Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Emu Emu Society
Journal of BirdLife Australia
Shopping Cart: ( empty )
You are here: Home > Journals > MU > MU04057
RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 105(3)

A bioclimatic analysis for the highly mobile Superb Parrot of south-eastern Australia

Adrian D. Manning A C , David B. Lindenmayer A , Henry A. Nix A and Simon C. Barry B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 0200, Australia.

B Bureau of Rural Sciences, PO Box E11, Kingston, ACT 2604, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: adrianm@cres.anu.edu.au

Emu 105(3) 193-201 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU04057
Submitted: 17 December 2004  Accepted: 9 August 2005   Published: 12 October 2005

Abstract

The aim of this study was to define the bioclimatic domain of the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) of south-eastern mainland Australia using the BIOCLIM modelling software, and to make predictions of its geographical range. The strengths and limitations of BIOCLIM analysis, with particular reference to the Superb Parrot are discussed. A bioclimatic profile based on 115 observations of the species was produced. Seven key parameters were chosen from the bioclimatic profile, and then matched with other locations with similar climatic conditions to predict the potential geographical distribution. Bioclimatic analysis indicated general correspondence between the location of Superb Parrot observations and the predicted ‘core’ area. Owing to habitat loss and modification, it is likely that the Superb Parrot occupies a relatively small part of its former geographical range. Hence, some areas that are bioclimatically optimal may no longer support resources needed by the Superb Parrot. BIOCLIM has several limitations, not least of which is that climatic tolerances are only one of many factors that influence the ‘extent of occurrence’ of species. Although BIOCLIM has some problems when used to study highly mobile birds like the Superb Parrot, the approach provides a useful starting point for further investigations, and has an important role to play in defining potential geographical ranges.


Acknowledgments

Many thanks to: Michellé Mabille for her support throughout this research; D. Alcorn, P. Christie, A. Claridge, R. Cunningham, C. Davey, J. Fischer, P. Gibbons, A. Gilmore, D. Hazell, R. Heinsohn, M. Hutchinson, K. Hudson, A. Overs, G. Sanecki, D. Saunders, N. Taws, P. Thompson, and R. Webster for helpful discussions and information; Karl Nissan for GIS support, and J. A. Stein and J. L. Stein for advice and support using GIS and BIOCLIM; O. Tellez-Valdes for advice on BIOCLIM; Canberra Birds Conservation Fund, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems, Environment ACT, New South Wales Department of Environment and Conservation and the Stuart Leslie Bird Research Award for financial support. Thanks to S. Bennett, A. Claridge, M. Hutchinson, D. Saunders and an anonymous referee for comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript.


References

Bennett A. F. (1999). ‘Linkages in the Landscape: The Role of Corridors and Connectivity in Wildlife Conservation.’ (IUCN: Gland, Switzerland.)

Beaumont, L. J. , and Hughes, L. (2002). Potential changes in the distribution of latitudinally restricted Australian butterfly species in response to climate change. Global Change Biology 8, 954–971.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Busby J. R. (1991). BIOCLIM – A bioclimatic analysis and prediction system. In ‘Nature Conservation: Cost Effective Biological Surveys and Data Analysis’. (Eds C. R. Margules and M. P. Austin.) pp. 64–69. (CSIRO: Canberra.)

Claridge, A. W. (2002). Use of bioclimatic analysis to direct survey effort for the long-footed potoroo (Potorous longipes), a rare forest-dwelling rat-kangaroo. Wildlife Research 29, 193–202.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Forshaw J. M., and Cooper W. T. (2002). ‘Australian Parrots.’ 3rd edn. (Landsdowne Press: Melbourne.)

Garnett S. T., and Crowley G. M. (2000). ‘Action Plan for Australian Birds 2000.’ (Environment Australia: Canberra.)

Higgins P. J. (Ed.) (1999). ‘Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic birds. Volume 4. Parrots to Dollarbird.’ (Oxford University Press: Melbourne.)

Houlder D., Hutchinson M., Nix H. A., and McMahon J. (1999). ‘ANUCLIM version 5.0 User Guide.’ (Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University: Canberra.)

