Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Box 2.8.
Transforming a small remnant into a larger remnant
Given that larger woodland remnants can be better for biodiversity than smaller
ones, a key question is: Is there a way to turn smaller remnants into larger ones? One
simple way to do this is to establish a fenced area that is larger than the remnant the
fence encloses (Figure 2.11 left). Another is to create a single fence that encompasses
not only two or more remnants but also the cleared or semi-cleared areas between
them (Figure 2.11 right). In this way, trees can regenerate in initially cleared areas
and perhaps eventually link previously separated remnants.
Enhancement planting around the edge of an existing remnant or between two
existing remnants also can help expand the size of an area of remnant vegetation.
We discuss the importance of plantings in the next chapter - What makes a good
planting?
Small patches are also critical for conservation because they are typically under
greater threat of decline and loss than larger patches. For example, the
conservation of large patches across the wheat-sheep belt would not address
the tree regeneration crisis in this landscape because it is the smaller remnants that
are typically not regenerating and therefore under greater threat of being
lost without intervention (see Box 2.7). Similarly, weed problems, dieback and
clearing tend to be greater in smaller remnants than they are in larger remnants.
Fence
Remnant
Zone of
natural regeneration
Figure 2.11:
Fencing around patches of remnant woodland as well as the cleared areas that surround them
to make an existing woodland remnant larger. (Drawing by Clive Hilliker)
