Viw Magazine

Men's Weekly

.

  • Written by Jeremy Simmonds, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Conservation Science, The University of Queensland
Eastern-yellow robin. Some 60 per cent of the native birds of south-east mainland Australia have lost more than half of their natural habitat. Graham Winterflood/Wikimedia Commons

Across parts of Australia, vast areas of native vegetation have been cleared and replaced by our cities, farms and infrastructure. When native vegetation is removed, the habitat and resources that it provides for native wildlife are invariably lost.

Our environmental laws and most conservation efforts tend to focus on what this loss means for species that are threatened with extinction. This emphasis is understandable – the loss of the last individual of a species is profoundly sad and can be ecologically devastating.


Read more: An end to endings: how to stop more Australian species going extinct


But what about the numerous other species also affected by habitat loss, that have not yet become rare enough to be listed as endangered? These animals and plants — variously described as “common” or of “least concern” — are having their habitat chipped away. This loss usually escapes our attention.

These common species have intrinsic ecological value. But they also provide important opportunities for people to connect with nature - experiences that are under threat.

A chain used for land clearing is dragged over a pile of burning wood at a Queensland property. Dan Peled/AAP

The “loss index”: tracking the destruction

We developed a measure called the loss index to communicate how habitat loss affects multiple Australian bird species. Our measure showed that across Victoria, and into South Australia and New South Wales, more than 60% of 262 native birds have each lost more than half of their original natural habitat. The vast majority of these species are not formally recognised as being threatened with extinction.

It is a similar story in the Brigalow Belt of central New South Wales and Queensland. The picture is brighter in the northern savannas across the top of Australia, where large tracts of native vegetation remain – notwithstanding pervasive threats such as inappropriate fire regimes.


Read more: Fixing Australia’s extinction crisis means thinking bigger than individual species


We also found that in some areas, such as Southeast Queensland and the Wet Tropics region of north Queensland, the removal of a single hectare of forest habitat can affect up to 180 different species. In other words, small amounts of loss can affect large numbers of (mostly common) species.

Our index allowed us to compare how different groups of birds are impacted by habitat loss. Australia’s iconic parrots have been hit hard by habitat loss, because many of these birds occur in the places where we live and grow our food. Birds of prey such as eagles and owls have, as a group, been less affected. This is because many of these birds occur widely across Australia’s less developed arid interior.

This map shows the number of bird species affected by habitat loss in any region. Grey zones indicate parts of Australia where habitat loss has not occurred. Blue zones have up to 90 species affected by habitat loss, yellow is up to 120 species affected, while the highest category, red, is up to 187 species affected. Conservation Biology

Habitat loss means far fewer birds

Our study shows many species have lost lots of habitat in certain parts of Australia. We know habitat loss is a major driver of population declines and freefalling numbers of animals globally. A measure of vertebrate population trends — the Living Planet Index — reveals that populations of more than 4,000 vertebrate species around the world are on average less than half of what they were in 1970.

In Australia, the trend is no different. Populations of our threatened birds declined by an average of 52% between 1985 and 2015. Alarmingly, populations for many common Australian birds are also trending downwards, and habitat loss is a major cause. Along Australia’s heavily populated east coast, population declines have been noted for many common species including rainbow bee-eater, double-barred finch, and pale-headed rosella.

Decling common species - rainbow bee-eater (left); double-barred finch (top right); pale-headed rosella (bottom right) Jim Bendon, G. Winterflood, Aviceda

Read more: Cats are not scared off by dingoes. We must find another way to protect native animals


This is a major problem for ecosystem health. Common species tend to be more numerous and so perform many roles that we depend on. Our parrots, pigeons, honeyeaters, robins, and many others help pollinate flowers, spread seeds, and keep pest insects in check. In both Europe and Australia, declines in common species have been linked to a reduction in the provision of these vital ecosystem services.

Common species are also the ones that we most associate with. Because they are more abundant and familiar, these animals provide important opportunities for people to connect with nature. Think of the simple pleasure of seeing a colourful robin atop a rural fence post, or a vibrant parrot dashing above the treetops of a suburban creek. The decline of common species may contribute to diminished opportunities for us to interact with nature, leading to an “extinction of experience”, with associated negative implications for our health and well-being.

We mustn’t wait until it’s too late

Our study aims to put the spotlight on common species. They are crucially important, and yet the erosion of their habitat gets little focus. Conserving them now is sensible. Waiting until they have declined before we act will be costly.

These species need more formal recognition and protection in conservation and environmental regulation. For example, greater attention on common species, and the role they play in ecosystem health, should be given in the assessment of new infrastructure developments under Australia’s federal environment laws (formally known as the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999).

