation between salt tolerance and other tolerances to different environmental stresses. This association has been hypothesized for salt and alkalinity tolerance. However‚ a major limitation in investigating large-scale patterns of these tolerances is that lists of known tolerant species are incomplete. This study explores whether species’ salt and alkalinity tolerance can be predicted using geochemical modelling for Australian grasses. The correlation between taxa found in conditions of high predicted salinity and alkalinity is then assessed. METHODS: Extensive occurrence data for Australian grasses is used together with geochemical modelling to predict values of pH and electrical conductivity to which species are exposed in their natural distributions. Using parametric and phylogeny-corrected tests‚ the geochemical predictions are evaluated using a list of known halophytes as a control‚ and it is determined whether taxa that occur in conditions of high predicted salinity are also found in conditions of high predicted alkalinity. KEY RESULTS: It is shown that genera containing known halophytes have higher predicted salinity conditions than those not containing known halophytes. Additionally‚ taxa occurring in high predicted salinity tend to also occur in high predicted alkalinity. CONCLUSIONS: Geochemical modelling using species’ occurrence data is a potentially useful approach to predict species’ relative natural tolerance to challenging environmental conditions. The findings also demonstrate a correlation between salinity tolerance and alkalinity tolerance. Further investigations can consider the phylogenetic distribution of specific traits involved in these ecophysiological strategies‚ ideally by incorporating more complete‚ finer-scale geochemical information‚ as well as laboratory experiments.
    Citation

    Saslis-Lagoudakis, C. H., Hua, X., Bui, E., Moray, C., & Bromham, L. (2015). Predicting species’ tolerance to salinity and alkalinity using distribution data and geochemical modelling: a case study using Australian grasses. Annals of Botany, 115, 343–351. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu248

  52. Rosauer, D. F., Catullo, R. A., VanDerWal, J., Moussalli, A., & Moritz, C. (2015). Lineage range estimation method reveals fine-scale endemism linked to Pleistocene stability in Australian rainforest herpetofauna. PLoS ONE, 10, e0126274. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126274

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Areas of suitable habitat for species and communities have arisen‚ shifted‚ and disappeared with Pleistocene climate cycles‚ and through this shifting landscape‚ current biodiversity has found paths to the present. Evolutionary refugia‚ areas of relative habitat stability in this shifting landscape‚ support persistence of lineages through time‚ and are thus crucial to the accumulation and maintenance of biodiversity. Areas of endemism are indicative of refugial areas where diversity has persisted‚ and endemism of intraspecific lineages in particular is strongly associated with late-Pleistocene habitat stability. However‚ it remains a challenge to consistently estimate the geographic ranges of intraspecific lineages and thus infer phylogeographic endemism‚ because spatial sampling for genetic analyses is typically sparse relative to species records. We present a novel technique to model the geographic distribution of intraspecific lineages‚ which is informed by the ecological niche of a species and known locations of its constituent lineages. Our approach allows for the effects of isolation by unsuitable habitat‚ and captures uncertainty in the extent of lineage ranges. Applying this method to the arc of rainforest areas spanning 3500 km in eastern Australia‚ we estimated lineage endemism for 53 species of rainforest dependent herpetofauna with available phylogeographic data. We related endemism to the stability of rainforest habitat over the past 120‚000 years and identified distinct concentrations of lineage endemism that can be considered putative refugia. These areas of lineage endemism are strongly related to historical stability of rainforest habitat‚ after controlling for the effects of current environment. In fact‚ a dynamic stability model that allows movement to track suitable habitat over time was the most important factor in explaining current patterns of endemism. The techniques presented here provide an objective‚ practical method for estimating geographic ranges below the species level‚ and including them in spatial analyses of biodiversity.
    Citation

    Rosauer, D. F., Catullo, R. A., VanDerWal, J., Moussalli, A., & Moritz, C. (2015). Lineage range estimation method reveals fine-scale endemism linked to Pleistocene stability in Australian rainforest herpetofauna. PLoS ONE, 10, e0126274. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0126274

  53. Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Lewis, D. (2015). Macrofossil evidence of early sporophyte stages of a new genus of water fernTecaropteris(Ceratopteridoideae: Pteridaceae) from the Paleogene Redbank Plains Formation, southeast Queensland, Australia. Alcheringa, 40, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2015.1069460

    Alcheringa
    Alcheringa
    abstract
    Citation

    Rozefelds, A. C., Dettmann, M. E., Clifford, H. T., & Lewis, D. (2015). Macrofossil evidence of early sporophyte stages of a new genus of water fernTecaropteris(Ceratopteridoideae: Pteridaceae) from the Paleogene Redbank Plains Formation, southeast Queensland, Australia. Alcheringa, 40, 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1080/03115518.2015.1069460

  54. Peterson, A. T., & Campbell, L. P. (2015). Global potential distribution of the mosquito Aedes notoscriptus, a new alien species in the United States. Journal of Vector Ecology, 40, 191–194. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvec.12151

    Journal of Vector Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Peterson, A. T., & Campbell, L. P. (2015). Global potential distribution of the mosquito Aedes notoscriptus, a new alien species in the United States. Journal of Vector Ecology, 40, 191–194. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvec.12151

  55. Pintor, A. F. V., Schwarzkopf, L., & Krockenberger, A. K. (2015). Rapoport’s Rule: Do climatic variability gradients shape range extent? Ecological Monographs, 85, 643–659. https://doi.org/10.1890/14-1510.1

    Ecological Monographs
    abstract
    Citation

    Pintor, A. F. V., Schwarzkopf, L., & Krockenberger, A. K. (2015). Rapoport’s Rule: Do climatic variability gradients shape range extent? Ecological Monographs, 85, 643–659. https://doi.org/10.1890/14-1510.1

  56. Miller, E. T., Wagner, S. K., Harmon, L. J., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2015). Radiating despite a lack of character: closely related, morphologically similar, co-occurring honeyeaters have diverged ecologically. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/034389

    bioRxiv
    bioRxiv
    abstract
    Citation

    Miller, E. T., Wagner, S. K., Harmon, L. J., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2015). Radiating despite a lack of character: closely related, morphologically similar, co-occurring honeyeaters have diverged ecologically. BioRxiv. https://doi.org/10.1101/034389

  57. Miskelly, C. M. (2015). Records of three vagrant Antarctic seal species (Family Phocidae) from New Zealand: crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga), Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 49, 448–461. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288330.2015.1080173

    New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Miskelly, C. M. (2015). Records of three vagrant Antarctic seal species (Family Phocidae) from New Zealand: crabeater seal (Lobodon carcinophaga), Weddell seal (Leptonychotes weddellii) and Ross seal (Ommatophoca rossii). New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research, 49, 448–461. https://doi.org/10.1080/00288330.2015.1080173

  58. Mitchell, P. J., & O’Grady, A. P. (2015). Adaptation of leaf water relations to climatic and habitat water availability. Forests, 6, 2281–2295. https://doi.org/10.3390/f6072281

    Forests
    Forests
    Abstract

    Successful management of forest systems requires a deeper understanding of the role of ecophysiological traits in enabling adaptation to high temperature and water deficit under current and anticipated changes in climate. A key attribute of leaf water relations is the water potential at zero turgor (π<inf>tlp</inf>)‚ because it defines the operating water potentials over which plants actively control growth and gas exchange. This study examines the drivers of variation in π<inf>tlp</inf> with respect to species climate of origin and habitat water availability. We compiled a water relations database for 174 woody species occupying clearly delineated gradients in temperature and precipitation across the Australian continent. A significant proportion of the variability in π<inf>tlp</inf> (\textasciitilde35%) could be explained by climatic water deficit and its interaction with summertime maximum temperature‚ demonstrating the strong selective pressure of aridity and high temperature in shaping leaf water relations among Australian species. Habitat water availability (midday leaf water potential)‚ was also a significant predictor of π<inf>tlp</inf> (R2 = 0.43)‚ highlighting the importance of species ecohydrologic niche under a set of climatic conditions. Shifts in π<inf>tlp</inf> in response to both climatic and site-based drivers of water availability emphasises its adaptive significance and its suitability as a predictor of plant performance under future climatic change. © 2015 by the authors.
    Citation

    Mitchell, P. J., & O’Grady, A. P. (2015). Adaptation of leaf water relations to climatic and habitat water availability. Forests, 6, 2281–2295. https://doi.org/10.3390/f6072281

  59. McLean, C. A., Stuart-Fox, D., & Moussalli, A. (2015). Environment, but not genetic divergence, influences geographic variation in colour morph frequencies in a lizard. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 15, 156. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-015-0442-x

    BMC Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Identifying the causes of intraspecific phenotypic variation is essential for understanding evolutionary processes that maintain diversity and promote speciation. In polymorphic species‚ the relative frequencies of discrete morphs often vary geographically; yet the drivers of spatial variation in morph frequencies are seldom known. Here‚ we test the relative importance of gene flow and natural selection to identify the causes of geographic variation in colour morph frequencies in the Australian tawny dragon lizard‚ Ctenophorus decresii. RESULTS: Populations of C. decresii are polymorphic for male throat coloration and all populations surveyed shared the same four morphs but differed in the relative frequencies of morphs. Despite genetic structure among populations‚ there was no relationship between genetic similarity or geographic proximity and similarity in morph frequencies. However‚ we detected remarkably strong associations between morph frequencies and two environmental variables (mean annual aridity index and vegetation cover)‚ which together explained approximately 45 % of the total variance in morph frequencies. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial variation in selection appears to play an important role in shaping morph frequency patterns in C. decresii. Selection associated with differences in local environmental conditions‚ combined with relatively low levels of gene flow‚ is expected to favour population divergence in morph composition‚ but may be counteracted by negative frequency-dependent selection favouring rare morphs.
    Citation

    McLean, C. A., Stuart-Fox, D., & Moussalli, A. (2015). Environment, but not genetic divergence, influences geographic variation in colour morph frequencies in a lizard. BMC Evolutionary Biology, 15, 156. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12862-015-0442-x

  60. Lentini, P. E., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Spatial conservation priorities are highly sensitive to choice of biodiversity surrogates and species distribution model type. Ecography, 38, 1101–1111. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.01252

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Lentini, P. E., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Spatial conservation priorities are highly sensitive to choice of biodiversity surrogates and species distribution model type. Ecography, 38, 1101–1111. https://doi.org/10.1111/ecog.01252

  61. Hunter, D. O., Britz, T., Jones, M., & Letnic, M. (2015). Reintroduction of Tasmanian devils to mainland Australia can restore top-down control in ecosystems where dingoes have been extirpated. Biological Conservation, 191, 428–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.07.030

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Restoring missing ecological interactions by reintroducing locally extinct species or ecological surrogates for extinct species has been mooted as an approach to restore ecosystems. Australia’s apex predator‚ the dingo‚ is subject to culling in order to prevent attacks on livestock. Dingo culling has been linked to ecological cascades evidenced by irruptions of herbivores and introduced mesopredators and declines of small and medium sized mammals. Maintenance of dingo populations is untenable for land-managers in many parts of Australia owing to their depredations on livestock. However‚ it may be possible to fill the apex predator niche with the Tasmanian devil which has less impact on livestock Devils once occurred throughout Australia‚ but became extinct from the mainland about 3000 years ago‚ but are now threatened by a disease epidemic in Tasmania. To explore the feasibility of reintroducing devils to mainland Australia we used species distribution models (SDMs) to determine if suitable climatic conditions for devils exist and fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) to predict the effects of devil reintroduction. Based on devils’ current distribution‚ our SDM indicates that suitable areas for devils exist in south-eastern Australia. Our FCM examined ecosystem responses to predator-management scenarios by manipulating the abundances of devils‚ dingoes and foxes. Our FCMs showed devils would have cascading effects similar to‚ but weaker than those of dingoes. Devil introduction was linked to lower abundances of introduced mesopredators and herbivores. Abundances of small and medium sized mammals and understorey vegetation complexity increased with devil introduction. However‚ threatened species vulnerable to fox predation benefited little from devil introduction. Our study suggests that reintroducing ecological surrogates for apex predators may yield benefits for biodiversity conservation. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Hunter, D. O., Britz, T., Jones, M., & Letnic, M. (2015). Reintroduction of Tasmanian devils to mainland Australia can restore top-down control in ecosystems where dingoes have been extirpated. Biological Conservation, 191, 428–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2015.07.030

  62. Harris, R. M., Carter, O., Gilfedder, L., Porfirio, L. L., Lee, G., & Bindoff, N. L. (2015). Noah’s Ark conservation will not preserve threatened ecological communities under climate change. PLoS ONE, 10, e0124014. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124014

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Effective conservation of threatened ecological communities requires knowledge of where climatically suitable habitat is likely to persist into the future. We use the critically endangered Lowland Grassland community of Tasmania‚ Australia as a case study to identify options for management in cases where future climatic conditions become unsuitable for the current threatened community. METHODS: We model current and future climatic suitability for the Lowland Themeda and the Lowland Poa Grassland communities‚ which make up the listed ecological community. We also model climatic suitability for the structurally dominant grass species of these communities‚ and for closely related grassland and woodland communities. We use a dynamically downscaled regional climate model derived from six CMIP3 global climate models‚ under the A2 SRES emissions scenario. RESULTS: All model projections showed a large reduction in climatically suitable area by mid-century. Outcomes are slightly better if closely related grassy communities are considered‚ but the extent of suitable area is still substantially reduced. Only small areas within the current distribution are projected to remain climatically suitable by the end of the century‚ and very little of that area is currently in good condition. CONCLUSIONS: As the climate becomes less suitable‚ a gradual change in the species composition‚ structure and habitat quality of the grassland communities is likely. Conservation management will need to focus on maintaining diversity‚ structure and function‚ rather than attempting to preserve current species composition. Options for achieving this include managing related grassland types to maintain grassland species at the landscape-scale‚ and maximising the resilience of grasslands by reducing further fragmentation‚ weed invasion and stress from other land uses‚ while accepting that change is inevitable. Attempting to maintain the status quo by conserving the current structure and composition of Lowland Grassland communities is unlikely to be a viable management option in the long term.
    Citation

    Harris, R. M., Carter, O., Gilfedder, L., Porfirio, L. L., Lee, G., & Bindoff, N. L. (2015). Noah’s Ark conservation will not preserve threatened ecological communities under climate change. PLoS ONE, 10, e0124014. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0124014

  63. Harrington, G. N., & Murphy, S. A. (2015). The distribution and conservation status of Carpentarian grasswrens (Amytornis dorotheae), with reference to prevailing fire patterns. Pacific Conservation Biology, 21. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc15021

    Pacific Conservation Biology
    abstract
    Citation

    Harrington, G. N., & Murphy, S. A. (2015). The distribution and conservation status of Carpentarian grasswrens (Amytornis dorotheae), with reference to prevailing fire patterns. Pacific Conservation Biology, 21. https://doi.org/10.1071/pc15021

  64. Firn, J., Martin, T. G., Chadès, I., Walters, B., Hayes, J., Nicol, S., & Carwardine, J. (2015). Priority threat management of non-native plants to maintain ecosystem integrity across heterogeneous landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 52, 1135–1144. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12500

    Journal of Applied Ecology
    Abstract

    Invasive non-native plants have negatively impacted on biodiversity and ecosystem functions world-wide. Because of the large number of species‚ their wide distributions and varying degrees of impact‚ we need a more effective method for prioritizing control strategies for cost-effective investment across heterogeneous landscapes. Here‚ we develop a prioritization framework that synthesizes scientific data‚ elicits knowledge from experts and stakeholders to identify control strategies‚ and appraises the cost-effectiveness of strategies. Our objective was to identify the most cost-effective strategies for reducing the total area dominated by high-impact non-native plants in the Lake Eyre Basin (LEB). We use a case study of the 120 million ha Lake Eyre Basin that comprises some of the most distinctive Australian landscapes‚ including Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. More than 240 non-native plant species are recorded in the Lake Eyre Basin‚ with many predicted to spread‚ but there are insufficient resources to control all species. Lake Eyre Basin experts identified 12 strategies to control‚ contain or eradicate non-native species over the next 50 years. The total cost of the proposed Lake Eyre Basin strategies was estimated at AU1·7 billion‚ an average of AU34 million annually. Implementation of these strategies is estimated to reduce non-native plant dominance by 17 million ha - there would be a 32% reduction in the likely area dominated by non-native plants within 50 years if these strategies were implemented. The three most cost-effective strategies were controlling Parkinsonia aculeata‚ Ziziphus mauritiana and Prosopis spp. These three strategies combined were estimated to cost only 0·01% of total cost of all the strategies‚ but would provide 20% of the total benefits. Over 50 years‚ cost-effective spending of AU2·3 million could eradicate all non-native plant species from the only threatened ecological community within the Lake Eyre Basin‚ the Great Artesian Basin discharge springs. Synthesis and applications. Our framework‚ based on a case study of the 120 million ha Lake Eyre Basin in Australia‚ provides a rationale for financially efficient investment in non-native plant management and reveals combinations of strategies that are optimal for different budgets. It also highlights knowledge gaps and incidental findings that could improve effective management of non-native plants‚ for example addressing the reliability of species distribution data and prevalence of information sharing across states and regions. Our framework‚ based on a case study of the 120 million ha Lake Eyre Basin in Australia‚ provides a rationale for financially efficient investment in non-native plant management and reveals combinations of strategies that are optimal for different budgets. It also highlights knowledge gaps and incidental findings that could improve effective management of non-native plants‚ for example addressing the reliability of species distribution data and prevalence of information sharing across states and regions. © 2015 British Ecological Society.
    Citation

    Firn, J., Martin, T. G., Chadès, I., Walters, B., Hayes, J., Nicol, S., & Carwardine, J. (2015). Priority threat management of non-native plants to maintain ecosystem integrity across heterogeneous landscapes. Journal of Applied Ecology, 52, 1135–1144. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.12500

  65. Firn, J., Maggini, R., Chadès, I., Nicol, S., Walters, B., Reeson, A., Martin, T. G., Possingham, H. P., Pichancourt, J. B., Ponce-Reyes, R., & Carwardine, J. (2015). Priority threat management of invasive animals to protect biodiversity under climate change. Global Change Biology, 21, 3917–3930. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13034

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    Climate change is a major threat to global biodiversity‚ and its impacts can act synergistically to heighten the severity of other threats. Most research on projecting species range shifts under climate change has not been translated to informing priority management strategies on the ground. We develop a prioritization framework to assess strategies for managing threats to biodiversity under climate change and apply it to the management of invasive animal species across one-sixth of the Australian continent‚ the Lake Eyre Basin. We collected information from key stakeholders and experts on the impacts of invasive animals on 148 of the region’s most threatened species and 11 potential strategies. Assisted by models of current distributions of threatened species and their projected distributions‚ experts estimated the cost‚ feasibility‚ and potential benefits of each strategy for improving the persistence of threatened species with and without climate change. We discover that the relative cost-effectiveness of invasive animal control strategies is robust to climate change‚ with the management of feral pigs being the highest priority for conserving threatened species overall. Complementary sets of strategies to protect as many threatened species as possible under limited budgets change when climate change is considered‚ with additional strategies required to avoid impending extinctions from the region. Overall‚ we find that the ranking of strategies by cost-effectiveness was relatively unaffected by including climate change into decision-making‚ even though the benefits of the strategies were lower. Future climate conditions and impacts on range shifts become most important to consider when designing comprehensive management plans for the control of invasive animals under limited budgets to maximize the number of threatened species that can be protected. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Firn, J., Maggini, R., Chadès, I., Nicol, S., Walters, B., Reeson, A., Martin, T. G., Possingham, H. P., Pichancourt, J. B., Ponce-Reyes, R., & Carwardine, J. (2015). Priority threat management of invasive animals to protect biodiversity under climate change. Global Change Biology, 21, 3917–3930. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13034

  66. Dalrymple, R. L., Kemp, D. J., Flores-Moreno, H., Laffan, S. W., White, T. E., Hemmings, F. A., Tindall, M. L., & Moles, A. T. (2015). Birds, butterflies and flowers in the tropics are not more colourful than those at higher latitudes. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 24, 1424–1432. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12368

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Dalrymple, R. L., Kemp, D. J., Flores-Moreno, H., Laffan, S. W., White, T. E., Hemmings, F. A., Tindall, M. L., & Moles, A. T. (2015). Birds, butterflies and flowers in the tropics are not more colourful than those at higher latitudes. Global Ecology and Biogeography, 24, 1424–1432. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12368

  67. Doherty, T. S., Davis, R. A., van Etten, E. J. B., Algar, D., Collier, N., Dickman, C. R., Edwards, G., Masters, P., Palmer, R., Robinson, S., & McGeoch, M. (2015). A continental-scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 42, 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12469

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Doherty, T. S., Davis, R. A., van Etten, E. J. B., Algar, D., Collier, N., Dickman, C. R., Edwards, G., Masters, P., Palmer, R., Robinson, S., & McGeoch, M. (2015). A continental-scale analysis of feral cat diet in Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 42, 964–975. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12469

  68. Crameri, G., Durr, P. A., Barr, J., Yu, M., Graham, K., Williams, O. J., Kayali, G., Smith, D., Peiris, M., Mackenzie, J. S., & Wang, L. F. (2015). Absence of MERS-CoV antibodies in feral camels in Australia: Implications for the pathogen’s origin and spread. One Health, 1, 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.10.003

    One Health
    One Health
    Abstract

    Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) infections continue to be a serious emerging disease problem internationally with well over 1000 cases and a major outbreak outside of the Middle East region. While the hypothesis that dromedary camels are the likely major source of MERS-CoV infection in humans is gaining acceptance‚ conjecture continues over the original natural reservoir host(s) and specifically the role of bats in the emergence of the virus. Dromedary camels were imported to Australia‚ principally between 1880 and 1907 and have since become a large feral population inhabiting extensive parts of the continent. Here we report that during a focussed surveillance study‚ no serological evidence was found for the presence of MERS-CoV in the camels in the Australian population. This finding presents various hypotheses about the timing of the emergence and spread of MERS-CoV throughout populations of camels in Africa and Asia‚ which can be partially resolved by testing sera from camels from the original source region‚ which we have inferred was mainly northwestern Pakistan. In addition‚ we identify bat species which overlap (or neighbour) the range of the Australian camel population with a higher likelihood of carrying CoVs of the same lineage as MERS-CoV. Both of these proposed follow-on studies are examples of "proactive surveillance"‚ a concept that has particular relevance to a One Health approach to emerging zoonotic diseases with a complex epidemiology and aetiology.
    Citation

    Crameri, G., Durr, P. A., Barr, J., Yu, M., Graham, K., Williams, O. J., Kayali, G., Smith, D., Peiris, M., Mackenzie, J. S., & Wang, L. F. (2015). Absence of MERS-CoV antibodies in feral camels in Australia: Implications for the pathogen’s origin and spread. One Health, 1, 76–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2015.10.003

  69. Cornuault, J., Khimoun, A., Cuneo, P., & Besnard, G. (2015). Spatial segregation and realized niche shift during the parallel invasion of two olive subspecies in south-eastern Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 42, 1930–1941. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12538

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: Greater understanding of the processes underlying biological invasions is required to determine and predict invasion risk. Two subspecies of olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea and Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata) have been introduced into Australia from the Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa during the 19th century. Our aim was to determine to what extent the native environmental niches of these two olive subspecies explain the current spatial segregation of the subspecies in their non-native range. We also assessed whether niche shifts had occurred in the non-native range‚ and examined whether invasion was associated with increased or decreased occupancy of niche space in the non-native range relative to the native range. Location: South-eastern Australia‚ Mediterranean Basin and southern Africa. Methods: Ecological niche models (ENMs) were used to quantify the similarity of native and non-native realized niches. Niche shifts were characterized by the relative contribution of niche expansion‚ stability and contraction based on the relative occupancy of environmental space by the native and non-native populations. Results: Native ENMs indicated that the spatial segregation of the two subspecies in their non-native range was partly determined by differences in their native niches. However‚ we found that environmentally suitable niches were less occupied in the non-native range relative to the native range‚ indicating that niche shifts had occurred through a contraction of the native niches after invasion‚ for both subspecies. Main conclusions: The mapping of environmental factors associated with niche expansion‚ stability or contraction allowed us to identify areas of greater invasion risk. This study provides an example of successful invasions that are associated with niche shifts‚ illustrating that introduced plant species are sometimes readily able to establish in novel environments. In these situations the assumption of niche stasis during invasion‚ which is implicitly assumed by ENMs‚ may be unreasonable. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    Cornuault, J., Khimoun, A., Cuneo, P., & Besnard, G. (2015). Spatial segregation and realized niche shift during the parallel invasion of two olive subspecies in south-eastern Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 42, 1930–1941. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12538

  70. Campbell, L. P., Luther, C., Moo-Llanes, D., Ramsey, J. M., Danis-Lozano, R., & Peterson, A. T. (2015). Climate change influences on global distributions of dengue and chikungunya virus vectors. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 370, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2014.0135

    Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
    Abstract

    Numerous recent studies have illuminated global distributions of human cases of dengue and other mosquito-transmitted diseases‚ yet the potential distributions of key vector species have not been incorporated integrally into those mapping efforts. Projections onto future conditions to illuminate potential distributional shifts in coming decades are similarly lacking‚ at least outside Europe. This study examined the global potential distributions of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in relation to climatic variation worldwide to develop ecological niche models that‚ in turn‚ allowed anticipation of possible changes in distributional patterns into the future. Results indicated complex global rearrangements of potential distributional areas‚ which— given the impressive dispersal abilities of these two species—are likely to translate into actual distributional shifts. This exercise also signalled a crucial priority: digitization and sharing of existing distributional data so that models of this sort can be developed more rigorously‚ as present availability of such data is fragmentary and woefully incomplete. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Campbell, L. P., Luther, C., Moo-Llanes, D., Ramsey, J. M., Danis-Lozano, R., & Peterson, A. T. (2015). Climate change influences on global distributions of dengue and chikungunya virus vectors. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 370, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1098/rstb.2014.0135

  71. Bourne, A. E., Haigh, A. M., & Ellsworth, D. S. (2015). Stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit relates to climate of origin in Eucalyptus species. Tree Physiology, 35, 266–278. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpv014

