Understanding the impacts of recreation in Australian protected areas: Quantifying damage caused by horse riding in D'Entrecasteaux National Park, Western Australia

2001 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 256 ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Phillips ◽  
D. Newsome
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Horse Riding ◽  
Hard Evidence ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Western Australian

There is presently very little published quantitative information on the environmental impacts of recreational horse riding. Particularly in Western Australia the lack of "hard evidence" concerning the environmental impacts of horse riding hinders objective judgement of damage caused by horse riding in national parks. This paper presents data on horse riding impacts in a Western Australian (D'Entrecasteaux) national park. The research measured vegetation and soil impacts caused by horse use in un-tracked areas with the specific aim of relating the amount of horse use to degree of environmental impact. Horse riding altered plant species composition, increased the area of bare ground and decreased height and cover of vegetation. Significant impacts occurred after only low levels of horse use. The findings indicate the need for a database on horse riding impact in Australia so that, where horse riding is allowed, impacts can be properly assessed and effectively managed.

scholarly journals Productivity of Black Oystercatchers: Effects of Recreational Disturbance in a National Park

The Condor ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 108 (3) ◽  
pp. 623-633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie A. Morse ◽  
Abby N. Powell ◽  
Michael D. Tetreau
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Recreational Disturbance ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Daily Survival ◽  
Breeding Territory ◽  
Annual Productivity ◽  
Low Levels ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Territory Occupancy

Abstract National parks in Alaska are generally assumed to be high-quality, undisturbed wildlife habitats. However, these parks attract recreational users, whose presence may reduce the suitability of key habitats for nesting shorebirds. In Kenai Fjords National Park, Black Oystercatchers (Haematopus bachmani) often breed on gravel beaches that are also popular campsites. In this study, we examined the effects of recreational activities in coastal Alaska on reproductive performance of Black Oystercatchers. We monitored survival of nests and chicks on 35 to 39 breeding territories annually during four breeding seasons (2001–2004). Most recreational disturbance on these territories occurred after the peak hatching date of first clutches. Annual productivity was low (average of 0.35 chicks per pair), but was not strongly affected by recreational disturbance. Daily survival of nests varied annually and declined over the season. Our results suggest that nest survival was lower during periods of extreme high tides. Daily survival rate of broods increased over the season and was higher on island than mainland territories, likely due to differences in predator communities. Territory occupancy rate and site fidelity were high; 95% of color-banded oystercatchers returned to the same breeding territory in the subsequent year. We conclude that Black Oystercatchers are resilient to low levels of recreational disturbance. However, in light of projected increases in recreation, we suggest managers move campsites away from the traditional nest sites identified in this study to minimize future disturbances.

Environmental Impacts of Tourism on U.S. National Parks

1997 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 31-36 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chih-Yung Wang ◽  
Paul S. Miko
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Air Quality ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Natural Environment ◽  
National Park ◽  
Survey Questionnaire ◽  
Tourism Impacts ◽  
Mailed Survey

The purpose of this study was to identify perceived tourism impacts on the natural environment within national parks. Responses from 44 of 51 U.S. national park superintendents to a mailed survey questionnaire indicated that 24 parks had water quality problems, 27 had air quality problems, 37 had vegetation (flora) or wildlife (fauna) problems, and 22 had coastline/shoreline problems relating to tourism. Implications for travel research and policies concerning the development and promotion of park tourism are discussed.

Identification of a remnant population of the black-flanked rock-wallaby (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, and implications for its management

2019 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 196 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Pearson ◽  
Linda E. Neaves ◽  
Mike Paxman ◽  
Anthony Desmond ◽  
Juanita Renwick ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Western Australia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Sequence Data ◽  
Sandy Desert ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Dna Sequence Data ◽  
North East ◽  
The North ◽  
Western Australian ◽  
Abundant Population

Black-flanked rock-wallabies (Petrogale lateralis lateralis) were thought to be locally extinct in Kalbarri National Park, Western Australia, until 2015 when a pair were photographed in the Murchison River gorge. Subsequent searches failed to locate any other populations and, in combination with previous surveys, suggest that these animals were the sole survivors of a formerly abundant population. Efforts to capture the rock-wallabies to obtain tissue samples and ascertain their genetic affinities were unsuccessful. However, fresh faecal material was collected and a ~600-bp fragment of DNA sequence data was obtained from a mitochondrial DNA gene. The Kalbarri rock-wallabies were found to be genetically distinct from all other sampled populations of P. l. lateralis. They were genetically most similar to rock-wallabies in the Calvert Range, 950km to the north-east in the Little Sandy Desert. Nearer populations in Cape Range (600km north) and the Western Australian Wheatbelt (500km south-east) were less closely related. Following evaluation of a variety of factors, including population size, genetics, demography, ecology, environment and logistics, a decision was made to supplement the Kalbarri National Park population with females sourced from the Western Australian Wheatbelt. In May 2016 three females were released at the same site as the Kalbarri pair to try to ensure the survival of the population whilst still preserving unique Kalbarri alleles.

