This study assesses human impact on the landscape around Cobrico, a volcanic crater lake in dairying country in south‐western Victoria. It compares the last 150 years of impact of European settlement against approximately the previous 1500 years of prehistoric occupation and land use. Focus is on vegetation dynamics, erosion, productivity changes and the fire regime. Since European settlement there has been woodland clearance and recovery, the introduction of many plant and animal species and a significant increase in the intensity in the fire regime. While many direct linkages are apparent between environmental variables some operate over significant time lags. Fire has played a major role in vegetation dynamics and has favoured open ground taxa at the expense of Eucalyptus and Melaleuca. While major fires do not always lead to erosion in the catchment it is clear that some changes in the chemistry of erosion products have resulted, with potassium and iron showing increases in the historic period.

Objectives The objective of this study was to evaluate the long-term quality of life in cats following perineal urethrostomy. Methods This study comprised a retrospective case series of 74 cats with urinary obstructions that received perineal urethrostomies at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Hospital between September 2015 and July 2017. Medical records were reviewed for information on the number of obstructions prior to surgery, urinary tract problems at the time of surgery and other potential factors influencing long-term welfare. Owners were surveyed by telephone and text 5–29 months after their cat’s surgery. Responses were compiled and analyzed to determine owner perception of welfare postsurgery, and to identify patterns in medical history and welfare outcomes. Results In total, 105 cat owners were eligible for the survey; 74 responded. Altogether, 100% of responding individuals reported at least the same quality of life postsurgery compared with the cat’s quality of life before demonstrating urinary problems (48% reported better). On a quality-of-life scale of 1–10 (10 = excellent), 100% of responding cat owners reported at least 7; 75% reported 10. Conclusions and relevance Quality-of-life outcomes for cats 5–29 months after receiving perineal urethrostomy surgery were reported to be very good. Given this finding, and that perineal urethrostomy surgery should mitigate future blockages, we suggest considering perineal urethrostomy surgery as a standard tool to manage urinary obstructions in cats. The needs of the specific client and patient, including risks, costs and welfare of the cats, should drive the options for management of urinary obstructions in male cats.

These results provide a baseline indication of community willingness to address medical or behavioral conditions in dogs and cats. These considerations can be used in conjunction with Asilomar Accords recommendations to assess adoptability of cats and dogs in animal shelters.

descriptions of two new species. Telopea 7(2): 111-118. Five species of Vallisneria are recognised from Australia, namely the cauline-leafed species V. caulescens and V. triptera and the non-cauline or tufted species V. americana (var. americana), V. nana and V. annua. Two of these, Vallisneria triptera and Vallisneria annua, are described here as new species from northern Australia, and an earlier name, Vallisneria nana R. Br., reinstated for a common Australian species. V. gracilis Bailey is recognised as a taxonomic synonym of V. nana, although many of the specimens previously identified as V. gracilis are now included in V. annua. Notes on all species and a key are given. The problems of comparing taxa growing in different countries and of applying correct names are discussed.