Bengsen, Andrew J., and Pearson, Richard G. (2006) Examination of factors potentially affecting riparian bird assemblages in a tropical Queensland savanna. Ecological Management and Restoration, 7 (2). pp. 141-144.

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Abstract

Introduction. By virtue of their structural and floristic diversity, the riparian corridors of Australia’s savanna woodlands provide unique resources and conditions for the savanna fauna and are characterized by greater vertebrate diversities than the surrounding woodlands (Williams 1994). Riparian vegetation is particularly susceptible to disturbances associated with livestock grazing and invasive species. For example, the highly invasive Rubber Vine (Cryptostegia grandiflora Roxb. Ex R.Br.) is common in tropical Queensland riparian systems where it frequently forms extensive, dense thickets. Degradation of riparian vegetation by heavy livestock grazing and associated infestation by Rubber Vine and other weeds has been implicated in the decline of individual bird species and the impoverishment of vertebrate assemblages generally (Rowley 1993; Kutt & Skull 1995). The fencing of riparian zones is commonly considered to be a cost-effective method of controlling stock access and associated disturbance to ecologically important riparian areas. Riparian fencing may also help to improve long-term pasture productivity by allowing managers to selectively rest these areas during critical periods of pasture development (Burrows & Butler 2001). A riparian fencing project initiated by Landcare groups in Queensland’s northern Burdekin Rangelands provided the opportunity to examine the effects of fencing, patch widths and associated environmental conditions on riparian avifauna.

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