Effect of ants on sandy soils in semi-arid eastern Australia - Local distribution of nest entrances and their effect on infiltration of water

Soil Research ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 509 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Eldridge
Keyword(s):  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Water Infiltration ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Local Distribution ◽  
Small Areas ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Callitris Glaucophylla ◽  
State Water ◽  
Semi Arid

The influence of the funnel ant (Aphaenogaster barbigula) on water infiltration was studied on an aeolian soil in a semi-arid Callitris glaucophylla woodland in eastern Australia. At the study site at Yathong Nature Reserve, densities of up to 37 nest entrances m-2 were recorded in some areas, equivalent to a density of 88 000 entrances ha-1 over small areas or 0.9% of the surface area of the landscape. Seventy-two per cent of the entrances were actively being used by the ants. Steady-state water infiltration on soils with entrances averaged 23.3 mm min-1 which was about four times that on entrance-free soils. As the diameter of the nest entrance increased, water penetrated deeper into the soil. The results provide further evidence that ants have a marked influence on redistribution of water in semi-arid environments.

Maximising trapping efficiency in reptile surveys: the role of seasonality, weather conditions and moon phase on capture success

2010 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa M. Spence-Bailey ◽  
Dale G. Nimmo ◽  
Luke T. Kelly ◽  
Andrew F. Bennett ◽  
Michael F. Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Trapping Efficiency ◽  
Individual Species ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Moon Phase ◽  
Mixed Effect ◽  
Capture Success ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Capture Rates

Context. Designing an appropriate survey protocol requires understanding of how capture rates of target species may be influenced by factors other than on-ground abundance, such as weather conditions or seasonality. This is particularly relevant for ectotherms such as reptiles, as activity can be affected by environmental conditions such as ambient temperature. Aims. The present study examines factors affecting capture success of reptiles in semi-arid environments of southern Australia, and addresses the following two main questions: (1) what is the influence of weather and seasonal factors on capture rates of reptiles, and (2) what are the implications for developing an effective protocol for reptile surveys? Methods. We surveyed reptiles using pitfall traps in spring and summer of 2006/07 and 2007/08 at sites (n = 280) throughout the Murray Mallee region of south-eastern Australia. We used mixed-effect regression models to investigate the influence of seasonal and weather-related variables on species’ capture success. Key results. Total captures of reptiles, and the likelihood of capture of 15 reptile species, increased with rising daily temperature. Greater numbers of individual species were captured during spring than in summer, even though temperatures were cooler. This probably reflects greater levels of activity associated with breeding. Several species were more likely to be captured when maximum or minimum daily temperatures exceeded a certain level (e.g. Lerista labialis, Delma australis, Nephrurus levis). Other factors, such as rainfall and moon phase, also influenced capture success of some species. Conclusions. Surveys for reptiles in semi-arid environments are likely to capture the greatest diversity of species on warm days in late spring months, although surveys on hot days in summer will enhance detection of particular species (e.g. Morethia boulengeri, Varanus gouldii). We recommend trapping during periods with maximum temperatures exceeding 25–30°C and minimum overnight temperatures of 15°C. Finally, trapping during rainfall and full-moon events will maximise chances of encountering species sensitive to these variables (blind snakes and geckoes). Implications. Selecting the most favourable seasonal and weather conditions will help ensure that reptile surveys maximise the likelihood of capturing the greatest diversity of reptiles, while minimising trap-effort required.

Bats of a semi-arid environment in south-eastern Australia: biogeography, ecology and conservation

1995 ◽  
Vol 22 (2) ◽  
pp. 217 ◽  
Author(s):  
IF Lumsden ◽  
AF Bennet
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Activity Patterns ◽  
Arid Environment ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Minor Variation ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
South Eastern Australia

A total of 2075 captures of 11 taxa of bats was recorded during an extensive survey of the vertebrate fauna of the semi-arid Mallee region of Victoria. A further two species, Pteropus scapulatus and Saccolaimus flaviventris, are known from previous records, thus bringing the total to 13 taxa known from the region. There was a marked seasonality in activity patterns and in reproduction. Activity, as revealed by trap captures, peaked over the spring to early autumn months when daytime temperatures are high and nights are mild. Births occurred from October to December, lactating females were recorded from November to February, and juveniles were trapped between December and late February, with minor variation in timing between species. Morphometric measurements revealed that females were generally larger and heavier than males. There was a high level of overlap of species between broad vegetation types. Woodland habitats, especially Riverine Woodland, tended to have a higher frequency of capture and a greater species richness of bats per trapping event than did Mallee Shrubland. The assemblage of bats in the Mallee region, Victoria, like those in other semi-arid regions of southern Australia, includes species that are widespread in Australia (e.g. Chalinolobus gouldii and Nyctophilus geoffroyi), together with species that primarily occur in semi-arid and arid environments (e.g. N. timoriensis, Scotorepens balstoni and Vespadelus baverstocki). This region, which includes mesic riverine habitats, also supports a group of species that are characteristic of temperate south-eastern Australia (e.g. C. morio, V. regulus and V. vulturnus). In comparison with assemblages from temperate and tropical environmental regions, those from the semi-arid region tend to have a lower species richness with fewer families represented, a higher level of insectivory, and a smaller modal body size. The conservation status of bats from the Mallee region, Victoria, is believed to be secure, although the status of N. timoriensis warrants further attention.