    Tree Physiology
    Abstract

    Selecting plantation species to balance water use and production requires accurate models for predicting how species will tolerate and respond to environmental conditions. Although interspecific variation in water use occurs‚ species-specific parameters are rarely incorporated into physiologically based models because often the appropriate species parameters are lacking. To determine the physiological control over water use in Eucalyptus‚ five stands of Eucalyptus species growing in a common garden were measured for sap flux rates and their stomatal response to vapour pressure deficit (D) was assessed. Maximal canopy conductance and whole-canopy stomatal sensitivity to D and reduced water availability were lower in species originating from more arid climates of origin than those from humid climates. Species from humid climates showed a larger decline in maximal sap flux density (JSmax) with reduced water availability‚ and a lower D at which stomatal closure occurred than species from more arid climates‚ implying larger sensitivity to water availability and D in these species. We observed significant (P < 0.05) correlations of species climate of origin with mean vessel diameter (R(2) = 0.90)‚ stomatal sensitivity to D (R(2) = 0.83) and the size of the decline in JSmax to restricted water availability (R(2) = 0.94). Thus aridity of climate of origin appears to have a selective role in constraining water-use response among the five Eucalyptus plantation species. These relationships emphasize that within this congeneric group of species‚ climate aridity constrains water use. These relationships have implications for species choices for tree plantation success against drought-induced losses and the ability to manage Eucalyptus plantations against projected changes in water availability and evaporation in the future.
    Citation

    Bourne, A. E., Haigh, A. M., & Ellsworth, D. S. (2015). Stomatal sensitivity to vapour pressure deficit relates to climate of origin in Eucalyptus species. Tree Physiology, 35, 266–278. https://doi.org/10.1093/treephys/tpv014

  72. Booth, T. H., Broadhurst, L. M., Pinkard, E., Prober, S. M., Dillon, S. K., Bush, D., Pinyopusarerk, K., Doran, J. C., Ivkovich, M., & Young, A. G. (2015). Native forests and climate change: Lessons from eucalypts. Forest Ecology and Management, 347, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2015.03.002

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Abstract

    The purpose of this paper is to review studies relevant to potential climate change impacts on natural stands of eucalypts‚ with a view to identifying not only specific lessons for the management of native forests in Australia but also some general lessons relevant to native forests anywhere. More than 800 species of Eucalyptus are found naturally across Australia‚ as well as species such as E. deglupta and E. urophylla in countries north of Australia. Eucalypts provide a particularly interesting opportunity to examine the likely impacts of climate change‚ as many species have been widely evaluated in trials within and outside Australia‚ often under conditions that are warmer and sometimes drier than those found within their natural distributions. Results from these trials indicate the intrinsic ability of particular eucalypt species and provenances to tolerate conditions that are somewhat different from those experienced within their natural distributions. Eucalypts have particularly poor dispersal capabilities‚ so natural stands will be generally unable to track changing climatic conditions. Therefore‚ in the period to the end of the present century a key issue for each eucalypt species under climate change is whether its intrinsic adaptability will be sufficient to allow it to survive where it is currently located. Their ability to survive will be affected not only by climatic‚ but also atmospheric changes‚ which will affect important processes such as photosynthesis and water exchange. Again eucalypts provide a useful group for climate change studies as their commercial significance has led to various enhanced carbon dioxide experiments being carried out‚ as well as detailed genomic studies. This review considers eucalypts in relation to four main areas; (i) resources and characteristics (natural distributions and introduced distributions including their adaptability/plasticity)‚ (ii) analysis tools (species distribution models and growth models)‚ (iii) physiological factors (including temperature‚ drought and enhanced CO2) and (iv) interactions with other species (including pests and diseases). Priorities for future research are identified. It is concluded that analyses that do not allow for the intrinsic climatic adaptability of tree species‚ as well as their particular dispersal capabilities‚ are unlikely to provide reliable predictions of climate change impacts. © 2015 Elsevier B.V.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H., Broadhurst, L. M., Pinkard, E., Prober, S. M., Dillon, S. K., Bush, D., Pinyopusarerk, K., Doran, J. C., Ivkovich, M., & Young, A. G. (2015). Native forests and climate change: Lessons from eucalypts. Forest Ecology and Management, 347, 18–29. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2015.03.002

  73. Booth, T. H. (2015). Using a Global Botanic Gardens Database to Help Assess the Capabilities of Rare Eucalypt Species to Cope with Climate Change. International Forestry Review, 17, 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554815815982639

    International Forestry Review
    Abstract

    Climate change impact analyses have focused mostly on natural distributions of plants and have generally ignored their intrinsic climatic adaptability. This may produce unreliable predictions of impacts. Eucalypts are potentially instructive for climate change studies‚ as many species have been assessed in commercial forestry trials outside the conditions of their natural distributions. However‚ rare eucalypt species‚ which usually have limited natural distributions‚ and are likely to be most susceptible to climate change‚ are often small or multi-stemmed species‚ which have generally not been included in commercial trials. This study used information for 12 rare eucalypt species from the PlantSearch database of Botanic Gardens Conservation International and assessed if this information can assist determining their climatic adaptability. The results should be treated with caution‚ but indicate that most of the 12 species are growing at some botanic gardens under annual mean temperature conditions that are warmer than where they occur naturally.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2015). Using a Global Botanic Gardens Database to Help Assess the Capabilities of Rare Eucalypt Species to Cope with Climate Change. International Forestry Review, 17, 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1505/146554815815982639

  74. Booth, T. (2015). Learning about the climatic requirements of threatened tree species. BGjournal, 12, 37–39.

    BGjournal
    BGjournal
    abstract
    Citation

    Booth, T. (2015). Learning about the climatic requirements of threatened tree species. BGjournal, 12, 37–39.

  75. Mo, M. (2015). The history and status of apostlebirds ('Struthidea cinerea’) in the Sydney Region. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 137, 29–35.

    Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales
    abstract
    Citation

    Mo, M. (2015). The history and status of apostlebirds ('Struthidea cinerea’) in the Sydney Region. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 137, 29–35.

  76. Lechner, A. M., Mcintyre, N., Bulovic, N., Kujala, H., Whitehead, A., Webster, A., Wintle, B. A., Rifkin, W., & Scott, M. (2015). A GIS tool for land and water use planning in mining regions. 21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Gold Coast. https://doi.org/10.36334/modsim.2015.f10.lechner

    21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation
    abstract
    Citation

    Lechner, A. M., Mcintyre, N., Bulovic, N., Kujala, H., Whitehead, A., Webster, A., Wintle, B. A., Rifkin, W., & Scott, M. (2015). A GIS tool for land and water use planning in mining regions. 21st International Congress on Modelling and Simulation, Gold Coast. https://doi.org/10.36334/modsim.2015.f10.lechner

  77. Mo, M. (2015). Herpetofaunal community of the constructed Lime Kiln Bay Wetland, south Sydney, New South Wales. Victorian Naturalist, The, 132(3), 64–72.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=287156850475851;res=IELHSS

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    abstract
    Citation

    Mo, M. (2015). Herpetofaunal community of the constructed Lime Kiln Bay Wetland, south Sydney, New South Wales. Victorian Naturalist, The, 132(3), 64–72.

  78. Rowland, J. (2015). Diversity and abundance of small, non-gliding terrestrial mammals at bushland restoration sites in western Brisbane. Queensland Naturalist, 53, 4–18.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=283262559482887;res=IELHSS

    Queensland Naturalist
    abstract
    Citation

    Rowland, J. (2015). Diversity and abundance of small, non-gliding terrestrial mammals at bushland restoration sites in western Brisbane. Queensland Naturalist, 53, 4–18.

  79. Burbidge, A. H., & Blythman, M. (2015). Birds of Katjarra and nearby areas in the Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area. WA Department of Parks and Wildlife.
    https://library.dbca.wa.gov.au/static/FullTextFiles/071989.pdf

    Abstract

    We surveyed birds and collated historical data on bird occurrence in the Katjarra (Carnarvon Range) area within the Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area (IPA)‚ approximately 170 km north of Wiluna. A total of 115 bird species are known from the general area‚ and 103 species from within the boundaries of the IPA. At 20 survey sites sampled in more detail in May 2013 and May 2014‚ we recorded 65 bird species. The Australian Shelduck‚ Rufous Songlark and Tree Martin (recorded by us) are new for the list of species known from the IPA. Two species classified as Vulnerable have been recorded in the IPA: Malleefowl and Grey Falcon. Three Priority List species (Australian Bustard‚ Bush Stone-curlew and Striated Grasswren‚ all P4) are also known from the area. In the Katjarra area at least 10 species are at or near the limits of their distribution in the Western Deserts.
    Citation

    Burbidge, A. H., & Blythman, M. (2015). Birds of Katjarra and nearby areas in the Birriliburu Indigenous Protected Area. WA Department of Parks and Wildlife.

  80. Cook, B. A., Ford, B. M., van Helden, B. E., Beatty, S. J., Ogston, G., & Close, P. G. (2015). Development and application of a framework for assessing the vulnerability of aquatic species to multiple threats (No. Report No CENRM 140). Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, University of Western Australia.
    https://terranova.org.au/repository/southern-and-southwestern-flatlands-nrm-collection/development-and-application-of-a-framework-for-assessing-the-vulnerability-of-aquatic-species-to-multiple-threats

    abstract
    Citation

    Cook, B. A., Ford, B. M., van Helden, B. E., Beatty, S. J., Ogston, G., & Close, P. G. (2015). Development and application of a framework for assessing the vulnerability of aquatic species to multiple threats (No. Report No CENRM 140). Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management, University of Western Australia.

  81. Gillanders, B. M., Tulloch, A. I. T., & Divecha, S. (2015). Regional Biodiversity Management Plan -  Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Sustainability Planning. Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide.

    abstract
    Citation

    Gillanders, B. M., Tulloch, A. I. T., & Divecha, S. (2015). Regional Biodiversity Management Plan -  Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Sustainability Planning. Environment Institute and School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide.

  82. Kujala, H., Whitehead, A. L., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Identifying conservation priorities and assessing impacts and trade-offs of potential future development in the Lower Hunter Valley in New South Wales. The University of Melbourne.
    https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/pages/25570c73-a276-4efb-82f4-16f802320e62/files/identifying-conservation-priorities.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Kujala, H., Whitehead, A. L., & Wintle, B. A. (2015). Identifying conservation priorities and assessing impacts and trade-offs of potential future development in the Lower Hunter Valley in New South Wales. The University of Melbourne.

  83. Prober, S. M., Williams, K. J., Harwood, T. D., Doerr, V. A. J., Manion, G., & Ferrier, S. (2015). Helping Biodiversity Adapt: Supporting climate-adaptation planning using a community-level modelling approach. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship.
    https://publications.csiro.au/rpr/pub?pid=csiro:EP159009

    abstract
    Citation

    Prober, S. M., Williams, K. J., Harwood, T. D., Doerr, V. A. J., Manion, G., & Ferrier, S. (2015). Helping Biodiversity Adapt: Supporting climate-adaptation planning using a community-level modelling approach. CSIRO Land and Water Flagship.

  84. Wiltshire, K. H., Tanner, J. E., Gurgel, C. F. D., & Deveney, M. R. (2015). Feasibility study for integrated multitrophic aquaculture in southern Australia (Research Report No. F2015/000786-1; p. 115). SARDI Aquatic Sciences.
    https://trove.nla.gov.au/work/207800354?selectedversion=NBD57405469

    abstract
    Citation

    Wiltshire, K. H., Tanner, J. E., Gurgel, C. F. D., & Deveney, M. R. (2015). Feasibility study for integrated multitrophic aquaculture in southern Australia (Research Report No. F2015/000786-1; p. 115). SARDI Aquatic Sciences.

  85. Haque, M. M. (2015). A legacy of sampling: exploring spatial patterns among occurrence records in Australia’s virtual herbarium. Macquarie University.
    http://hdl.handle.net/1959.14/1050711

    abstract
    Citation

    Haque, M. M. (2015). A legacy of sampling: exploring spatial patterns among occurrence records in Australia’s virtual herbarium. Macquarie University.

  86. McNab, A. (2015). Dynamics of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in isolated patches of lowland rainforest. James Cook University.
    https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/41341/

    abstract
    Citation

    McNab, A. (2015). Dynamics of the amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) in isolated patches of lowland rainforest. James Cook University.

  87. Wagner, S. K. (2015). Foraging behavior, behavioral flexibility, and range size of Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) [Ph.D.]. University of Colorado at Boulder.
    https://search.proquest.com/docview/1719140004?pq-origsite=gscholar

    Abstract

    Anthropogenic disturbance is the leading cause of species extinctions (Vitousek 1997‚ Pimm and Raven 2000‚ Ewers and Didham 2006). Modern ecologists are given the task of determining how to predict and then mitigate species’ response to such disturbances. Species with larger niches‚ and more behaviorally flexible species‚ are predicted to better succeed in novel environments in the face of large scale habitat changes (Mayr 1965‚ Ehlrich 1989‚ Sol 2002‚ Shultz 2005). Foraging behavior can be a good descriptor of species’ niches‚ and the variation in these measures can be used to quantify behavioral flexibility (Sol 2002). My dissertation utilizes the interface between animal behavior data and broad-scale ecological patterns. I collected foraging behavior data (∼7‚300 independent foraging observations) across 74 of 75 Australian honeyeater (Meliphagidae) species to quantify niche size and position. I used functional dispersion (FDis) to quantify niche size. Related species foraged similarly‚ and foraging behavior showed significant phylogenetic signal. Generalists utilized a variety of resource acquisition strategies‚ whereas species with small niches were either highly nectarivorous or insectivorous. In order to determine if foraging niche size can be a predictor of extinction risk‚ I tested whether niche size was correlated with exposure or sensitivity to climate change. I did not find niche size to be a significant predictor of these risks as assessed by others. However‚ synergistic effects between small niche size and anthropogenic disturbance and climate change may put these species at an elevated risk of extinction. I also found a strong positive relationship between species that are highly nectarivorous and species that make attacks to the air for invertebrates. Nectarivorous species supplement their diets with protein‚ and it appears that these species make costly aerial attacks to acquire protein quickly. Geographic range size was not correlated with foraging niche size‚ but it was weakly correlated with niche position. Specifically‚ species that glean and hang from leaves in forests with high canopies were found to have smaller geographic range sizes. This is likely driven by the fact that such forests occur over a limited area in Australia‚ and occupy only remnants of their former geographic extent.
    Citation

    Wagner, S. K. (2015). Foraging behavior, behavioral flexibility, and range size of Australian honeyeaters (Meliphagidae) [Ph.D.]. University of Colorado at Boulder.

  88. Wujeska-Klause, A., Tausz, M., & Bossinger, G. (2015). Antioxidant responses to drought and heatwave as markers for climate stress and adaptation. University of Melbourne.
    https://minerva-access.unimelb.edu.au/handle/11343/55168

    abstract
    Citation

    Wujeska-Klause, A., Tausz, M., & Bossinger, G. (2015). Antioxidant responses to drought and heatwave as markers for climate stress and adaptation. University of Melbourne.

2014

  1. Garnett, S. T., & Franklin, D. C. (2014). Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=1719438

    abstract
    Citation

    Garnett, S. T., & Franklin, D. C. (2014). Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Australian Birds. CSIRO Publishing. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/cbmlcsiro/detail.action?docID=1719438

  2. Yonow, T. (2014). Bactrocera (Bactrocera) tryoni. HarvetChoice.
    http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.683.997&rep=rep1&type=pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Yonow, T. (2014). Bactrocera (Bactrocera) tryoni. HarvetChoice.

  3. Mo, M. (2014). A preliminary evaluation of frog assemblages in the Pilliga forests. Wetlands Australia Journal. https://doi.org/10.31646/wa.298

    Wetlands Australia Journal
    abstract
    Citation

    Mo, M. (2014). A preliminary evaluation of frog assemblages in the Pilliga forests. Wetlands Australia Journal. https://doi.org/10.31646/wa.298

  4. Capinha, C., Vermeulen, J. J., bin Lakim, M., Schilthuizen, M., & Kappes, H. (2014). Susceptibility of tropical mountain forests to biological invasions from the temperate and subtropical zone, exemplified by Zonitoides (Gastropoda: Gastrodontidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 62, 600–609.

    Raffles Bulletin of Zoology
    abstract
    Citation

    Capinha, C., Vermeulen, J. J., bin Lakim, M., Schilthuizen, M., & Kappes, H. (2014). Susceptibility of tropical mountain forests to biological invasions from the temperate and subtropical zone, exemplified by Zonitoides (Gastropoda: Gastrodontidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 62, 600–609.

  5. Bell, K. L., Rangan, H., Fowler, R., Kull, C. A., Pettigrew, J. D., Vickers, C. E., & Murphy, D. J. (2014). Genetic diversity and biogeography of the boab Adansonia gregorii (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae). Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 164–174. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt13209

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    The Kimberley region of Western Australia is recognised for its high biodiversity and many endemic species‚ including the charismatic boab tree‚ Adansonia gregorii F.Muell. (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae). In order to assess the effects of biogeographic barriers on A. gregorii‚ we examined the genetic diversity and population structure of the tree species across its range in the Kimberley and adjacent areas to the east. Genetic variation at six microsatellite loci in 220 individuals from the entire species range was examined. Five weakly divergent populations‚ separated by west-east and coast-inland divides‚ were distinguished using spatial principal components analysis. However‚ the predominant pattern was low geographic structure and high gene flow. Coalescent analysis detected a population bottleneck and significant gene flow across these inferred biogeographic divides. Climate cycles and coastline changes following the last glacial maximum are implicated in decreases in ancient A. gregorii population size. Of all the potential gene flow vectors‚ various macropod species and humans are the most likely.
    Citation

    Bell, K. L., Rangan, H., Fowler, R., Kull, C. A., Pettigrew, J. D., Vickers, C. E., & Murphy, D. J. (2014). Genetic diversity and biogeography of the boab Adansonia gregorii (Malvaceae: Bombacoideae). Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 164–174. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt13209

  6. Stojanovic, D., Webb, M. H., Alderman, R., Porfirio, L. L., Heinsohn, R., & Beard, K. (2014). Discovery of a novel predator reveals extreme but highly variable mortality for an endangered migratory bird. Diversity and Distributions, 20, 1200–1207. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12214

    Diversity and Distributions
    abstract
    Citation

    Stojanovic, D., Webb, M. H., Alderman, R., Porfirio, L. L., Heinsohn, R., & Beard, K. (2014). Discovery of a novel predator reveals extreme but highly variable mortality for an endangered migratory bird. Diversity and Distributions, 20, 1200–1207. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12214

  7. Arthur, K., Collins, N. C., Yazarlou, A., & Randles, J. W. (2014). Nucleotide sequence diversity in velvet tobacco mottle virus: A virus with a unique Australian pathosystem. Virus Genes, 48, 168–173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-013-1007-y

    Virus Genes
    Abstract

    Velvet tobacco mottle virus (VTMoV) is a naturally occurring mirid-transmitted sobemovirus of native velvet tobacco (Nicotiana velutina) plants in the Australian arid zone. We have sequenced the coding region of a typical field isolate of VTMoV (isolate I-17-04‚ satellite-plus) and show that it differed by nine polymorphisms from the previously sequenced atypical ’satellite-minus’ variant VTMoV-K1 (represented here as L-K1-04)‚ while retaining the same genomic and amino acid sequence motifs. We also report that although L-K1-04 was confirmed to be free of detectable satellite RNA by gel electrophoretic assay‚ the satellite sequence was detected in it by RT-PCR assay. Nucleotide sequence variation among the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase open reading frames of 15 field and laboratory isolates identified four phylogenetic groups‚ but these did not show a pattern related to site or time of sampling. This result would be consistent with nucleotide sequence variants of VTMoV being dispersed widely by migrating adult mirid vectors. © Springer Science+Business Media 2013.
    Citation

    Arthur, K., Collins, N. C., Yazarlou, A., & Randles, J. W. (2014). Nucleotide sequence diversity in velvet tobacco mottle virus: A virus with a unique Australian pathosystem. Virus Genes, 48, 168–173. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11262-013-1007-y

  8. Nylinder, S., Lemey, P., De Bruyn, M., Suchard, M. A., Pfeil, B. E., Walsh, N., & Anderberg, A. A. (2014). On the biogeography of Centipeda: a species-tree diffusion approach. Systematic Biology, 63, 178–191. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syt102

    Systematic Biology
    Abstract

    Reconstructing the biogeographic history of groups present in continuous arid landscapes is challenging due to the difficulties in defining discrete areas for analyses‚ and even more so when species largely overlap both in terms of geography and habitat preference. In this study‚ we use a novel approach to estimate ancestral areas for the small plant genus Centipeda. We apply continuous diffusion of geography by a relaxed random walk where each species is sampled from its extant distribution on an empirical distribution of time-calibrated species-trees. Using a distribution of previously published substitution rates of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) for Asteraceae‚ we show how the evolution of Centipeda correlates with the temporal increase of aridity in the arid zone since the Pliocene. Geographic estimates of ancestral species show a consistent pattern of speciation of early lineages in the Lake Eyre region‚ with a division in more northerly and southerly groups since approximately 840 ka. Summarizing the geographic slices of species-trees at the time of the latest speciation event ( approximately 20 ka)‚ indicates no presence of the genus in Australia west of the combined desert belt of the Nullabor Plain‚ the Great Victoria Desert‚ the Gibson Desert‚ and the Great Sandy Desert‚ or beyond the main continental shelf of Australia. The result indicates all western occurrences of the genus to be a result of recent dispersal rather than ancient vicariance. This study contributes to our understanding of the spatiotemporal processes shaping the flora of the arid zone‚ and offers a significant improvement in inference of ancestral areas for any organismal group distributed where it remains difficult to describe geography in terms of discrete areas.
    Citation

    Nylinder, S., Lemey, P., De Bruyn, M., Suchard, M. A., Pfeil, B. E., Walsh, N., & Anderberg, A. A. (2014). On the biogeography of Centipeda: a species-tree diffusion approach. Systematic Biology, 63, 178–191. https://doi.org/10.1093/sysbio/syt102

  9. Catullo, R. A., Lanfear, R., Doughty, P., Keogh, J. S., & Kissling, W. D. (2014). The biogeographical boundaries of northern Australia: evidence from ecological niche models and a multi-locus phylogeny ofUperoleiatoadlets (Anura: Myobatrachidae). Journal of Biogeography, 41, 659–672. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12230

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Catullo, R. A., Lanfear, R., Doughty, P., Keogh, J. S., & Kissling, W. D. (2014). The biogeographical boundaries of northern Australia: evidence from ecological niche models and a multi-locus phylogeny ofUperoleiatoadlets (Anura: Myobatrachidae). Journal of Biogeography, 41, 659–672. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12230

  10. Cisterne, A., Vanderduys, E. P., Pike, D. A., & Schwarzkopf, L. (2014). Wary invaders and clever natives: sympatric house geckos show disparate responses to predator scent. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 604–611. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru031

    Behavioral Ecology
    Abstract

    The ability to detect and avoid potential predators can enhance fitness‚ but also has costs‚ and thus many animals respond to potential predators either in a general (avoid all potential predators) or threat-sensitive (selectively avoid dangerous predators) manner. We used 2-choice trials to investigate strategies used by globally invasive house geckos (Hemidactylus frenatus) and native Australian house geckos (Gehyra dubia) to avoid chemical cues from potential snake predators (Acanthophis antarcticus‚ Antaresia maculosa‚ Boiga irregularis‚ and Pseudechis colletti). Invasive geckos did not respond to a novel chemical cue (perfume)‚ but significantly avoided shelters scented by all 4 predatory snake species‚ and did not discriminate among snake species that occurred within or outside their current geographic range. Thus‚ the invasive gecko showed generalized predator avoidance. In contrast‚ native geckos avoided shelters scented with perfume but did not avoid shelters scented by any of the 4 predatory snake species. We interpret the lack of response by native geckos as threat sensitive‚ suggesting that they may require additional cues beyond scent alone (e. g.‚ visual cues) to judge the situation as threatening. Generalized responses may be costly for native species living in native habitats filled with predators but may facilitate the rapid establishment of invasive species in novel (especially urban) environments‚ where general responses to predators may have relatively low costs and enhance survival.
    Citation

    Cisterne, A., Vanderduys, E. P., Pike, D. A., & Schwarzkopf, L. (2014). Wary invaders and clever natives: sympatric house geckos show disparate responses to predator scent. Behavioral Ecology, 25, 604–611. https://doi.org/10.1093/beheco/aru031

  11. Di Virgilio, G., & Laffan, S. W. (2014). Using maps of continuous variation in species compositional turnover to supplement uniform polygon species range maps. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 28, 1658–1673. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2013.871725

    International Journal of Geographical Information Science
    Abstract

    Species ranges are often represented using polygons‚ with the attendant issues that they show uniform ranges with abrupt boundaries and can overestimate species ranges. We demonstrate that such uniform species ranges can be supplemented by mapping the gradational variation in species turnover across a landscape. Directional variation in species turnover for 15 skink species (Reptilia: Scincidae) and topographic and climatic turnover in south-eastern Australia were measured using directional moving window analyses‚ rotated through 360°. The resultant species turnover maps were compared with published polygon range maps for two species within the group (Liopholis whitii and L. inornata). We also assessed how the relationships between species and environmental turnover varied in areas of low or high species turnover. Continuous transitions between distinct areas of low and high species turnover were mapped. Low turnover comprised only 19% of the L. whitii polygon species range within the study area extent. These low turnover areas were more densely populated by L. whitii (67% of observations)‚ whereas areas of medium to high turnover contained substantially fewer observations (25%). Regions with the highest species turnover contained only 6% of observations. L. inornata observations were also clustered in low species turnover areas. Averaged climatic and elevation values were higher in low-turnover areas despite their close adjacency to high-turnover zones. The environmental turnover in low species turnover regions was also lower than in high-turnover areas. Correlations between environmental turnover and low species turnover areas were positive‚ whereas the opposite relationship applied in high species turnover areas. We identified both abrupt and gradual distributional breaks between separate reptile assemblages; an example of the latter is located in the Hunter Valley in the south-eastern coastal region. This break has been mapped using solid‚ uniform lines in species ranges and thus implicitly as an abrupt break. Environmental conditions may be more favourable to skinks in low-turnover areas. Since L. whitii and other skink species have very large populations in low-turnover areas‚ other squamate species may also be more likely to occur in these areas. This has potential implications for conservation prioritisation. The turnover maps used here can supplement the information provided about reptile distributions by the equivalent polygon ranges. This approach can be applied to point occurrence data for any taxonomic group or any similar georeferenced diversity data set. © 2014 © 2014 Taylor & Francis.
    Citation

