Effect of a control burn on lizards and their structural environment in a eucalypt open-forest

2002 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 447 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarinda Singh ◽  
Anita K. Smyth ◽  
Simon P. Blomberg
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Lizard Species ◽  
Habitat Features ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Structural Environment ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Burnt Areas

The composition of an open-forest lizard assemblage in eastern Australia was examined before and after a low-intensity controlled fire and concurrently compared with that in an adjoining unburnt area. The effect of fire on the available structural environment and the habitat used by two focal species, Carlia vivax and Lygisaurus foliorum, was also examined. Lizard species richness was unaffected by the controlled burn as was the abundance of most species. C. vivax was the only species to display a significant reduction in abundance after fire. While the low-intensity fire resulted in significant changes to the available structural environment, there were no compensatory shifts in the habitat preferences of either C. vivax or L. foliorum. The reduction in abundance of C. vivax was congruent with this species' avoidance of burnt areas. C. vivax displayed a non-random preference for ground cover and litter cover, which were reduced in burnt areas. Changes in the availability of preferred structural habitat features are likely to contribute to changes in the abundance of some lizard species. Therefore, even low-intensity disturbances can have an impact on lizard assemblages if critical habitat features are lost or become limiting.

Stability of nest range, home range and movement of the northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) following moderate-intensity fire in a tropical woodland, north-eastern Queensland

2001 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 141 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Vernes ◽  
Lisa Claire Pope
Keyword(s):  
Home Range ◽  
Radio Telemetry ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Moderate Intensity ◽  
Home Ranges ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
North Eastern ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Materials Used

Nest use, home-range characteristics and nightly movements by the northern bettong (Bettongia tropica) were examined before and after a low- to moderate-intensity fire in sclerophyll woodland in north-eastern Australia using radio-telemetry. In all, 23 animals were radio-tracked at three-month intervals between February 1995 and May 1996. During November 1995 a low-intensity experimental fire burned the entire home range of most animals. The northern bettong appeared fairly catholic in choice of nest site, with a variety of nest locations and nesting materials used. Prior to the fire, nests were generally located in areas of dense cover, such as the skirts of grass trees (46%) or grass close to a log (29%). After fire removed most ground cover in the nesting areas of most animals, bettongs used remaining shelter such as boulder piles (45%), recently fallen trees (8%) and patches of unburnt vegetation (21%). Nest areas (10.1 ha) of males were significantly larger than those of females (5.4 ha). Home ranges of both sexes were large (59 ha) and most ranges lacked distinct core areas, suggesting that bettongs used all parts of their home ranges equally. High mean rates of nightly movement by the northern bettong indicated that large distances were moved within home ranges during nightly foraging. No significant fire-related changes were detected in home-range size, home-range location, nest-area location or mean rates of nightly movement, suggesting that the northern bettong is well adapted to the low- and medium-intensity fires that characterise its habitat.

The Flash Technique in a Low-Intensity Group Trauma Intervention for Healthcare Providers Impacted by COVID-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
pp. EMDR-D-20-00053
Author(s):  
Philip E. Manfield ◽  
Lewis Engel ◽  
Ricky Greenwald ◽  
David G. Bullard
Keyword(s):  
Group Intervention ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Traumatic Memories ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Flash Technique ◽  
Rapid Relief

The flash technique (FT) is a low-intensity individual or group intervention that appears to rapidly lessen the distress of disturbing and traumatic memories. This paper reports on the safety and effectiveness of group FT with 77 healthcare providers and 98 psychotherapists impacted by working with COVID-19 patients. One-hour webinars included 30 minutes of psychoeducation and two guided 15-minute FT interventions, focused on participants’ most distressing pandemic-related memory. Before and after each 15-minute FT intervention, they rated that memory using the 11-point zero-to-ten subjective units of disturbance (SUD) scale. Results from both interventions were highly significant with large effect sizes (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 2.01, Hedges’ g = 2.39). No adverse reactions were reported. For 35 participants who processed the same memory in both interventions, the pre–post SUD scores from the beginning of intervention #1 to the end of intervention #2 showed a significant reduction with a large effect size (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 3.80). For this group, both intervention #1 and intervention #2 showed significant reductions with large effect sizes (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 2.00) (p < .001, Hedges’ g = 1.18). Follow-up SUD scores were obtained from 58 participants, with the mean disturbance level showing a significant further decrease. These findings provide preliminary evidence that group FT appears to safely provide rapid relief from disturbing memories. FT merits further research.

scholarly journals Cashew Growth and Canopy Dynamics as Influenced by Manuring in a Guinea Savanna Agro-Ecology of Nigeria

2020 ◽  
pp. 80-88
Author(s):  
Beatrice Abanum Nduka ◽  
Olorunfemi Sunday Ojo Akanbi ◽  
Idrisu Mohammed ◽  
Seun Adewale Adeosun ◽  
Osasogie Ugioro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Block Design ◽  
Organic Fertilizer ◽  
Chemical Properties ◽  
Soil Nutrient ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Canopy Development ◽  
Canopy Volume ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Soil Status ◽  
Physical And Chemical

