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Ecosystem risk assessment of G eorgina gidgee woodlands in central Australia
Author(s) -
Wardle Glenda M.,
Greenville Aaron C.,
Frank Anke S. K.,
Tischler Max,
Emery Nathan J.,
Dickman Chris R.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
austral ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.688
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 1442-9993
pISSN - 1442-9985
DOI - 10.1111/aec.12265
Subject(s) - abiotic component , ecosystem , woodland , ecology , biota , habitat , biodiversity , environmental science , biotic component , geography , biology
Ecosystems across the world, and the biodiversity they support, are experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressure, and many will not persist without intervention. Given their complexity, the I nternational U nion for C onservation of N ature has adopted an international standard for ecosystem risk assessment that builds on the strengths of the species‐based R ed L ist criteria. We applied this protocol to the relatively understudied G eorgina gidgee woodland ecosystem, which has a patchy but widespread distribution in central A ustralia. To address the extensive knowledge gaps, we gathered data to provide the first description of the characteristic biota, distribution of dominant species and the processes that support the ecosystem. Criteria evaluated include historical, current and future declines in spatial distribution, the extent and area of occupancy, and disruptions to abiotic and biotic processes. Future declines in suitable habitat were based on key climatic variables of rainfall, temperature and soil substrate. We also quantified the uncertainty in bioclimatic models and scenarios as part of predicting degradation of the abiotic environment. Overall, we assessed the risk status of G eorgina gidgee woodlands as vulnerable based on the degradation of abiotic and biotic processes. Bioclimatically suitable habitat was predicted to decline by at least 30% in eight scenarios over the period 2000 to 2050. Predicted declines in overall suitable habitat varied substantially across all scenarios (7–95%). Pressures from grazing, weed encroachment and altered fire regimes further threaten the ecosystem; therefore, vulnerable status was also recorded for future declines based on altered biotic processes. Accurate mapping and monitoring of the study ecosystem should receive priority to inform conservation decisions, and sustainable grazing practices encouraged. Our findings focus attention on other patchily distributed ecosystems that may also have escaped attention despite their contribution to supporting unique biodiversity and ecosystem services. It is timely that environmental monitoring and policy account for these natural assets.