    Di Virgilio, G., & Laffan, S. W. (2014). Using maps of continuous variation in species compositional turnover to supplement uniform polygon species range maps. International Journal of Geographical Information Science, 28, 1658–1673. https://doi.org/10.1080/13658816.2013.871725

  12. Bui, E. N., Thornhill, A., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Salt- and alkaline-tolerance are linked in Acacia. Biology Letters, 10. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2014.0278

    Biology Letters
    Abstract

    Saline or alkaline soils present a strong stress on plants that together may be even more deleterious than alone. Australia’s soils are old and contain large‚ sometimes overlapping‚ areas of high salt and alkalinity. Acacia and other Australian plant lineages have evolved in this stressful soil environment and present an opportunity to understand the evolution of salt and alkalinity tolerance. We investigate this evolution by predicting the average soil salinity and pH for 503 Acacia species and mapping the response onto a maximum-likelihood phylogeny. We find that salinity and alkalinity tolerance have evolved repeatedly and often together over 25 Ma of the Acacia radiation in Australia. Geographically restricted species are often tolerant of extreme conditions. Distantly related species are sympatric in the most extreme soil environments‚ suggesting lack of niche saturation. There is strong evidence that many Acacia have distributions affected by salinity and alkalinity and that preference is lineage specific.
    Citation

    Bui, E. N., Thornhill, A., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Salt- and alkaline-tolerance are linked in Acacia. Biology Letters, 10. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2014.0278

  13. Nagalingum, N. S., Knerr, N., Mishler, B. D., & Cargill, D. C. (2014). Overlapping fern and bryophyte hotspots: assessing ferns as a predictor of bryophyte diversity. Telopea, 17, 383–392. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea20148280

    Telopea
    Telopea
    Abstract

    Bryophytes are significant contributors to floristic diversity‚ but they are often neglected in field surveys and collections. Thus‚ in order to obtain more accurate estimates of plant richness‚ there must be reliable estimates of bryophyte diversity. To address this‚ we examined whether another plant group‚ namely the ferns‚ could be used as a surrogate for bryophytes. We used datasets spanning the entire Australian continent for mosses‚ liverworts‚ liverworts+hornworts‚ ferns‚ and conifers (hornworts were aggregated into the group liverworts+hornworts). Two measures of richness were examined across the continent (as 50 km x 50 km grid cells): uncorrected richness and sample-standardised richness. We calculated the correlations among richness of all of the groups to test the hypothesis that fern diversity predicts bryophyte diversity (because of shared ecological preferences) while conifer diversity does not. Conifers showed very little correlation to either of the four plant groups‚ whereas ferns were highly correlated to mosses and to a lesser extent to liverworts and liverworts+hornworts. Liverworts‚ as well as liverworts+hornworts‚ and mosses were also strongly correlated. These results indicate that surrogates can assist in estimating the diversity and the conservation of other poorly collected plant groups.
    Citation

    Nagalingum, N. S., Knerr, N., Mishler, B. D., & Cargill, D. C. (2014). Overlapping fern and bryophyte hotspots: assessing ferns as a predictor of bryophyte diversity. Telopea, 17, 383–392. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea20148280

  14. Moles, A. T., Perkins, S. E., Laffan, S. W., Flores-Moreno, H., Awasthy, M., Tindall, M. L., Sack, L., Pitman, A., Kattge, J., Aarssen, L. W., Anand, M., Bahn, M., Blonder, B., Cavender-Bares, J., Cornelissen, J. H. C., Cornwell, W. K., Díaz, S., Dickie, J. B., Freschet, G. T., … Helm, A. (2014). Which is a better predictor of plant traits: temperature or precipitation? Journal of Vegetation Science, 25, 1167–1180. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.12190

    Journal of Vegetation Science
    abstract
    Citation

    Moles, A. T., Perkins, S. E., Laffan, S. W., Flores-Moreno, H., Awasthy, M., Tindall, M. L., Sack, L., Pitman, A., Kattge, J., Aarssen, L. W., Anand, M., Bahn, M., Blonder, B., Cavender-Bares, J., Cornelissen, J. H. C., Cornwell, W. K., Díaz, S., Dickie, J. B., Freschet, G. T., … Helm, A. (2014). Which is a better predictor of plant traits: temperature or precipitation? Journal of Vegetation Science, 25, 1167–1180. https://doi.org/10.1111/jvs.12190

  15. Mo, M. (2014). Habitat selection of the Broad-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurus in an urban Sydney bushland remnant. Australian Zoologist, 37, 95–101. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2014.002

    Australian Zoologist
    Abstract

    The Broad-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurus is a saxicolous lizard occurring in the Sydney Basin including the Sydney Metropolitan Area. A search of desktop records confirms that populations remain across the region‚ including in the central business district and in long-established suburbs.This paper reports on habitat selection derived from a population study carried out in a reserve of remnant bushland in the St George district Open walls and the underside of overhangs were the most frequently exploited structures used by P. platurus. Geckos were found typically no higher than 2.5 m from the ground.The mean density of P. platurus had a negative relationship with available rock surface area. Geckos retaining original tails dominated the sample size‚ which is in contrast to previous work on museum specimens. Diurnal surveying was trialled‚ during which some P. platurus were detected on the outer edges of crevices. Survey results expand baseline information and inform future decisions aimed at promoting biodiversity in remnant bushland.
    Citation

    Mo, M. (2014). Habitat selection of the Broad-tailed Gecko Phyllurus platurus in an urban Sydney bushland remnant. Australian Zoologist, 37, 95–101. https://doi.org/10.7882/AZ.2014.002

  16. Miller, J. T., & Jolley-Rogers, G. (2014). Correcting the disconnect between phylogenetics and biodiversity informatics. Zootaxa, 3754, 195–200. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3754.2.8

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Rich collections of biodiversity data are now synthesized in publically available databases and phylogenetic knowledge now provides a sound understanding of the origin of organisms and their place in the tree of life. However‚ these knowledge bases are poorly linked‚ leading to underutilization or worse‚ an incorrect understanding of biodiversity because there is poor evolutionary context. We address this problem by integrating biodiversity information aggregated from many sources onto phylogenetic trees. PhyloJIVE connects biodiversity and phylogeny knowledge bases by providing an integrated evolutionary view of biodiversity data which in turn can improve biodiversity research and the conservation decision making process. Biodiversity science must assert the centrality of evolution to provide effective data to counteract global change and biodiversity loss.
    Citation

    Miller, J. T., & Jolley-Rogers, G. (2014). Correcting the disconnect between phylogenetics and biodiversity informatics. Zootaxa, 3754, 195–200. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3754.2.8

  17. McNab, A., Sanders, M., & Vanderduys, E. (2014). New records of blind snakes resembling the robust blind snake Anilios ligatus (Peters 1879), on Cape York Peninsula. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 59, 8. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.59.2014.2014-1

    Memoirs of the Queensland Museum
    abstract
    Citation

    McNab, A., Sanders, M., & Vanderduys, E. (2014). New records of blind snakes resembling the robust blind snake Anilios ligatus (Peters 1879), on Cape York Peninsula. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 59, 8. https://doi.org/10.17082/j.2204-1478.59.2014.2014-1

  18. Hardy, M. C., Cochrane, J., & Allavena, R. E. (2014). Venomous and Poisonous Australian Animals of Veterinary Importance: A Rich Source of Novel Therapeutics. BioMed Research International, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/671041

    BioMed Research International
    Abstract

    Envenomation and poisoning by terrestrial animals (both vertebrate and invertebrate) are a significant economic problem and health risk for domestic animals in Australia. Australian snakes are some of the most venomous animals in the world and bees‚ wasps‚ ants‚ paralysis ticks‚ and cane toads are also present as part of the venomous and poisonous fauna. The diagnosis and treatment of envenomation or poisoning in animals is a challenge and can be a traumatic and expensive process for owners. Despite the potency of Australian venoms‚ there is potential for novel veterinary therapeutics to be modeled on venom toxins‚ as has been the case with human pharmaceuticals. A comprehensive overview of envenomation and poisoning signs in livestock and companion animals is provided and related to the potential for venom toxins to act as therapeutics. © 2014 Margaret C. Hardy et al.
    Citation

    Hardy, M. C., Cochrane, J., & Allavena, R. E. (2014). Venomous and Poisonous Australian Animals of Veterinary Importance: A Rich Source of Novel Therapeutics. BioMed Research International, 2014. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/671041

  19. Liu, J., Fordham, D. A., Cooke, B. D., Cox, T., Mutze, G., & Strive, T. (2014). Distribution and prevalence of the Australian non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus is correlated with rainfall and temperature. PLoS ONE, 9, e113976. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113976

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND: Australia relies heavily on rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV) for the biological control of introduced European wild rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus‚ which are significant economic and environmental pests. An endemic non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus termed RCV-A1 also occurs in wild rabbits in Australian and provides partial protection against lethal RHDV infection‚ thus interfering with effective rabbit control. Despite its obvious importance for rabbit population management‚ little is known about the epidemiology of this benign rabbit calicivirus. METHODS: We determined the continent-wide distribution and prevalence of RCV-A1 by analysing 1‚805 serum samples from wild rabbit populations at 78 sites across Australia for the presence of antibodies to RCV-A1 using a serological test that specifically detects RCV-A1 antibodies and does not cross-react with co-occurring RHDV antibodies. We also investigated possible correlation between climate variables and prevalence of RCV-A1 by using generalised linear mixed effect models. RESULTS: Antibodies to RCV-A1 were predominantly detected in rabbit populations in cool‚ high rainfall areas of the south-east and south-west of the continent. There was strong support for modelling RCV-A1 prevalence as a function of average annual rainfall and minimum temperature. The best ranked model explained 26% of the model structural deviance. According to this model‚ distribution and prevalence of RCV-A1 is positively correlated with periods of above average rainfall and negatively correlated with periods of drought. IMPLICATIONS: Our statistical model of RCV-A1 prevalence will greatly increase our understanding of RCV-A1 epidemiology and its interaction with RHDV in Australia. By defining the environmental conditions associated with the prevalence of RCV-A1‚ it also contributes towards understanding the distribution of similar viruses in New Zealand and Europe.
    Citation

    Liu, J., Fordham, D. A., Cooke, B. D., Cox, T., Mutze, G., & Strive, T. (2014). Distribution and prevalence of the Australian non-pathogenic rabbit calicivirus is correlated with rainfall and temperature. PLoS ONE, 9, e113976. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113976

  20. Auerbach, N. A., Tulloch, A. I. T., & Possingham, H. P. (2014). Informed actions: Where to cost effectively manage multiple threats to species to maximize return on investment. Ecological Applications, 24, 1357–1373. https://doi.org/10.1890/13-0711.1

    Ecological Applications
    Abstract

    Conservation practitioners‚ faced with managing multiple threats to biodiversity and limited funding‚ must prioritize investment in different management actions. From an economic perspective‚ it is routine practice to invest where the highest rate of return is expected. This return-on-investment (ROI) thinking can also benefit species conservation‚ and researchers are developing sophisticated approaches to support decision-making for costeffective conservation. However‚ applied use of these approaches is limited. Managers may be wary of "black-box" algorithms or complex methods that are difficult to explain to funding agencies. As an alternative‚ we demonstrate the use of a basic ROI analysis for determining where to invest in cost-effective management to address threats to species. This method can be applied using basic geographic information system and spreadsheet calculations. We illustrate the approach in a management action prioritization for a biodiverse region of eastern Australia. We use ROI to prioritize management actions for two threats to a suite of threatened species: habitat degradation by cattle grazing‚ and predation by invasive red foxes (Vulpes vulpes). We show how decisions based on cost-effective threat management depend upon how expected benefits to species are defined and how benefits and costs co-vary. By considering a combination of species richness‚ restricted habitats‚ species vulnerability‚ and costs of management actions‚ small investments can result in greater expected benefit compared with management decisions that consider only species richness. Furthermore‚ a landscape management strategy that implements multiple actions is more efficient than managing only for one threat‚ or more traditional approaches that don’t consider ROI. Our approach provides transparent and logical decision support for prioritizing different actions intended to abate threats associated with multiple species; it is of use when managers need a justifiable and repeatable approach to investment. © 2014 by the Ecological Society of America.
    Citation

    Auerbach, N. A., Tulloch, A. I. T., & Possingham, H. P. (2014). Informed actions: Where to cost effectively manage multiple threats to species to maximize return on investment. Ecological Applications, 24, 1357–1373. https://doi.org/10.1890/13-0711.1

  21. Ashcroft, M. B., Cavanagh, M., Eldridge, M. D. B., Gollan, J. R., & Daniel Kissling, W. (2014). Testing the ability of topoclimatic grids of extreme temperatures to explain the distribution of the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). Journal of Biogeography, 41, 1402–1413. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12298

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Ashcroft, M. B., Cavanagh, M., Eldridge, M. D. B., Gollan, J. R., & Daniel Kissling, W. (2014). Testing the ability of topoclimatic grids of extreme temperatures to explain the distribution of the endangered brush-tailed rock-wallaby (Petrogale penicillata). Journal of Biogeography, 41, 1402–1413. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12298

  22. Koopman, M., & Knuckey, I. (2014). Advice on CITES Appendix II shark listings (p. 144). Fishwell Consulting.
    https://www.environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/39c06695-8436-49c2-b24f-c647b4672ca2/files/cites-appendix-ii-shark-listing-advice.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Koopman, M., & Knuckey, I. (2014). Advice on CITES Appendix II shark listings (p. 144). Fishwell Consulting.

  23. Tulloch, A. I. T., Gordon, A., & Rhodes, J. R. (2014). Identifying conservation priorities and evaluating scenarios of cumulative impacts of mining infrastructure in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region in South Australia. NERP Environmental Decisions Hub.
    http://www.environment.gov.au/science/nerp/publications/identifying-conservation-priorities-evaluating-scenarios-usg

    Abstract

    The aim of this work is to analyse the impacts of mining infrastructure scenarios on conservation values in the Upper Spencer Gulf (USG) and associated regions of mining value in South Australia. We map the habitat suitability and distribution of a wide array of Matters of National Environmental Significance (MNES)‚ State-listed species and other biodiversity features‚ such as threatened ecological communities and important RAMSAR-listed wetlands. We then identify areas of high conservation priority in the USG Region and how these areas are currently represented in protected areas with various levels of legislative security. Finally‚ we assess how the areas of high conservation value are likely to be affected under different development scenarios representing cumulative impacts of infrastructure development related to mine expansion and associated port development. We exclude impacts at the mine sites and focus only on the infrastructure. For each development scenario we report the overlap of areas proposed for development with areas of high conservation priority‚ expected losses of biodiversity (average proportion of feature distributions within the USG Region that are lost due to development) and maximum impacts on biodiversity (which biodiversity features will be most affected). We evaluate the difference in outcomes if infrastructure eliminates target species‚ but only at the infrastructure footprint‚ versus a more realistic evaluation of an infrastructure zone of impact that affects species groups in different ways and with different distances from the immediate area of development.
    Citation

    Tulloch, A. I. T., Gordon, A., & Rhodes, J. R. (2014). Identifying conservation priorities and evaluating scenarios of cumulative impacts of mining infrastructure in the Upper Spencer Gulf Region in South Australia. NERP Environmental Decisions Hub.

  24. Howard, S. (2014). Variation in chain-length of leaf wax N-Alkanes in plants and soils across Australia [B.Sc.(Hon)]. University of Adelaide.
    http://hdl.handle.net/2440/110468

    Abstract

    Long chain n-alkanes are produced as part of leaf epicuticular wax and are ideal biomarkers for palaeoclimatology and palaeoecology due to their persistence in soils and sediments. Sedimentary records often show shifts in average chain-lengths (ACL) of n-alkanes‚ both across geologic time and modern-day climate gradients and this shift may be climate driven. Australia spans a broad range of different climate conditions providing an ideal study area for investigating the relationship of ACL to climate. The Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) has developed a network of biodiversity monitoring plots (AusPlots and TREND) at which plant and soil samples are collected and made available to the research community. By analysing n-alkane ACL present in plants and soils collected from these sites and comparing with each site’s respective climatic conditions‚ this study examines whether ACL of leaf wax n-alkanes varies systematically in modern plants and soils in relation to climate over a N-S transect of Australia. Specifically‚ this study examines whether: (1) ACL in plants correlates with different climate variables. (2) ACL measured in soil represents a weighted average of the ACL of the dominant plant species at each site. (3) ACL signature in the soils correlates to different climate variables. This study finds no relationship between the different climate variables to ACL of modern plants. Further‚ the weighted average of the dominant plant species ACL from each site analysed is a poor predictor of the actual ACL present in the soils. In contrast to ACL from plants‚ the ACL from the soils shows a strong relationship with temperature and aridity measures. Soils may correlate better with climate because they integrate a long-term average of highly variable ACL values from all contributing organisms. This study supports climate as a driver of ACL in sediments across space and time.
    Citation

    Howard, S. (2014). Variation in chain-length of leaf wax N-Alkanes in plants and soils across Australia [B.Sc.(Hon)]. University of Adelaide.

  25. Harvey, J. M. (2014). Regional variability in Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) woodlands of south-western Australia, with particular focus on the Great Western Woodlands [Master]. Curtin University.
    http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/257

    Abstract

    The floristic survey and analysis of 100 plots in pure salmon gum woodland in the Great Western Woodlands (GWW) region of Western Australia contributed to the classification of salmon gum communities across south–western Australia. Gradients in annual mean rainfall and temperature‚ and seasonal rainfall patterns influence the floristic patterns and delineation of five range-wide communities. Strong differences were detected between Wheatbelt and GWW communities‚ confirming the threatened status of the Wheatbelt salmon gum woodlands.
    Citation

    Harvey, J. M. (2014). Regional variability in Salmon Gum (Eucalyptus salmonophloia) woodlands of south-western Australia, with particular focus on the Great Western Woodlands [Master]. Curtin University.

  26. Miller, E. T. (2014). Evolution and ecology of two iconic Australian clades: The Meliphagidae (birds) and the Hakeinae (plants) [PhD]. University of Missouri - Saint Louis.
    https://irl.umsl.edu/dissertation/200

    Abstract

    The first part of this dissertation explores the evolution of two iconic groups of species through Australian climate space: the Meliphagidae‚ or honeyeaters‚ which are primarily nectar-feeding birds‚ and the Hakeinae‚ a section of the plant family Proteaceae. Both groups are inferred to have had their origins in Gondwanan rainforests that were widespread across Australia 45 million years ago and then diversified into more arid environments as the continent’s climate became more arid. Accordingly‚ dry environments are inhabited by closely related (phylogenetically clustered) sets of species‚ although‚ in contrast to the honeyeaters‚ Hakeinae communities are characterized by more localized diversification. The impressive and rapid Hakeinae diversification may have been driven by specialization onto a variety of highly weathered‚ nutrient-poor soil types on the ancient Australian landmass. The second part of this dissertation reviews a variety of methods to assess the phylogenetic structure of communities‚ such as local assemblages of honeyeaters and Hakeinae. Many published methods were found to be redundant‚ and some of the truly unique approaches do not measure what they purport to. Accordingly‚ only a small subset of phylogenetic community structure methods have merit. In the third part of the dissertation‚ observations on foraging by 74 of 75 Australian honeyeater species are used to explore patterns of community assembly. Australian honeyeater communities reflect both stochastic and deterministic processes. Co-occurring species exhibit substantial overlap in foraging niche space‚ in contrast to predictions from assembly theory based on competition. At the same time‚ species tend to occupy characteristic portions of niche space and available niche space is smaller in the arid regions of the continent. Within this smaller available niche space‚ arid-zone species tend to be more widely separated in niche space than species in more mesic environments.
    Citation

    Miller, E. T. (2014). Evolution and ecology of two iconic Australian clades: The Meliphagidae (birds) and the Hakeinae (plants) [PhD]. University of Missouri - Saint Louis.

  27. Newby, Z. J. (2014). Quantification of the risk of phytophthora dieback in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area [PhD]. University of Sydney.
    http://hdl.handle.net/2123/10286

    Abstract

    Biological invasions exert great pressure on natural ecosystems and conservation
    areas‚ the latter of which have been established to conserve biodiversity. The presence of
    invasive species in natural ecosystems disrupts evolutionary processes‚ alters species
    abundance and can potentially lead to extinction (Mack et al.‚ 2000; Crowl et al.‚ 2008).
    When an invasive species is the cause of plant disease‚ the potential for that pathogen to
    survive in a new environment and the expectation of the impacts it may cause‚ can be
    estimated from locations where it already occurs. Understanding the dynamics of disease is
    important for management and research alike‚ and will hopefully make way for a proactive
    rather than reactive response.
    Citation

    Newby, Z. J. (2014). Quantification of the risk of phytophthora dieback in the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area [PhD]. University of Sydney.

  28. Freeman, A., & Cann, J. (2014). Myuchelys latisternum (Gray 1867) – Sawshelled Turtle, Saw-Shell Turtle. Chelonian Research Monograph, 5. https://doi.org/10.3854/crm.5.073.latisternum.v1.2014

    Chelonian research monograph
    abstract
    Citation

    Freeman, A., & Cann, J. (2014). Myuchelys latisternum (Gray 1867) – Sawshelled Turtle, Saw-Shell Turtle. Chelonian Research Monograph, 5. https://doi.org/10.3854/crm.5.073.latisternum.v1.2014

  29. Doughty, P., Kealley, L., & Fitch, A. (2014). A new diminutive species of Varanus from the Dampier Peninsula, western Kimberley region, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 29, 128–140. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.29(2).2014.128-140

    Records of the Western Australian Museum
    Abstract

    Varanus lizards in Australia are moderately diverse and include a radiation of smallbodied
    species that occur in arid or tropical environments. Varanus brevicauda is the smallest
    species‚ with an elongate body and short prehensile tail and is associated with spinifex clumps in arid
    environments. Recently collected unusual specimens at the north-western edge of the range of V.
    brevicauda on the Dampier Peninsula‚ Western Australia‚ had an even more elongate body and also
    co-occurred with typical V. brevicauda. This led us to conduct a morphological and molecular genetic
    systematic appraisal of the two morphotypes. We found that the more elongate specimens were
    highly divergent genetically from both typical V. brevicauda and another related species‚ V. eremius‚
    with the three lineages forming a polytomy. Morphologically‚ the elongate specimens are most similar
    to V. brevicauda‚ but possess a more elongate body‚ less robust head and limbs‚ distinctive scales on
    the front of the arms that are large‚ squarish and lacking surrounding granules and a plainer pattern
    and colouration. The co-occurrence of both forms on the Dampier Peninsula in combination with
    the extent and pattern of genetic divergence and presence of key morphologically diagnostic traits
    unequivocally demonstrates that more elongate form is a new species‚ which we describe here. The
    new species may be of conservation concern owing to the small range of the only known specimens
    and development proposals in the area.
    Citation

    Doughty, P., Kealley, L., & Fitch, A. (2014). A new diminutive species of Varanus from the Dampier Peninsula, western Kimberley region, Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 29, 128–140. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.29(2).2014.128-140

  30. Potgieter, L. J., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Casuarina cunninghamiana in the Western Cape, South Africa: Determinants of naturalisation and invasion, and options for management. South African Journal of Botany, 92, 134–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.02.013

    South African Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Alien species that are desirable and commercially important in some parts of the landscape but damaging invaders in other parts present a special challenge for managers‚ planners‚ and policy-makers. Casuarina cunninghamiana (Casuarinaceae)‚ native to the eastern and north-eastern coasts of Australia‚ has been cultivated in South Africa for more than a century. This study explores the invasion ecology of C. cunninghamiana in the south-western part of the Western Cape. We examined differences between naturalized and non-naturalized populations (e. g. the roles of propagule pressure‚ land use and bioclimatic suitability)‚ assessed invasion risk‚ and provide recommendations for control.
    Naturalisation was observed in 81% of the populations surveyed. In climatically suitable areas‚ propagule pressure and distance to water bodies and water courses were significant predictors of naturalisation - naturalisation was most likely to occur within 100 m from the nearest planted individual and close to water bodies and water courses. The species has also naturalized in regions with suboptimal bioclimatic conditions‚ but then only very close (< 10 m) to planted trees. Based on our findings we recommend: 1) the immediate removal of female trees from within 100 m of water bodies and water courses; 2) all future sales and plantings to be restricted to male plants; and 3) the development of a management strategy (potentially including biological control) to control existing invasions and limit future spread. If these steps are taken‚ we believe it would be possible to maintain the beneficial uses the species has in some locations without incurring substantial negative impacts in other locations. (c) 2014 SAAB. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Potgieter, L. J., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Casuarina cunninghamiana in the Western Cape, South Africa: Determinants of naturalisation and invasion, and options for management. South African Journal of Botany, 92, 134–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.02.013

  31. Paul, S. K., Dixon, K. W., & Miller, B. P. (2014). The persistence and germination of fern spores in fire-prone, semi-arid environments. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 518–527. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14193

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    In addition to population regeneration‚ the spore phase provides ferns with a capacity for dispersal through space and time (if spores are able to survive for long periods)‚ and buffers their populations against environmental extremes. Inhabiting dry and fire-prone environments provides specific challenges to ferns‚ and the traits of fern spores in relation to these challenges are not well understood. Their shallow‚ dense and fibrous root networks mean that the loss or establishment of fern populations in disturbed ecosystems may influence soil stability‚ and indicate a keystone role in ecosystem function and ecological restoration. Here‚ we examine the requirements for‚ and limits of‚ spore persistence and germination of three Cheilanthes Syn.Fil. (Pteridaceae) species‚ namely‚ optimal conditions for spore germination and prothallial growth‚ sensitivity to temperature extremes and spore longevity. Viability of fresh spores was assessed following exposure to temperature extremes (-20 to 250°C) or after incubation at a range of temperatures (10-35°C) and in light or dark conditions. Viability of spores from herbarium voucher specimens was also assessed‚ covering 3-65 years of storage. Maximal germination occurred among spores incubated between 20°C and 30°C in light. Further temperature variation within this range resulted in a ×10 difference in prothallial size. Germination was unaffected by 10min of exposure to temperatures up to 100°C‚ but was reduced after exposure to temperatures of -20°C and 110°C. Germination of herbarium-stored spores demonstrated longevity of up to 15 years. This longevity‚ combined with high spore density in field soils (including at depth to at least 10cm)‚ very high germination under ideal conditions‚ and microscopic size‚ describes a disturbance-mediated propagule persistence strategy. Spores are non-persisting and will germinate if exposed to light and water‚ but do persist if buried. Germinable spore can be found 5cm below the soil surface‚ and can persist for at least 15 years‚ but the light requirement for germination means that persistent spores can achieve germination only if exhumed. Elucidating these traits reveals a unique pathway for plant persistence‚ and contributes to the development of the restoration capacity of arid-environment ferns. © 2014 CSIRO.
    Citation

