Abstract
Summary This paper seeks to refine issues of biodiversity conservation in the context of the exploitation and management of heterogeneous forested ecosystems in south-western Australia. An appropriate spatial scale that accounts for levels of endemism, refugiai habitats and relictual biota will also allow variation to be portrayed between the community types in which the main south-western timber species, jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) and karri (E. diversicolor) occur. The greater intensity and extent of disturbances since European settlement urges that interactions between agents of disturbance be recognised in forest management. Application of the precautionary principle, and the recognition of fine-scale environmental variation, will allow for more effective management of public lands. There is a need to consider a range of taxa when considering biodiversity gradients or choosing indicator taxa to monitor forest disturbance. We recommend a collaborative, multidisciplinary, cross-institutional approach to understanding biological patterns and processes. This may also allow interactions and change to be more effectively monitored. Adherence to credible scientific practices including willingness to debate, publish and peer review would also contribute to greater co-operation in the management of public lands in south-western Australia.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call