A two-year experiment was conducted to study the response of manuring on growth and canopy development on three-year-old Cashew trees. The experiment was laid in a randomized complete block design, with three replications. Soil characteristics including the chemical and physical properties were analyzed before and after the experiments. Fecti-plus organic pelletized fertilizer was applied at different rates of 0,750.6 and 1,501.2 kg/ha-1 respectively around the circumference of the tree. Before the application, the fertilizer sample was also analyzed. Data collected were plant height, stem girth, canopy dynamics which includes: Canopy diameter, canopy radius, canopy spread (North-South and East-West directions), canopy volume, canopy ground cover and percentage ground cover. The results from the pre soil sample show a relatively low status but were significantly enhanced after the application of the pelletized organic fertilizer (Ferti-plus). The soil nutrient composition of Oc, Om, N, K, Na, Ca and Mg+ was significantly highest in the plots having 1,501.2 kg/ha-1 treatments. Generally, there was a significant increase in the soil nutrient with the addition of pelletized fertilizer in respective of the rate of application. Also the results on the canopy dynamic in terms of canopy volume, spread and diameter revealed better development with the use of 1501.2 kg/ha-1 pelletized fertilizer and significantly different to 750.6 kg/ha-1 and those in the no-manure (control)plots. Meanwhile, the use of pelletized organic fertilizer gave superior growth and canopy development. It also influenced the growth of the Cashew plants, as well as the physical and chemical properties of the soil status.

A new species of frog in the Litoria ewingii species group (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from south-eastern Australia

Zootaxa ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4858 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-230
Author(s):  
MICHAEL MAHONY ◽  
BEDE MOSES ◽  
STEPHEN V. MAHONY ◽  
FRANK L. LEMCKERT ◽  
STEPHEN DONNELLAN
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Conservation Status ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Nuclear Genome ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Population Declines ◽  
Genetic Groups ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
A New Species

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. 

Demographic features and habitat preferences of southern pygmy mice (Baiomys musculus) in Colima, Mexico

2008 ◽  
Vol 86 (6) ◽  
pp. 507-524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary D. Schnell ◽  
Cassie J. Poindexter ◽  
Cornelio Sánchez-Hernández ◽  
María de Lourdes Romero-Almaraz ◽  
Michael L. Kennedy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Woody Plants ◽  
Environmental Variables ◽  
Dead Wood ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Bare Ground ◽  
Open Canopy ◽  
Demographic Features

In Colima, Mexico, we conducted 8-night mark–recapture grid studies of southern pygmy mice ( Baiomys musculus (Merriam, 1892)) in January 2003–2007 in dry deciduous and tropical moist forests. For 40 000 trap-nights, 436 individuals were captured 764 times (comprising 18.6% of small mammals). The male:female ratio was 1:1.37, 82.9% were adults, 51.4% of females were pregnant or lactating, and coastal animals, on average, were heavier than those inland. Females moved farther than males. Baiomys was on 17 of 25 grids (densities 1.82–106.24 individuals/ha). Moon illumination did not affect capture or recapture probabilities, but trap-night did (overall, probability increased 1.66%/night). Grids with Baiomys had less bare ground and a more open canopy. Capture sites had more grass, less dead wood and bare ground, a more open and lower canopy, and greater distance to trees. Logistic regression indicated coastal capture sites had more forbs, grasses, and woody plants, and thicker vegetation at 1 m height with trees being relatively distant. Variables differed somewhat for northern sites, and the equation for all grids included 10 of 14 environmental variables. Baiomys frequented edge of an unimproved road traversing one grid. Baiomys musculus, widespread in Colima, exhibited preference for habitats with relatively dense ground cover and at least a partially open canopy.

Mistletoes increasing in eucalypt forest near Eden, New South Wales

2016 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Turner ◽  
Peter Smith
Keyword(s):  
High Frequency ◽  
New South ◽  
Natural Cycle ◽  
Prescribed Burns ◽  
Low Intensity ◽  
Eucalypt Forest ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Boom And Bust

Mistletoe proliferation has contributed to eucalypt decline in rural lands in south-eastern Australia, but has seldom been recorded within forests. We report here on mistletoes increasing deep inside extensive eucalypt forest near Eden. Mistletoes (chiefly Amyema pendula (Sieber ex Spreng.) Tiegh., some Muellerina eucalyptoides (DC.) Barlow) were counted in 180 plots in various logging and burning treatments within a long-term experimental area. In 141.4 ha, there were 516 mistletoes in 1990–1991, and 1478 mistletoes in 2004–2006. The number of trees with mistletoes increased (doubling in logged coupes and almost tripling in unlogged coupes), and the number of mistletoes per tree increased (by ~30%). However, mistletoe prevalence remained low in 2004–2006 (2.7% of trees in logged coupes and 3.7% in unlogged coupes). Intensive logging limited the increase in mistletoe-bearing trees, probably because there were fewer trees available in logged coupes, but had no significant effect on the increase in mistletoes per tree. Low-intensity prescribed burns had no significant effect on mistletoe numbers, even with a high frequency of burning, probably because of their low scorch heights. We suggest that the observed increase in mistletoes in this forest, rather than indicating an ecological imbalance, is part of a natural cycle of boom and bust, with populations crashing in severe wildfires.