    Paul, S. K., Dixon, K. W., & Miller, B. P. (2014). The persistence and germination of fern spores in fire-prone, semi-arid environments. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 518–527. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT14193

  32. Jordan, G. J., Carpenter, R. J., & Brodribb, T. J. (2014). Using fossil leaves as evidence for open vegetation. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 395, 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.035

    Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
    Abstract

    The ability to discriminate between open vegetation and closed forest in the fossil record is constrained by a paucity of suitable proxies. Taxonomy-based proxies (especially the floristic composition of fossil pollen assemblages) provide the main tool for inferring vegetation type but this approach can be confounded by evolutionary changes in ecology‚ especially for ancient fossil assemblages. This paper considers a range of indicators of open vegetation that can be observed on fossil leaves. We show that the presence of amphistomatic leaves (i.e. leaves with stomata on both upper and lower surfaces) is unambiguously associated with open vegetation in the ecologically diverse family Proteaceae. This linkage shows very high levels of evolutionary convergence and the relationship is not explained by climate. Similar relationships are also present in a wide range of other plant groups. The combination of these empirical correlations and physiological theory suggests that there is a strong functional link between amphistomatic leaves and open vegetation. Theory says that amphistomy increases the efficiency of water transport and gas exchange by allowing two layers of high performance photosynthetic tissue to be proximal to sources of both carbon dioxide (stomata) and water (veins). However these benefits come at the cost of requiring thick leaves‚ which are inefficient in shaded environments. Other leaf characteristics observable on fossils (especially very thick cuticles‚ the presence of thick lignified hypodermal layers and the presence of deeply encrypted stomata) may also indicate the presence of open vegetation‚ although the functional links between these traits and vegetation type are more indirect. We propose that amphistomatic fossil leaves of dicotyledonous angiosperms provide a strong proxy for open vegetation but any inference will be enhanced by evidence from alternative proxies. We also provide an example of the application of this proxy. Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Jordan, G. J., Carpenter, R. J., & Brodribb, T. J. (2014). Using fossil leaves as evidence for open vegetation. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 395, 168–175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2013.12.035

  33. Mishler, B. D., Knerr, N., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Laffan, S. W., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Phylogenetic measures of biodiversity and neo- and paleo-endemism in Australian Acacia. Nature Communications, 5, 4473. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5473

    Nature Communications
    Abstract

    Understanding spatial patterns of biodiversity is critical for conservation planning‚ particularly given rapid habitat loss and human-induced climatic change. Diversity and endemism are typically assessed by comparing species ranges across regions. However‚ investigation of patterns of species diversity alone misses out on the full richness of patterns that can be inferred using a phylogenetic approach. Here‚ using Australian Acacia as an example‚ we show that the application of phylogenetic methods‚ particularly two new measures‚ relative phylogenetic diversity and relative phylogenetic endemism‚ greatly enhances our knowledge of biodiversity across both space and time. We found that areas of high species richness and species endemism are not necessarily areas of high phylogenetic diversity or phylogenetic endemism. We propose a new method called categorical analysis of neo- and paleo-endemism (CANAPE) that allows‚ for the first time‚ a clear‚ quantitative distinction between centres of neo- and paleo-endemism‚ useful to the conservation decision-making process.
    Citation

    Mishler, B. D., Knerr, N., Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Laffan, S. W., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Phylogenetic measures of biodiversity and neo- and paleo-endemism in Australian Acacia. Nature Communications, 5, 4473. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms5473

  34. Guja, L. K., Merritt, D. J., Dixon, K. W., & Wardell-Johnson, G. (2014). Dispersal potential of Scaevola crassifolia (Goodeniaceae) is influenced by intraspecific variation in fruit morphology along a latitudinal environmental gradient. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT13290

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    Dispersal of plant propagules by ocean currents can result in long-distance dispersal and is important for the persistence of coastal species. However‚ the ability of such species to disperse via the ocean is often unknown because there is relatively little evidence that demonstrates that seeds or fruits can float and survive for extended periods in seawater. Furthermore‚ the seed or fruit traits‚ and intraspecific variation in these traits‚ that facilitate buoyancy remain largely unidentified. The genus Scaevola (L.) contains several widespread coastal species that may be capable of oceanic dispersal‚ such as S. crassifolia (Labill). We collected fruits of S. crassifolia along 700km of a latitudinal environmental gradient. These fruits were used to determine the influence of fruit morphology and anatomy on fruit buoyancy. Morphological and anatomical variation in S. crassifolia was associated with dispersal potential. Our empirical data demonstrated that fruits with larger aeriferous mesocarp layers have greater buoyancy and‚ therefore‚ enhanced capacity for long range oceanic dispersal. Of three characters hypothesised to affect buoyancy (aeriferous mesocarp‚ air pockets in empty locules‚ and number of vascular cavities)‚ only the properties of the mesocarp were significant. Intraspecific variation can significantly affect dispersal potential‚ and should not be overlooked in dispersal ecology. © CSIRO 2014.
    Citation

    Guja, L. K., Merritt, D. J., Dixon, K. W., & Wardell-Johnson, G. (2014). Dispersal potential of Scaevola crassifolia (Goodeniaceae) is influenced by intraspecific variation in fruit morphology along a latitudinal environmental gradient. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 56–64. https://doi.org/10.1071/BT13290

  35. Kearns, A. M., Joseph, L., Toon, A., & Cook, L. G. (2014). Australia’s arid-adapted butcherbirds experienced range expansions during Pleistocene glacial maxima. Nature Communications, 5, 3994. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4994

    Nature Communications
    Abstract

    A model of range expansions during glacial maxima (GM) for cold-adapted species is generally accepted for the Northern Hemisphere. Given that GM in Australia largely resulted in the expansion of arid zones‚ rather than glaciation‚ it could be expected that arid-adapted species might have had expanded ranges at GM‚ as cold-adapted species did in the Northern Hemisphere. For Australian biota‚ however‚ it remains paradigmatic that arid-adapted species contracted to refugia at GM. Here we use multilocus data and ecological niche models (ENMs) to test alternative GM models for butcherbirds. ENMs‚ mtDNA and estimates of nuclear introgression and past population sizes support a model of GM expansion in the arid-tolerant Grey Butcherbird that resulted in secondary contact with its close relative–the savanna-inhabiting Silver-backed Butcherbird–whose contemporary distribution is widely separated. Together‚ these data reject the universal use of a GM contraction model for Australia’s dry woodland and arid biota.
    Citation

    Kearns, A. M., Joseph, L., Toon, A., & Cook, L. G. (2014). Australia’s arid-adapted butcherbirds experienced range expansions during Pleistocene glacial maxima. Nature Communications, 5, 3994. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4994

  36. Foster, C. S., Ho, S. Y., Conn, B. J., & Henwood, M. J. (2014). Molecular systematics and biogeography of Logania R.Br. (Loganiaceae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 78, 324–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2014.06.001

    Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution
    Abstract

    The angiosperm genus Logania R.Br. (Loganiaceae) is endemic to the mainland of Australia. A recent genetic study challenged the monophyly of Logania‚ suggesting that its two sections‚ Logania sect. Logania and Logania sect. Stomandra‚ do not group together. Additionally‚ the genus has a disjunct distribution‚ with a gap at the Nullarbor Plain in southern Australia. Therefore‚ Logania is a favourable candidate to gain insight into phylogenetic relationships and how these might intersect with Earth-history events. Our phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences of two chloroplast markers (petD and rps16) showed that Logania sect. Logania and L. sect. Stomandra were each resolved as monophyletic‚ but the genus (as currently circumscribed) was not. Based on our Bayesian estimates of divergence times‚ the disjunct distributions within Logania sect. Stomandra could have been caused by flooding of the Eucla Basin. However‚ this biogeographical process cannot account for the distribution of Logania sect. Logania‚ with long-distance dispersal and establishment seeming more likely.
    Citation

    Foster, C. S., Ho, S. Y., Conn, B. J., & Henwood, M. J. (2014). Molecular systematics and biogeography of Logania R.Br. (Loganiaceae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 78, 324–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2014.06.001

  37. Goatley, C. H. R., & Bellwood, D. R. (2014). Moving towards the equator: reverse range shifts in two subtropical reef fish species, Chromis nitida (Pomacentridae) and Pseudolabrus guentheri (Labridae). Marine Biodiversity Records, 7. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1755267214000098

    Marine Biodiversity Records
    abstract
    Citation

    Goatley, C. H. R., & Bellwood, D. R. (2014). Moving towards the equator: reverse range shifts in two subtropical reef fish species, Chromis nitida (Pomacentridae) and Pseudolabrus guentheri (Labridae). Marine Biodiversity Records, 7. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1755267214000098

  38. Williamson, G. J., Prior, L. D., Grose, M. R., Harris, R. M. B., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2014). Projecting canopy cover change in Tasmanian eucalypt forests using dynamically downscaled regional climate models. Regional Environmental Change, 14, 1373–1386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-013-0577-5

    Regional Environmental Change
    Abstract

    Loss of forest cover is a likely consequence of climate change in many parts of the world. To test the vulnerability of eucalypt forests in Australia’s island state of Tasmania‚ we modelled tree canopy cover in the period 2070-2099 under a high-emission scenario using the current climate-canopy cover relationship in conjunction with output from a dynamically downscaled regional climate model. The current climate-canopy cover relationship was quantified using Random Forest modelling‚ and the future climate projections were provided by three dynamically downscaled general circulation model (GCM) simulations. Three GCMs were used to show a range of projections for the selected scenario. We also explored the sensitivity of key endemic and non-endemic Tasmanian eucalypts to climate change. All GCMs suggested that canopy cover should remain stable (proportional cover change < 10 %) across similar to 70 % of the Tasmanian eucalypt forests. However‚ there were geographic areas where all models projected a decline in canopy cover due to increased summer temperatures and lower precipitation‚ and in addition‚ all models projected an increase in canopy cover in the coldest part of the state. The model projections differed substantially for other areas. Tasmanian endemic species appear vulnerable to climate change‚ but species that also occur on the mainland are likely to be less affected. Given these changes‚ restoration and carbon sequestration plantings must consider the species and provenances most suitable for future‚ rather than present‚ climates.
    Citation

    Williamson, G. J., Prior, L. D., Grose, M. R., Harris, R. M. B., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2014). Projecting canopy cover change in Tasmanian eucalypt forests using dynamically downscaled regional climate models. Regional Environmental Change, 14, 1373–1386. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10113-013-0577-5

  39. Worth, J. R. P., Williamson, G. J., Sakaguchi, S., Nevill, P. G., & Jordan, G. J. (2014). Environmental niche modelling fails to predict Last Glacial Maximum refugia: niche shifts, microrefugia or incorrect palaeoclimate estimates? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 1186–1197. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12239

    Global Ecology and Biogeography
    Abstract

    AimMany predictions of responses to future climate change utilize ecological niche models (ENMs). We assess the capacity of these models to predict species distributions under conditions that differ from the current environment by testing whether they can predict past distributions of species.
    LocationFrom 43 degrees S to 31 degrees S in south-eastern Australia (including Tasmania).
    MethodsWe studied three dominant tree species of temperate Australian mesic forests‚ Atherosperma moschatum‚ Eucalyptus regnans and Nothofagus cunninghamii. Phylogeographic evidence indicates that these species each survived the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) in multiple refugia. We modelled the current distribution of each species and projected those models onto LGM climates under six palaeoclimatic scenarios. The support for phylogeographic-based glacial refugia was estimated under each scenario using three different thresholds for inferring species presence/absence.
    ResultsThe LGM models under scenarios that allowed for a realistic level of rainfall failed to predict survival of the study species in refugia identified from genetic evidence‚ apart from those in perhumid western Tasmania.
    Main conclusionsCorrect prediction of nearly all modern occurrences of the species suggests that this failure of ENMs to predict refugial survival was not methodological. Rather we conclude that the existing realized niches of these species may have changed since the LGM. Such niche changes may have involved the occurrence of non-analogue climates in the LGM and some significant alteration of fundamental niche (for at least E.regnans). Our results emphasize that predictions of future impacts of climate change on biodiversity will benefit from awareness of the limitations of ENMs in predicting the extinction of populations/species. Greater knowledge of how niches have changed through time and how this relates to the characteristics of species is needed to improve the reliability of ENMs. Niche changes in plants may also affect palaeoclimatic estimates based on fossil pollen.
    Citation

    Worth, J. R. P., Williamson, G. J., Sakaguchi, S., Nevill, P. G., & Jordan, G. J. (2014). Environmental niche modelling fails to predict Last Glacial Maximum refugia: niche shifts, microrefugia or incorrect palaeoclimate estimates? Global Ecology and Biogeography, 23, 1186–1197. https://doi.org/10.1111/geb.12239

  40. Vidal-García, M., Byrne, P. G., Roberts, J. D., & Keogh, J. S. (2014). The role of phylogeny and ecology in shaping morphology in 21 genera and 127 species of Australo-Papuan myobatrachid frogs. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 27, 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12292

    Journal of Evolutionary Biology
    Abstract

    Body shape is predicted to differ among species for functional reasons and in relation to environmental niche and phylogenetic history. We quantified morphological differences in shape and size among 98.5% of the 129 species and all 21 genera of the Australo-Papuan endemic myobatrachid frogs to test the hypothesis that habitat type predicts body shape in this radiation. We tested this hypothesis in a phylogenetic context at two taxonomic levels: across the entire radiation and within the four largest genera. Thirty-four external measurements were taken on 623 museum specimens representing 127 species. Data for seven key environmental variables relevant to anurans were assembled for all Australian-distributed species based on species’ distributions and 131‚306 locality records. The Australo-Papuan myobatrachid radiation showed high diversity in adult body size‚ ranging from minute (15 mm snout-vent length) to very large species (92 mm)‚ and shape‚ particularly sin relative limb length. Five main morphological and environmental summary variables displayed strong phylogenetic signal. There was no clear relationship between body size and environmental niche‚ and this result persisted following phylogenetic correction. For most species‚ there was a better match between environment/habitat and body shape‚ but this relationship did not persist following phylogenetic correction. At a broad level‚ species fell into three broad groups based on environmental niche and body shape: 1) species in wet habitats with relatively long limbs‚ 2) species in arid environments with relatively short limbs (many of which are forward or backward burrowers) and 3) habitat generalist species with a conservative body shape. However‚ these patterns were not repeated within the four largest genera - Crinia‚ Limnodynastes‚ Pseudophryne and Uperoleia. Each of these genera displayed a highly conservative anuran body shape‚ yet individual species were distributed across the full spectrum of Australian environments. Our results suggest that phylogenetic legacy is important in the evolution of body size and shape in Australian anurans‚ but also that the conservative body plan of many frogs works well in a wide variety of habitats. © 2013 European Society For Evolutionary Biology.
    Citation

    Vidal-García, M., Byrne, P. G., Roberts, J. D., & Keogh, J. S. (2014). The role of phylogeny and ecology in shaping morphology in 21 genera and 127 species of Australo-Papuan myobatrachid frogs. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 27, 181–192. https://doi.org/10.1111/jeb.12292

  41. Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2014). Genome-wide scans detect adaptation to aridity in a widespread forest tree species. Molecular Ecology, 23, 2500–2513. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12751

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Patterns of adaptive variation within plant species are best studied through common garden experiments‚ but these are costly and time-consuming‚ especially for trees that have long generation times. We explored whether genome-wide scanning technology combined with outlier marker detection could be used to detect adaptation to climate and provide an alternative to common garden experiments. As a case study‚ we sampled nine provenances of the widespread forest tree species‚ Eucalyptus tricarpa‚ across an aridity gradient in southeastern Australia. Using a Bayesian analysis‚ we identified a suite of 94 putatively adaptive (outlying) sequence-tagged markers across the genome. Population-level allele frequencies of these outlier markers were strongly correlated with temperature and moisture availability at the site of origin‚ and with population differences in functional traits measured in two common gardens. Using the output from a canonical analysis of principal coordinates‚ we devised a metric that provides a holistic measure of genomic adaptation to aridity that could be used to guide assisted migration or genetic augmentation.
    Citation

    Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., McLean, E., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2014). Genome-wide scans detect adaptation to aridity in a widespread forest tree species. Molecular Ecology, 23, 2500–2513. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12751

  42. Rosauer, D. F., Ferrier, S., Williams, K. J., Manion, G., Keogh, J. S., & Laffan, S. W. (2014). Phylogenetic generalised dissimilarity modelling: a new approach to analysing and predicting spatial turnover in the phylogenetic composition of communities. Ecography, 37, 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.00466.x

    Ecography
    Ecography
    abstract
    Citation

    Rosauer, D. F., Ferrier, S., Williams, K. J., Manion, G., Keogh, J. S., & Laffan, S. W. (2014). Phylogenetic generalised dissimilarity modelling: a new approach to analysing and predicting spatial turnover in the phylogenetic composition of communities. Ecography, 37, 21–32. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0587.2013.00466.x

  43. Porfirio, L. L., Harris, R. M., Lefroy, E. C., Hugh, S., Gould, S. F., Lee, G., Bindoff, N. L., & Mackey, B. (2014). Improving the use of species distribution models in conservation planning and management under climate change. PLoS ONE, 9, e113749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113749

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Choice of variables‚ climate models and emissions scenarios all influence the results of species distribution models under future climatic conditions. However‚ an overview of applied studies suggests that the uncertainty associated with these factors is not always appropriately incorporated or even considered. We examine the effects of choice of variables‚ climate models and emissions scenarios can have on future species distribution models using two endangered species: one a short-lived invertebrate species (Ptunarra Brown Butterfly)‚ and the other a long-lived paleo-endemic tree species (King Billy Pine). We show the range in projected distributions that result from different variable selection‚ climate models and emissions scenarios. The extent to which results are affected by these choices depends on the characteristics of the species modelled‚ but they all have the potential to substantially alter conclusions about the impacts of climate change. We discuss implications for conservation planning and management‚ and provide recommendations to conservation practitioners on variable selection and accommodating uncertainty when using future climate projections in species distribution models.
    Citation

    Porfirio, L. L., Harris, R. M., Lefroy, E. C., Hugh, S., Gould, S. F., Lee, G., Bindoff, N. L., & Mackey, B. (2014). Improving the use of species distribution models in conservation planning and management under climate change. PLoS ONE, 9, e113749. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0113749

  44. Potts, J. M., Beeton, N. J., Bowman, D. M. J. S., Williamson, G. J., Lefroy, E. C., & Johnson, C. N. (2014). Predicting the future range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania, Australia. Wildlife Research, 41. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr13206

    Wildlife Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Potts, J. M., Beeton, N. J., Bowman, D. M. J. S., Williamson, G. J., Lefroy, E. C., & Johnson, C. N. (2014). Predicting the future range and abundance of fallow deer in Tasmania, Australia. Wildlife Research, 41. https://doi.org/10.1071/wr13206

  45. Pavlova, A., Selwood, P., Harrisson, K. A., Murray, N., Quin, B., Menkhorst, P., Smales, I., & Sunnucks, P. (2014). Integrating phylogeography and morphometrics to assess conservation merits and inform conservation strategies for an endangered subspecies of a common bird species. Biological Conservation, 174, 136–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2014.04.005

    Biological Conservation
    Abstract

    Understanding the evolutionary history of threatened populations can improve their conservation management. Re-establishment of past but recent gene flow could re-invigorate threatened populations and replenish genetic diversity‚ necessary for population persistence. One of the four nominal subspecies of the common yellow-tufted honeyeater‚ Lichenostomus melanops cassidix‚ is critically endangered despite substantial conservation efforts over 55 years. Using a combination of morphometric‚ genetic and modeling approaches we tested for its evolutionary distinctiveness and conservation merit. We confirmed that cassidix has at least one morphometric distinction. It also differs genetically from the other subspecies in allele frequencies but not phylogenetically‚ implying that its evolution was recent. Modeling historical distribution supported a lack of vicariance and suggested possible gene flow among subspecies at least since the late Pleistocene. Multi-locus coalescent analyses indicated that cassidix diverged from its common ancestor with neighboring subspecies gippslandicus sometime from the mid-Pleistocene to the Holocene‚ and that it has the smallest historical effective population size of all subspecies. It appears that cassidix diverged from its ancestor with gippslandicus through a combination of drift and local selection. From patterns of genetic subdivision on two spatial scales and morphological variation we concluded that cassidix‚ gippslandicus and (melanops + meltoni) are diagnosable as subspecies. Low genetic diversity and effective population size of cassidix may translate to low genetic fitness and evolutionary potential‚ accordingly we recommend managed gene flow from gippslandicus (with which it can be inferred to have recently experienced natural gene flow) to favor recovery of cassidix. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Pavlova, A., Selwood, P., Harrisson, K. A., Murray, N., Quin, B., Menkhorst, P., Smales, I., & Sunnucks, P. (2014). Integrating phylogeography and morphometrics to assess conservation merits and inform conservation strategies for an endangered subspecies of a common bird species. Biological Conservation, 174, 136–146. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2014.04.005

  46. Nevill, P. G., Bradbury, D., Williams, A., Tomlinson, S., & Krauss, S. L. (2014). Genetic and palaeo-climatic evidence for widespread persistence of the coastal tree species Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Myrtaceae) during the Last Glacial Maximum. Annals of Botany, 113, 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mct253

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Few phylogeographic studies have been undertaken of species confined to narrow‚ linear coastal systems where past sea level and geomorphological changes may have had a profound effect on species population sizes and distributions. In this study‚ a phylogeographic analysis was conducted of Eucalyptus gomphocephala (tuart)‚ a tree species restricted to a 400 x 10 km band of coastal sand-plain in south west Australia. Here‚ there is little known about the response of coastal vegetation to glacial/interglacial climate change‚ and a test was made as to whether this species was likely to have persisted widely through the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM)‚ or conforms to a post-LGM dispersal model of recovery from few refugia. METHODS: The genetic structure over the entire range of tuart was assessed using seven nuclear (21 populations; n = 595) and four chloroplast (24 populations; n = 238) microsatellite markers designed for eucalypt species. Correlative palaeodistribution modelling was also conducted based on five climatic variables‚ within two LGM models. KEY RESULTS: The chloroplast markers generated six haplotypes‚ which were strongly geographically structured (GST = 0.86 and RST = 0.75). Nuclear microsatellite diversity was high (overall mean HE 0.75) and uniformly distributed (FST = 0.05)‚ with a strong pattern of isolation by distance (r(2) = 0.362‚ P = 0.001). Distribution models of E. gomphocephala during the LGM showed a wide distribution that extended at least 30 km westward from the current distribution to the palaeo-coastline. CONCLUSIONS: The chloroplast and nuclear data suggest wide persistence of E. gomphocephala during the LGM. Palaeodistribution modelling supports the conclusions drawn from genetic data and indicates a widespread westward shift of E. gomphocephala onto the exposed continental shelf during the LGM. This study highlights the importance of the inclusion of complementary‚ non-genetic data (information on geomorphology and palaeoclimate) to interpret phylogeographic patterns.
    Citation

    Nevill, P. G., Bradbury, D., Williams, A., Tomlinson, S., & Krauss, S. L. (2014). Genetic and palaeo-climatic evidence for widespread persistence of the coastal tree species Eucalyptus gomphocephala (Myrtaceae) during the Last Glacial Maximum. Annals of Botany, 113, 55–67. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mct253

  47. Mokany, K., Prasad, S., & Westcott, D. A. (2014). Loss of frugivore seed dispersal services under climate change. Nature Communications, 5, 3971. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4971

    Nature Communications
    Abstract

    The capacity of species to track shifting climates into the future will strongly influence outcomes for biodiversity under a rapidly changing climate. However‚ we know remarkably little about the dispersal abilities of most species and how these may be influenced by climate change. Here we show that climate change is projected to substantially reduce the seed dispersal services provided by frugivorous vertebrates in rainforests across the Australian Wet Tropics. Our model projections show reductions in both median and long-distance seed dispersal‚ which may markedly reduce the capacity of many rainforest plant species to track shifts in suitable habitat under climate change. However‚ our analyses suggest that active management to maintain the abundances of a small set of important frugivores under climate change could markedly reduce the projected loss of seed dispersal services and facilitate shifting distributions of rainforest plant species.
    Citation

    Mokany, K., Prasad, S., & Westcott, D. A. (2014). Loss of frugivore seed dispersal services under climate change. Nature Communications, 5, 3971. https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms4971

  48. Mokany, K., Westcott, D. A., Prasad, S., Ford, A. J., & Metcalfe, D. J. (2014). Identifying priority areas for conservation and management in diverse tropical forests. PLoS ONE, 9, e89084. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089084

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    The high concentration of the world’s species in tropical forests endows these systems with particular importance for retaining global biodiversity‚ yet it also presents significant challenges for ecology and conservation science. The vast number of rare and yet to be discovered species restricts the applicability of species-level modelling for tropical forests‚ while the capacity of community classification approaches to identify priorities for conservation and management is also limited. Here we assessed the degree to which macroecological modelling can overcome shortfalls in our knowledge of biodiversity in tropical forests and help identify priority areas for their conservation and management. We used 527 plant community survey plots in the Australian Wet Tropics to generate models and predictions of species richness‚ compositional dissimilarity‚ and community composition for all the 4‚313 vascular plant species recorded across the region (>1.3 million communities (grid cells)). We then applied these predictions to identify areas of tropical forest likely to contain the greatest concentration of species‚ rare species‚ endemic species and primitive angiosperm families. Synthesising these alternative attributes of diversity into a single index of conservation value‚ we identified two areas within the Australian wet tropics that should be a high priority for future conservation actions: the Atherton Tablelands and Daintree rainforest. Our findings demonstrate the value of macroecological modelling in identifying priority areas for conservation and management actions within highly diverse systems‚ such as tropical forests.
    Citation

    Mokany, K., Westcott, D. A., Prasad, S., Ford, A. J., & Metcalfe, D. J. (2014). Identifying priority areas for conservation and management in diverse tropical forests. PLoS ONE, 9, e89084. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0089084

  49. Moodley, D., Geerts, S., Rebelo, T., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Site-specific conditions influence plant naturalization: The case of alien Proteaceae in South Africa. Acta Oecologica, 59, 62–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2014.05.005