scholarly journals Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris: Response to fire and persistence of home range in the Fitzgerald River National Park, Western Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 38 ◽  
pp. 172-192
Author(s):  
Shapelle McNee ◽  
Brenda Newbey ◽  
Sarah Comer ◽  
Allan Burbidge ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
National Park ◽  
Fire Management ◽  
Suitable Habitat ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Habitat Condition ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Burnt Areas ◽  
Western Australian

We investigated the response of the Western Bristlebird Dasyornis longirostris to fire in the Fitzgerald River National Park (FRNP), Western Australia, over a 34-year period. This species is a threatened Western Australian endemic restricted to a highly fire-prone habitat. Commencing in 1985, we surveyed for occurrence of Western Bristlebirds within the FRNP. Monitoring that was specifically focused on fire impacts began at Fitzgerald Track in November 1994 following a fire the previous month. That site had been surveyed in June and August 1994 before the fire. Fires in other recently surveyed locations in 1997–1998, 2000, 2008 and 2019 allowed for comparisons to be made following further monitoring of these sites. Many Bristlebirds survived a fire then relocated along or near the fire edge, usually in clusters of home ranges where suitable habitat was available. Bristlebirds gradually re-occupied burnt areas when these became suitable, often to home ranges occupied before the fire. There was a tendency for a home range to be occupied for >1 year. A change independent of fire could occur. Areas of vegetation of different fire ages were used by Bristlebirds for differing time periods. Sites in the lower-rainfall areas required longer periods of time for habitat to be recolonised by Bristlebirds and the maximum age of vegetation occupied by Bristlebirds varied between sites. For these reasons, generalised prescriptions are not appropriate, but fire management of individual patches of Bristlebird habitat in the FRNP can be guided by these findings, ensuring that unburnt refuge areas are both protected and retained, with the timing of management actions informed by knowledge of population response and habitat condition.

Managing feral goat impacts by manipulating their access to water in the rangelands

2011 ◽  
Vol 33 (2) ◽  
pp. 143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin G. Russell ◽  
Mike Letnic ◽  
Peter J. S. Fleming
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Access To Water ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Feral Goat

Feral goats are a significant threat to biodiversity in Australia. However, goats are also harvested by some landholders for commercial benefit and this can lead to disagreements regarding control techniques. In the rangelands of New South Wales, feral goat distribution is closely linked to artificial watering points (AWP) such as tanks and bores. Previous surveys indicated that goat activity was rare more than 4 km from water. We hypothesised that constructing sections of goat-proof fencing in areas where goats were feeding on National Parks but watering on neighbouring properties, such that they had to travel more than 4 km from the AWP to access the park, would result in a significant decrease in goat abundance in these areas. We tested this hypothesis in Paroo-Darling National Park, Gundabooka State Conservation Area and Gundabooka National Park using changes in index (fresh goat dung groups per 100-m transect). We also measured kangaroo dung and ground cover index changes. Twelve months after the fences were constructed, goat dung significantly declined compared with non-treatment areas and the relationship between distance to water and goat dung broke down at the treatment sites. Kangaroo indices were not affected by the fences. The results for bare ground were the same as for goat dung, with significantly less bare ground and a breakdown in the relationship with distance to water at the treatment sites after the fences were constructed, but this was due to a corresponding increase in litter rather than live vegetation. This technique can be a significant tool for protecting biodiversity from feral goats, without removing the potential for neighbouring landholders to harvest the goats. If strategically used to create zones free of resident goats around the boundaries of conservation reserves, it should increase the effectiveness of other techniques such as trapping, mustering and shooting, by reducing post-control reinvasion. Recognition of access to water as an important management tool should substantially improve our management of feral goats in the rangelands.

scholarly journals Impactos ambientais em Unidades de Conservação: Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas na visão dos profissionais envolvidos com a visitação

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Costa Azevedo de Paiva
Keyword(s):  
Protected Areas ◽  
Environmental Impacts ◽  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
The Public ◽  
General Change ◽  
Search Field ◽  
Category Search

Esta pesquisa tem como finalidade analisar quais os impactos ambientais causados pela visitação pública no Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas na percepção dos profissionais envolvidos. Visando o alcance dessa finalidade, foram elaborados os seguintes objetivos específicos: estudar as características das Unidades de Conservação, focando na categoria de Parques Nacionais; pesquisar a estrutura do Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas e seu uso público e relacionar o uso público do Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas com os impactos ambientais gerados, na percepção dos profissionais envolvidos. A método utilizado foi estudo de caso e quanto aos meios foram pesquisa de campo e pesquisa bibliográfica. Através da coleta de dado no local da pesquisa, foi possível apontar alguns impactos ambientais perceptíveis aos profissionais envolvidos com a visitação no Parque Nacional de Anavilhanas, tais como poluição em geral, mudança na rotina dos animais da localidade, degradação das trilhas, entre outros. Environmental impacts in Protected Areas: National Nark Anavilhanas in professionals vision involved with the visitation ABSTRACT This research aims at examining the environmental impacts of public visitation at the Anavilhanas National Park in the perception of the professionals involved. Aiming to reach this goal, the following specific objectives were established: to study the characteristics of protected areas, focusing on National Parks category; search the structure of the Anavilhanas National Park and its public use and relate the public use of the Anavilhanas National Park with the environmental impacts, the perception of the professionals involved. The method used was the case study and as the means were the search field and bibliographic research. By collecting data at the site of research, it was possible to identify some environmental impacts perceptible to professionals involved in the visitation in Anavilhanas National Park, such as pollution in general, change in routine from local animals, degradation of trails and others. KEYWORDS: Impacts; Visitation; Anavilhanas.