Establishing surface-sown pastures in a Poa labillardieri-Themeda australis association

1986 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 331 ◽  
Author(s):  
MH Campbell ◽  
MJ Keys ◽  
RD Murison ◽  
JJ Dellow
Keyword(s):  
Festuca Arundinacea ◽  
New South ◽  
New South Wales ◽  
Ground Cover ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Phalaris Aquatica ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Before And After

The effects of time and rate of application of glyphosate, 2,2-DPA and tetrapion on Poa labillardieri and Themeda australis were measured in seven experiments carried out 55 km south of Braidwood, on the southern tablelands of New South Wales between 1980 and 1982. In an eighth experiment (1981) and in a 35-ha demonstration (1983), at the same site, the effects of applying herbicides (before and after the autumn break) and surface-sowing Phalaris aquatica, Festuca arundinacea and Trifiolium repens with fertiliser on the control of P. labillardieri were ascertained. All three herbicides proved effective in reducing the ground cover of P. labillardieri from applications at any time of the year. For T. australis, tetrapion proved effective when applied at any time of the year, while glyphosate and 2,2-DPA were effective in all seasons except winter. Glyphosate at rates between 0.72 and 1.44 kg/ha a.i. was more cost effective than 2,2-DPA (11.1 kg/ha a.i.) and tetrapion (3.75 kg/ha a.i.). Best establishment and development of sown grasses and legumes was attained by applying herbicides after the autumn break but before heavy frosts, and then surface-sowing 1-3 months later. Control of P. labillardieri was best where P. aquatica and F. arundinacea established most densely.

Foraging ecology of the horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus megaphyllus (Rhinolophidae), in eastern Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 403 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris R. Pavey ◽  
Chris J. Burwell
Keyword(s):  
Prey Capture ◽  
Foraging Ecology ◽  
Light Trap ◽  
Foraging Strategy ◽  
Flying Insects ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Horseshoe Bat ◽  
Conservation Concern

The foraging ecology of the eastern horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus megaphyllus, was examined at five sites spread along 2100 km of its Australian distribution in coastal Queensland. Foraging strategy and prey-capture behaviour of light-tagged bats were similar across sites. Bats were observed foraging during continuous flight at all sites, whereas perch hunting was observed (rarely) at only one site. Bats captured insects by aerial hawking, with a single record of gleaning. In rainforest bats spent most time close to vegetation whereas openings were favoured in open forest/woodland. Only flying insects were captured and, although a wide range of taxa was taken, Lepidoptera (all sites) and Coleoptera (all sites except one) were the primary prey. Occurrence in faeces of Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, and other taxa combined, varied across sites and across seasons, but there was no three-way interaction between taxon, site and season. Comparison of insect taxa in faeces with those captured in a light-trap set at foraging grounds indicated that insects were selectively captured by R. megaphyllus. The foraging ecology of R. megaphyllus is similar to that of other horseshoe bats in its relative stability across a large geographic range. Although the species is currently not of conservation concern in Australia, aspects of its foraging ecology suggest that it may become regionally threatened in areas with high levels of vegetation clearance.

Reproduction in sympatric lizards: comparison of two species of Ctenotus (Scincidae) in south-eastern Australia

2004 ◽  
Vol 52 (6) ◽  
pp. 649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Maturity ◽  
New South ◽  
Early Spring ◽  
Reproductive Characteristics ◽  
Sparse Vegetation ◽  
South Wales ◽  
Open Forest ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Testis Volume ◽  
Myall Lakes

The scincid lizards Ctenotus robustus and C. taeniolatus occur sympatrically in regenerating, sand-mined areas in the Port Stephens–Myall Lakes region, coastal New South Wales, Australia. They are absent from the unmined open forest of the area. The reproductive characteristics of these two species were compared. Males reached sexual maturity at a smaller snout–vent length (SVL) than females in C. robustus (72 mm v. 78 mm) and C. taeniolatus (49 mm v. 52 mm). Males were reproductive from August to December and maximum testis volume in both species occurred in early spring; minimum testis volume was recorded in early autumn. Females of both species contained yolking follicles or eggs from October to January (spring–summer). Clutch size in C. robustus (4–9) did not differ significantly from that in C. taeniolatus (2–7) when SVL was accounted for. Both species laid eggs in nests dug 4–5 cm deep in open sandy areas with sparse vegetation, and nesting requirements might explain their absence from open forest. At hatching, C. robustus averaged 35.9 mm SVL and C. taeniolatus averaged 29.9 mm SVL. Hatchlings of both species were at field sites from mid-January to early April. Overall, reproductive characteristics of C. robustus and C. taeniolatus were generally similar.

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