    Acta Oecologica
    Abstract

    The outcome of plant introductions is often considered in binary terms (invasive or non-invasive). However‚ most species experience a time lag before naturalization occurs‚ and many species become naturalized at some sites but not at others. It is therefore important to understand the site-specific mechanisms underlying naturalization. Proteaceae is an interesting case as some species are widespread invaders‚ while others‚ despite a long history of cultivation‚ show no signs of naturalization. At least 26 non-native Proteaceae species have been introduced to‚ and are cultivated in‚ South Africa. We mapped populations and examined differences between naturalized and non-naturalized populations (e.g. propagule pressure‚ land use and bioclimatic suitability). Of the 15 species surveyed‚ 6 were naturalized at one or more sites. Of these‚ Hakea salicifolia is most widely cultivated‚ but is only naturalizing in some areas (32 naturalized populations out of 62 populations that were surveyed). We found propagule pressure to be the most important determinant of naturalization for H. salicifolia. However‚ in suboptimal climatic conditions‚ naturalization only occurred if micro-site conditions were suitable‚ i.e. there was some disturbance and water available. For the other naturalized species there were few sites to compare‚ but we came to similar conclusions - Banksia integrifolia only naturalized at the site where it was planted the longest; Banksia serrata only naturalized at a site influenced by fire regimes; while Banksia formosa naturalized at sites with high propagule pressure‚ absence of fires and where there is no active clearing of the plants. Naturalization of Proteaceae in South Africa appears to be strongly mediated by site-specific anthropogenic activities (e.g. many planted individuals and water availability). More broadly‚ we argue that invasion biology needs to focus more closely on the mechanisms by which species and pathways interact to determine the likelihood and consequence of an invasion. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Moodley, D., Geerts, S., Rebelo, T., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Site-specific conditions influence plant naturalization: The case of alien Proteaceae in South Africa. Acta Oecologica, 59, 62–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actao.2014.05.005

  50. McLean, E. H., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2014). Plasticity of functional traits varies clinally along a rainfall gradient in Eucalyptus tricarpa. Plant Cell and Environment, 37, 1440–1451. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12251

    Plant Cell and Environment
    Abstract

    Widespread species often occur across a range of climatic conditions‚ through a combination of local genetic adaptations and phenotypic plasticity. Species with greater phenotypic plasticity are likely to be better positioned to cope with rapid anthropogenic climate changes‚ while those displaying strong local adaptations might benefit from translocations to assist the movement of adaptive genes as the climate changes. Eucalyptus tricarpa occurs across a climatic gradient in south-eastern Australia‚ a region of increasing aridity‚ and we hypothesized that this species would display local adaptation to climate. We measured morphological and physiological traits reflecting climate responses in nine provenances from sites of 460 to 1040 mm annual rainfall‚ in their natural habitat and in common gardens near each end of the gradient. Local adaptation was evident in functional traits and differential growth rates in the common gardens. Some traits displayed complex combinations of plasticity and genetic divergence among provenances‚ including clinal variation in plasticity itself. Provenances from drier locations were more plastic in leaf thickness‚ whereas leaf size was more plastic in provenances from higher rainfall locations. Leaf density and stomatal physiology (as indicated by delta(13)C and delta(18)O) were highly and uniformly plastic. In addition to variation in mean trait values‚ genetic variation in trait plasticity may play a role in climate adaptation.
    Citation

    McLean, E. H., Prober, S. M., Stock, W. D., Steane, D. A., Potts, B. M., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Byrne, M. (2014). Plasticity of functional traits varies clinally along a rainfall gradient in Eucalyptus tricarpa. Plant Cell and Environment, 37, 1440–1451. https://doi.org/10.1111/pce.12251

  51. Mellick, R., Wilson, P. D., & Rossetto, M. (2014). Demographic history and niche conservatism of tropical rainforest trees separated along an altitudinal gradient of a biogeographic barrier. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 438–450. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt14103

    Australian Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    The genetic disjunctions and distributions of long-lived species provide valuable signatures of past demographic response to environmental change. Here we use genetic markers to study two Elaeocarpus species from the Australian Wet Tropics to understand changes in palaeodistribution and demography associated with environmental change on either side of the Black Mountain Corridor (BMC). Contrasting the genetic structure of species with different distributions along altitudinal gradients is important to explore some of the environmental drivers of adaptive evolution. Using coalescent-based molecular and environmental niche models‚ we investigate the demographic history of two long-lived‚ altitudinally differentiated species that were previously identified as genetically divergent across the BMC. The origin of the genetic disjunction across the BMC is inferred to have occurred during the last glacial cycle in relation to 13 combined molecular histories of both plastid and nuclear loci. Interestingly‚ whereas midland populations show a dynamic history of expansion and contraction‚ the highland populations do not. Molecular history and environmental niche models show the populations north of the BMC have remained relatively stable over time in response to environmental change. Populations south of the BMC have been more dynamic in response to environmental change. These differences are likely to highlight the topographical character and environmental heterogeneity of areas separated by the BMC.
    Citation

    Mellick, R., Wilson, P. D., & Rossetto, M. (2014). Demographic history and niche conservatism of tropical rainforest trees separated along an altitudinal gradient of a biogeographic barrier. Australian Journal of Botany, 62, 438–450. https://doi.org/10.1071/Bt14103

  52. Jacobs, L. E. O., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Melaleuca parvistaminea Byrnes (Myrtaceae) in South Africa: Invasion risk and feasibility of eradication. South African Journal of Botany, 94, 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.05.002

    South African Journal of Botany
    Abstract

    We document and assess management options for the first reported invasion of Melaleuca parvistaminea Byrnes (initially identified as M. ericifolla) in the world‚ in the context of a South African wetland ecosystem. Delimitation surveys indicate that the entire invasion is restricted to three sites between Tulbagh and Wolseley and that populations are only associated with areas currently or previously covered by pine plantations (primarily Pinus radiata). To estimate abundance we surveyed 42% of the three identified areas and found similar to 26‚000 plants over 1800 ha (condensed canopy area of 1.15 ha). At least 63% of recorded plants were seedlings or juveniles‚ mostly <4 yrs old‚ and most occurred in seasonally inundated (but not waterlogged) habitats. M. parvistaminea creates monospecific stands that overtop the native shrubland vegetation (Breede Shale Renosterveld) and is thus considered a potential transformer species. Species distribution modelling also revealed large areas of climatically suitable habitat in the Western Cape‚ pointing to substantial invasion debt for the species in South Africa. Felling triggers seed release from serotinous capsules‚ resulting in prolific seedling recruitment after winter rains (up to similar to 18‚000 seedlings/m(2)). No evidence of a soil-stored seed bank was found‚ and when plants are cut at ground level or treated with herbicide after cutting‚ plants do not resprout The invasive populations of this water-dispersed species are close to major rivers (the Berg and Breede)‚ but the intervening countryside is largely transformed and is unfavourable for establishment. Much of the area downstream from the invaded area is open vegetation that is unsuitable for major recruitment but easy to survey and detect small plants. Consequently‚ although the extent of invasion is large (potentially 9185 ha)‚ the invasion can be delimited with some confidence‚ and eradication is considered achievable since seeds only survive for about a year‚ seedlings achieve maturity after 4 years‚ and because the species is an obligate reseeder. Given the threats posed‚ eradication is desirable and M. parvistaminea should be listed as a category-1a invader (requiring compulsory control) under the proposed invasive species regulations under South Africa’s National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (10/2004). We estimate that search and destroy operations could eradicate the species by 2021 at a cost of ZAR 3 475 000 (US 355 400). (C) 2014 SAAB. Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Jacobs, L. E. O., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2014). Melaleuca parvistaminea Byrnes (Myrtaceae) in South Africa: Invasion risk and feasibility of eradication. South African Journal of Botany, 94, 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sajb.2014.05.002

  53. Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Ebach, M. C., Laffan, S., Thornhill, A. H., Knerr, N. J., Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Cargill, C. C., Clements, M., Nagalingum, N. S., Mishler, B. D., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Quantifying phytogeographical regions of Australia using geospatial turnover in species composition. PLoS ONE, 9, e92558. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092558

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    The largest digitized dataset of land plant distributions in Australia assembled to date (750‚741 georeferenced herbarium records; 6‚043 species) was used to partition the Australian continent into phytogeographical regions. We used a set of six widely distributed vascular plant groups and three non-vascular plant groups which together occur in a variety of landscapes/habitats across Australia. Phytogeographical regions were identified using quantitative analyses of species turnover‚ the rate of change in species composition between sites‚ calculated as Simpson’s beta. We propose six major phytogeographical regions for Australia: Northern‚ Northern Desert‚ Eremaean‚ Eastern Queensland‚ Euronotian and South-Western. Our new phytogeographical regions show a spatial agreement of 65% with respect to previously defined phytogeographical regions of Australia. We also confirm that these new regions are in general agreement with the biomes of Australia and other contemporary biogeographical classifications. To assess the meaningfulness of the proposed phytogeographical regions‚ we evaluated how they relate to broad scale environmental gradients. Physiographic factors such as geology do not have a strong correspondence with our proposed regions. Instead‚ we identified climate as the main environmental driver. The use of an unprecedentedly large dataset of multiple plant groups‚ coupled with an explicit quantitative analysis‚ makes this study novel and allows an improved historical bioregionalization scheme for Australian plants. Our analyses show that: (1) there is considerable overlap between our results and older biogeographic classifications; (2) phytogeographical regions based on species turnover can be a powerful tool to further partition the landscape into meaningful units; (3) further studies using phylogenetic turnover metrics are needed to test the taxonomic areas.
    Citation

    Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Ebach, M. C., Laffan, S., Thornhill, A. H., Knerr, N. J., Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Cargill, C. C., Clements, M., Nagalingum, N. S., Mishler, B. D., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Quantifying phytogeographical regions of Australia using geospatial turnover in species composition. PLoS ONE, 9, e92558. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0092558

  54. Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Knerr, N., Laffan, S., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Biogeographical regions and phytogeography of the eucalypts. Diversity and Distributions, 20, 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12129

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    AimTo map spatial patterns of species richness‚ species endemism and species turnover of the eucalypts; to propose a biogeographical regionalization of eucalypts based on species turnover; and to identify the environmental correlates of these patterns.
    LocationAustralia and Malesia.
    MethodsWe analysed 798 eucalypt species (Angophora‚ Corymbia and Eucalyptus) with distributions across Australia and Malesia using square cells with a resolution of 100x100km. Species richness‚ endemism and species turnover were calculated. Phytogeographical regions were identified using an agglomerative cluster analysis derived from a matrix of pairwise Simpson’s beta ((sim)) dissimilarity values. Eleven environmental variables were used to analyse the environmental correlates of species turnover. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) of the (sim)‚ Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot spatial statistics and an ordination of the (sim) -NMDS were used to investigate the environmental drivers at the continental level and for each of the phytogeographical regions.
    ResultsWe identified three centres of species richness and fourteen of endemism‚ of which several are newly identified. The main centres of species richness agree with previous studies. Six major eucalypt phytogeographical regions are proposed based on the species turnover: monsoon‚ tropical/subtropical‚ south-east‚ south-west‚ Eremaean north and Eremaean south. These findings are supported by significant environmental differences of the NMDS vectors and the Gi* statistics. The environmental drivers of species turnover are broadly consistent with the continental patterns of summer and winter rainfall below and above the Tropic of Capricorn.
    Main conclusionsThe proposed phytogeographical regions are similar to the Australian biomes. Climate is the main driver of the phytogeographical regions‚ varying from region to region. Comprehensive bioregionalization frameworks and phytogeography updates‚ as proposed here‚ are fundamental for enhancing our understanding of the spatial distribution of biodiversity and therefore benefit global biogeography and help planners to identify regions of high conservation relevance.
    Citation

    Gonzalez-Orozco, C. E., Thornhill, A. H., Knerr, N., Laffan, S., & Miller, J. T. (2014). Biogeographical regions and phytogeography of the eucalypts. Diversity and Distributions, 20, 46–58. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.12129

  55. Dillon, S., McEvoy, R., Baldwin, D. S., Rees, G. N., Parsons, Y., & Southerton, S. (2014). Characterisation of adaptive genetic diversity in environmentally contrasted populations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (river red gum). PLoS ONE, 9, e103515. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103515

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    As an increasing number of ecosystems face departures from long standing environmental conditions under climate change‚ our understanding of the capacity of species to adapt will become important for directing conservation and management of biodiversity. Insights into the potential for genetic adaptation might be gained by assessing genomic signatures of adaptation to historic or prevailing environmental conditions. The river red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) is a widespread Australian eucalypt inhabiting riverine and floodplain habitats which spans strong environmental gradients. We investigated the effects of adaptation to environment on population level genetic diversity of E. camaldulensis‚ examining SNP variation in candidate gene loci sampled across 20 climatically diverse populations approximating the species natural distribution. Genetic differentiation among populations was high (F(ST) = 17%)‚ exceeding previous estimates based on neutral markers. Complementary statistical approaches identified 6 SNP loci in four genes (COMT‚ Dehydrin‚ ERECTA and PIP2) which‚ after accounting for demographic effects‚ exhibited higher than expected levels of genetic differentiation among populations and whose allelic variation was associated with local environment. While this study employs but a small proportion of available diversity in the eucalyptus genome‚ it draws our attention to the potential for application of wide spread eucalypt species to test adaptive hypotheses.
    Citation

    Dillon, S., McEvoy, R., Baldwin, D. S., Rees, G. N., Parsons, Y., & Southerton, S. (2014). Characterisation of adaptive genetic diversity in environmentally contrasted populations of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh. (river red gum). PLoS ONE, 9, e103515. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0103515

  56. Ekins, M., & Gershwin, L. (2014). First record of the Caribbean box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora in Australian waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 7. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1755267214001183

    Marine Biodiversity Records
    Abstract

    This is the first published report of this species in Australia as well as the Indian Ocean (Seychelles)‚ Thailand and Grand Bahama. Originally described from Jamaica‚ Tripedalia cystophora has since been found in the Philippines‚ Ecuador‚ Japan‚ Puerto Rico‚ Brazil‚ Indonesia and Florida. Moreover‚ this report from Australia is now the southerly-most locality for this species‚ bringing its total global distribution from 32°N to 28°S latitude. Because of its broad and expanding distribution‚ and its preferred habitat of mangrove thickets that occur at higher latitudes than its current distribution‚ T. cystophora may become a model organism for tracking climate-related high latitude range expansion. © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2014.
    Citation

    Ekins, M., & Gershwin, L. (2014). First record of the Caribbean box jellyfish Tripedalia cystophora in Australian waters. Marine Biodiversity Records, 7. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1755267214001183

  57. Donaldson, J. E., Hui, C., Richardson, D. M., Robertson, M. P., Webber, B. L., & Wilson, J. R. (2014). Invasion trajectory of alien trees: the role of introduction pathway and planting history. Global Change Biology, 20, 1527–1537. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12486

    Global Change Biology
    Abstract

    Global change is driving a massive rearrangement of the world’s biota. Trajectories of distributional shifts are shaped by species traits‚ the recipient environment and driving forces with many of the driving forces directly due to human activities. The relative importance of each in determining the distributions of introduced species is poorly understood. We consider 11 Australian Acacia species introduced to South Africa for different reasons (commercial forestry‚ dune stabilization and ornamentation) to determine how features of the introduction pathway have shaped their invasion history. Projections from species distribution models (SDMs) were developed to assess how the reason for introduction influences the similarity between climatic envelopes in native and alien ranges. A lattice model for an idealized invasion was developed to assess the relative contribution of intrinsic traits and introduction dynamics on the abundance and extent over the course of simulated invasions. SDMs show that alien populations of ornamental species in South Africa occupy substantially different climate space from their native ranges‚ whereas species introduced for forestry occupy a similar climate space in native and introduced ranges. This may partly explain the slow spread rates observed for some alien ornamental plants. Such mismatches are likely to become less pronounced with the current drive towards ’eco gardens’ resulting in more introductions of ornamental species with a close climate match between native and newly introduced regions. The results from the lattice model showed that the conditions associated with the introduction pathway (especially introduction pressure) dominate early invasion dynamics. The placement of introduction foci in urban areas limited the extent and abundance of invasive populations. Features of introduction events appear to initially mask the influence of intrinsic species traits on invasions and help to explain the relative success of species introduced for different purposes. Introduction dynamics therefore can have long-lasting influences on the outcomes of species redistributions‚ and must be explicitly considered in management plans.
    Citation

    Donaldson, J. E., Hui, C., Richardson, D. M., Robertson, M. P., Webber, B. L., & Wilson, J. R. (2014). Invasion trajectory of alien trees: the role of introduction pathway and planting history. Global Change Biology, 20, 1527–1537. https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.12486

  58. Bowman, V. C., Francis, J. E., Askin, R. A., Riding, J. B., & Swindles, G. T. (2014). Latest Cretaceous-earliest Paleogene vegetation and climate change at the high southern latitudes: palynological evidence from Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 408, 26–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2014.04.018

    Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology
    Abstract

    Fluctuations in Late Cretaceous climate were already influencing biotic change prior to the environmental upheaval at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) boundary‚ but their general nature‚ magnitude and timing remain controversial. A high-resolution dataset on terrestrially-derived palynomorphs is presented from the high southern palaeolatitudes that unlocks details of small-scale climate variability throughout this period of significant global change. Specifically‚ this is a quantitative spore and pollen analysis of an expanded uppermost Cretaceous to lowermost Paleogene (Maastrichtian-earliest Danian) shallow marine sedimentary succession from Seymour Island‚ off the northeastern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula‚ then (as now) located at similar to 65 degrees S. Using nearest living relatives the first detailed vegetation‚ habitat and climate reconstruction is presented for the emergent volcanic arc at this time. On the coastal lowlands‚ a cool to warm temperate rainforest is envisaged growing in a riverine landscape‚ with both wet (river margin‚ pond) and relatively dry (interfluve‚ canopy gap) habitats. Diverse podocarps and southern beech trees grew alongside angiosperm herbs and shrubs in mean annual temperatures of similar to 10-15 degrees C. Higher altitude araucarian forests gave way to open ericaceous heathland‚ beyond the tree line‚ in subalpine to alpine conditions with mean annual temperatures of a cold similar to 5-8 degrees C. There is no exact modern botanical equivalent‚ but the closest modern flora is that of the Andes of southern Chile and Argentina. Maastrichtian climate is shown to have fluctuated from cool‚ humid conditions‚ through a rapid warming similar to 2 million years prior to the K-Pg transition‚ followed by cooling during the earliest Danian‚ a trend supported by previous work on this interval. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
    Citation

    Bowman, V. C., Francis, J. E., Askin, R. A., Riding, J. B., & Swindles, G. T. (2014). Latest Cretaceous-earliest Paleogene vegetation and climate change at the high southern latitudes: palynological evidence from Seymour Island, Antarctic Peninsula. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 408, 26–47. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.palaeo.2014.04.018

  59. Booth, T. H., Jovanovic, T., & Harwood, C. E. (2014). A generic method for climate change impact analysis of tree species planting domains. New Forests, 45, 507–522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-014-9413-0

    New Forests
    Abstract

    A trial application is described‚ largely using freely available datasets‚ for the preliminary assessment of climate change impacts on planting domains of key plantation species. The example study examines how climate change may affect locations in parts of South East Asia and southern China suitable for growing Acacia mangium‚ A. auriculiformis and A. crassicarpa. Simple descriptions of their climatic requirements are checked and‚ where necessary‚ refined. Climate data for current conditions as well as projected conditions in 2030‚ 2050 and 2080 are then used to map areas at a 10 min (about 18 km) resolution that are likely to have suitable climatic conditions for growing the species. Assuming a "business as usual" climate change scenario‚ climate change impacts are expected to be low in 2030‚ but likely to become medium by 2050 and high by 2080 as existing plantation sites increasingly fall outside the range of conditions known to be climatically suitable. Assessing likely impacts can help to identify plantations that are potentially most at risk‚ where performance should be carefully monitored to pick up early signs of any problems. The vulnerability of Acacia plantations of the three target species across the region is considered briefly in terms of the impacts of climate change and the ability of managers to adapt plantations to changing conditions. © 2014 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H., Jovanovic, T., & Harwood, C. E. (2014). A generic method for climate change impact analysis of tree species planting domains. New Forests, 45, 507–522. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11056-014-9413-0

  60. Booth, T. H. (2014). Using biodiversity databases to verify and improve descriptions of tree species climatic requirements. Forest Ecology and Management, 315, 95–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2013.12.028

    Forest Ecology and Management
    Abstract

    Understanding tree species climatic adaptability‚ as well as climatic conditions within their natural distributions‚ is crucial for managing forests for both commercial and conservation objectives under climate change. Multi-million dollar investments in biodiversity databases are providing forestry professionals with freely accessible tools to carry out these kinds of analyses for many tree species. The climatic requirements of hundreds of tree species have been described in the commercially available Forestry Compendium developed by CAB International‚ but these descriptions have often relied on expert opinion where information is lacking. It is desirable that descriptions of tree species climatic requirements should‚ as far as possible‚ be explicit‚ quantitative and based on specific observations. This paper describes how the Atlas of Living Australia (ALA) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) can provide specific observations to assist verifying and‚ where necessary‚ improving descriptions of tree species climatic requirements. It focuses mainly on Australian species as the ALA is one of the most sophisticated biodiversity databases currently available for a single country. However‚ the ALA also has international relevance as Australian eucalypts and acacias are important plantation species in many countries. Data in the GBIF complement the ALA data by providing very useful information on where Australian tree species are growing outside Australia. Analyses of a commercially important species (Eucalyptus nitens) and a lesser-known species (E. botryoides) demonstrate how descriptions of climatic requirements can be verified and‚ if necessary‚ improved. However‚ the general methods described have the potential to be applied to many tree species. Some of the advantages and disadvantages of these systems are discussed and possible improvements are suggested. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.
    Citation

    Booth, T. H. (2014). Using biodiversity databases to verify and improve descriptions of tree species climatic requirements. Forest Ecology and Management, 315, 95–102. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foreco.2013.12.028

  61. Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. M., Chang, Y., Cook, A. M., Laws, C., & Westoby, M. (2014). Leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought is linked to site water availability across a broad range of species and climates. Annals of Botany, 114, 435–440. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu131

    Annals of Botany
    Abstract

    Background and Aims Vulnerability of the leaf hydraulic pathway to water-stress-induced dysfunction is a key component of drought tolerance in plants and may be important in defining species’ climatic range. However‚ the generality of the association between leaf hydraulic vulnerability and climate across species and sites remains to be tested.
    Methods Leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought (P50(leaf)‚ the water potential inducing 50% loss in hydraulic function) was measured in a diverse group of 92 woody‚ mostly evergreen angiosperms from sites across a wide range of habitats. These new data together with some previously published were tested against key climate indices related to water availability. Differences in within-site variability in P50(leaf) between sites were also examined.
    Key Results Values of hydraulic vulnerability to drought in leaves decreased strongly (i.e. became more negative) with decreasing annual rainfall and increasing aridity across sites. The standard deviation in P50(leaf) values recorded within each site was positively correlated with increasing aridity. P50(leaf) was also a good indicator of the climatic envelope across each species’ distributional range as well as their dry-end distributional limits within Australia‚ although this relationship was not consistently detectable within sites.
    Conclusions The findings indicate that species sorting processes have influenced distributional patterns of P50(leaf) across the rainfall spectrum‚ but alternative strategies for dealing with water deficit exist within sites. The strong link to aridity suggests leaf hydraulic vulnerability may influence plant distributions under future climates.
    Citation

    Blackman, C. J., Gleason, S. M., Chang, Y., Cook, A. M., Laws, C., & Westoby, M. (2014). Leaf hydraulic vulnerability to drought is linked to site water availability across a broad range of species and climates. Annals of Botany, 114, 435–440. https://doi.org/10.1093/aob/mcu131

  62. Hill, L. (2014). Lesser armyworm,’Spodoptera exigua’(Hubner)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a vagrant moth in Tasmania. Plant Protection Quarterly, 29, 131–142.

    Plant Protection Quarterly
    abstract
    Citation

    Hill, L. (2014). Lesser armyworm,’Spodoptera exigua’(Hubner)(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a vagrant moth in Tasmania. Plant Protection Quarterly, 29, 131–142.

  63. Colloff, M. (2014). Names and relationships. In Flooded forest and desert creek: ecology and history of the river red gum. CSIRO Publishing.
    https://doi.org/10.1071/9780643109209

    abstract
    Citation

    Colloff, M. (2014). Names and relationships. In Flooded forest and desert creek: ecology and history of the river red gum. CSIRO Publishing.

  64. Knapp, Z., Boardman, L., Brown, B., & West, J. (2014). What are we conserving?: Living collections contributing to target 8 of the global strategy for plant conservation. Australasian Plant Conservation, 22, 11–13.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=264281247960916;res=IELNZC

    Australasian Plant Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Knapp, Z., Boardman, L., Brown, B., & West, J. (2014). What are we conserving?: Living collections contributing to target 8 of the global strategy for plant conservation. Australasian Plant Conservation, 22, 11–13.

  65. Lee, A. C., & Mishler, B. (2014). Phylogenetic diversity and endemism: metrics for identifying critical regions of conifer conservation in Australia. Berkeley Scientific Journal, 18(2), 48–58.
    https://escholarship.org/uc/item/6dd8f67t

    Berkeley Scientific Journal
    Abstract

    Accurately and sufficiently quantifying biodiversity is integral for conservation. Traditional metrics for measuring biodiversity‚ species richness (SR) and weighted endemism (WE)‚ do not take into account the evolutionary history of organisms. Phylogenetic diversity (PD) addresses the shortcomings of SR by quantifying the evolutionary connections among the species present in an area. Phylogenetic endemism (PE) addresses the shortcomings of WE and represents the ranges of the branches of the evolutionary tree connecting the species in an area. Australia‚ with its advanced digitization of spatial reference data is the best model system for quantitative studies of biodiversity at present. I created a phylogeny for the 39 indigenous Australian conifer species using matK and rbcL sequences from GenBank and sequencing the 4 species for which there were no existing data. I used spatial data from Australia’s Virtual Herbarium. More precise estimates of biodiversity can be used by conservation policy-makers.
    Citation

    Lee, A. C., & Mishler, B. (2014). Phylogenetic diversity and endemism: metrics for identifying critical regions of conifer conservation in Australia. Berkeley Scientific Journal, 18(2), 48–58.

