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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 28(2)

Distribution and cone production in Allocasuarina diminuta and A. gymnanthera (Casuarinaceae) in central New South Wales

Matt Cameron
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School of Environmental Sciences and Natural Resources Management, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia; Current address: Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), PO Box 544, Albury, NSW 2640, Australia. Email: matt.cameron@environment.nsw.gov.au

The Rangeland Journal 28(2) 153-161 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ05034
Submitted: 14 October 2005  Accepted: 16 December 2005   Published: 9 November 2006

Abstract

Allocasuarina diminuta (L. Johnson) and A. gymnanthera (L. Johnson) are critical food resources of the threatened glossy black-cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami) in central New South Wales. The distribution and cone production in these species was investigated as part of a broader study on the foraging ecology of the glossy black-cockatoo. Both Allocasuarina species were closely associated with vegetation communities occurring on the ridges and upper slopes. Cone production appeared to be linked to rainfall, with fewer cones produced in dry years. Rainfall during autumn–spring appeared to be especially important. Drought conditions resulted in the failure of plants to produce seed and caused the death of significant numbers of plants. Any decrease in moisture balance or increase in drought frequency/length due to global warming is likely to have negative consequences for Allocasuarina and glossy black-cockatoo populations.

Additional keywords: climate change, drought, fire, glossy black-cockatoo.


Acknowledgments

I am grateful to Ross Cunningham for advice and assistance with statistical analysis. Tony Auld, Gabriel Crowley, Hugh Ford, Peter Jarman and an anonymous referee provided comments on early drafts of this paper. Helpful discussions were had with Ross Bradstock and Karen Wilson. Stephen Naven provided GIS advice. The NSW Department of Environment and Conservation and State Forests of NSW variously supported the project. This study was partially funded by the Birds Australia Stuart Leslie Bird Research Awards, the Southern NSW and ACT Group of Birds Australia, the Bird Observers Club of Australia, and the University of New England.


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1 Botanical nomenclature used in this paper follows that by Harden (1990, 1991).