Determining the distribution and abundance of a regional koala population in south-east Queensland for conservation management

2004 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 109 ◽  
Author(s):  
David S. Dique ◽  
Harriet J. Preece ◽  
Jim Thompson ◽  
Deidré L. de Villiers
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Confidence Limit ◽  
Conservation Management ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
Remnant Habitat ◽  
Effective Conservation

Koala surveys were used to determine the distribution and abundance of a threatened regional koala population in south-east Queensland to assist with the development of effective conservation management programs. Daytime systematic searches of strip transects were conducted twice yearly from 1996 to 1999 to determine koala density at a number of sites in urban, remnant bushland and bushland strata. Mean density estimates for 27 survey sites ranged from 0.02 to 1.26 koalas ha–1. Koala densities were generally higher in large tracts and remnant patches of eucalypt bushland towards the centre of the region with lower but significant densities in urban areas. Two estimates of population size were obtained: 7230 (±1668, 95% confidence limit) and 6246 (±1444, 95% confidence limit). The estimate of 6246 was considered to provide a better indication of actual population size as it reduced the variation within strata and took into account the distribution of koalas across the region. It is likely that determining habitat areas for conservation based on where koalas actually occur rather than identifying distributions of 'preferred' tree species or community reports, as has been promoted in other studies, is a better indicator of the conservation significance of remnant habitat areas. Future koala-management programs should ensure that the significance of eucalypt bushland areas towards the centre of the study area is not compromised by future urban development and associated threats to koalas.

Estimating western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) density using distance sampling

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 197 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. R. Finlayson ◽  
A. N. Diment ◽  
P. Mitrovski ◽  
G. G. Thompson ◽  
S. A. Thompson
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Population Size ◽  
Western Australia ◽  
Distance Sampling ◽  
Reliable Estimate ◽  
Population Estimates ◽  
Density Estimates ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Ringtail Possum

A reliable estimate of population size is of paramount importance for making management decisions on species of conservation significance that may be impacted during development. The western ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus occidentalis) is regularly encountered during urban development and is the subject of numerous surveys to estimate its abundance. A variety of techniques have been used for this species with mixed results. This paper reports on a case study using distance sampling to estimate density of P. occidentalis in a small habitat remnant near Busselton, Western Australia. Density estimates obtained were within the range of previous studies of this species and we suggest that this technique should be employed in future surveys to improve the accuracy of population estimates for this species before development.

Biscogniauxia (Hypoxylon) Canker or Dieback in Trees

EDIS ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Paez ◽  
Jason A. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Water Stress ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Soil Compaction ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Root Disease ◽  
Poor Health ◽  
Green Spaces ◽  
Opportunistic Pathogens ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Quercus Spp

Biscogniauxia canker or dieback (formerly called Hypoxylon canker or dieback) is a common contributor to poor health and decay in a wide range of tree species (Balbalian & Henn 2014). This disease is caused by several species of fungi in the genus Biscogniauxia (formerly Hypoxylon). B. atropunctata or B. mediterranea are usually the species found on Quercus spp. and other hosts in Florida, affecting trees growing in many different habitats, such as forests, parks, green spaces and urban areas (McBride & Appel, 2009).  Typically, species of Biscogniauxia are opportunistic pathogens that do not affect healthy and vigorous trees; some species are more virulent than others. However, once they infect trees under stress (water stress, root disease, soil compaction, construction damage etc.) they can quickly colonize the host. Once a tree is infected and fruiting structures of the fungus are evident, the tree is not likely to survive especially if the infection is in the tree's trunk (Anderson et al., 1995).

Problems of Development of Small and Medium Russian Towns

2019 ◽  
pp. 24-29
Author(s):  
V V. Kafidov ◽  
V. N. Filippov ◽  
I. P. Filippova
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Physical Space ◽  
Living Environment ◽  
Transport Infrastructure ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Conceptual Approach ◽  
Fundamental Factor ◽  
New Buildings

