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The primary objectives of a flora and fauna survey will differ depending
on their location. For example, biodiversity surveys in southern
Australia primarily deal with fragmented landscapes and the objectives
of these surveys focus on what remains in these fragments. By contrast,
in northern Australia the amount of land clearing is much less and
surveys are of relatively intact ecosystems. These differences have
important implications for why a biological survey is needed.
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Please read:
Reading 2
Smith, A.P. (1997). Ecosystem management in Australia. In:
Copeland C. & Lewis, D. (eds.) Saving Our Natural Heritage:
The Role of Science in Managing Australia's Ecosystems.
pages 12-23. Halstead Press, Sydney.
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Smith (1997) describes examples of research studies that incorporated
flora and fauna survey techniques. The outcomes of these have formed
the basis of important environmental management actions. This article
provides a good overview of issues to be aware of in planning, implementing
and analysing survey data.
Text book
In order to introduce yourself to flora and fauna survey issues,
please read the first chapter of your textbook "Why Census?".
What are the main reasons for undertaking surveys?
Compare your ideas with ours.
You are now ready to begin the next activity. Refer again to the
examples provided under "What is Flora
and Fauna Survey" and complete the following table for
each example. You will be required to forward your response to your
lecturer so that we can check that you are on the right track.
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2.0
Record your findings in this table which you will find
in your ejournal.
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Flora and fauna survey categories
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Organisations
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Objectives of Study
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For more information:
Weblinks
The links below are organisations that rely on flora and
fauna surveys to manage and conserve Australia's natural environment.
1. http://www.rfa.gov.au/
Regional forest agreement for sustainable use of forest resources
in southern and eastern Autralia.
2. http://nccnsw.org.au/
Nature Conservation Council of New South Wales projects focussing
on urban bushland.
3. http://www.ahc.gov.au/
This is the site of the Australian Heritage Commission, which
is the Government organisation responsible for listing areas
for National Estate protection.
4. http://www.anbg.gov.au
/abrs/index.html
The Australian Biological Resources Study home page. The group
aims to provide the underlying taxonomic knowledge necessary
for the conservation and sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity.
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Additional reading
Woinarski, J.C.Z, Connors, G. & Oliver, B. (1996). The reservation
status of plant species and vegetation types in the Northern
Territory. Australian Journal of Botany 44:673-689.
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