Distribution and Floristics of Bryophytes in Soil Crusts in Semi-Arid and Arid Eastern Australia

1996 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 223 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Eldridge ◽  
ME Tozer
Keyword(s):  
Condition Assessment ◽  
Biological Soil Crusts ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Survey Area ◽  
Soil Crusts ◽  
Unpublished Studies ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Landscape Types ◽  
Semi Arid

A total of 56 bryophyte taxa associated with biological soil crusts was collected from 282 sites in semi-arid and arid eastern Australia. The 41 moss taxa and 15 liverwort taxa found were dominated by the families Pottiaceae and Ricciaceae respectively. Bryophytes were present at 224 of the 282 sites, and their distribution varied widely according to different landscapes. The mean number of taxa per site ranged from 8.9 on plains with red earths to 2.1 on active floodplains. The most common bryophytes found in the survey area were Bryum pachytheca, Didymodon torquatus, Gigaspermum repens, Goniomitrium enerve, Desmatodon convolutus, Stonea oleaginosa, Crossidium davidai, Riccia limbata and Riccia lamellosa. In this paper, the distribution of bryophytes in relation to landscape types, and some strategies for surviving in arid environments and their roles in biodiversity and rangeland condition assessment are discussed. Their distribution is compared with other published and unpublished studies from similar areas of Australia.

Effects of ants on sandy soils in semi-arid eastern Australia .2. Relocation of nest entrances and consequences for bioturbation

Soil Research ◽  
1994 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 323 ◽  
Author(s):  
DJ Eldridge ◽  
J Pickard
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Sandy Soils ◽  
Water Erosion ◽  
Nest Entrance ◽  
Micro Scale ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Permanent Quadrats ◽  
Semi Arid ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Subsequent Incorporation

The rate of bioturbation by funnel ants (Aphaenogaster barbigula) was studied on an aeolian soil in western N.S.W. Nest entrances were tagged and monitored on permanent quadrats between May 1991 and May 1993. Nest entrances remained active for approximately 9 months and, on average, changed their location twice per year. Annual bioturbation was 336 g m-2 yr-1 which was equivalent to the annual development of a layer 0.28 mm thick. Bioturbation activity was poorly correlated with environmental variables. We estimate that 92% of the total volume of the soil would be removed from the profile during the construction of nest entrances within 100 years, and 100% within 200 years. This provides strong evidence that development of these soils is principally biogenic and may explain why there is little or no horizon development, or changes in particle size distribution with depth. Bioturbation is substantially greater than estimates of water erosion in these soils, suggesting that over time soil brought to the surface will lead to the development of a new layer. This deposition and subsequent incorporation of organic matter in the surface soils around the nest entrance may have consequences for enhanced nutrient development on a micro scale.

scholarly journals Exogenously Used 24-Epibrassinolide Promotes Drought Tolerance in Maize Hybrids by Improving Plant and Water Productivity in an Arid Environment

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 354
Author(s):  
El-Sayed M. Desoky ◽  
Elsayed Mansour ◽  
Mohamed M. A. Ali ◽  
Mohamed A. T. Yasin ◽  
Mohamed I. E. Abdul-Hamid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drought Tolerance ◽  
Agronomic Traits ◽  
Water Productivity ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Net Photosynthesis ◽  
Antioxidant Enzyme Activities ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Maize Hybrids ◽  
Semi Arid

The influence of 24-epibrassinolide (EBR24), applied to leaves at a concentration of 5 μM, on plant physio-biochemistry and its reflection on crop water productivity (CWP) and other agronomic traits of six maize hybrids was field-evaluated under semi-arid conditions. Two levels of irrigation water deficiency (IWD) (moderate and severe droughts; 6000 and 3000 m3 water ha−1, respectively) were applied versus a control (well-watering; 9000 m3 water ha−1). IWD reduced the relative water content, membrane stability index, photosynthetic efficiency, stomatal conductance, and rates of transpiration and net photosynthesis. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities and osmolyte contents were significantly increased as a result of the increased malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage compared to the control. These negative influences of IWD led to a reduction in CWP and grain yield-related traits. However, EBR24 detoxified the IWD stress effects and enhanced all the above-mentioned parameters. The evaluated hybrids varied in drought tolerance; Giza-168 was the best under moderate drought, while Fine-276 was the best under severe drought. Under IWD, certain physiological traits exhibited a highly positive association with yield and yield-contributing traits or CWP. Thus, exogenously using EBR24 for these hybrids could be an effective approach to improve plant and water productivity under reduced available water in semi-arid environments.

Changing perceptions of the effect of plant phenolics on nutrient supply in the ruminant

1996 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 829 ◽  
Author(s):  
JB Lowry ◽  
CS McSweeney ◽  
B Palmer
Keyword(s):  
Phenolic Compounds ◽  
Acute Toxicity ◽  
Protein Interactions ◽  
Nutrient Supply ◽  
Arid Environments ◽  
Plant Phenolics ◽  
Ruminant Nutrition ◽  
Forage Plants ◽  
Hydrolysable Tannins ◽  
Semi Arid

Mammalian metabolism of plant phenolics, initially studied in monogastric animals, gave an emphasis to their toxic and antinutrient effects. Subsequent studies in tropical ruminants and wild herbivores have highlighted the high levels than can occur in some diets and the extensive microbial modification and degradation that can occur in the tract. This paper reviews aspects of plant phenolics as they relate to ruminant nutrition in tropical or semi-arid environments in which some forage plants contain high levels of phenolic compounds. Effects range from occasional acute toxicity of hydrolysable tannins, to acetate-releasing microbial degradations that apparently enable certain phenolics to act as nutrients. The most important and complex effects are those due to tannin-protein interactions. Although these can clearly reduce feed intake, nutrient digestibilities, and protein availability, many of the interactions are still not understood. The diverse effects of plant phenolics on nutrient flow probably result from the balance between adverse effects on some organisms and the rate at which they are degraded or inactivated by other organisms, and improved animal performance can likely be obtained by manipulation of rumen microbial metabolism.

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