Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Figure 2.8: The Ragged Snake-eyed Skink is a species associated with woodland remnants where regrowth
trees are a prominent part of the understorey. (Photo by Damian Michael)
Common Ringtail Possum is more likely to occur in woodland remnants
dominated by White Box than other woodland tree species. 7
The responses to the overstorey attributes by the particular species listed in
Table 2.3 make good ecological sense. For example, mistletoe plays a range of roles
for many animals, 28 ranging from providing places to shelter and nest to providing
places to forage. Conversely, the amount of dieback in overstorey trees has a
negative effect on a range of species. Three of the example bird species listed in
Table 2.3 respond negatively to increasing amounts of dieback, possibly because
such overstorey trees in poor condition do not provide suitable food resources for
them. This also may explain why the Squirrel Glider does not like to feed or den in
overstorey trees with high levels of dieback. 25
Table 2.3.
Species for which different components of overstorey layer have been shown to be important.
Attribute
Example of responding species
The depth of the canopy
Superb Parrot, Squirrel Glider 4, 29
The amount of mistletoe
Restless Flycatcher, White-browed Babbler, Brown Treecreeper,
Crested Shrike-tit, Black-chinned Honeyeater, Dusky Woodswallow 4
Amount of dieback
Restless Flycatcher, Eastern Yellow Robin, Black-chinned Honeyeater,
Dusky Woodswallow, Squirrel Glider 4, 25, 29
Presence and size of
large trees
Squirrel Glider, diversity of beetles 10, 29
Presence of hollow-
bearing trees
Squirrel Glider, Superb Parrot, Eastern Rosella, Crimson Rosella 5, 29, 30
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