scholarly journals Widespread short‐term persistence of frog species after the 2019–2020 bushfires in eastern Australia revealed by citizen science

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jodi J. L. Rowley ◽  
Corey T. Callaghan ◽  
William K. Cornwell
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Frog Species

scholarly journals Rain on Our Parade: La Niña and the Impact of Climate Change on ‘Sunny’ Sydney

2013 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 141-153
Author(s):  
Julia Miller
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
La Niña ◽  
Short Term ◽  
La Nina ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Weather And Climate ◽  
Cultural Interface ◽  
Established Norm ◽  
Natural Climate ◽  
The Impact

In 1963 Sydneysiders, having suffered four dismal summers in a row and wetter than usual weather during the 1950s, looked back to those lazy, hazy days of the summers of a distant past where the sky arched blue over the gleaming golden sand of the quintessential Australian beach. City dwellers in the dying months of 1963, worried by persistent rain and cool temperatures, concluded that soggy weather had become the established norm. More recent experiences of wet summers in Sydney have blamed this on La Niña—a short-term climate driver that brought heavy rains and flooding to many districts of eastern Australia. This article examines the impact of natural climate cycles on attitudes to weather in Sydney. It shows how an investigation of the cultural interface of weather and climate can illuminate attitudes that impact on our ability to plan for climate change into the future.

Temperature and Light Effects on the Germination of Seven Native Forbs.

1991 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 219 ◽  
Author(s):  
AJ Willis ◽  
RH Groves
Keyword(s):  
Gibberellic Acid ◽  
Room Temperature ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Short Term ◽  
C Storage ◽  
Seasonal Factors ◽  
Natural Grasslands ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Initial Basis ◽  
Light Effects

Seeds of seven native herbaceous species common in natural grasslands and woodlands of south-eastern Australia were tested for germination over a range of alternating temperatures (15/5-35/25°C) with and without light. Seeds were also exposed to low (4°C) and high (50/40°C) temperatures and the addition of gibberellic acid. Tests were conducted on seeds stored for 0-15 months at room temperature. The optimum temperature for germination differed among species, with only Helipterum albicans germinating maximally over all temperatures. Germination of Bulbine bulbosa seed was the most strongly temperature-dependent. Light and cold treatments promoted germination in Helipterum albicans and Vittadinia muelleri only. Short-term dormancy (3-4 months) was shown to occur in fresh seeds of Stylidium graminifolium, Helichrysum apiculatum and Wahlenbergia stricta, but not in seeds of the other species; addition of gibberellic acid to seeds of the two last-named species did not overcome that dormancy. Seeds of all species remained germinable after 15 months of storage. Seeds of most species germinated maximally at 20/10°C. Storage at high alternating temperatures for 1 month inhibited subsequent germination at 30/20° in Leptorhynchos squamatus and S. graminifolium but increased it in V. muelleri, H. albicans and H. apiculatum. In the last species, exposure of 1-month-old seeds to high temperature broke dormancy. These results show that germination and dormancy of seeds of a range of native forbs vary with temperature and light regime; they provide an initial basis on which to test and interpret the effects of seasonal factors on germination and field establishment.

scholarly journals Entomological citizen science in Canada

2017 ◽  
Vol 149 (6) ◽  
pp. 774-785 ◽  
Author(s):  
John H. Acorn
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Natural World ◽  
Voluntary Participation ◽  
Scientific Process ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Geographic Ranges ◽  
Science Projects ◽  
Online Databases ◽  
Gathering Data

AbstractCitizen science involves voluntary participation in the scientific process, typically by gathering data in order to monitor some aspect of the natural world. Entomological citizen science, as an extension of traditional amateur entomology, is an active field in Canada, with online databases such as eButterfly and BugGuide attracting both contributors and database users. As well, traditional amateur entomology continues to be important in Canada, as do short-term insect-themed educational events, the involvement of amateurs in entomological societies, and online crowdsourcing initiatives. Success of citizen science projects can be measured in many ways. In terms of published papers that analyse trends in citizen science data, Canadian projects have only begun to deliver. More valuable are particular records that improve our knowledge of geographic ranges and phenology. In terms of the endurance of particular projects, and the willingness of volunteers to participate, citizen science entomology in Canada is clearly a success. However, quality control of citizen science data remains an issue for some projects. As well, challenges remain with respect to balancing the goals of researchers, participants, and supporting institutions.

