Bird utilisation of rehabilitated bauxite minesites in Western Australia
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Published source details
Nichols O.G. & Watkins D. (1984) Bird utilisation of rehabilitated bauxite minesites in Western Australia. Biological Conservation, 30, 109-131.
Published source details Nichols O.G. & Watkins D. (1984) Bird utilisation of rehabilitated bauxite minesites in Western Australia. Biological Conservation, 30, 109-131.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Restore or create forests Action Link |
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Restore or create forests
A replicated study in 1979-1981 in jarrah Eucalyptus marginata forests in Western Australia, Australia (Nichols & Watkins 1984), found that approximately 84% of jarrah forest bird species (56 of 67) used 19 areas of forest restored after open-cut mining for bauxite for feeding, resting or breeding. Sixteen species (none jarrah specialists) were only present in low numbers, compared to on three forest plots. Some revegetated areas as young as 4-5 years age, supported similar bird species numbers, densities and diversities as undisturbed forest. Techniques were improved over time, from planting eastern Australian eucalypt species (chosen for timber quality and resistance to jarrah dieback disease and resulting in plantation-like vegetation with a sparse mid- and under-storey, and few ground species) to using a eucalypt mix comprising at least 50% native species, and seeding with native understorey plants. Application of fresh topsoil promoted a higher diversity of understorey plants which in turn benefited birds. Plots planted with the same eucalypt species but without understorey planting or fresh topsoil addition had fewer bird species and lower densities.
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