Dissertation
Novel techniques for optimising and monitoring conservation actions in coastal ecosystems
University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
Doctor of Philosophy, University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
2023
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25907/00765
Abstract
Human impacts have reduced the extent, quality, and connectedness of terrestrial, marine and freshwater ecosystems globally, resulting in an increased demand for effective conservation and management actions like ecological restoration, invasive species management, and protected area establishment. The efficacy of conservation and management approaches is underpinned by systematic planning based on quantitative ecological information to identify goals, locations, and actions. However, studies establishing key spatial patterns in ecosystems are required so that quantitative approaches can be optimised and monitored. Indicator taxa are an increasingly recognised technique for quantifying patterns across ecosystems and landscapes. For example, insect and arachnids are widely accepted ecological indicators to assess for impacts to disturbance and changes in environmental conditions, but quantitative studies identifying indicator insect and arachnid taxa remain lacking for some ecosystems. Ecological restoration and the implementation of reserves are key pillars of biodiversity conservation, but the capacity to optimise their implementation and management is hindered by a lack of the knowledge for current and potential biodiversity, especially for highly diverse groups like insects and arachnids. Coastal dunes are prime examples of ecosystems where human impacts have affected biodiversity and ecosystem services, and so strategic management actions are required, but key information on species distributions remains lacking. In this thesis, coastal dunes in southeast Queensland, Australia were used as a model system to test for effects of landscape and environmental features, human impacts and conservation actions on the biodiversity of plants and insects and arachnids to optimise monitoring and management for these ecosystems.
Details
- Title
- Novel techniques for optimising and monitoring conservation actions in coastal ecosystems
- Authors
- Brittany Elliott - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Contributors
- Ben Gilby (Supervisor) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Awarding institution
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- Degree awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy
- Publisher
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland
- DOI
- 10.25907/00765
- Organisation Unit
- University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99738097902621
- Output Type
- Dissertation
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