  66. Bengsen, A., & Cox, T. (2014). The role of rabbit and other invasive herbivore control in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions (Nos. 978-1-921777-74–5; p. 44). Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre,.
    https://www.pestsmart.org.au/invasive-herbivore-control-and-greenhouse-gas-emissions/

    abstract
    Citation

    Bengsen, A., & Cox, T. (2014). The role of rabbit and other invasive herbivore control in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions (Nos. 978-1-921777-74–5; p. 44). Invasive Animals Cooperative Research Centre,.

  67. Thiele, K. R., & Prober, S. M. (2014). Progress and prospects for understanding evolution and diversity in the southwest Australian flora. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 97, 35–45.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268277475

    Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia
    abstract
    Citation

    Thiele, K. R., & Prober, S. M. (2014). Progress and prospects for understanding evolution and diversity in the southwest Australian flora. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 97, 35–45.

  68. Tarburton, M. K. (2014). Status of the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus in Australia: Evidence for a marked decline. Australian Field Ornithology.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=670461388418418;res=IELHSS

    Australian Field Ornithology
    abstract
    Citation

    Tarburton, M. K. (2014). Status of the White-throated Needletail Hirundapus caudacutus in Australia: Evidence for a marked decline. Australian Field Ornithology.

  69. Harewood, G. (2014). Fauna Assessment - Yalyalup Project Area. epa.wa.gov.au.
    http://www.epa.wa.gov.au/sites/default/files/Referral_Documentation/DMS-YMSP-Supporting%20Doc-Part%206.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Harewood, G. (2014). Fauna Assessment - Yalyalup Project Area. epa.wa.gov.au.

  70. Magierowski, R., Wild, A., Anderson, G., Gaynor, S., Lefroy, T., & Davies, P. E. (2014). MCAS-S Datapack for Alpine Bogs of the Asutralian Alps Bioregion. Landscapes and Policy Research Hub.
    https://www.nerplandscapes.edu.au/data-packs

    abstract
    Citation

    Magierowski, R., Wild, A., Anderson, G., Gaynor, S., Lefroy, T., & Davies, P. E. (2014). MCAS-S Datapack for Alpine Bogs of the Asutralian Alps Bioregion. Landscapes and Policy Research Hub.

  71. Turner, P., Ximenes, F., Penman, T., Law, B., Waters, C., Mo, M., & Brock, P. (2014). Accounting for biodiversity in Life Cycle Impact Assessments of forestry and agricultural systems–the BioImpact metric (Nos. PNC301-1213). Forest&Wood Products Australia.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274640378

    abstract
    Citation

    Turner, P., Ximenes, F., Penman, T., Law, B., Waters, C., Mo, M., & Brock, P. (2014). Accounting for biodiversity in Life Cycle Impact Assessments of forestry and agricultural systems–the BioImpact metric (Nos. PNC301-1213). Forest&Wood Products Australia.

  72. Stevenson, K. (2014). Amphibian colonization of the artificial water body Tweed Sands Lake.
    https://www.quarrylifeaward.com/projects/australia/amphibian-colonization-artificial-water-body-tweed-sands-lake

    abstract
    Citation

    Stevenson, K. (2014). Amphibian colonization of the artificial water body Tweed Sands Lake.

2013

  1. Raymonda, B., & Makinsonb, R. O. B. (2013). Spatial variation in Grevillea flower colour: novel uses of ALA data and web services. Atlas of Living Australia.
    https://www.ala.org.au/uncategorised/spatial-variation-in-grevillea-flower-colour-novel-uses-of-ala-data-and-web-services/

    abstract
    Citation

    Raymonda, B., & Makinsonb, R. O. B. (2013). Spatial variation in Grevillea flower colour: novel uses of ALA data and web services. Atlas of Living Australia.

  2. Harrison, P. A., Worth, J. R. P., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Potts, B. M. (2013). Predicting the distribution of Eucalyptus ovata under past, current, and future climates. Graduate Research Conference - Sharing Excellence in Research, Hobart.
    https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Peter_Harrison8/publication/263735290

    abstract
    Citation

    Harrison, P. A., Worth, J. R. P., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Potts, B. M. (2013). Predicting the distribution of Eucalyptus ovata under past, current, and future climates. Graduate Research Conference - Sharing Excellence in Research, Hobart.

  3. Klunzinger, M. W., Jones, H. A., Keleher, J., & Morgan, D. L. (2013). A new record of Lortiella froggatti Iredale, 1934 (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Hyriidae) from the Pilbara region, Western Australia, with notes on anatomy and geographic range. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.28(1).2013.001-006

    Records of the Western Australian Museum
    abstract
    Citation

    Klunzinger, M. W., Jones, H. A., Keleher, J., & Morgan, D. L. (2013). A new record of Lortiella froggatti Iredale, 1934 (Bivalvia: Unionoida: Hyriidae) from the Pilbara region, Western Australia, with notes on anatomy and geographic range. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 1–6. https://doi.org/10.18195/issn.0312-3162.28(1).2013.001-006

  4. Xiang, S., Reich, P. B., Sun, S., Atkin, O. K., & Turnbull, M. (2013). Contrasting leaf trait scaling relationships in tropical and temperate wet forest species. Functional Ecology, 27, 522–534. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.12047

    Functional Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Xiang, S., Reich, P. B., Sun, S., Atkin, O. K., & Turnbull, M. (2013). Contrasting leaf trait scaling relationships in tropical and temperate wet forest species. Functional Ecology, 27, 522–534. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2435.12047

  5. Nash, M. A. (2013). Alien invertebrates are invading the Australian Alps. Victorian Naturalist, The, 130(3), 127–136.

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    abstract
    Citation

    Nash, M. A. (2013). Alien invertebrates are invading the Australian Alps. Victorian Naturalist, The, 130(3), 127–136.

  6. Sommerville, K. D., Martyn, A. J., & Offord, C. A. (2013). Can seed characteristics or species distribution be used to predict the stratification requirements of herbs in the Australian Alps? Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 172, 187–204. https://doi.org/10.1111/boj.12021

    Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society
    Abstract

    The germination requirements of 19 herbs in the Australian Alps were investigated to determine which species may be sensitive to predicted climate changes. Seeds were subjected to factorial treatments of cold stratification for 0‚ 4‚ 8 and 12 weeks‚ followed by incubation at constant temperatures of 10‚ 15‚ 20 and 25°C and alternating temperatures of 20/5 and 20/10°C. Germination responses were used to identify stratification-dependent species‚ to classify dormancy and to determine optimum conditions for laboratory germination. Ordinal logistic regression was used to determine whether the duration of stratification required for ≥50% germination could be predicted by seed weight‚ seed length‚ embryo:seed ratio or species distribution (latitudinal range‚ altitudinal range and maximum altitude). The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine any significant differences in stratification requirement between endospermic and non-endospermic seeds. Species varied considerably in their response to the treatment combinations‚ and therefore their dormancy class. No significant predictors of stratification requirement were identified by ordinal logistic regression (P>0.9); however‚ there was a significant difference in stratification requirement between endospermic and non-endospermic seeds (P=0.003). Species with non-endospermic seeds did not require any stratification to germinate well over a range of temperatures‚ and appear most likely to remain stable or expand in range in response to climate warming. Conversely‚ the need for ≥8 weeks of cold stratification was associated with the presence of endosperm and either a restricted distribution or upland ecotypes of widely distributed species. Alpine species with endospermic seed and a restricted distribution are most likely to contract in range under climate change and would be appropriate to prioritize for exsitu conservation. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London.
    Citation

    Sommerville, K. D., Martyn, A. J., & Offord, C. A. (2013). Can seed characteristics or species distribution be used to predict the stratification requirements of herbs in the Australian Alps? Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 172, 187–204. https://doi.org/10.1111/boj.12021

  7. Geerts, S., Moodley, D., Gaertner, M., Le Roux, J. J., McGeoch, M. A., Muofhe, C., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2013). The absence of fire can cause a lag phase: The invasion dynamics of Banksia ericifolia (Proteaceae). Austral Ecology, 38, 931–941. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12035

    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Geerts, S., Moodley, D., Gaertner, M., Le Roux, J. J., McGeoch, M. A., Muofhe, C., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2013). The absence of fire can cause a lag phase: The invasion dynamics of Banksia ericifolia (Proteaceae). Austral Ecology, 38, 931–941. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12035

  8. González-Orozco, C. E., Laffan, S. W., Knerr, N., & Miller, J. T. (2013). A biogeographical regionalization of australian acacia species. Journal of Biogeography, 40, 2156–2166. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12153

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim: To develop a biogeographical regionalization of Australian Acacia species and to investigate their environmental correlates. Location: Australia. Methods: We used a previously published framework for delineating biogeographical regions. We calculated species turnover patterns of 1020 Australian Acacia species with distributions estimated from 171‚758 georeferenced herbarium records aggregated to 100 km × 100 km cells (868 across Australia). An agglomerative cluster analysis using a matrix of pairwise Simpson’s beta (βsim) dissimilarity values was applied. Eleven environmental variables at the same resolution as the aggregated herbarium records were used to explore the correlates of the βsim patterns using a non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) analysis. We also used an ANOVA to test the significance of the environmental changes between each pair of biogeographical regions. Results: Five major Acacia biogeographical regions were proposed. These bioregions were broadly similar to the biomes of Australia. A new subdivision of the Eremaean biome was proposed for Acacia. The most influential environmental variables for the individual bioregions were: (1) temperature seasonality and topographic flatness for the south-western temperate bioregion; (2) precipitation during the coldest quarter of the year for the south-eastern temperate bioregion; (3) annual precipitation‚ annual mean temperature and precipitation seasonality for the monsoonal bioregion; and (4) percentage of sand in the top 30 cm of the soil‚ rock grain size‚ annual mean radiation and annual mean temperature for the Eremaean south and north regions. The NMDS analysis provided support for the observed biogeographical patterns. The statistical test showed a highly significant difference between the environments of the proposed bioregions. Climatic variables were consistent predictors across regions‚ whereas the influence of soils and topographic features varied among bioregions. Main conclusions: The major Acacia biogeographical regions correspond well to historical bioregionalizations‚ suggesting that the environmental drivers of diversification in Acacia are broadly similar to those that act on the flora as a whole. Climate seasonality combined with annual values and non-climatic factors provide support for the proposed biogeographical regionalization for Acacia. © 2013 John Wiley &amp; Sons Ltd.
    Citation

    González-Orozco, C. E., Laffan, S. W., Knerr, N., & Miller, J. T. (2013). A biogeographical regionalization of australian acacia species. Journal of Biogeography, 40, 2156–2166. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12153

  9. Clarke, L. J., Whalen, M. A., & Mackay, D. A. (2013). Cutting grass on desert islands: genetic structure of disjunct coastal and central Australian populations of Gahnia trifida (Cyperaceae). Journal of Biogeography, 40, 1071–1081. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12066

    Journal of Biogeography
    Abstract

    Aim Great Artesian Basin (GAB) springs in central Australia support several plant species otherwise not found in the arid zone. Evolutionary theory predicts that isolated populations will experience reductions in gene flow and genetic diversity‚ and higher levels of inbreeding. Our aim was to test this prediction by comparing the genetic structure of cutting grass‚ Gahnia trifida‚ (Cyperaceae) on disjunct GAB springs with coastal populations that have experienced recent fragmentation. Location Naturally isolated GAB springs near Lake Eyre‚ central Australia‚ and coastal sites in southern Australia. Methods We used 13 microsatellite markers to genotype 267 samples from six GAB spring and four coastal G. trifida populations. These data were used to estimate population genetic statistics and contemporary and historical measures of gene flow in the two regions. Results GAB spring populations display lower levels of genetic diversity compared with coastal populations. Furthermore‚ GAB spring populations displayed much higher levels of genetic differentiation (FST=0.52) than populations at coastal sites (FST=0.22). Several coastal populations exhibited historical genetic connectivity‚ whereas analysis of molecular variation (AMOVA) and contemporary migration rate estimates indicate that populations from GAB spring groups are demographically independent. Main conclusions Divergence estimates based on microsatellite data suggest restriction of central Australian G. trifida populations to refugial spring habitats since at least 1528ka‚ a period that spans the Last Glacial Maximum. Dispersal amongst spring groups is insufficient to counteract the effect of genetic drift‚ leading to a loss of genetic diversity. Species persisting in isolated or fragmented habitats are likely to suffer adverse effects on genetic traits‚ potentially increasing their risk of extinction.
    Citation

    Clarke, L. J., Whalen, M. A., & Mackay, D. A. (2013). Cutting grass on desert islands: genetic structure of disjunct coastal and central Australian populations of Gahnia trifida (Cyperaceae). Journal of Biogeography, 40, 1071–1081. https://doi.org/10.1111/jbi.12066

  10. Chrobock, T., Weiner, C. N., Werner, M., Blüthgen, N., Fischer, M., van Kleunen, M., & Klinkhamer, P. (2013). Effects of native pollinator specialization, self-compatibility and flowering duration of European plant species on their invasiveness elsewhere. Journal of Ecology, 101, 916–923. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12107

    Journal of Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Chrobock, T., Weiner, C. N., Werner, M., Blüthgen, N., Fischer, M., van Kleunen, M., & Klinkhamer, P. (2013). Effects of native pollinator specialization, self-compatibility and flowering duration of European plant species on their invasiveness elsewhere. Journal of Ecology, 101, 916–923. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2745.12107

  11. Bartle, K., Moles, A. T., & Bonser, S. P. (2013). No evidence for rapid evolution of seed dispersal ability in range edge populations of the invasive species Senecio madagascariensis. Austral Ecology, 38, 915–920. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12032

    Austral Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Bartle, K., Moles, A. T., & Bonser, S. P. (2013). No evidence for rapid evolution of seed dispersal ability in range edge populations of the invasive species Senecio madagascariensis. Austral Ecology, 38, 915–920. https://doi.org/10.1111/aec.12032

  12. Sheppard, C. S., & Gonzalez-Andujar, J. (2013). How does selection of climate variables affect predictions of species distributions? A case study of three new weeds in New Zealand. Weed Research, 53, 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12021

    Weed Research
    abstract
    Citation

    Sheppard, C. S., & Gonzalez-Andujar, J. (2013). How does selection of climate variables affect predictions of species distributions? A case study of three new weeds in New Zealand. Weed Research, 53, 259–268. https://doi.org/10.1111/wre.12021

  13. Sanders, K. L., Rasmussen, A. R., Mumpuni, Elmberg, J., de Silva, A., Guinea, M. L., & Lee, M. S. (2013). Recent rapid speciation and ecomorph divergence in Indo-Australian sea snakes. Molecular Ecology, 22, 2742–2759. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12291

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    The viviparous sea snakes (Hydrophiinae) are a young radiation of at least 62 species that display spectacular morphological diversity and high levels of local sympatry. To shed light on the mechanisms underlying sea snake diversification‚ we investigated recent speciation and eco-morphological differentiation in a clade of four nominal species with overlapping ranges in Southeast Asia and Australia. Analyses of morphology and stomach contents identified the presence of two distinct ecomorphs: a ’macrocephalic’ ecomorph that reaches >2 m in length‚ has a large head and feeds on crevice-dwelling eels and gobies; and a ’microcephalic’ ecomorph that rarely exceeds 1 m in length‚ has a small head and narrow fore-body and hunts snake eels in burrows. Mitochondrial sequences show a lack of reciprocal monophyly between ecomorphs and among putative species. However‚ individual assignment based on newly developed microsatellites separated co-distributed specimens into four significantly differentiated clusters corresponding to morphological species designations‚ indicating limited recent gene flow and progress towards speciation. A coalescent species tree (based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences) and isolation-migration model (mitochondrial and microsatellite markers) suggest between one and three transitions between ecomorphs within the last approximately 1.2 million to approximately 840‚000 years. In particular‚ the macrocephalic ’eastern’ population of Hydrophis cyanocinctus and microcephalic H. melanocephalus appear to have diverged very recently and rapidly‚ resulting in major phenotypic differences and restriction of gene flow in sympatry. These results highlight the viviparous sea snakes as a promising system for speciation studies in the marine environment.
    Citation

    Sanders, K. L., Rasmussen, A. R., Mumpuni, Elmberg, J., de Silva, A., Guinea, M. L., & Lee, M. S. (2013). Recent rapid speciation and ecomorph divergence in Indo-Australian sea snakes. Molecular Ecology, 22, 2742–2759. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12291

  14. Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R. V., Roger, E., Hughes, L., Downey, P. O., & Leishman, M. R. (2013). Next-generation invaders? Hotspots for naturalised sleeper weeds in Australia under future climates. PLoS ONE, 8, e84222. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084222

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Naturalised‚ but not yet invasive plants‚ pose a nascent threat to biodiversity. As climate regimes continue to change‚ it is likely that a new suite of invaders will emerge from the established pool of naturalised plants. Pre-emptive management of locations that may be most suitable for a large number of potentially invasive plants will help to target monitoring‚ and is vital for effective control. We used species distribution models (SDM) and invasion-hotspot analysis to determine where in Australia suitable habitat may occur for 292 naturalised plants. SDMs were built in MaxEnt using both climate and soil variables for current baseline conditions. Modelled relationships were projected onto two Representative Concentration Pathways for future climates (RCP 4.5 and 8.5)‚ based on seven global climate models‚ for two time periods (2035‚ 2065). Model outputs for each of the 292 species were then aggregated into single ’hotspot’ maps at two scales: continental‚ and for each of Australia’s 37 ecoregions. Across Australia‚ areas in the south-east and south-west corners of the continent were identified as potential hotspots for naturalised plants under current and future climates. These regions provided suitable habitat for 288 and 239 species respectively under baseline climates. The areal extent of the continental hotspot was projected to decrease by 8.8% under climates for 2035‚ and by a further 5.2% by 2065. A similar pattern of hotspot contraction under future climates was seen for the majority of ecoregions examined. However‚ two ecoregions - Tasmanian temperate forests and Australian Alps montane grasslands - showed increases in the areal extent of hotspots of >45% under climate scenarios for 2065. The alpine ecoregion also had an increase in the number of naturalised plant species with abiotically suitable habitat under future climate scenarios‚ indicating that this area may be particularly vulnerable to future incursions by naturalised plants.
    Citation

    Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R. V., Roger, E., Hughes, L., Downey, P. O., & Leishman, M. R. (2013). Next-generation invaders? Hotspots for naturalised sleeper weeds in Australia under future climates. PLoS ONE, 8, e84222. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0084222

  15. Andres, J. A., Thampy, P. R., Mathieson, M. T., Loye, J., Zalucki, M. P., Dingle, H., & Carroll, S. P. (2013). Hybridization and adaptation to introduced balloon vines in an Australian soapberry bug. Molecular Ecology, 22(24), 6116–6130. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12553

    Molecular Ecology
    Abstract

    Contemporary adaptation of plant feeding insects to introduced hosts provides clear cases of ecologically based population divergence. In most cases the mechanisms permitting rapid differentiation are not well known. Here we study morphological and genetic variation associated with recent shifts by the Australian soapberry bug Leptocoris tagalicus onto two naturalized Neotropical balloon vines‚ Cardiospermum halicacabum and C. grandiflorum that differ in time since introduction. Our results show that these vines have much larger fruits than the native hosts (Whitewood tree -Atalaya hemiglauca- and Woolly Rambutan -Alectryon tomentosus-) and that bugs living on them have evolved significantly longer beaks and new allometries. Genetic analyses of mitochondrial haplotypes and amplified fragment length polymorphic (AFLP) markers indicate that the lineage of bugs on the annual vine C. halicacabum‚ the older introduction‚ is intermediate between the two subspecies of L. tagalicus found on native hosts. Moreover‚ where the annual vine and Whitewood tree co-occur‚ the morphology and genomic composition of the bugs are similar to those occurring in allopatry. These results show that hybridization provided the genetic elements underlying the strongly differentiated ’Halicacabum bugs’. In contrast‚ the bugs feeding on the recently introduced perennial balloon vine (C. grandiflorum) showed no evidence of admixture‚ and are genetically indistinguishable from the nearby populations on a native host.
    Citation

    Andres, J. A., Thampy, P. R., Mathieson, M. T., Loye, J., Zalucki, M. P., Dingle, H., & Carroll, S. P. (2013). Hybridization and adaptation to introduced balloon vines in an Australian soapberry bug. Molecular Ecology, 22(24), 6116–6130. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.12553

  16. Bradshaw, F. (2013). Chemical characterisation of museum-curated ethnographic resins from Australia and New Guinea used as adhesives, medicines and narcotics. Heritage Science, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-7445-1-36

    Heritage Science
    abstract
    Citation

    Bradshaw, F. (2013). Chemical characterisation of museum-curated ethnographic resins from Australia and New Guinea used as adhesives, medicines and narcotics. Heritage Science, 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/2050-7445-1-36

  17. Baker, G. H., Grevinga, L., & Banks, N. (2013). Invasions of the Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, in southern Australia. Pedobiologia, 56, 213–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2013.08.002

    Pedobiologia
    Abstract

    The Portuguese millipede‚ Ommatoiulus moreleti‚ was first recorded in Australia on Eyre Peninsula‚ South Australia in 1953. By the early 1980s‚ O. moreleti had spread to several sites across southern Australia where it had become a significant nuisance pest invading houses in large numbers in autumn and spring. At that time‚ it was predicted that O. moreleti would further expand its distribution to occupy most areas of southern Australia with mean annual rainfall of 300-2400 mm (excluding areas with summer rain maxima)‚ mean daily minimum air temperatures in winter of 0-15 degrees C and mean daily maximum temperatures in summer of 18-33 degrees C‚ based on climatic matching of where it had already spread to. This paper reports the known distribution of O. moreleti in Australia in 2013 and confirms the earlier prediction. Whilst stadial age and body size (width) of O. moreleti now vary greatly between individual sites in Australia‚ geographic scale patterns in these traits are slight‚ with both age and size only weakly correlated with rainfall and temperature. Millipedes are smaller in Australia compared with Portugal. The importance of this size variation is discussed with reference to its likely influence on fecundity and the success of an introduced biological control agent (Pelidnoptera nigripennis: Diptera‚ Sciomyzidae). Crown Copyright (C) 2013 Published by Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
    Citation

    Baker, G. H., Grevinga, L., & Banks, N. (2013). Invasions of the Portuguese millipede, Ommatoiulus moreleti, in southern Australia. Pedobiologia, 56, 213–218. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedobi.2013.08.002

  18. James, C., VanDerWal, J., Capon, S., Hodgson, L., Waltham, N., Ward, D., Anderson, B., & Pearson, R. (2013). Identifying climate refuges for freshwater biodiversity across Australia (p. 424). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.
    https://www.nccarf.edu.au/publications/identifying-climate-refuges-freshwater-biodiversity

    Abstract

    Severe climatic changes are predicted for Australia before the close of this century. Climate change threatens biodiversity in all ecosystems; a management and conservation priority is to identify areas and habitats — refuges — that could shelter species from the worst impacts. Freshwater ecosystems contain high biodiversity‚ but are especially vulnerable to climatic changes due to their limited extent and connectivity. In much of Australia‚ they are highly susceptible to drying resulting from high variability in temperatures and rainfall. Identifying‚ protecting and managing refuges in freshwater systems must therefore be a key component of future conservation planning and policy.
    Using a variety of approaches‚ we explore the history and definitions of refuges in freshwater systems‚ assess the relatively stability and general refugial value of large-scale regions across the Australian continent and provide three case studies demonstrating applications of the continental analysis to inform more local adaptation strategies. A review of existing concepts of refuges for biodiversity highlights a number of issues that contribute to confusion and imprecision surrounding their definition‚ and we offer a new‚ simplified concept of refuges with respect to climate change in freshwater systems.
    Projected climate changes are highly spatially and seasonally variable‚ and this project has identified freshwater regions which will remain stable in the future‚ and those which will likely not. Many regions will likely experience climates and events well outside their current range of variability‚ and we predict significant changes in community structure and ecosystem assemblages. In these areas of instability‚ we propose that refuges will be of high priority‚ for example areas where temperature changes are buffered by vegetation or topographic shading. We show that some current protected areas will fail to offer refuge and protection under projected climatic changes. We further highlight significant changes in perenniality of streams and waterholes‚ particularily in the south-western region of Australia. Finally‚ our research identified a number of knowledge gaps which currently hinder climate change adaptation research in freshwater systems. We provide a discussion of these gaps and outline the future research directions required to ultimately benefit species and habitat conservation.
    Citation

    James, C., VanDerWal, J., Capon, S., Hodgson, L., Waltham, N., Ward, D., Anderson, B., & Pearson, R. (2013). Identifying climate refuges for freshwater biodiversity across Australia (p. 424). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

  19. Jerry, D. R., Smith-Keune, C. S. K., Hodgson, L., Pirozzi, I., Carton, A. G., Hutson, K. S., Brazenor, A. K., Trujillo, G., Gamble, S., Collins, G., & VanDerWal, J. (2013). Vulnerability of an Iconic Australian Finfish (barramundi-Lates Calcarifer) and Aligned Industries to Climate Change Across Tropical Australia (No. Project No. 2010/521; p. 222). Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and James Cook Universityresearchgate.net.
    http://www.frdc.com.au/Archived-Reports/FRDC%20Projects/2010-521-DLD.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Jerry, D. R., Smith-Keune, C. S. K., Hodgson, L., Pirozzi, I., Carton, A. G., Hutson, K. S., Brazenor, A. K., Trujillo, G., Gamble, S., Collins, G., & VanDerWal, J. (2013). Vulnerability of an Iconic Australian Finfish (barramundi-Lates Calcarifer) and Aligned Industries to Climate Change Across Tropical Australia (No. Project No. 2010/521; p. 222). Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and James Cook Universityresearchgate.net.

