A threatened ecological community: research advances and priorities for Banksia woodlands

Abstract

The rapid expansion of urban areas worldwide is leading to native habitat loss and ecosystem fragmentation and degradation. Although the study of urbanisation’s impact on biodiversity is gaining increasing interest globally, there is still a disconnect between research recommendations and urbanisation strategies. Expansion of the Perth metropolitan area on the Swan Coastal Plain in south-western Australia, one of the world’s thirty-six biodiversity hotspots, continues to affect the Banksia Woodlands (BWs) ecosystem, a federally listed Threatened Ecological Community (TEC). Here, we utilise the framework of a 1989 review of the state of knowledge of BWs ecology and conservation to examine scientific advances made in understanding the composition, processes and functions of BWs and BWs’ species over the last 30 years. We highlight key advances in our understanding of the ecological function and role of mechanisms in BWs that are critical to the management of this ecosystem. The most encouraging change since 1989 is the integration of research between historically disparate ecological disciplines. We outline remaining ecological knowledge gaps and identify key research priorities to improve conservation efforts for this TEC. We promote a holistic consideration of BWs with our review providing a comprehensive document that researchers, planners and managers may reference. To effectively conserve ecosystems threatened by urban expansion, a range of stakeholders must be involved in the development and implementation of best practices to conserve and maintain both biodiversity and human wellbeing.

Experimental seed sowing reveals seedling recruitment vulnerability to unseasonal fire

“…2000, Ritchie et al. 2021). These woodlands experience a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers (December–February) and cool wet winters (June–August; Fig.…”

“…Banksia woodlands of the Swan Coastal Plain are highly biodiverse and occur within the southwestern Australia biodiversity hotspot (Myers et al 2000, Ritchie et al 2021. These woodlands experience a typical Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot dry summers (December-February) and cool wet winters (June-August; Fig.…”

Soil seed bank development of smoke‐responsive plant species in a 23‐year restoration chronosequence and implications for resilience to fire

“…Most SSB species rely on cues from fire, including heat or smoke, to stimulate germination (Bell et al, 1993; Turner et al, 2022; Appendix S1; Table S1.1). Fire regimes in Banksia woodlands are not well documented, but estimates based on the demography of local plant species suggest a fire interval of 8–16 years to ensure the persistence of slow maturing woody taxa (Hobbs & Atkins, 1990; Valentine et al, 2014; Wilson et al, 2014; Ritchie et al, 2021).…”

Nature-Positive Design and Development: A Case Study on Regenerating Black Cockatoo Habitat in Urban Developments in Perth, Australia

“…Figure 4 shows the Interim Biogeographic Regionalisation for Australia (IBRA) designation for the SPC and the extent of former and remnant Banksia Woodland. The Banksia Woodland ecosystem is listed as a Threatened Ecological Community (TEC) by the Australian Government [46]. This TEC represents a critical habitat for the Black Cockatoos, the dashed line shows the extent of Perth's urban development and the high proportion of overlap.…”