Hollow-Bearing Trees as a Habitat Resource along an Urbanisation Gradient

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation due to rapid urbanisation is occurring globally and results in small and often isolated patches of remnant bushland. These small, forest remnants contribute to the conservation of biodiversity within urban areas, as they can, and often do, contain suitable habitat structures. Habitat structures such as hollow-bearing trees are recognised as important features of forests globally. Therefore, the abundance of hollow-bearing trees within a landscape may be a controlling factor for many biota where no other habitat resources provide a feasible substitute. Therein, this thesis investigates five aspects in relation to the ecology of hollow-bearing trees as a habitat resource within a rapidly urbanising landscape. In the first instance a review of the literature was undertaken. This presents a summary of the importance of hollow-bearing trees globally, and identifies threats associated with their conservation. Focus is centred on the importance of this habitat resource within the Australian context, concluding with a description of the study area and thesis aims. A hierarchical analysis of the current legislation that exists within Australia to protect hollowbearing trees was then undertaken. The evaluation revealed, that despite Federal and State legislation acknowledging the importance of hollow-bearing trees to biodiversity, there are insufficient mechanisms in place at all levels of government to halt the decline of hollowbearing trees across various landscapes.