  20. Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Knerr, N. J., & Kessler, M. (2013). Non-geographic collecting biases in herbarium specimens of Australian daisies (Asteraceae). Biodiversity and Conservation, 22, 905–919. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-013-0457-9

    Biodiversity and Conservation
    abstract
    Citation

    Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Knerr, N. J., & Kessler, M. (2013). Non-geographic collecting biases in herbarium specimens of Australian daisies (Asteraceae). Biodiversity and Conservation, 22, 905–919. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10531-013-0457-9

  21. Potgieter, L. J., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2013). Casuarina: biogeography and ecology of an important tree genus in a changing world. Biological Invasions, 16, 609–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0613-x

    Biological Invasions
    abstract
    Citation

    Potgieter, L. J., Richardson, D. M., & Wilson, J. R. U. (2013). Casuarina: biogeography and ecology of an important tree genus in a changing world. Biological Invasions, 16, 609–633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0613-x

  22. Larcombe, M. J., Silva, J. S., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Potts, B. M. (2013). Assessing the invasive potential of Eucalyptus globulus in Australia: quantification of wildling establishment from plantations. Biological Invasions, 15, 2763–2781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0492-1

    Biological Invasions
    abstract
    Citation

    Larcombe, M. J., Silva, J. S., Vaillancourt, R. E., & Potts, B. M. (2013). Assessing the invasive potential of Eucalyptus globulus in Australia: quantification of wildling establishment from plantations. Biological Invasions, 15, 2763–2781. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10530-013-0492-1

  23. Taylor, G. S., & Kent, D. S. (2013). Potential economic pests of solanaceous crops: a new species of Solanum-feeding psyllid from Australia and first record from New Zealand of Acizzia solanicola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Zootaxa, 3613, 257–273. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3613.3.4

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    Acizzia credoensis sp. n. is described from a single population on the native plant‚ Solanum lasiophyllum‚ from semi-arid Western Australia. The host range of Acizzia solanicola Kent & Taylor‚ initially recorded as damaging eggplant‚ S. melongena‚ in commercial crops and gardens and on wild tobacco bush‚ S. mauritianum in eastern Australia‚ is expanded to include the following Solanaceae: rock nightshade‚ S. petrophilum‚ cape gooseberry‚ Physalis peruviana‚ and an undetermined species of angel’s trumpet Brugmansia and Datura. New Zealand specimens of A. solanicola collected in early 2012 from S. mauritianum are the first record for this species from outside Australia‚ and possibly represent a very recent incursion. The potential for the solanaceous-inhabiting Psyllidae to vector Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum‚ an economically important plant pathogen‚ on native Australian Solanaceae is discussed. The occurrence of A. credoensis and A. solanicola on native Australian Solanum supports the Australian origin for the solanaceous-inhabiting Acizzia psyllids.
    Citation

    Taylor, G. S., & Kent, D. S. (2013). Potential economic pests of solanaceous crops: a new species of Solanum-feeding psyllid from Australia and first record from New Zealand of Acizzia solanicola (Hemiptera: Psyllidae). Zootaxa, 3613, 257–273. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3613.3.4

  24. Shattuck, S. O., & O’Reilly, A. J. (2013). Revision of the Australian endemic ant genera Pseudonotoncus and Teratomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). Zootaxa, 3669, 287–301. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3669.3.5

    Zootaxa
    Zootaxa
    Abstract

    The Australian endemic formicine ant genera Pseudonotoncus and Teratomyrmex are revised and their distributions and biologies reviewed. Both genera are limited to forested areas along the east coast of Australia. Pseudonotoncus is known from two species‚ P. eurysikos (new species) and P hirsutus (= P. turneri‚ new synonym)‚ while Teratomyrmex is known from three species‚ T. greavesi‚ T. substrictus (new species) and T. tinae (new species). Distribution modelling was used to examine habitat preferences within the Pseudonotoncus species.
    Citation

    Shattuck, S. O., & O’Reilly, A. J. (2013). Revision of the Australian endemic ant genera Pseudonotoncus and Teratomyrmex (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Formicinae). Zootaxa, 3669, 287–301. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3669.3.5

  25. Shabani, F., & Kumar, L. (2013). Risk levels of invasive Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. in areas suitable for date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation under various climate change projections. PLoS ONE, 8. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083404

    PLoS ONE
    PLoS ONE
    Abstract

    Global climate model outputs involve uncertainties in prediction‚ which could be reduced by identifying agreements between the output results of different models‚ covering all assumptions included in each. Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. is an invasive pathogen that poses risk to date palm cultivation‚ among other crops. Therefore‚ in this study‚ the future distribution of invasive Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.‚ confirmed by CSIRO-Mk3.0 (CS) and MIROC-H (MR) GCMs‚ was modeled and combined with the future distribution of date palm predicted by the same GCMs‚ to identify areas suitable for date palm cultivation with different risk levels of invasive Fusarium oxysporum f.sp.‚ for 2030‚ 2050‚ 2070 and 2100. Results showed that 40%‚ 37%‚ 33% and 28% areas projected to become highly conducive to date palm are under high risk of its lethal fungus‚ compared with 37%‚ 39%‚ 43% and 42% under low risk‚ for the chosen years respectively. Our study also indicates that areas with marginal risk will be limited to 231‚ 212‚ 186 and 172 million hectares by 2030‚ 2050‚ 2070 and 2100. The study further demonstrates that CLIMEX outputs refined by a combination of different GCMs results of different species that have symbiosis or parasite relationship‚ ensure that the predictions become robust‚ rather than producing hypothetical findings‚ limited purely to publication. © 2013 Shabani‚ Kumar.
    Citation

    Shabani, F., & Kumar, L. (2013). Risk levels of invasive Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. in areas suitable for date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) cultivation under various climate change projections. PLoS ONE, 8. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0083404

  26. Pavlova, A., Amos, J. N., Joseph, L., Loynes, K., Austin, J. J., Keogh, J. S., Stone, G. N., Nicholls, J. A., & Sunnucks, P. (2013). Perched at the mito-nuclear crossroads: divergent mitochondrial lineages correlate with environment in the face of ongoing nuclear gene flow in an Australian bird. Evolution, 67, 3412–3428. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.12107

    Evolution
    Evolution
    Abstract

    Relationships among multilocus genetic variation‚ geography‚ and environment can reveal how evolutionary processes affect genomes. We examined the evolution of an Australian bird‚ the eastern yellow robin Eopsaltria australis‚ using mitochondrial (mtDNA) and nuclear (nDNA) genetic markers‚ and bioclimatic variables. In southeastern Australia‚ two divergent mtDNA lineages occur east and west of the Great Dividing Range‚ perpendicular to latitudinal nDNA structure. We evaluated alternative scenarios to explain this striking discordance in landscape genetic patterning. Stochastic mtDNA lineage sorting can be rejected because the mtDNA lineages are essentially distinct geographically for > 1500 km. Vicariance is unlikely: the Great Dividing Range is neither a current barrier nor was it at the Last Glacial Maximum according to species distribution modeling; nuclear gene flow inferred from coalescent analysis affirms this. Female philopatry contradicts known female-biased dispersal. Contrasting mtDNA and nDNA demographies indicate their evolutionary histories are decoupled. Distance-based redundancy analysis‚ in which environmental temperatures explain mtDNA variance above that explained by geographic position and isolation-by-distance‚ favors a nonneutral explanation for mitochondrial phylogeographic patterning. Thus‚ observed mito-nuclear discordance accords with environmental selection on a female-linked trait‚ such as mtDNA‚ mtDNA-nDNA interactions or genes on W-chromosome‚ driving mitochondrial divergence in the presence of nuclear gene flow.
    Citation

    Pavlova, A., Amos, J. N., Joseph, L., Loynes, K., Austin, J. J., Keogh, J. S., Stone, G. N., Nicholls, J. A., & Sunnucks, P. (2013). Perched at the mito-nuclear crossroads: divergent mitochondrial lineages correlate with environment in the face of ongoing nuclear gene flow in an Australian bird. Evolution, 67, 3412–3428. https://doi.org/10.1111/evo.12107

  27. Miller, E. T., Zanne, A. E., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2013). Niche conservatism constrains Australian honeyeater assemblages in stressful environments. Ecology Letters, 16, 1186–1194. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12156

    Ecology Letters
    Abstract

    The hypothesis of phylogenetic niche conservatism proposes that most extant members of a clade remain in ancestral environments because expansion into new ecological space imposes a selectional load on a population. A prediction that follows is that local assemblages contain increasingly phylogenetically clustered subsets of species with increasing difference from the ancestral environment of a clade. We test this in Australian Meliphagidae‚ a continental radiation of birds that originated in wet‚ subtropical environments‚ but subsequently spread to drier environments as Australia became more arid during the late Cenozoic. We find local assemblages are increasingly phylogenetically clustered along a gradient of decreasing precipitation. The pattern is less clear along a temperature gradient. We develop a novel phyloclimatespace to visualise the expansion of some lineages into drier habitats. Although few species extend into arid regions‚ those that do occupy larger ranges and thus local species richness does not decline predictably with precipitation.
    Citation

    Miller, E. T., Zanne, A. E., & Ricklefs, R. E. (2013). Niche conservatism constrains Australian honeyeater assemblages in stressful environments. Ecology Letters, 16, 1186–1194. https://doi.org/10.1111/ele.12156

  28. Mellick, R., Wilson, P. D., & Rossetto, M. (2013). Post-glacial spatial dynamics in a rainforest biodiversity hot spot. Diversity, 5, 124–138. https://doi.org/10.3390/d50100124

    Diversity
    Diversity
    Abstract

    Here we investigate the interaction between ecology and climate concerning the distribution of rainforest species differentially distributed along altitudinal gradients of eastern Australia. The potential distributions of the two species closely associated with different rainforest types were modelled to infer the potential contribution of post-glacial warming on spatial distribution and altitudinal range shift. Nothofagus moorei is an integral element of cool temperate rainforest‚ including cloud forests at high elevation. This distinct climatic envelope is at increased risk with future global warming. Elaeocarpus grandis on the other hand is a lowland species and typical element of subtropical rainforest occupying a climatic envelope that may shift upwards into areas currently occupied by N. moorei. Climate envelope models wereused to infer range shift differences between the two species in the past (21 thousand years ago)‚ current and future (2050) scenarios‚ and to provide a framework to explain observed genetic diversity/structure of both species. The models suggest continuing contraction of the highland cool temperate climatic envelope and expansion of the lowland warm subtropical envelope‚ with both showing a core average increase in elevation in response to post-glacial warming. Spatial and altitudinal overlap between the species climatic envelopes was at a maximum during the last glacial maximum and is predicted to be a minimum at 2050. © 2013 by the authors; licensee MDPI‚ Basel‚ Switzerland.
    Citation

    Mellick, R., Wilson, P. D., & Rossetto, M. (2013). Post-glacial spatial dynamics in a rainforest biodiversity hot spot. Diversity, 5, 124–138. https://doi.org/10.3390/d50100124

  29. Harris, R. M. B., Porfirio, L. L., Hugh, S., Lee, G., Bindoff, N. L., Mackey, B., & Beeton, N. J. (2013). To Be Or Not to Be? Variable selection can change the projected fate of a threatened species under future climate. Ecological Management and Restoration, n/a-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12055

    Ecological Management and Restoration
    abstract
    Citation

    Harris, R. M. B., Porfirio, L. L., Hugh, S., Lee, G., Bindoff, N. L., Mackey, B., & Beeton, N. J. (2013). To Be Or Not to Be? Variable selection can change the projected fate of a threatened species under future climate. Ecological Management and Restoration, n/a-n/a. https://doi.org/10.1111/emr.12055

  30. Zhang, J. L., Huang, K., Cottman-Fields, M., Truskinger, A., Roe, P., Duan, S. F., Dong, X. Y., Towsey, M., & Wimmer, J. (2013). Managing and Analysing Big Audio Data for Environmental Monitoring. Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE 16th International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering, 997–1004. https://doi.org/10.1109/Cse.2013.146

    2013 IEEE 16th International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering, CSE 2013
    Abstract

    Environmental monitoring is becoming critical as human activity and climate change place greater pressures on biodiversity‚ leading to an increasing need for data to make informed decisions. Acoustic sensors can help collect data across large areas for extended periods making them attractive in environmental monitoring. However‚ managing and analysing large volumes of environmental acoustic data is a great challenge and is consequently hindering the effective utilization of the big dataset collected. This paper presents an overview of our current techniques for collecting‚ storing and analysing large volumes of acoustic data efficiently‚ accurately‚ and cost-effectively.
    Citation

    Zhang, J. L., Huang, K., Cottman-Fields, M., Truskinger, A., Roe, P., Duan, S. F., Dong, X. Y., Towsey, M., & Wimmer, J. (2013). Managing and Analysing Big Audio Data for Environmental Monitoring. Proceedings of the 2013 IEEE 16th International Conference on Computational Science and Engineering, 997–1004. https://doi.org/10.1109/Cse.2013.146

  31. Truskinger, A., Newmarch, I., Cottman-Fields, M., Wimmer, J., Towsey, M., Zhang, J., & Roe, P. (2013). Reconciling folksonomic tagging with taxa for bioacoustic annotations (Ucas, V. U. Joint Lab for Social, Computing, E. Health Research, E. B. Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of, F. at Nanjing University of, Economics, S. Nanjing, & C. Technology, Trans.). 14th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering, WISE 2013, 8180 LNCS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41230-1_25

    14th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering, WISE 2013
    Abstract

    Acoustic sensors are increasingly used to monitor biodiversity. They can remain deployed in the environment for extended periods to passively and objectively record the sounds of the environment. The collected acoustic data must be analyzed to identify the presence of the sounds made by fauna in order to understand biodiversity. Citizen scientists play an important role in analyzing this data by annotating calls and identifying species. This paper presents our research into bioacoustic annotation techniques. It describes our work in defining a process for managing‚ creating‚ and using tags that are applied to our annotations. This paper includes a detailed description of our methodology for correcting and then linking our folksonomic tags to taxonomic data sources. Providing tools and processes for maintaining species naming consistency is critical to the success of a project designed to generate scientific data. We demonstrate that cleaning the folksonomic data and providing links to external taxonomic authorities enhances the scientific utility of the tagging efforts of citizen scientists. © 2013 Springer-Verlag.
    Citation

    Truskinger, A., Newmarch, I., Cottman-Fields, M., Wimmer, J., Towsey, M., Zhang, J., & Roe, P. (2013). Reconciling folksonomic tagging with taxa for bioacoustic annotations (Ucas, V. U. Joint Lab for Social, Computing, E. Health Research, E. B. Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of, F. at Nanjing University of, Economics, S. Nanjing, & C. Technology, Trans.). 14th International Conference on Web Information Systems Engineering, WISE 2013, 8180 LNCS. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-41230-1_25

  32. Abbott, I. (2013). Extending the application of aboriginal names to Australian biota: Dasyurus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) species. Victorian Naturalist, The, 130, 109–126.
    https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/43746

    Victorian Naturalist, The
    Abstract

    The four Australian species of Dasyurus currently possess linguistically or geographically inappropriate vernacular names (Western Quoll D. geoffroii; Northern Quoll D. hallucatus; Spotted-tailed Quoll D. maculatus; and Eastern Quoll D. viverrinus). The Western Quoll originally occurred extensively in eastern Australia‚ the Eastern Quoll originally occurred only in south-eastern Australia (including Tasmania)‚ and the Aboriginal name ’quoll’ strictly refers to D. hallucatus in north Queensland. A search of anthropological‚ zoological‚ and newspaper sources has revealed >400 names (including duplications) used by Aborigines‚ with most being readily assignable to a particular species. It is recommended that an Aboriginal name for each species be selected and used consistently by zoologists and conservation agencies‚ namely Chuditch (D. geoffroii); Digul (D. hallucatus); Bindjulang (D. maculatus); and Luaner (D. viverrinus).The rationale for selecting these names is explained.
    Citation

    Abbott, I. (2013). Extending the application of aboriginal names to Australian biota: Dasyurus (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) species. Victorian Naturalist, The, 130, 109–126.

  33. Dew, R. M., & Schwarz, M. P. (2013). Distribution of the Native South Australian Bee Exoneurella Tridentata in Western Myall (Acacia Papyrocarpa) woodlands. South Australian Naturalist, The, 87(2), 70–74.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=827455543183360;res=IELHSS

    South Australian Naturalist, The
    abstract
    Citation

    Dew, R. M., & Schwarz, M. P. (2013). Distribution of the Native South Australian Bee Exoneurella Tridentata in Western Myall (Acacia Papyrocarpa) woodlands. South Australian Naturalist, The, 87(2), 70–74.

  34. Barrett, R. L., & Wilson, K. L. (2013). Two new species of Lepidosperma (Cyperaceae) occurring in the Perth area of Western Australia. Nuytsia, 23, 173–187.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256796234

    Nuytsia
    Nuytsia
    abstract
    Citation

    Barrett, R. L., & Wilson, K. L. (2013). Two new species of Lepidosperma (Cyperaceae) occurring in the Perth area of Western Australia. Nuytsia, 23, 173–187.

  35. Meyer, E. A., & Agnew, L. (2013). A range extension for the water holding frog (cyclorana platycephala) in Queensland. Queensland Naturalist, 4, 19–22.
    https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=806549349431660;res=IELHSS

    Queensland Naturalist
    abstract
    Citation

    Meyer, E. A., & Agnew, L. (2013). A range extension for the water holding frog (cyclorana platycephala) in Queensland. Queensland Naturalist, 4, 19–22.

  36. Garnett, S., Franklin, D., Ehmke, G., VanDerWal, J., Hodgson, L., Pavey, C., Reside, A., Welbergen, J., Butchart, S., Perkins, G., & Williams, S. (2013). Climate change adaptation strategies for Australian birds (p. 925).
    https://www.nccarf.edu.au/publications/adaptation-strategies-australian-birds

    abstract
    Citation

    Garnett, S., Franklin, D., Ehmke, G., VanDerWal, J., Hodgson, L., Pavey, C., Reside, A., Welbergen, J., Butchart, S., Perkins, G., & Williams, S. (2013). Climate change adaptation strategies for Australian birds (p. 925).

  37. Byrne, M. M., Prober, S., McLean, E. H., Steane, D. A., Stock, D. A., Potts, B. M., & Vaillancourt, R. E. (2013). Adaptation to climate in widespread eucalypt species (p. 86). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.
    https://www.nccarf.edu.au/publications/adaptation-climate-eucalypt-species

    abstract
    Citation

    Byrne, M. M., Prober, S., McLean, E. H., Steane, D. A., Stock, D. A., Potts, B. M., & Vaillancourt, R. E. (2013). Adaptation to climate in widespread eucalypt species (p. 86). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

  38. Hughes, L., Downey, P., Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R., Johnson, S., Leishman, M., Roger, E., Smith, P., & Steel, J. (2013). Prioritising naturalised plant species for threat assessment: developing a decision tool for managers (p. 352). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.
    https://www.nccarf.edu.au/content/prioritising-naturalised-plant-species-threat-assessment-developing-decision-tool-managers

    Abstract

    This research project has produced a web-based decision-support tool (www.weedfutures.net) that provides end-users with the ability to interrogate individual profiles for 292 non-native species and interactively map emerging weed threats for regions or management units of interest. Through integrating modelling‚ spatial analysis and species trait information it was possible to evaluate how the habitat suitability for each species is likely to change in the future under different climate scenarios. Individual species profiles were created by compiling key trait data‚ observation records and maps of current habitat suitability and projected change in suitability across Australia. Overall‚ the southerly coastal areas and Tasmania have the highest risk of invasibility‚ under both current and modelled future (2035) climates. Under a future scenario (RCP 8.5 2035) at a national scale‚ 3% of the species were classified as having a high risk of invasibility‚ 81% as having a medium risk‚ and 16% as having low risk. Such assessments provide significant economic benefits by targeting control to high priority naturalised‚ but not yet invasive plants before they become significant problem weeds.
    Citation

    Hughes, L., Downey, P., Duursma, D. E., Gallagher, R., Johnson, S., Leishman, M., Roger, E., Smith, P., & Steel, J. (2013). Prioritising naturalised plant species for threat assessment: developing a decision tool for managers (p. 352). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

  39. Scott, J., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Dunne, C., & Cahill, D. (2013). Climate Modelling to Determine the Impacts of Phytophthora cinnamomi under Future Climate Scenarios (No. PRN 1213-0264). Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management.
    http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/invasive-species/publications/climate-modelling-determine-impacts-phytophthora-cinnamomi

    abstract
    Citation

    Scott, J., Burgess, T., Hardy, G., Dunne, C., & Cahill, D. (2013). Climate Modelling to Determine the Impacts of Phytophthora cinnamomi under Future Climate Scenarios (No. PRN 1213-0264). Centre for Phytophthora Science and Management.

  40. Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Phillips, B. L., Shoo, L. P., Rosauer, D. F., Anderson, B. A., Welbergen, J., Moritz, C., Ferrier, S., GHarwood, T. D., Williams, K. J., Mackey, B., & Hugh, S. (2013). Climate change refugia for terrestrial biodiversity: Defining areas that promote species persistence and ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change (p. 216). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.
    https://www.nccarf.edu.au/publications/climate-change-refugia-terrestrial-biodiversity

    abstract
    Citation

    Reside, A. E., VanDerWal, J., Phillips, B. L., Shoo, L. P., Rosauer, D. F., Anderson, B. A., Welbergen, J., Moritz, C., Ferrier, S., GHarwood, T. D., Williams, K. J., Mackey, B., & Hugh, S. (2013). Climate change refugia for terrestrial biodiversity: Defining areas that promote species persistence and ecosystem resilience in the face of global climate change (p. 216). National Climate Change Adaptation Research Facility.

  41. Donaldson, J. E. (2013). The invasion ecology of Acacia elata (A. Cunn. Ex Benth.) with implications for the management of ornamental wattles. Stellenbusch University.
    http://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/85808

    abstract
    Citation

    Donaldson, J. E. (2013). The invasion ecology of Acacia elata (A. Cunn. Ex Benth.) with implications for the management of ornamental wattles. Stellenbusch University.

  42. Kariyawasam, C. S. (2013). Comparative study of the reproductive biology of gorse (Ulex europaeus) in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia and central highlands of Sri Lanka. Flinders University.
    https://theses.flinders.edu.au/view/2c3b742d-cc03-4a55-a89b-6838d52a98f2/1

    abstract
    Citation

    Kariyawasam, C. S. (2013). Comparative study of the reproductive biology of gorse (Ulex europaeus) in the Mount Lofty Ranges of South Australia and central highlands of Sri Lanka. Flinders University.

  43. Page, G. M. F. (2013). Morphological and Ecophysiological Diversity of Mulga (Acacia Aneura Complex) in the Hamersley Ranges. UWA.
    http://research-repository.uwa.edu.au/en/publications/morphological-and-ecophysiological-diversity-of-mulga-acacia-aneura-complex-in-the-hamersley-ranges(ee07c1a7-6bf5-4b98-8abd-634af2ce223c).html?uwaCustom=thesis

    abstract
    Citation

    Page, G. M. F. (2013). Morphological and Ecophysiological Diversity of Mulga (Acacia Aneura Complex) in the Hamersley Ranges. UWA.

2012

  1. Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Knerr, N. J., & González-Orozco, C. E. (2012). Distorted perception of the spatial distribution of plant diversity through uneven collecting efforts: the example of Asteraceae in Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 39, 2072–2080. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2012.02756.x

    Journal of Biogeography
    abstract
    Citation

    Schmidt-Lebuhn, A. N., Knerr, N. J., & González-Orozco, C. E. (2012). Distorted perception of the spatial distribution of plant diversity through uneven collecting efforts: the example of Asteraceae in Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 39, 2072–2080. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.2012.02756.x

  2. Keppel, E., Sigovini, M., & Tagliapietra, D. (2012). A new geographical record of Polycera hedgpethi Er. Marcus, 1964 (Nudibranchia: Polyceridae) and evidence of its established presence in the Mediterranean Sea, with a review of its geographical distribution. Marine Biology Research, 8, 969–981. https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2012.706306

    Marine Biology Research
    Abstract

    This article reports the first record of the Nudibranch Polycera hedgpethi in the Lagoon of Venice (Italy)‚ as well as its established presence in the Mediterranean Sea after its first record in 1986 in lake Fusaro (Naples). In less than 50 years P. hedgpethi has spread throughout the world’s temperate and subtropical waters‚ preferring protected coastal environments and other semi-enclosed coastal water bodies such as ports‚ harbours and lagoons. Shipping is the most likely vector. The species distribution shows a temperate-subtropical range‚ at about 7-45° of latitude both North and South. Polycera hedgpethi was collected during a survey in 2009 and its presence confirmed for the following two years. All individuals collected were found attached to the bryozoan Bugula neritina‚ to which it is linked trophically‚ suggesting a determined pattern of distribution. The present finding is the northernmost record for the species. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group‚ LLC.
    Citation

    Keppel, E., Sigovini, M., & Tagliapietra, D. (2012). A new geographical record of Polycera hedgpethi Er. Marcus, 1964 (Nudibranchia: Polyceridae) and evidence of its established presence in the Mediterranean Sea, with a review of its geographical distribution. Marine Biology Research, 8, 969–981. https://doi.org/10.1080/17451000.2012.706306

  3. Jobson, R. W. (2012). A new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from northern Queensland, Australia. Telopea, 14, 49–57. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea2012008

    Telopea
    Telopea
    Abstract

    Utricularia blackmanii R.W. Jobson from igneous regions in northern Queensland (Australia) is described as new and is considered to be a member of Utricularia subg. Polypompholyx section Pleiochasia. The distribution and habitat preferences of this species are described and the morphological differences between U. blackmanii and the species with which it was confused previously are discussed. Specifically‚ this new species is distinguished from U. dichotoma Labill.‚ U. hamiltonii F. Lloyd‚ U. fistulosa P. Taylor‚ U. singeriana F. Muell.‚ U. terrae-reginae P. Taylor‚ U. triflora P. Taylor‚ and U. tubulata F. Muell. by means of a diagnostic key.
    Citation

    Jobson, R. W. (2012). A new species of Utricularia (Lentibulariaceae) from northern Queensland, Australia. Telopea, 14, 49–57. https://doi.org/10.7751/telopea2012008

  4. Prior, L. D., Grierson, P. F., McCaw, W. L., Tng, D. Y. P., Nichols, S. C., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2012). Variation in stem radial growth of the Australian conifer, Callitris columellaris, across the world’s driest and least fertile vegetated continent. Trees, 26(4), 1169–1179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0693-8

    Trees
    Trees
    abstract
    Citation

    Prior, L. D., Grierson, P. F., McCaw, W. L., Tng, D. Y. P., Nichols, S. C., & Bowman, D. M. J. S. (2012). Variation in stem radial growth of the Australian conifer, Callitris columellaris, across the world’s driest and least fertile vegetated continent. Trees, 26(4), 1169–1179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00468-012-0693-8

  5. Jackson, S., Finn, M., & Featherston, P. (2012). Aquatic Resource Use by Indigenous Australians in Two Tropical River Catchments: the Fitzroy River and Daly River. Human Ecology, 40, 893–908. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-012-9518-z

    Human Ecology
    abstract
    Citation

    Jackson, S., Finn, M., & Featherston, P. (2012). Aquatic Resource Use by Indigenous Australians in Two Tropical River Catchments: the Fitzroy River and Daly River. Human Ecology, 40, 893–908. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10745-012-9518-z

  6. Seppelt, R. D., Cave, L. H., & Tng, D. (2012). Here today, gone tomorrow: The moss Gigaspermum repens in Tasmania. Kanunnah, 5, 141–149.
    https://www.researchgate.net/publication/284168497

    Kanunnah
    Kanunnah
    abstract
    Citation

    Seppelt, R. D., Cave, L. H., & Tng, D. (2012). Here today, gone tomorrow: The moss Gigaspermum repens in Tasmania. Kanunnah, 5, 141–149.

