Resource Management and Geography - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 10 of 15
-
Item
-
ItemDevelopment of a breeding programme for guide dogs( 1979)The aim of this project was to design a breeding programme for guide-dogs which would decrease the proportion of dogs that are unsuitable for guide-dog training. To do this requires information on the traits which cause a dog to be rejected, and on the genetics of these traits. In order to obtain this information I analysed the records of the Royal Guide Dog for the Blind Association of Australia and conducted an experiment to compare four breeds (labrador, kelpie, boxer and german shepherd) and crosses between these breeds. Fearfulness is the most important trait causing dogs to be rejected. Other important traits are distraction by other dogs, excitability, hip dysplasia and aggression. Labradors were the least fearful breed and the heritability of fearfulness was approximately 0.5. Measurements of fearfulness in different situations were correlated indicating that a trait of general fearfulness exists. However there were other traits which affected fearfulness in some situations but not in others. Genetic variation appeared to be most prominent in general fearfulness. Consequently selection against fearfulness should be based on observations in situations relevant to guide-dog work, supplemented with other tests of general fearfulness. Two types of test appear to be mist useful:- 1) Tests using very common but complex and intense stimuli to which all dogs have reached a plateau in habituation. 2) Tests using very unusual stimuli that are not encountered outside the scheduled testing programme. There was no between-litter variation in general fearfulness due to the common environment that litter-mates share up to 12 weeks of age. However increasing experience of novel and busy places between 12 weeks and 12 months decreased fearfulness. Labradors were the least aggressive and least excitable breed, but kelpies showed the lowest distraction by other dogs and the lowest incidence of hip dysplasia. The heritability of these trait was lower than that of fearfulness. None of the important behavioural traits displayed any heterosis, which suggests that these traits have been subject to stabilizing selection in the ancestors of the domestic dog. Consequently the recommended breeding programme is selection within the labrador breed, mainly against fearfulness but also against the other traits. Because males are castrated at approximately 6 months of age some selection of stud dogs must be made at this time. Estimates of heritabilities and genetic correlations suggest that selection against fearfulness at 6 months would decrease adult fearfulness almost as much as selection based on adult performance. However the most efficient selection criterion would use information from a wide range of ages. Selection against the other traits at 6 months is not recommended. Adult fearful could be predicted to some degree from the behaviour of 8-12 week old pups (r = 0.57). With increasing age the accuracy of the prediction steadily improved. Fearfulness in puppies was not more highly heritable than in older dogs and should not be used for selecting breeding stock. Correlations between traits indicate that selection against fearfulness will not cause any detrimental correlated responses and will have some advantageous side effects. Excessive submissiveness and fear of punishment are correlated with general fearfulness, but not with performance of learned tasks. Males were less fearful and excitable but more dog distracted and aggressive than females with the result that the two sexes achieved very similar success rates.
-
ItemAltitudinal distribution of vegetation in the headwaters of the Wongungarra River, Victoria( 1993)Changes in vegetation composition with respect to altitude were investigated in the sclerophyllous forests of the Australian mountain region. Vegetation was surveyed at 148 sites along two transects which were located to maximise variation in altitude and minimise the influence of environmental factors not directly related to altitude. The measurement, simulation, and estimation of environmental variables revealed that this aim was met except at the end-points of the transects where secondary influences are present.
-
ItemThe role of Export Processing Zones in East Asian development: South Korea, Taiwan, China and Thailand( 1992-07)Export Processing Zones (EPZs) are about thirty years old now (ILO and UNCTC. 1988). Their effects and influence on third world economic development and on international industrial restructuring have been criticised by different literatures. I wish to combine my practical experience of working in Shenzen Special Economic Zone for four years, with research to compare four EPZs’ development in four East Asian countries and area: Massan Zone in Korea, Kaohsiung Zone in Thailand, Shenzen Zone in China and Lat Krabang Zone in Thailand. This intended to explore the effect of EPZs on the economic development of those countries, and to provide a series of comparative data (especially on the zone of China about which there is little information).
-
ItemA study of the hydrochemistry of a limestone area: Buchan, East Gippsland( 1991)This thesis reports the results obtained, and conclusions made regarding research into the hydrochemistry of a small impounded karst area in southeastern Australia. Water samples were collected from a variety of sites over a period of approximately six years and include samples that are representative of baseflow (drought conditions) and flood (high flow conditions) the two extremes of the flow regime. Four distinct water types were found to be associated with the karst spring and cave water sites sampled. In terms of physical, chemical and computed parameter values these have been classed as TYPE 1 water (median parameter values similar to those noted for the surface stream sites sampled with catchments of non-carbonate material); TYPE 2 water (catchment predominantly of limestone); TYPE 3 water (catchment predominantly of dolomite); TYPE 4 water (high median chemical concentrations). Spatial variation within the study area is considerable and intrinsic factors such as catchment lithology, the residence time of recharge, aspect and vegetation cover are the major natural controls in determining physical and chemical characteristics.