IUCN (2002). ‘2002 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.’ (IUCN: Gland, Switzerland.)

Lindenmayer D. B., and Franklin J. F. (2002). ‘Conserving Forest Biodiversity: A Comprehensive Multi-Scaled Approach.’ (Island Press: Washington, DC.)

Lindenmayer, D. B. , Nix, H. A. , McMahon, J. P. , Hutchinson, M. F. , and Tanton, M. T. (1991). The conservation of Leadbeater’s possum, Gymnobelideus leadbeateri (McCoy): a case study of the use of bioclimatic modelling. Journal of Biogeography 18, 371–383.
Manning A. D. (2003). A multi-scale study of the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii); implications for landscape scale ecological restoration. Ph.D. Thesis, Centre for Resource and Environmental Studies, Australian National University, Canberra.

Nix H. A. (1976). Environmental control of breeding, post-breeding dispersal and migration of birds in the Australian region. In ‘Proceedings of the 16th International Ornithological Congress: Canberra, Australia 12–17 August 1974’. (Eds H. J. Frith and J. H. Calaby.) pp. 272–305. (Australian Academy of Science: Canberra.)

Nix H. A. (1982). Environmental determinants of biogeography and evolution in Terra Australis. In ‘Evolution of the Flora and Fauna of Arid Australia’. (Eds W. R. Barker and P. J. M. Greenslade.) pp. 47–66. (Peacock Publications: Frewville, SA)

Nix H. A. (1986). A biogeographic analysis of the Australian elapid snakes. In ‘Atlas of Elapid Snakes of Australia’. (Ed. R. Longmore.) pp. 4–15. Australian Flora and Fauna Series No. 7. (Australian Government Publishing Service: Canberra.)

Nix H. A., and Switzer M. A. (Eds) (1991). ‘Rainforest Animals: Atlas of Vertebrates Endemic to Australia’s Wet Tropics. Kowari 1.’ (Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service: Canberra.)

Osborne, P. E. , Alonso, J. C. , and Bryant, R. G. (2001). Modelling landscape-scale habitat use using GIS and remote sensing: a case study with great bustards Journal of Applied Ecology 38, 458–471.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Overs A. (2000). ‘Action Plan No. 17 – Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii): Australian Capital Territory.’ (Environment ACT: Canberra.)

Pearce, J. , and Lindenmayer, D. B. (1998). Bioclimatic analysis to enhance reintroduction biology of the endangered Helmeted Honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix) in south-eastern Australia. Restoration Ecology 6, 238–243.
| Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | Schodde R. (1982). Origin, adaptation and evolution of birds in arid Australia. In ‘Evolution of the Flora and Fauna of Arid Australia’. (Eds W. R. Barker and P. J. M. Greenslade.) pp. 191–224. (Peacock Publications: Frewville, SA.)

Schodde R., and Calaby J. H. (1972). The biogeography of the Australo-Papuan bird and mammal fauna in relation to the Torres Strait. In ‘Bridge and Barrier: The Natural and Cultural History of Torres Strait’. (Ed. D. Walker.) pp. 257–300. (Australian National University: Canberra.)

Schrader, N. W. (1980). A Review on the distribution of the Superb Parrot in central New South Wales. Australian Birds 14, 45–50.
Tzaros C. (2001). Importance of riparian vegetation to terrestrial avifauna along the Murray River, south-eastern Australia. M.Sc. Thesis, Deakin University, Melbourne.

Walker, J. , Bullen, F. , and Williams, B. G. (1993). Ecohydrological changes in the Murray–Darling Basin. I. The number of trees cleared over two centuries. Journal of Applied Ecology 30, 265–273.
Webster R. (1988). ‘A Survey of Breeding Distribution and Habitat Requirements of the Superb Parrot.’ Report Series No. 12, (Australian National Parks and Wildlife Service: Canberra.)

Webster R., and Ahern L. (1992). ‘Management for Conservation of the Superb Parrot (Polytelis swainsonii) in New South Wales and Victoria.’ (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Melbourne.)