Short-Term Population Dynamics of Three Frog Species in the Northern Andes, Colombia

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 200-206 ◽  
Author(s):  
Claudia Molina-Zuluaga ◽  
Adriana Restrepo ◽  
Sandra V. Flechas ◽  
Juan M. Daza
Keyword(s):  
Population Dynamics ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Northern Andes ◽  
Frog Species

Influence of reduced irrigation on beneficial invertebrates in vineyards

2006 ◽  
Vol 46 (10) ◽  
pp. 1389 ◽  
Author(s):  
L. J. Thomson
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Agricultural Production ◽  
Ground Level ◽  
Generalist Predator ◽  
Pitfall Traps ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Partial Rootzone Drying ◽  
Soil Macroinvertebrates ◽  
The Impact

An important aspect of increasing the sustainability of agricultural production in dry continents such as Australia is decreasing water use. In this study full irrigation is compared with partial rootzone drying, a method that uses targeted controlled watering to reduce water use while maintaining production in vineyards. The impact of the 2 irrigation methods on invertebrates with potential to influence productivity (pests, predators, parasitoids and soil macroinvertebrates) in a vineyard in south-eastern Australia is also investigated. Invertebrates were sampled at ground level and in the canopy using 3 methods: pitfall traps and 2 types of sticky trap. Earthworms were sampled by hand sorting soil. Initial sorting of the collections was to the order level. The implementation of partial rootzone drying throughout the growing season (December–March) over 2 consecutive years had little effect on the invertebrate orders analysed. Only 2 generalist predator orders (Araneae and Coleoptera) and earthworms (Haplotaxida) were significantly affected under conditions of water stress. These data suggest that reduction of irrigation of the magnitude required for partial rootzone drying has limited consequences for natural enemies of vineyard pests and soil macroinvertebrates in the short term.

Collaborative approaches to accessing and utilising historical citizen science data: a case-study with spearfishers from eastern Australia

2015 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel C. Gledhill ◽  
Alistair J. Hobday ◽  
David J. Welch ◽  
Stephen G. Sutton ◽  
Matthew J. Lansdell ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Change ◽  
Citizen Science ◽  
Marine Species ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Science Data ◽  
Coastal Fish ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Fit For Purpose ◽  
The 1960S

Scientists are increasingly utilising non-traditional data to assist with defining biological baselines and for monitoring environmental change. These data present challenges not encountered with traditional, fit-for-purpose scientific data, including engaging with data owners, building trust and maintaining relationships, analysing and interpreting data collected under varying methodologies, and the possibility that data may not suit an intended purpose. Here we describe engagement activities undertaken with recreational spearfishers to collate and examine spearfishing club data collected from competitions held throughout south-eastern Australia from the 1960s until the present, representing one of the most extensive citizen science datasets for marine species in the region. The data proved suitable for demonstrating change in coastal fish communities, some of which were consistent with expectations given a warming climate over the period considered. With an attitudinal survey of divers we also asked about their experience of environmental change, and interaction with management over recent decades. Mutually beneficial outcomes include: collating and archiving significant data that may otherwise have been lost; improved understanding of spearfisher concerns and experiences; improved engagement between collaborators; and recognition of spearfishers’ desire for better engagement in science and management. Lessons learnt may be broadly applicable to improving collaboration between recreational fishers, citizen science groups, researchers and managers.

scholarly journals Comparative productivity of irrigated short-term ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) pasture receiving nitrogen, grown alone or in a mixture with white (Trifolium repens) and Persian (T. resupinatum) clovers

2005 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. F. Lowe ◽  
W. J. Fulkerson ◽  
R. G. Walker ◽  
J. D. Armour ◽  
T. M. Bowdler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trifolium Repens ◽  
Production Systems ◽  
Lolium Multiflorum ◽  
Nitrogen Concentration ◽  
Effective Rate ◽  
Minimal Risk ◽  
Soil N ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate ◽  
Eastern Australia