-
ItemA geomorphological study of Spartina Townsendii (Sensu Lato) marshlands in Australia( 1981)The halophytic grass Spartina townsendii (s.l.) was widely introduced from England to Australia in the late 1920s and early 1930s, but has established successfully only in estuaries and lagoons in the south east of the country. It now occupies 620 ha, the major stations being the Tamar River, Tasmania, where the fertile form of the grass was planted in 1947, and Andersons Inlet, Victoria, where the same vigorous species was introduced as recently as 1962. Because of their comparative youth, Australian Spartina marshes are in a much earlier stage of development than many marshes in Britain, where S. townsendii (s.l.) was first collected in 1870. It has therefore been possible to examine in this country the initial and early stages of Spartina marsh formation. Particular attention has been given to Andersons Inlet, where the growth of Spartina and the accompanying transformation from mudflat to marshland have been observed from the time of marsh inception. By 1980, Spartina in Andersons Inlet occupied 63.6 ha. In favourable environments, Spartina cover in sample quadrats was approaching 100 per cent after 14 years from initial establishment of seedlings and young plants. Colonisation commenced within a narrow vertical range of 0.61 m to 0.83 m above Inverloch datum, but Spartina quickly expanded both seawards and landwards to its present vertical limits of 0.25 m and 1.13 m. The seaward limit of Spartina is now regularly submerged by both spring and neap tides for more than 6 hrs, while the landward limit is submerged by mean spring tides. Spartina has similar submergence limits at other Australian stations, and is most abundant in sheltered conditions regularly inundated by water of less than 18%o salinity. At many sites the spread of Spartina has been accompanied by rapid accretion of sediment, which is trapped and retained by plant foliage. Sediment deposition in Spartina at Andersons Inlet is generally greater than 2 cm per annum, and rates of up to 7 cm per annum have been recorded. The role of Spartina in promoting accretion may be apparent even before sward formation is completed, as indicated by the development of microtopographic highs coincident with Spartina clones and clumps. As a result of high rates of accretion, previously unvegetated mudflats are rapidly transformed into depositional terraces, of which six major types may be recognised. Their upward growth is accompanied by a change from non-channelised to partly channelised tidal flow, as creeks develop between Spartina tussocks and within continuous sward. Pans may form on the surface of the marsh as a result of deposition of tidal wrack, impeded drainage, or restriction of light beneath mangroves. Spartina thus acts as a geomorphological agent, by greatly accelerating the processes of marsh formation.
-
ItemMoira Lake: a case study of the deterioration of a River Murray natural resource( 1995)Moira Lake is a large, reed fringed natural freshwater lake fed by the Murray River located in southern New South Wales. Historically the lake provided excellent habitat for native fish and waterbirds which, together with other river and lake resources, provided food for a relatively large and sedentary aboriginal population. Native fish in particular demonstrated a strong affinity with Moira Lake which formed the principal nursery area for native fish in the central Murray region. The availability of historical reports describing the fish- and bird-life of the Moira Lake complex has allowed changes to their abundance, distribution and diversity to be unequivocally established. These changes have been substantial to the point of local extinction for some species and more commonly loss or decline of breeding populations for most if not all others. The most significant changes have occurred within the last 20- 30 years. Many native fish and most waterbirds are dependent on flooding to induce breeding behaviour and establish environmental conditions necessary for the recruitment of offspring. In ephemeral wetlands a drying period is also important outside of the breeding season to allow important ecological processes to proceed which act to maximise food availability for native fish and waterbirds upon reflooding. Analysis of river flow patterns and lake hydrology using modelled and historical river flow data established that the ecology of the lake evolved with regular cycles of submergence in winter and spring and desiccation in summer and autumn. These cycles coincided with the natural flood and recession patterns of the Murray River. Following the completion of the Hume Dam in 1936, Moira Lake has been subjected to a hydrological regime far different to that which existed naturally and one that is the result of management goals other than for nature conservation. These factors include a reduction in the frequency, extent and duration of winter and spring flood events, and the total loss of a regular periodic drying phase in summer and autumn. The deterioration in species richness and abundance correlates with the escalation of irrigation developments in the 1960s, and it is concluded that regulation of the water supplies of the Murray River has been the most significant agency responsible for the deterioration of the ecology of Moira Lake. It is proposed that active water management by way of an envirol1lnental water allocation and installation of water control structures within the lake complex are necessary to ameliorate the adverse environmental ilnpacts of river regulation. Constraints affecting the adoption of an environmental release strategy for the Murray River are discussed.
