Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 1.2.
The critical need for management objectives for woodland
remnants
The array of entities that comprise biodiversity (see Box 1.1) clearly make it a very
complex concept and, in turn, something very difficult for most people (including
many conservation scientists) to comprehend fully. A recurring theme in the
remainder of this topic is that there can be a range of factors that can threaten
biodiversity. Different kinds of management interventions will be needed to reduce
the impacts of these different threatening processes. These management interven-
tions can include the use of fire, controlling grazing, increasing natural regenera-
tion of trees, reducing the occurrence of exotic species, and reducing levels of
nutrients in the soil. It is impossible, however, to manage appropriately for every-
thing on every hectare of a farm. In addition, a particular management action, for
example, establishing a narrow strip planting, might benefit some species but dis-
advantage others.
4
It is therefore important to have an explicit set of goals for any
intended management action. What is the objective? That is, what do you want to
achieve through a given management activity? Why is that goal important? Is it
aimed at conserving a particular species or set of species or is it aimed at restoring
a particular key ecological process, such as rectifying problems with rising water
tables? What are the priorities, that is, what needs to be done first, second, etc?
What is the sequence of steps needed to achieve my objectives? What measures
should I use to assess the success of my actions? How often will I measure my
progress? What will I do if my objectives are not being met? These questions might
sound trivial, but it is surprising how often some kind of management action is
instigated without consideration of priorities or what is hoped to be achieved by
managing a particular area or patch of bush.
extensive clearing has removed native woodland and grassland.
13
Indeed, in 2008,
the global carbon market was estimated to be worth $A64 billion annually.
14
A
reasonable price of carbon could make it possible to revegetate parts of a farm in
ways that will be financially attractive for many landholders. As we show in
Chapter 3, well planned and well managed revegetation programs can also produce
significant conservation benefits for many species, including a number of declining
or threatened ones.
15, 16
Heritage reasons
Australia's biodiversity is by far the most distinctive resource that makes this
nation different from every other country and continent on this planet. Native
wildlife are used as emblems to characterise quintessentially Australian icons
ranging from football teams to airlines. In addition, Australia's temperate
woodlands are environments that are deeply embedded in the nation's history,