  7. Wapstra, M. (2012). Crassula Natans var. (Floating Stonecrop) in Tasmania: Native or exotic? Tasmanian Naturalist, The, 134.
    http://www.ecotas.com.au/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/floating-stonecrop.pdf

    Tasmanian Naturalist, The
    ECOtas
    abstract
    Citation

    Wapstra, M. (2012). Crassula Natans var. (Floating Stonecrop) in Tasmania: Native or exotic? Tasmanian Naturalist, The, 134.

  8. Trembath, D., & Reilly, T. (2012). Dry Season Fauna Survey Old Pirate Prospect, Tanami Deset, NT. EcOz Pty Ltd.
    https://ntepa.nt.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0019/290800/noi_twin_bonanza_appendix_b.pdf

    abstract
    Citation

    Trembath, D., & Reilly, T. (2012). Dry Season Fauna Survey Old Pirate Prospect, Tanami Deset, NT. EcOz Pty Ltd.

  1. McCosker, E., Stuart-Smith, R. D., Edgar, G. J., Steinberg, P. D., & Vergés, A. (2011). Sea temperature and habitat effects on juvenile reef fishes along a tropicalizing coastline. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13484
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13484

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim Temperate marine systems globally are warming at accelerating rates‚ facilitating the poleward movement of warm-water species‚ which are tropicalizing higher-latitude reefs. While temperature plays a key role in structuring species distributions‚ less is known about how species’ early life stages are responding to warming-induced changes in preferred nursery habitat availability. We aim to identify key ecological and environmental drivers of juvenile reef fishes’ distributions in the context of ocean warming. Location South-eastern Australian coastline from 30 to 37°S. Methods We used a decade of underwater visual census data to uncover latitudinal distribution patterns of juvenile reef fishes and habitats across 1000 km of coastline‚ from subtropical to temperate latitudes. We modelled how benthic habitat cover‚ depth‚ wave exposure and sea surface temperature influence distributions of warm-water and cool-water juvenile reef fishes on temperate rocky reefs. Results We found sea surface temperature was typically the most important factor influencing densities of juvenile fishes‚ regardless of species’ thermal affinity or latitudinal range extent. Juveniles of tropical and subtropical range-expanding fishes responded more strongly to warmer temperatures and lower wave exposure‚ while juveniles of temperate species responded more strongly to benthic habitats. Species’ responses to greater availability of temperate reef habitat-formers such as kelp and other macroalgae contrasted‚ being positive for temperate and negative for tropical and subtropical juvenile fishes. Main conclusions The availability of both suitable habitat and sea temperatures for species’ early life stages is important considerations when predicting changes in reef fishes’ distributions in the context of ocean warming. Warming-induced isotherm shifts and feedback loops constraining the persistence of key temperate reef habitat-formers will favour range-expanding tropical reef fishes colonizing higher-latitude reefs‚ while disadvantaging some macroalgal-associated resident temperate species. Such varying responses to warming-induced environmental changes may strongly influence the structure of emerging tropicalized reef assemblages.
    Citation

    McCosker, E., Stuart-Smith, R. D., Edgar, G. J., Steinberg, P. D., & Vergés, A. (2011). Sea temperature and habitat effects on juvenile reef fishes along a tropicalizing coastline. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13484

  2. Cresswell, I. D., & Semeniuk, V. (2011). Mangroves of the Kimberley coast: Ecological patterns in a tropical Ria coast setting. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 94, 213–237.
    https://www.scopus.com/record/display.uri?eid=2-s2.0-84857547020&origin=inward&txGid=5544843a368bfe0c150c0efd3ce1942a

    Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia
    Abstract

    Mangroves along the Kimberley Coast occupy an unparalleled position globally: they reside in a tropical humid to subhumid climate in the species-rich setting of the Old World Mangroves‚ and are located along a macrotidal ria shore. This setting provides a range of habitats for mangroves related to larger scale hinterland influences‚ coastal landforms‚ coastally expressed geological patterns‚ shoreline sedimentation patterns‚ and climate. The mangrove habitats of the Kimberley coast range from rocky (cliff) shores to classic ria shores with tidal flats‚ tidal creeks‚ spits‚ and high-tidal alluvial fans‚ to rocky-shore-dominated ravines‚ amongst others. Depending on coastal type‚ sedimentary setting‚ and the local species pool‚ the mangroves form habitat-specific assemblages and characteristic floristic and structural zones within the mangrove formations. The complexity of mangrove habitats and their relationship to the megascale coastal forms of this coastal setting is of international conservation significance. © Royal Society of Western Australia 2011.
    Citation

    Cresswell, I. D., & Semeniuk, V. (2011). Mangroves of the Kimberley coast: Ecological patterns in a tropical Ria coast setting. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 94, 213–237.

  3. Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2011). Maratus vespertilio (Simon 1901)(Araneae: Salticidae) from southern Australia. Peckhamia, 92(1), 1–6.
    http://www.peckhamia.com/peckhamia/PECKHAMIA_92.1.pdf

    Peckhamia
    Peckhamia
    abstract
    Citation

    Otto, J. C., & Hill, D. E. (2011). Maratus vespertilio (Simon 1901)(Araneae: Salticidae) from southern Australia. Peckhamia, 92(1), 1–6.

  4. Hogendoorn, K., & Keller, M. (2011). Development of native bees as pollinators of vegetable seed crops. Horticulture Australia Ltd.
    https://ausveg.com.au/infoveg/infoveg-search/development-of-native-bees-as-pollinators-of-vegetable-seed-crops/

    abstract
    Citation

    Hogendoorn, K., & Keller, M. (2011). Development of native bees as pollinators of vegetable seed crops. Horticulture Australia Ltd.

  5. Przeslawski, R., Daniell, J., Anderson, T., Barrie, J. V., Heap, A., Hughes, M., Potter, A., Radke, L., Siwabessy, J., Tran, M., Whiteway, T., & Nichol, S. (2011). Seabed habitats and hazards of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and Timor Sea, northern Australia (p. 69). Geosciences Australia.
    https://data.gov.au/dataset/seabed-habitats-and-hazards-of-the-joseph-bonaparte-gulf-and-timor-sea-northern-australia

    abstract
    Citation

    Przeslawski, R., Daniell, J., Anderson, T., Barrie, J. V., Heap, A., Hughes, M., Potter, A., Radke, L., Siwabessy, J., Tran, M., Whiteway, T., & Nichol, S. (2011). Seabed habitats and hazards of the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf and Timor Sea, northern Australia (p. 69). Geosciences Australia.

  6. Silcock, J. L., McRae, P. D., Laidlaw, M. J., & Southgate, R. I. (n.d.). Historical record shows broad habitat use and rapid decline of the greater bilby Macrotis lagotis in eastern Australia. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22043
    Place: Clayton
    Publisher: Csiro Publishing
    WOS:000964726100001

    Wildlife Research
    Wildl. Res.
    Abstract

    Context. Understanding historical distributions of species informs their ecology and response to threats‚ which can support management of surviving and translocated populations. Like many critical weight-range mammals in Australia‚ the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis) has experienced major declines since European colonisation. The past distribution of bilbies in eastern Australia remains uncertain owing to the rapidity of their decline‚ their cryptic and nocturnal nature‚ and the paucity of specimen records. Aims. We aimed to systematically collate‚ geo-reference and attribute bilby records from eastern Australia to better inform their historical distribution‚ habitat preferences‚ patterns of decline and response to threats. Methods. We searched explorer and early settler journals‚ the digitised newspaper archive‚ interviews with long-term residents‚ Aboriginal language resources and ethnographies‚ place and property names‚ unpublished datasets‚ and documented locations of now-inactive bilby burrows. Records were geo-referenced and attributed with date‚ record type‚ source‚ location precision‚ bioregion‚ habitat and local abundance. The former distribution of bilby habitat in Queensland was modelled using Maxent‚ and the likely former occupancy of bilbies was identified using vegetation mapping. Key results. More than 250 bilby records were found‚ only 34 of which appear in the Atlas of Living Australia. Sixty-five per cent of the records were attributed either certain’ or good’ reliability. Bilbies formerly occurred over most of inland New South Wales and the southern half of Queensland in areas receiving <600 mm average annual rainfall‚ in a wide variety of habitats. By the 1930s‚ bilbies were largely restricted to their current core range in south-western Queensland. This contraction in range coincided with the northward spread of rabbits and foxes. Conclusions. Bilbies had a more contiguous distribution and occupied a wider range of habitats than was previously recognised. The species persisted in apparently isolated patches to the south-east‚ west and north of its present distribution until the 1970s‚ suggesting recent declines around the peripheries of its current range. By the 1990s‚ bilbies occupied <3% of their pre-1900 range in eastern Australia. Implications. This work details changes in bilby distribution and provides key context for interpreting contemporary survey results. It also identifies areas where further surveys are required and may assist in selecting habitat for future translocations.
    Citation

    Silcock, J. L., McRae, P. D., Laidlaw, M. J., & Southgate, R. I. (n.d.). Historical record shows broad habitat use and rapid decline of the greater bilby Macrotis lagotis in eastern Australia. Wildlife Research. https://doi.org/10.1071/WR22043

  7. Birge, T. L. (n.d.). Global Conservation Status and Threat Patterns of The World’s Most Prominent Forage Fishes (Teleostei, Clupeiformes) [M.S., Old Dominion University]. Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.proquest.com/docview/2376775420/abstract/94CFCB2BF7F54DD0PQ/1
    ISBN: 9781392539538

    Abstract

    Conserving biodiversity is one of the greatest ethical responsibilities and challenges humans face. Understanding the conservation status of taxonomic groups provides a systematic way to prioritize efforts to combat biodiversity loss. The 405 species within the order Clupeiformes are the herrings‚ shads‚ sardines‚ anchovies‚ menhadens and relatives that include many of the most important marine forage fishes. These small‚ schooling fishes are economically‚ ecologically and culturally significant globally. Despite their contribution to global fisheries and our increasing reliance on these fishes for food and industrial commodities‚ they are generally poorly known with limited information regarding basic biology and population trends. I applied IUCN Red List methodology‚ a comprehensive and systematic approach to assessing extinction risk of species‚ to all clupeiform species. I then used these assessments to synthesize and address their global conservation status and to highlight the potential for improvements to conservation and fisheries management. The best estimate of nearly 11% of species are of elevated conservation concern‚ although this could be as high as 34% if Data Deficient species are all threatened. The Caribbean and the Indo-Malay-Philippine Archipelago both have high concentrations of either threatened or Data Deficient species and are areas of particular conservation concern. Major threats include exploitation‚ pollution and habitat modification for human use although the intensity of a specific threat differs between freshwater‚ estuarine and marine environments. Life history and ecological traits of threatened and Near Threatened species were characterized between primary habitat systems. Immediate conservation priorities include: 1) the evaluation of current fisheries management strategies‚ with a strong recommendation toward ecosystem-based management protocols that incorporate group-specific life history traits‚ and 2) local‚ intensive habitat restoration to reduce pollution and remove dams. These extinction risk assessments and subsequent analyses should be used to monitor conservation progress and as an informative tool for fisheries and conservation managers.
    Citation

    Birge, T. L. (n.d.). Global Conservation Status and Threat Patterns of The World’s Most Prominent Forage Fishes (Teleostei, Clupeiformes) [M.S., Old Dominion University]. Retrieved January 9, 2023, from https://www.proquest.com/docview/2376775420/abstract/94CFCB2BF7F54DD0PQ/1

  8. Semple, S. J., Staerk, D., Buirchell, B. J., Fowler, R. M., Gericke, O., Kjaerulff, L., Zhao, Y., Pedersen, H. A., Petersen, M. J., Rasmussen, L. F., Bredahl, E. K., Pedersen, G. B., McNair, L. M., Ndi, C. P., Hansen, N. L., Heskes, A. M., Bayly, M. J., Loland, C. J., Heinz, N., & Møller, B. L. (n.d.). Biodiscoveries within the Australian plant genus Eremophila based on international and interdisciplinary collaboration: results and perspectives on outstanding ethical dilemmas. The Plant Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.15866
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/tpj.15866

    The Plant Journal
    Abstract

    In a cross-continental research initiative‚ including researchers working in Australia and Denmark‚ and based on joint external funding by a 3-year grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation‚ we have used DNA sequencing‚ extensive chemical profiling and molecular networking analyses across the entire Eremophila genus to provide new knowledge on the presence of natural products and their bioactivities using polypharmocological screens. Sesquiterpenoids‚ diterpenoids and dimers of branched-chain fatty acids with previously unknown chemical structures were identified. The collection of plant material from the Eremophila genus was carried out according to a ‘bioprospecting agreement’ with the Government of Western Australia. We recognize that several Eremophila species hold immense cultural significance to Australia’s First Peoples. In spite of our best intentions to ensure that new knowledge gained about the genus Eremophila and any potential future benefits are shared in an equitable manner‚ in accordance with the Nagoya Protocol‚ we encounter serious dilemmas and potential conflicts in making benefit sharing with Australia’s First Peoples a reality.
    Citation

    Semple, S. J., Staerk, D., Buirchell, B. J., Fowler, R. M., Gericke, O., Kjaerulff, L., Zhao, Y., Pedersen, H. A., Petersen, M. J., Rasmussen, L. F., Bredahl, E. K., Pedersen, G. B., McNair, L. M., Ndi, C. P., Hansen, N. L., Heskes, A. M., Bayly, M. J., Loland, C. J., Heinz, N., & Møller, B. L. (n.d.). Biodiscoveries within the Australian plant genus Eremophila based on international and interdisciplinary collaboration: results and perspectives on outstanding ethical dilemmas. The Plant Journal. https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.15866

  9. Ryan, E., Bateman, P., Fernandes, K., van der Heyde, M., & Nevill, P. (n.d.). eDNA metabarcoding of log hollow sediments and soils highlights the importance of substrate type, frequency of sampling and animal size, for vertebrate species detection. Environmental DNA. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.306
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1002/edn3.306

    Environmental DNA
    Abstract

    Fauna monitoring often relies on visual monitoring techniques such as camera trapping‚ which have biases leading to underestimates of vertebrate species diversity. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has emerged as a new source of biodiversity data that may improve biomonitoring; however‚ eDNA-based assessments of species richness remain relatively untested in terrestrial environments. We investigated the suitability of fallen log hollow sediment as a source of vertebrate eDNA‚ across two sites in southwestern Australia—one with a Mediterranean climate and the other semi-arid. We compared two different approaches (camera trapping and eDNA metabarcoding) for monitoring of vertebrate species‚ and investigated the effect of other factors (frequency of species‚ timing of visits‚ frequency of sampling‚ and body size) on vertebrate species detectability. Metabarcoding of hollow sediments resulted in the detection of higher species richness in comparison (29 taxa: six birds‚ three reptiles‚ and 20 mammals) to metabarcoding of soil at the entrance of the hollow (13 taxa: three birds‚ two reptiles‚ and eight mammals). We detected 31 taxa in total with eDNA metabarcoding and 47 with camera traps‚ with 14 taxa detected by both (12 mammals and two birds). By comparing camera trap data with eDNA read abundance‚ we were able to detect vertebrates through eDNA metabarcoding that had visited the area up to two months prior to sample collection. Larger animals were more likely to be detected‚ and so were vertebrates that were identified multiple times in the camera traps. These findings demonstrate the importance of substrate selection‚ frequency of sampling‚ and animal size‚ on eDNA-based monitoring. Future eDNA experimental design should consider all these factors as they affect detection of target taxa.
    Citation

    Ryan, E., Bateman, P., Fernandes, K., van der Heyde, M., & Nevill, P. (n.d.). eDNA metabarcoding of log hollow sediments and soils highlights the importance of substrate type, frequency of sampling and animal size, for vertebrate species detection. Environmental DNA. https://doi.org/10.1002/edn3.306

  10. Google Books Link. (n.d.). Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://play.google.com/books?id=DaZ9EAAAQBAJ

  11. Hall, M. (n.d.). Ecology of the Australian brush-turkey in Urban Ecosystems [University of Sydney]. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/handle/2123/29355/Hall_MJ_Thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

    Abstract

    Urbanisation is one of the most extreme and long-lasting forms of human driven
    environmental change‚ which can have profound consequences for biodiversity. As cities replace natural landscapes‚ remaining habitat remnants are often highly fragmented and degraded‚ presenting a difficult challenge for urban dwelling wildlife. While many species are unable to persist in cities‚ others not only survive but thrive in the hostile landscape. A key area of research in urban ecology is identifying the combinations of traits that characterise successful urban exploiting species‚ as well as the mechanisms that allow species with disadvantageous traits to survive in highly modified landscapes. I examined the impacts of urbanisation on the Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami)‚ an atypical urban exploiting species. Despite possessing several apparently disadvantageous traits‚ including poor flight ability and ground nesting‚ brush-turkeys are currently colonising cities along the east coast of Australia. I used a combination of historical data‚ citizen science‚ and field observations to quantify changes in the distribution and behaviour of brush-turkeys in urban areas. I found that the brushturkey range has greatly fluctuated over time‚ however the species has greatly
    expanded into major cities. I found their fear behaviour is reduced in urban areas
    compared to their natural habitat and documented long distance dispersal behaviours within an urban landscape for the first time in this species. Additionally‚ I examined the potential for brush-turkeys to act as ecosystem engineers through measurements of leaf litter decomposition rate around their incubation mounds and found that their digging behaviour speeds up decomposition closer to the mounds.
    My results highlight that brush-turkeys are a highly successful urban colonising
    species‚ despite their disadvantageous traits‚ and identify some of the mechanisms that may enable the species to thrive in cities. This demonstrates the difficulties of predicting which species are likely to thrive in urban areas from their traits alone. This research also demonstrates the value of citizen science for long term monitoring of
    charismatic species in urban areas and the potential role of targeted‚ species-specific‚
    projects. Understanding the pathways through which species adapt to urban
    ecosystems will improve our capacity to manage these systems and predict how they will change into the future.
    Citation

    Hall, M. (n.d.). Ecology of the Australian brush-turkey in Urban Ecosystems [University of Sydney]. Retrieved August 4, 2022, from https://ses.library.usyd.edu.au/bitstream/handle/2123/29355/Hall_MJ_Thesis.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y

  12. Gilpin, A.-M., Brettell, L. E., Cook, J. M., & Power, S. A. (n.d.). The use of trap-nests to support crop pollinators in agricultural areas. Ecological Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1703.12348
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1440-1703.12348

    Ecological Research
    Abstract

    Supporting and promoting invertebrate diversity within agricultural ecosystems has numerous benefits‚ including the provision of pollination services. Many insects‚ including wild pollinators‚ require floral resources for food and structural habitat for nesting. To support pollinators‚ research studies and agri-environment schemes have sought to supplement floral resources‚ but little is known about the value of different types of nesting habitat enhancements (e.g.‚ trap-nests or bee hotels). We deployed eight replicates of each of three types (bamboo reed‚ hardwood block and sand/cement brick) of trap-nests at five orchards in two apple and cherry growing regions (Bilpin and Orange) in Australia. Both reed and hardwood block trap-nests attracted a diverse array of invertebrates‚ such as ants‚ wasps‚ spiders and bees‚ including a cleptoparasitic bee species (Thyreus sp.) not previously recorded in the region. Interestingly‚ two taxa of native bees (Megachile [Megachile] and Megachile [Eutricharaea]) used the artificial nests and were also observed visiting apple crops. There were significantly more native bees using trap-nests in Orange (n = 65)‚ where orchards are surrounded by agricultural landscapes‚ than in Bilpin (n = 2)‚ where orchards are surrounded by native forests. Our findings show that artificial nest enhancements are used by native bees‚ as well as other nontarget invertebrate taxa‚ some of which can be predators of bees (ants‚ wasps‚ and spiders). Nesting habitat augmentation thus has potential to be used as a conservation tool‚ especially in areas where nesting sites are limited. However‚ future studies should also consider measures to reduce colonization by non-target taxa.
    Citation

    Gilpin, A.-M., Brettell, L. E., Cook, J. M., & Power, S. A. (n.d.). The use of trap-nests to support crop pollinators in agricultural areas. Ecological Research. https://doi.org/10.1111/1440-1703.12348

  13. Mos, B., & Mos, D. (n.d.). Range expansion of a widespread Indo-Pacific haemulid, the barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier, 1830), in a climate change hotspot. Journal of Fish Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15125
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/jfb.15125

    Journal of Fish Biology
    Abstract

    The authors report a first sighting of a euryhaline fish in the climate change hotspot along Australia’s south-eastern coast. The barred javelin‚ Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier‚ 1830) was found in the Nambucca River in New South Wales‚ Australia‚ during 2021 and 2022. Specimens were adult‚ suggesting they may not be transitory vagrants. The new southernmost location recorded here represents a c. 200 km out-of-range sighting compared to previous records‚ and is c. 380 km south of the southernmost Australian stronghold of the species in Moreton Bay‚ Queensland.
    Citation

    Mos, B., & Mos, D. (n.d.). Range expansion of a widespread Indo-Pacific haemulid, the barred javelin Pomadasys kaakan (Cuvier, 1830), in a climate change hotspot. Journal of Fish Biology. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15125

  14. Hohwieler, K. R., de Villiers, D. L., Cristescu, R. H., & Frere, C. H. (n.d.). Genetic erosion detected in a specialist mammal living in a fast-developing environment. Conservation Science and Practice, e12738. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12738
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/csp2.12738

    Conservation Science and Practice
    Abstract

    Fragmentation of habitat is a major threat across a wide range of taxa. Subsequent effects include reduced population sizes and isolation of populations. Both can have detrimental consequences for populations as they increase the risk of genetic erosion. While it is critical to prevent and‚ if required‚ reverse genetic erosion‚ we often lack adequate data to assess whether and how much genetic erosion has occurred. Here‚ we present a genetic monitoring study where we investigated changes in genetic diversity and genetic patterns in a threatened‚ specialist mammal‚ the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus). Our study population inhabits an increasingly fragmented landscape and has experienced a sharp decline in population size within the past three decades. We used 1038 single nucleotide polymorphic loci (SNPs) to compare measures of genetic diversity between samples collected in 2018 and in 2006 (two generations prior) and investigated simultaneous changes in the environment. We found a decline in both heterozygosity and effective population size (Ne)‚ and an increase in sub-structuring‚ average relatedness‚ and inbreeding (FIS) alongside an increasingly threatening and more fragmented environment. Given the extent of genetic erosion in only two generations‚ we urge consideration for the implementation of mitigation measures for this population and for threatened populations in similar conditions. Our study further emphasizes the importance of effective management of at-risk populations including monitoring of genetic erosion.
    Citation

    Hohwieler, K. R., de Villiers, D. L., Cristescu, R. H., & Frere, C. H. (n.d.). Genetic erosion detected in a specialist mammal living in a fast-developing environment. Conservation Science and Practice, e12738. https://doi.org/10.1111/csp2.12738

  15. Legge, S., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Scheele, B. C., Garnett, S. T., Lintermans, M., Nimmo, D. G., Whiterod, N. S., Southwell, D. M., Ehmke, G., Buchan, A., Gray, J., Metcalfe, D. J., Page, M., Rumpff, L., van Leeuwen, S., Williams, D., Ahyong, S. T., Chapple, D. G., Cowan, M., … Tingley, R. (n.d.). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13428
    _eprint: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/ddi.13428

    Diversity and Distributions
    Abstract

    Aim The incidence of major fires is increasing globally‚ creating extraordinary challenges for governments‚ managers and conservation scientists. In 2019–2020‚ Australia experienced precedent-setting fires that burned over several months‚ affecting seven states and territories and causing massive biodiversity loss. Whilst the fires were still burning‚ the Australian Government convened a biodiversity Expert Panel to guide its bushfire response. A pressing need was to target emergency investment and management to reduce the chance of extinctions and maximise the chances of longer-term recovery. We describe the approach taken to rapidly prioritise fire-affected animal species. We use the experience to consider the organisational and data requirements for evidence-based responses to future ecological disasters. Location Forested biomes of subtropical and temperate Australia‚ with lessons for other regions. Methods We developed assessment frameworks to screen fire-affected species based on their pre-fire conservation status‚ the proportion of their distribution overlapping with fires‚ and their behavioural/ecological traits relating to fire vulnerability. Using formal and informal networks of scientists‚ government and non-government staff and managers‚ we collated expert input and data from multiple sources‚ undertook the analyses‚ and completed the assessments in 3 weeks for vertebrates and 8 weeks for invertebrates. Results The assessments prioritised 92 vertebrate and 213 invertebrate species for urgent management response; another 147 invertebrate species were placed on a watchlist requiring further information. Conclusions The priority species lists helped focus government and non-government investment‚ management and research effort‚ and communication to the public. Using multiple expert networks allowed the assessments to be completed rapidly using the best information available. However‚ the assessments highlighted substantial gaps in data availability and access‚ deficiencies in statutory threatened species listings‚ and the need for capacity-building across the conservation science and management sectors. We outline a flexible template for using evidence effectively in emergency responses for future ecological disasters.
    Citation

    Legge, S., Woinarski, J. C. Z., Scheele, B. C., Garnett, S. T., Lintermans, M., Nimmo, D. G., Whiterod, N. S., Southwell, D. M., Ehmke, G., Buchan, A., Gray, J., Metcalfe, D. J., Page, M., Rumpff, L., van Leeuwen, S., Williams, D., Ahyong, S. T., Chapple, D. G., Cowan, M., … Tingley, R. (n.d.). Rapid assessment of the biodiversity impacts of the 2019–2020 Australian megafires to guide urgent management intervention and recovery and lessons for other regions. Diversity and Distributions. https://doi.org/10.1111/ddi.13428

A zot_bib_web bibliography.