From Competition to Cooperation: A History of Canada–US National Park Relations

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Terence Young ◽  
Alan MacEachern ◽  
Lary Dilsaver
Keyword(s):  
National Parks ◽  
National Park ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Us ◽  
Park Service ◽  
Settler Societies ◽  
History Of ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
Flow Of Information ◽  
The Relationship

This essay explores the evolving international relationship of the two national park agencies that in 1968 began to offer joint training classes for protected-area managers from around the world. Within the British settler societies that dominated nineteenth century park-making, the United States’ National Park Service (NPS) and Canada’s National Parks Branch were the most closely linked and most frequently cooperative. Contrary to campfire myths and nationalist narratives, however, the relationship was not a one-way flow of information and motivation from the US to Canada. Indeed, the latter boasted a park bureaucracy before the NPS was established. The relationship of the two nations’ park leaders in the half century leading up to 1968 demonstrates the complexity of defining the influences on park management and its diffusion from one country to another.

Evapotranspiration Measurement and Irrigation Scheduling for Several Tropical Fruit Crops Using the EnviroScan System

HortScience ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 549f-550
Author(s):  
Mongi Zekri ◽  
Bruce Schaffer ◽  
Stephen K. O'Hair ◽  
Roberto Nunez-Elisea ◽  
Jonathan H. Crane
Keyword(s):  
Water Content ◽  
Soil Water ◽  
Soil Water Content ◽  
Water Use ◽  
National Parks ◽  
Quantitative Information ◽  
Irrigation Scheduling ◽  
Management Tool ◽  
Fruit Crops ◽  
Tropical Fruit

In southern Florida, most tropical fruit crops between Biscayne and Everglades National Parks are irrigated at rates and frequencies based on experience and observations of tree growth and fruit yield rather than on reliable quantitative information of actual water use. This approach suggests that irrigation rates may be excessive and could lead to leaching of agricultural chemicals into the groundwater in this environmentally sensitive area. Therefore, a study is being conducted to increase water use efficiency and optimize irrigation by accurately scheduling irrigation using a very effective management tool (EnviroScan, Sentek Environmental Innovations, Pty., Kent, Australia) that continuously monitors soil water content with highly accurate capacitance multi-sensor probes installed at several depths within the soil profile. The system measures crop water use by monitoring soil water depletion rates and allows the maintenance of soil water content within the optimum range (below field capacity and well above the onset of plant water stress). The study is being conducted in growers' orchards with three tropical fruit crops (avocado, carambola, and `Tahiti' lime) to facilitate rapid adoption and utilization of research results.

Into Russian Nature

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alan D. Roe
Keyword(s):  
World War Ii ◽  
Environmental Protection ◽  
National Parks ◽  
International Organizations ◽  
National Park ◽  
World War ◽  
Nature Protection ◽  
Soviet Government ◽  
History Of ◽  
Development Goals

Into Russian Nature examines the history of the Russian national park movement. Russian biologists and geographers had been intrigued with the idea of establishing national parks before the Great October Revolution but pushed the Soviet government successfully to establish nature reserves (zapovedniki) during the USSR’s first decades. However, as the state pushed scientists to make zapovedniki more “useful” during the 1930s, some of the system’s staunchest defenders started supporting tourism in them. In the decades after World War II, the USSR experienced a tourism boom and faced a chronic shortage of tourism facilities. Also during these years, Soviet scientists took active part in Western-dominated international environmental protection organizations, where they became more familiar with national parks. In turn, they enthusiastically promoted parks for the USSR as a means to reconcile environmental protection and economic development goals, bring international respect to Soviet nature protection efforts, and help instill a love for the country’s nature and a desire to protect it in Russian/Soviet citizens. By the late 1980s, their supporters pushed transformative, and in some cases quixotic, park proposals. At the same time, national park opponents presented them as an unaffordable luxury during a time of economic struggle, especially after the USSR’s collapse. Despite unprecedented collaboration with international organizations, Russian national parks received little governmental support as they became mired in land-use conflicts with local populations. While the history of Russia’s national parks illustrates a bold attempt at reform, the state’s failure’s to support them has left Russian park supporters deeply disillusioned.

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