The presented study addresses the problems of development of small and medium towns in Russia. Aim. The study aims to examine a town as a socio-economic environment where its residents exist and as the fundamental factor for the development of society.Tasks. The authors identify key problems in the development of small and medium Russian towns, which interferes with the historical appearance and has a negative impact on the living environment.Methods. Problems in the development of small and medium towns in Russia are examined using theoretical methods: systematic approach, statistical analysis, social and philosophical analysis.Results. The study identifies the main negative effects of the existing model of development of small and medium Russian towns, such as destruction of their historical and cultural appearance, distortion of the overall architectural motif, increased load on communications, and congestion of the transport infrastructure.Conclusions. At the current stage, efficient development of small and medium towns in Russia is impossible within the framework of the existing infill development. This chaotic process cannot be stopped without a new conceptual approach and changes in the legislative and normative framework of urban development. The only factor that determines the boundaries of the existing approach to urban development is the lack of physical space for new buildings in urban areas. The authors formulate proposals that would help to solve the problems of development of small and medium towns in Russia. 

scholarly journals An Optimized Approach for Extracting Urban Land Based on Log-Transformed DMSP-OLS Nighttime Light, NDVI, and NDWI

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 766
Author(s):  
Yuanmao Zheng ◽  
Qiang Zhou ◽  
Yuanrong He ◽  
Cuiping Wang ◽  
Xiaorong Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ◽  
Development Planning ◽  
Urban Land ◽  
Sustainable Urban Development ◽  
Land Use Patterns ◽  
Water Index ◽  
Nighttime Light

Quantitative and accurate urban land information on regional and global scales is urgently required for studying socioeconomic and eco-environmental problems. The spatial distribution of urban land is a significant part of urban development planning, which is vital for optimizing land use patterns and promoting sustainable urban development. Composite nighttime light (NTL) data from the Defense Meteorological Program Operational Line-Scan System (DMSP-OLS) have been proven to be effective for extracting urban land. However, the saturation and blooming within the DMSP-OLS NTL hinder its capacity to provide accurate urban information. This paper proposes an optimized approach that combines NTL with multiple index data to overcome the limitations of extracting urban land based only on NTL data. We combined three sources of data, the DMSP-OLS, the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and the normalized difference water index (NDWI), to establish a novel approach called the vegetation–water-adjusted NTL urban index (VWANUI), which is used to rapidly extract urban land areas on regional and global scales. The results show that the proposed approach reduces the saturation of DMSP-OLS and essentially eliminates blooming effects. Next, we developed regression models based on the normalized DMSP-OLS, the human settlement index (HSI), the vegetation-adjusted NTL urban index (VANUI), and the VWANUI to analyze and estimate urban land areas. The results show that the VWANUI regression model provides the highest performance of all the models tested. To summarize, the VWANUI reduces saturation and blooming, and improves the accuracy with which urban areas are extracted, thereby providing valuable support and decision-making references for designing sustainable urban development.

scholarly journals Cost-efficient factors in local public spending: Detecting relationships between local environments, population size and urban area category

2021 ◽  
pp. 239980832110038
Author(s):  
Hiroki Baba ◽  
Yasushi Asami
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Urban Area ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Population Decline ◽  
Public Spending ◽  
Local Environment ◽  
Environment Factors ◽  
Major Factors

This study examines regional differences in local environment factors to better understand the sustainability of local governments indexed by per capita public spending. Under the condition of heterogeneous population size, we examine how factor characteristics differ depending on the spatial context represented by the urban area category. By employing a Cobb–Douglas cost function with congestion effects on public service provision, the estimated factors enable us to articulate major factors and differences in cost-efficiency between urban area categories. We found that statistical significance and even the signatures of local environment factors differ depending on the urban employment area category. Regarding factors such as the ratios of employees in secondary and tertiary industries, these did not tend to be statistically significant in small-sized urban areas, while small-sized cities in large-sized urban areas were likely to gain confidence intervals. Moreover, we did not observe any statistical significance for the ratio of elderly people due to the balance of spending between national and local governments. These findings could contribute to sustainable management of cities in the advent of population decline.

scholarly journals Photosynthesis and Related Physiological Parameters Differences Affected the Isoprene Emission Rate among 10 Typical Tree Species in Subtropical Metropolises

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 954
Author(s):  
Junyao Lyu ◽  
Feng Xiong ◽  
Ningxiao Sun ◽  
Yiheng Li ◽  
Chunjiang Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Photosynthetic Rate ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Emission Rate ◽  
Intercellular Co2 Concentration ◽  
Co2 Concentration ◽  
Single Species ◽  
Photosynthetic Parameters ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Isoprene Emission