We should be acting now to conserve common species before they slide towards endangerment. Without dedicated attention, we risk these species declining before our eyes, without us even noticing.

Jeremy Simmonds receives funding from the National Environmental Science Program's Threatened Species Recovery Hub, the Science for Nature and People Partnership, and The Nature Conservancy. He is a member of BirdLife Australia.

Alvaro Salazar receives funding from Chile´s National Commission for Science and Technology.

James Watson receives funding from the Australian Research Council and National Environmental Science Program. He is a Professor of conservation science at the University of Queensland and also Director of Science at the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Martine Maron receives funding from a range of sources including the Australian Research Council, the National Environmental Science Program's Threatened Species Recovery Hub, the Science for Nature and People Partnership, and The New South Wales Environment Trust. She provides advice to several State and Federal government environment agencies as well as WWF-Australia, is a Director of BirdLife Australia, and is a member of the Ecological Society of Austrralia's Academic Freedom Working Group, the Alliance of Leading Environmental Researchers and Thinkers, and two threatened species recovery teams.

Authors: Jeremy Simmonds, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Conservation Science, The University of Queensland

Read more http://theconversation.com/most-native-bird-species-are-losing-their-homes-even-the-ones-you-see-every-day-123007

How Construction Law Firms in Melbourne Safeguard Complex Projects

Introduction From multi-storey developments to infrastructure upgrades, construction in Melbourne is thriving. Yet each project carries l...

The Ultimate Guide to Home Security Camera Laws in Australia

Security cameras are now one of the most common ways Australians protect their homes, families, and businesses. But before you install a C...

Ways Branded Apparel Boosts Team Morale & Business Image

Introduction Branded uniforms and apparel are often seen as a basic necessity, but they play a much bigger role in building company cultu...

The Rise of WordPress-Powered Mobile Applications

In the age of rapid digitalisation, companies are always on the lookout for new methods to reach their customers and provide end-to-end digi...

7 Ways Roller Shutters Perth Can Save You Money & Energy

Thinking about ways to cut down on your bills and make your home more comfortable in Perth? You're not alone! Many homeowners are looking fo...

Sydney Gets Fired Up: Fireball Whisky Launches ‘Motel Fireball Inn’

The number one shot in Australia (and the USA) is turning up the heat!  Fireball Whisky is bringing the party to Sydney with the launch...

Why Headless CMS Is Essential for Global B2B Sales Enablement

B2B selling is more global, digital and complex than ever. B2B buyers want accurate, timely and needs-based information no matter where th...

Top Tips for Successfully Completing Training and Passing Driving Tests

Learning to drive can feel exciting and a little overwhelming at the same time. Whether you’re preparing for your very first driving test ...

Why Location Still Rules in Real Estate

When people talk about real estate, the phrase location, location, location always comes up. It might sound like a cliché, but it’s still...

The Ultimate Guide to Renting: Landlord and Tenant Rights

Renting a property can be a smooth and rewarding experience when both landlords and tenants understand their rights and responsibilities. Cl...

The Pros and Cons of Renting vs. Owning a Home

Deciding between owning and renting a home is a huge financial choice a lot of people have to deal with in their lifetime. While homeownersh...

Innovative Ways to Showcase Your Products and Services Effectively

You don’t have to be in these waters to know that marketing has always been a game of attention. Attention is expensive, even more than go...

How to Choose the Right Real Estate Agent for You

Whether you’re buying or selling a property, having a real estate agent on your side can be a game-changer. They know the ins and outs of ...

Finding True Connection in the Rush of Modern Life

Life in major cities is full of opportunities, yet many residents find themselves feeling disconnected and isolated. Despite being surrounde...

Finding Balance: Fun, Safety, and Connection in Modern Nightlife

Modern nightlife has evolved into more than just dancing and music—it’s a cultural space where people seek entertainment, connection, an...

Essential Skills and Tips for First-Time Volunteers Abroad

So, you have decided to embark on a jubilant adventure of volunteering abroad? Congrats, you are in for a real treat! Not only that, but who...

Essential Considerations When Choosing a Family Home

Finding the right home for your family is one of the biggest and most important decisions you'll ever make. It's about more than just a buil...

Considerations When Renovating or Expanding Your Property

Renovating or expanding your property can be an exciting journey, offering the opportunity to tailor your home or investment to meet evolvin...

Elevating Your Social Life: Experiences Beyond the Ordinary

In a world where so much of our daily routine feels predictable, people are increasingly searching for experiences that add meaning to life...

Essential Gardening Accessories for a More Comfortable Outdoor Lifestyle

Gardening should be fun and relaxing, not a chore. Having the right things with you can make a huge difference. This guide will show you sim...