-
ItemThe physiography of coastal dunes, East Gippsland, Victoria( 1978)Coastal Dunes – East Gippsland. Coastal dunes occur extensively in south-east and East Gippsland, Victoria (Fig 1.1). Bird (1965, 1978) and Jenkin (1968) discuss the geomorphology and Quaternary history of the Gippsland Lakes region, outlining several stages of barrier and dune formation. The outermost barrier extends from Corner Inlet to Red Bluff as the gently curving Ninety Mile Beach, interrupted only by intermittent stream outlets and the artificial opening at Lakes Entrance. Along its entire length the barrier is surmounted by dunes behind which lie elongated lagoons and salt marsh. Landward of these are earlier formed barriers. The coastal hinterland is a lowland with relict coastal terraces mantled by fluvial and Aeolian deposits. Active dunes are confined to the narrow outer barrier but older stabilized dune systems occur on the earlier barriers and the coastal terraces. The East Gippsland coast is here considered to extend from Lake Tyers to Cape Howe at the New South Wales border. East of Lake Tyers, the foothill ranges of the Eastern Highlands are closer to the coast and Palaeozoic and Tertiary rocks form bluffs and bold headlands. The sequence of parallel barriers and lagoons is less well defined and the zone of Quaternary coastal deposits less continuous. Sandy shoreline however is dominant – of the 185 kilometres of ocean coast between Lake Tyers and Cape Howe, approximately 145 kilometres (78%) is backed by sand deposits that range from a mere fringe to a broad zone up to 7 kilometres wide. (From Introduction)
-
ItemThe interaction between the environment land use and hydrology of the Bogong High Plains area from 1850 to 1985( 1990)The Bogong High Plains form part of the' Australian alpine area which contributes significantly to the water resources of south-eastern Australia. The dual factors of a high average annual runoff and low levels of variability by Australian standards point to the value of the area for water production and the need for optimum management criteria. However, the hydrological response of the streams draining the alpine area to changing environmental and land use factors has not been previously addressed. In this thesis the environmental and land use history of the Bogong High Plains Area has been documented. On the basis of historical reports and photographs, management decisions affecting the Alps, and ecological studies in the Area since the 1940s, trends in the environmental condition of the Bogong High Plains Area between 1850 and 1985 have been ascertained. The land use history of the Area has been documented, including: the Aboriginal visits to the area to exploit the Bogong moth; the use of the subalpine and alpine environments by graziers and their stock: the impact of gold milling activities in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries; the frequency, cause and extent of fire in the region; the construction and management of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme; the operation of logging activities in the area; and the tourist use of the region for summer and winter recreation. An examination of the hydrological characteristics of the Bogong High Plains Area then followed. Twelve catchments were selected for analysis, ranging in size from 1.35 to 146 square kilometres, and in altitude from 634 to 1922 metres. Differences in the physical, geological, geomorphological and vegetation characteristics were related to the average annual water balances and hydrological variability. A review of the literature on the effects of fire, forestry, mining, tracks and roads, engineering works and grazing on runoff was made preparatory to an assessment of the effect of land use practices on the runoff characteristics of the twelve catchments. Standard hydrological techniques were used to assess the impact on streamflow of bushfire, insect attack, forestry operations, mining activity, road construction, construction works for the hydro scheme, and cattle grazing. Some of the results were unexpected. Although grazing was the land use of longest duration, the long-term trends in streamflow and inter-catchment comparisons based on differential grazing pressures only partially demonstrated grazing had a noticeable impact on runoff characteristics. The effect of fire, forestry, insect attack and mining activity also yielded indeterminate results. By contrast, the construction of roads and the development of the Kiewa Hydro-Electric Scheme resulted in statistically significant changes in streamflow characteristics, including runoff volumes, baseflow properties, and the magnitude of flood events. A model of the environmental history of the Bogong High Plains Area is proposed, incorporating trends in climate, fire frequency, vegetation cover, land use activity, and hydrological characteristics. From the model it is suggested that the occupation of the Bogong High Plains Area by Europeans since the 1850s has resulted in irreversible changes to the hydrological regime which predated the period of stream gauge operation and which could only be partially correlated with ecological trends. The model is used to ascertain the hydrological response of catchments to different combinations and intensities of grazing, fire and site disturbance, in association with present and alternative climatologically conditions.
-
ItemDryland salting in Victoria and Western Australia: a literature review( 1982)Soil salination is the accumulation of soluble salts in the root zone in excess of the level able to be tolerated by the vegetation community. There are two processes by which this may occur; irrigation induced soil salinisation, and a group in non-irrigated areas, collectively known as dryland salting. Irrigation salting has been recognised for thousands of years (Jacobsen and Adams, (1958) quoted by Peck, 1978). However no such ancient references are presently known in the case of dryland salting. Dryland salting appears to be a relatively recent phenomenon. In order to review the literature relevant to dryland salting only the major contributions from Western Australia and Victoria are discussed. Dryland salting is known to occur in every Australian state, though as yet discussions of it have not found their way into the scientific literature. The Northern American literature was also omitted as the nature of their problem is different – owing to the geological type. Although their literature would be useful if the review was orientated towards solutions to the problem of dryland salting. The review discussed the changing nature of the literature noting the move from the “qualitative” approach of the early authors (Burvill, 1945; 1950 and Teakle, 1953) to a more recent detailed and “quantitative” one (Peck and Hurle, 1973 and Holmes and Talsma, 1981) . Furthermore it contrasts the amount and type of research completed in Western Australia and Victoria, noting the dominance of the first mentioned state.