Volatile organic compound (VOCs) emission is an important cause of photochemical smog and particulate pollution in urban areas, and urban vegetation has been presented as an important source. Different tree species have different emission levels, so adjusting greening species collocation is an effective way to control biogenic VOC pollution. However, there is a lack of measurements of tree species emission in subtropical metropolises, and the factors influencing the species-specific differences need to be further clarified. This study applied an in situ method to investigate the isoprene emission rates of 10 typical tree species in subtropical metropolises. Photosynthesis and related parameters including photosynthetic rate, intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, which can influence the emission rate of a single species, were also measured. Results showed Salix babylonica always exhibited a high emission level, whereas Elaeocarpus decipiens and Ligustrum lucidum maintained a low level throughout the year. Differences in photosynthetic rate and stomatal CO2 conductance are the key parameters related to isoprene emission among different plants. Through the establishment of emission inventory and determination of key photosynthetic parameters, the results provide a reference for the selection of urban greening species, as well as seasonal pollution control, and help to alleviate VOC pollution caused by urban forests.

scholarly journals Real time controlled sustainable urban drainage systems in dense urban areas

2019 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 238-247 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nils Kändler ◽  
Ivar Annus ◽  
Anatoli Vassiljev ◽  
Raido Puust
Keyword(s):  
Urban Development ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Best Management Practices ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Low Impact Development ◽  
Economic Feasibility ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Real Time Control ◽  
Urban Catchments

Abstract Stormwater runoff from urban catchments is affected by the changing climate and rapid urban development. Intensity of rainstorms is expected to increase in Northern Europe, and sealing off surfaces reduces natural stormwater management. Both trends increase stormwater peak runoff volume that urban stormwater systems (UDS) have to tackle. Pipeline systems have typically limited capacity, therefore measures must be foreseen to reduce runoff from new developed areas to existing UDS in order to avoid surcharge. There are several solutions available to tackle this challenge, e.g. low impact development (LID), best management practices (BMP) or stormwater real time control measures (RTC). In our study, a new concept of a smart in-line storage system is developed and evaluated on the background of traditional in-line and off-line detention solutions. The system is operated by real time controlled actuators with an ability to predict rainfall dynamics. This solution does not need an advanced and expensive centralised control system; it is easy to implement and install. The concept has been successfully tested in a 12.5 ha urban development area in Tallinn, the Estonian capital. Our analysis results show a significant potential and economic feasibility in the reduction of peak flow from dense urban areas with limited free construction space.

scholarly journals HEALTHY LIFESTYLE OF URBAN RESIDENTS. CASE STUDY: SRI PAHANG PUBLIC HOUSING, BANGSAR, KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Oliver Ling Hoon Leh ◽  
Nur Hidayah Shaharom ◽  
Marlyana Azyyati Marzukhi ◽  
Sharifah Zannierah Syed Marzuki
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Urban Development ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Public Housing ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
The Relationship

The natural ecosystems are increasingly being replaced by urban built-up area due to fast urbanisation. The urban development pressure brought urban areas to the uncontrolled built environment which, in turn, significantly compromises the quality of public spaces and facilities. Furthermore, the urban environment discourages active living. Thus, research on the relationship between urbanisation and physical health is rapidly coming to the force. Urbanisation can have detrimental effects, particularly on physical health, which further attributed to unsustainable urban development. A study was carried out at Sri Pahang Public Housing (Flat), Kuala Lumpur with the aim to investigate the healthy lifestyle among residents and the relationship with the public facilities available at study area for the physical activity. Data was obtained through questionnaire survey. The relationship between healthy lifestyle particularly the level of physical activity and the facilities in the study area was analysed using correlation test. It was found that most of the respondents were physically inactive and their healthy lifestyle can be related to the planning aspects of facilities in the study area.

scholarly journals Erratum to “Potential tree species for use in urban areas in temperate and oceanic climates”

Heliyon ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
pp. e00185
Author(s):  
Miklas Scholz ◽  
Vincent C. Uzomah ◽  
Furat A.M. Al-Faraj
Keyword(s):  
Tree Species ◽  
Urban Areas
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