Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
critical importance of these environments for aquatic animals like fish and
invertebrates, but we do not discuss them in detail in this chapter.
Why are waterways so important for farm biodiversity?
Water is essential for all life in temperate woodlands. Access to good quality
water is also essential for livestock grazing. Many studies have demonstrated the
ways in which waterways are vital for wildlife. A short list of some of these is set
out below:
Bird diversity is often higher around streams and gullies than elsewhere in the
landscape
2, 3
including in plantings established in these areas (see Chapter 3).
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The bird assemblages found around streamlines and riparian vegetation are
different from those in the rest of the landscape.
3, 4
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Some species of terrestrial birds are more likely to occur in remnants located
close to waterways and farm dams.
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Exposed earth banks around waterways provide important breeding areas for
birds such as the Rainbow Bee-eater, Welcome Swallow, Fairy Martin and
Spotted Pardalote.
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Population densities of native mammals like the Squirrel Glider and the Bush
Rat are greatest in riparian areas.
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Mammals such as the Common Ringtail Possum have more young in gullies.
5
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Riparian areas appear to act as dispersal routes for native mammals such as the
Bush Rat.
6
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Animals like Myotis bats forage directly above and at
the water surface.
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The wet parts of a farm -
rivers, creeks, wetlands
and farm dams often
support more plants and
animals and different kinds
of plants and animals than
other parts of a farm
The size and density of trees and shrubs and the
number of layers of vegetation is often greatest
around waterways - because of the additional
moisture and nutrients that characterise these areas.
Waterways also support a specialised flora, with
many plant species being largely confined to them.
●
Attributes of well-managed streams and natural drainage lines
Well-managed streams and natural drainage lines can be particularly valuable for
wildlife if they have two key characteristics. These are briefly outlined below.
Well-developed areas of riparian vegetation
A good waterway has vegetation on its banks (i.e. not extensive areas of bare
banks). This includes vegetation that extends from drier areas into the water,
