The breeding and foraging ecology and abundance of the Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) during a population irruption

Pavey, Chris R.; Nano, Catherine E. M.; Cole, J.R.; McDonald, Peter J.; Nunn, Peter J.; Silcocks, Andrew; Clarke, Rohan H.

doi:10.1071/mu13050

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

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“…This was done by multiplying each species cover abundance score by its fruiting/flowering score and then summing all scores for each plot (refer Pavey et al . ). We then analysed the log e transformed plot data using single‐factor anova with sample season (S1–S4) as a fixed factor.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Spatio‐temporal gradients in food supply help explain the short‐term colonisation dynamics of the critically endangered central rock‐rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

et al. 2019

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Currently, the impact of introduced predators on small mammal population decline is a focal research direction in the Australian desert literature. In all likelihood though, single-factor explanation of population dynamics is inadequate, leaving gaps in our knowledge of the multitude of potential influences on small mammal abundance and occupancy patterns in time and space. Here, we investigated floristic gradients across four potential refuge sites of the central rock-rat, Zyzomys pedunculatus, a granivore rodent (50-120 g) that is endemic to central Australia and is categorised as critically endangered. The study took place in Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park in the MacDonnell Ranges bioregion. Floristic sampling was allocated across the four sites, the locations of which were predetermined by an established monitoring and management programme for the central rock-rat. Our aim was to examine the relationship between environmental gradients and floristic composition across the four sites, and thereby test the extent to which the patterns of food type and food availability can inform central rock-rat spatio-temporal dynamics. We found high site-scale floristic patterning that related foremost to elevation and then to antecedent rainfall and time-since-fire and fire-severity effects. To interpret these results, we applied the principles of refuge theory and we described a gradient from core refuge habitat to intermittent and then marginal habitat within the current central rock-rat stronghold area. Overall, our results implied a strong floristic basis to central rock-rat site occurrence, and they thus compel us to take explicit account of spatial (elevation) and temporal (rainfall-productivity and fire-disturbance) influences on the food axis of potential refuge sites of this critically endangered species.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 97%

Spatio‐temporal gradients in food supply help explain the short‐term colonisation dynamics of the critically endangered central rock‐rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

et al. 2019

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Tracking devices attached with harnesses influence behaviour but not body mass of Princess Parrots Polytelis alexandrae

et al. 2014

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Impacts of a single fire event on large, old trees in a grass-invaded arid river system

Schlesinger

Westerhuis

2021

fire ecol

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Background Large old trees are keystone structures of terrestrial ecosystems that provide unique habitat resources for wildlife. Their widespread decline worldwide has serious implications for biodiversity and ecosystem integrity. In arid regions, large trees are relatively uncommon and often restricted to areas with elevated soil moisture and nutrients. Introduced grasses, now pervasive in many dryland environments, also thrive in such areas and are promoting more frequent and intense fire, potentially threatening the persistence of large trees. Here we report on the impact of a single wildfire on large river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh.) in arid riparian woodland invaded by buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.), a serious invader of desert ecosystems worldwide. In 2018, 266 trees with > 80 cm equivalent trunk diameter were mapped at six sites to provide a ‘pre-fire’ baseline. Within a year, the sites were impacted by a large, unprecedented wildfire that burnt an area of 660 km2 ha in 15 days. Sites were resurveyed in February 2019 to assess the fate of the trees. Reference to fire severity, calculated from remote-sensed imagery, is provided for additional context. Results In total, 67 trees, 27% of all large trees at the sites were destroyed. If trees in unburnt patches are excluded, 54% of trees exposed to the fire were destroyed and the remainder lost on average 79% of their canopy. Conclusions This severe detrimental effect of a single fire, on trees estimated to be centuries old, is indicative of tree-loss occurring across remote arid Australia in habitats where fire is now fuelled predominantly by invasive grasses. Large volumes of novel grass fuels along creeklines in combination with extreme weather events were major factors driving the spread, extent and impacts of the wildfire we report on and are causing a shift from relatively uncommon and predictable, rainfall-dependent large wildfires to large, severe fires that can occur anytime. We predict further decline in the abundance of large trees from similar fires will occur widely throughout arid Australia over the next decade with substantial long-term impacts on multiple species. New strategies are urgently required to manage fire in invaded arid ecosystems to better protect large trees and the critical resources they provide.

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The breeding and foraging ecology and abundance of the Princess Parrot (Polytelis alexandrae) during a population irruption

Cited by 4 publications

References 10 publications

Spatio‐temporal gradients in food supply help explain the short‐term colonisation dynamics of the critically endangered central rock‐rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

Spatio‐temporal gradients in food supply help explain the short‐term colonisation dynamics of the critically endangered central rock‐rat (Zyzomys pedunculatus)

Tracking devices attached with harnesses influence behaviour but not body mass of Princess Parrots Polytelis alexandrae

Impacts of a single fire event on large, old trees in a grass-invaded arid river system

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