Resource Management and Geography - Theses
Permanent URI for this collection
Search Results
1 - 5 of 5
-
ItemTools for the conservation management of wildlife under uncertainty( 2001)This thesis explores the kinds of models that may be built to support environmental decisions when direct data are scarce and understanding of the ecology of a problem is incomplete. It explores empirically the effects of structural, parameter, shape and dependency uncertainty using explicit population models of a threatened Victorian species, the eastern barred bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) and the nationally endangered species trout cod (Maccullochella macquariensis). In particular, the thesis examines the sensitivity of management decision for these species to assumptions about dependencies, their implementation in standard computer programs, decisions about structural alternatives, assumptions about shapes of statistical distributions used to reflect uncertainties, and the choices of parameters values. The empirical exploration of these features in two different ecological, management, and data contexts sheds light on the ways in which models may be used effectively to support pragmatic management decisions for threatened species. One of the uses of population models is to assess the relative risks of extinction faced by a suite of species. The assessments are used to classify species into various categories of threat, and to create lists for management action. Such lists are used for state of the environment reporting, and to set priorities for protection and recovery actions. In many circumstances, there is insufficient time to develop explicit models. In their place, various expert or rule-based systems have been developed to assess conservation status. They use a suite of population attributes including population size, geographic extent, population subdivision, and rates of change in these attributes as surrogates for extinction risk. However, these systems have, until recently, ignored uncertainties inherent in the data used to make the classifications. This thesis also explores the theoretical underpinning of dealing with uncertainty in rule-based systems, so that they may better reflect the reliability with which assessments are made.
-
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.
-
ItemEstablishment of grassland forbs in modified urban environments( 1998-04)The use of nature-like plantings to ameliorate degraded public landscapes in Europe and North America is extensive. There is a growing trend towards the use of ecological urban landscape design in Australia. Meadow landscape may have broad applications in the treatment of degraded landscapes in Australia. An examination of suitable establishment and management techniques for flowering grasslands was undertaken at Fawkner Memorial Park. This site contains large areas of severely disturbed and degraded soils, due to past burial practices. Trials on the establishment of forbs via direct seeding and plug planting were undertaken. The management of bulb species by mowing was examined through foliage removal treatments post anthesis. The management of grass biomass through herbicides was also examined. (For complete abstract open document)
-
ItemGrazing the high country: an historical and political geography of high country grazing in Victoria, 1835 to 1935( 1980)Someone once said that if there is one lesson man can draw from history it is that man learns nothing from history. In my experience this observation often relates to the commonly held belief that history has little to contribute to the day to day "nuts and bolts" functioning of society. The thinking goes if history cannot supply the answers to practical problems then what is it worth? Such is the view of the pragmatist. Consequently some people will regard this thesis as being interesting in a purely antiquarian sense. If, however, one has a somewhat broader perspective and can see beyond the immediate problems of each day to underlying trends and inherent philosophies, then one will appreciate what this thesis has to offer. For, while it does not provide immediate solutions to existing land use conflicts associated with high country grazing, it does shed light on their origins and development, and hence their basic character.
-
Item'It's in your hands': an assessment of the Australian Landcare movement( 1995)Australia's 'Landcare' program is a community-based, participatory program, established by Government, to tackle the problem of land degradation. It has been hailed by some, as the most imaginative sustainable development policy anywhere in the world. There have been many studies which have sought to measure the success of Landcare, using quantitative indicators such as the number of Landcare groups. This thesis seeks to devise alternative ways for Landcare to be assessed and thought about. It focuses upon the practice of Landcare in one particular region of Victoria: a practice which is formed out of the complex interaction of state policy, community aspirations and capabilities and the broader political and economic context. At a theoretical level, this thesis is informed by several areas of the academic literature. In particular, the role of the state apparatus in environmental management, the environment and political economy, and theories of ideology. These theoretical arguments are elaborated in several ways: through a detailed review of the emergence of Landcare as policy, both in Victoria and at a Federal level; through consideration of the complex bureaucratic arrangements which have grown around Landcare; and through a case study. The case study draws upon the experience of Landcare by farmers on the Dundas Tablelands in Victoria's Western District. Through participant observation and in-depth interviewing across seven Landcare groups, some insight is offered into the practice of Landcare in a local setting, for example: the ways in which government rhetoric about Landcare is enacted at the local level; the way in which the Landcare bureaucracy works with, or against, the program; and the way in which funding arrangements contribute to Landcare's effect on-the-ground. The case study draws upon the experience of Landcare by farmers on the Dundas Tablelands in Victoria's Western District. Through participant observation and in-depth interviewing across seven Landcare groups, some insight is offered into the practice of Landcare in a local setting, for example: the ways in which government rhetoric about Landcare is enacted at the local level; the way in which the Landcare bureaucracy works with, or against, the program; and the way in which funding arrangements contribute to Landcare's effect on-the-ground. It is argued that without an improved understanding of its limitations, the Landcare program is unlikely to succeed in the long-term. In the meantime, there are indications that calls for the expansion of Landcare may be to the detriment of the program’s original objective, which was to ensure more sustainable use of agricultural land in Australia. Renewed consideration is urged, of the ways in which Landcare's 'success' is measured.