Dairy farms in subtropical Australia use irrigated, annually sown short-term ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) or mixtures of short-term ryegrass and white (Trifolium repens) and Persian (shaftal) (T. resupinatum) clover during the winter–spring period in all-year-round milk production systems. A series of small plot cutting experiments was conducted in 3 dairying regions (tropical upland, north Queensland, and subtropical southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales) to determine the most effective rate and frequency of application of nitrogen (N) fertiliser. The experiments were not grazed, nor was harvested material returned to the plots, after sampling. Rates up to 100 kg N/ha.month (as urea or calcium ammonium nitrate) and up to 200 kg N/ha every 2 months (as urea) were applied to pure stands of ryegrass in 1991. In 1993 and 1994, urea, at rates up to 150 kg N/ha.month and to 200 kg N/ha every 2 months, was applied to pure stands of ryegrass; urea, at rates up to 50 kg N/ha.month, was also applied to ryegrass–clover mixtures. The results indicate that applications of 50–85 kg N/ha.month can be recommended for short-term ryegrass pastures throughout the subtropics and tropical uplands of eastern Australia, irrespective of soil type. At this rate, dry matter yields will reach about 90% of their potential, forage nitrogen concentration will be increased, there is minimal risk to stock from nitrate poisoning and there will be no substantial increase in soil N. The rate of N for ryegrass–clover pastures is slightly higher than for pure ryegrass but, at these rates, the clover component will be suppressed. However, increased ryegrass yields and higher forage nitrogen concentrations will compensate for the reduced clover component. At application rates up to 100 kg N/ha.month, build-up of NO3–-N and NH4+-N in soil was generally restricted to the surface layers (0–20 cm) of the soil, but there was a substantial increase throughout the soil profile at 150 kg N/ha.month. The build-up of NO3–-N and NH4+-N was greater and was found at lower rates on the lighter soil compared with heavy clays. Generally, most of the soil N was in the NO3–-N form and most was in the top 20 cm.

scholarly journals Rapidly mapping fire effects on biodiversity at a large-scale using citizen science

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Casey Kirchhoff ◽  
Corey Thomas Callaghan ◽  
David A. Keith ◽  
Dony Indiarto ◽  
Guy Taseski ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Citizen Science ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Fire Severity ◽  
Fire Effects ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Disturbed Areas ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Large Scale Disturbance ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Citizen Science Project

The unprecedented scale of the 2019-2020 eastern Australian bushfires exemplifies the challenges that scientists and conservation biologists face monitoring the effects of biodiversity in the aftermath of large-scale environmental disturbances. After a large-scale disturbance there are conservation policy and management actions that need to be both timely and informed by data. By working with the public, often widely spread out over such disturbed areas, citizen science offers a unique opportunity to collect data on biodiversity responses at the appropriate scale. We detail a citizen science project, hosted through iNaturalist, launched shortly after the 2019-2020 bushfire season in eastern Australia. It rapidly (1) provided accurate data on fire severity, relevant to future recovery; and (2) delivered data on a wide range (mosses to mammals) of biodiversity responses at a scale that matched the geographic extent of these fires.

scholarly journals Design droughts as planning tool for ecosystem establishment in post-mining landscapes

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 4809-4849 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Halwatura ◽  
A. M. Lechner ◽  
S. Arnold
Keyword(s):  
Time Scales ◽  
Standardized Precipitation Index ◽  
Distribution Functions ◽  
Drought Indices ◽  
Minor Role ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Eastern Australia ◽  
Recurrence Intervals ◽  
Different Time Scales

Abstract. Eastern Australia has considerable mineral and energy resources and areas of high biodiversity value co-occurring over a broad range of agro-climatic environments. Water is the primary abiotic stressor for (agro)ecosystems in many parts of Eastern Australia. In the context of mined land rehabilitation quantifying the severity-duration-frequency (SDF) of droughts is crucial for successful ecosystem rehabilitation to overcome challenges of early vegetation establishment and long-term ecosystem resilience. The objective of this study was to quantify the SDF of short-term and long-term drought events of 11 selected locations across a broad range of agro-climatic environments in Eastern Australia by using three drought indices at different time scales: the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), the Reconnaissance Drought Index (RDI), and the Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI). Based on the indices we derived bivariate distribution functions of drought severity and duration, and estimated the recurrence intervals of drought events at different time scales. The correlation between the simple SPI and the more complex SPEI or RDI was stronger for the tropical and temperate locations than for the arid locations, indicating that SPEI or RDI can be replaced by SPI if evaporation plays a minor role for plant available water. Both short-term and long-term droughts were most severe and prolonged, and occurred most frequently in arid regions, but were relatively rare in tropical and temperate regions. Our approach is similar to intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) analyses of rainfall crucial to design infrastructure. In this regard, we propose to apply SDF analyses of droughts to design ecosystem components in post-mining landscapes. Together with design rainfalls, design droughts should be used to assess rehabilitation strategies and ecological management based on drought recurrence intervals, thereby minimising the risk of failure of initial ecosystem establishment due to ignorance of fundamental abiotic and site-specific environmental barriers.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document