Monitoring change in the vertebrate fauna of central Queensland, Australia, over a period of broad-scale vegetation clearance, 1973—2002

摘要: This study reports change in the bird, mammal and amphibian fauna of Emerald district, central Queensland, as detected from comparison an inventory undertaken 1973–76, with a resurvey 2001–02. Over this period, region was subjected to unusually high rates vegetation clearance, extent native declining 87% 41%. In Australia, elsewhere, there are remarkably few such long-term longitudinal studies, particularly so for those that sample same sites using identical procedures, dramatic environmental change. The ability detect dataset is constrained by relatively small number survey (24–45 sites, depending upon taxonomic group considered). interpretation also affected very different climatic conditions between baseline resurvey. Higher rainfall period contributed most evident change, major reduction waterbirds. However, even waterbirds excluded, significant bird assemblage across set two periods. There were increases typically grassland birds (e.g. red-backed fairy-wren (Malurus melanocephalus), brown quail (Coturnix ypsilophora)) decreases range forest or woodland grey shrike-thrush (Colluricincla harmonica), spiny-cheeked honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis), striped (Plectorhyncha lanceolata), fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa)). These changes largely maintained when restricted only remained uncleared: is, not changing landscape whole but (consequential) at uncleared sites. Most species recorded sufficiently often test showed pattern decline. Again, some (pale field-rat (Rattus tunneyi), greater glider (Petauroides volans) eastern kangaroo (Macropus giganteus)), decline occurred within notable frog increase exotic cane toad (Bufo marinus), declines species. results suggest general trajectory distinctive species, their broad-scale replacement more commensal (weedy generalists favoured human modification landscape).