Abstract
Wet sclerophyll forest (also called tall open forest) is unique to Australia, being dominated by tall trees of the genus Eucalyptus (Myrtaceae). In this paper, we refer to the wet sclerophyll forest in north-east Queensland as tropical wet sclerophyll forest. Tropical wet sclerophyll forest is a threatened ecosystem which is maintained by fire. Our study describes the community, relative abundance and trophic structure of birds using the tropical wet sclerophyll forest. We surveyed the birds and recorded 100 taxa, of which = 29% (n = 29) are endemic to north-east Queensland. The community is comprised predominantly of insect-eaters (58% of the species) and nectar-feeders (26%), along with smaller guilds of fruit-eaters (11%) and seed-eaters (5%). Despite comprising only a small geographic area (82 800 ha), tropical wet sclerophyll forest supports a high diversity of birds. We believe it is essential that the tropical wet sclerophyll forest be conserved and managed to maintain the full range of its biodiversity. Because the tropical wet sclerophyll forest is fire-adapted and fire-dependent, the use of prescribed fire as a modern management tool is imperative. Unless fire has a central role in managing tropical wet sclerophyll forest, then this forest type and its dependent species will cease to exist.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.