Science for saving species
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Science
for saving species
ISSN 2652-1334
Summer 2021
Issue 18 Beyond offsetting:
Target-based ecological
compensation
Solutions to
biodiversity
policy challenges
Our big successes
The economics of
threatened species
Producing science
for policy
Cat diseases:
$6 billion impact
Biodiversity in
urban design
Using eDNA to
identify cryptic
petrels
Threatened plant
trends in spotlight
Rachel Morgain
IMAGE: ANDREW CRAWFORD
Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub
Director’s editorial...
Solutions to Australia’s
most pressing biodiversity
policy challenges IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE
As we reach the final months of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub’s research program ABOVE: Brendan Wintle went to
we’re starting to reflect on our legacy. Looking back, our six-year program was incredibly ambitious, Kangaroo Island following the
island’s devastating 2019–20
delivering 147 research projects, but the need was great; Australia has over 1800 species and bushfires to work with stakeholders
communities listed as threatened by a large, complex and interacting set of threats. on recovery planning.
In Australia’s first ever national compilation the implementation of Australia’s most
of threatened species monitoring data, our widespread policy mechanism for
Threatened Species Index revealed that in compensating for the impacts of development
just over 20 years (1995–2017) the population on biodiversity (see p4) and has even
sizes of threatened Australian birds have presented an alternative called target
declined by about one-third, mammals based ecological compensation (see p6).
by about half and plants by almost
Professor Sarah Bekessy and Dr Georgia
three-quarters (72%) (see p18).
Garrard’s (RMIT/UniMelb) work is embracing
Preventing extinctions and halting and opportunities for biodiversity conservation
reversing long-term declines at meaningful in cities and the benefits that this has for
scales ultimately depends on effective policies residents by developing a framework to
and strategies at all levels of government, and support local governments, urban planners
by non-government organisations, Traditional and architects to implement biodiversity
Owner land managers, and civil society. sensitive urban design (BSUD) (see p14).
Each of our projects is providing valuable In addition to our research projects, I and
new knowledge to support better decision- many of our senior scientists have also
making for pressing challenges facing provided advice, evidence and support to
threatened biodiversity. In some cases we important national strategies and reviews,
have also moved to more direct contributions for example, Professor Samuel’s review of the IMAGE: PATRICK K59 CC BY 2.0 WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
to policy development and outcomes. EPBC Act, Senate Inquiries into the Faunal
ABOVE: Hub research found that the plains
For example, Professor Martine Maron’s Extinction Crisis and the problem of feral wanderer is one of the native bird species at
(UQ) work on biodiversity offsets is and domestic cats in Australia, and the first highest risk of extinction within 20 years
providing important tools to improve and the new Threatened Species Strategy. unless there is new conservation effort.
Inside the Summer 2021 issue of Science for Saving Species
Director’s editorial: Solutions to Australia’s Cat-spread diseases: $6 billion impact....................12
most pressing biodiversity policy challenges...... 2 Biodiversity sensitive urban design.......................14
Beyond offsetting: Target-based eDNA: A successful technique for identifying
ecological compensation............................................ 6 cryptic species in a remote location......................16
The economics of threatened species.................... 8 Threatened plant trends in the spotlight.............18
Producing science for policy....................................10 Researcher profile: Rachel Morgain.......................20
2 Science for saving species #18
Our science and scientists have also been
shaping action on cats through the Feral
Cat Taskforce.
Research on havens and the mammals most
vulnerable to cats led by Professor Sarah Legge
(UQ/ANU) has directly informed Australian
Government strategies and investment
decisions to support new havens (see p4).
Immediately following the 2019–20 bushfires
we worked closely with our government
and non-government partners to offer our
support. We made a significant contribution
to support the recovery of threatened
biodiversity impacted by the crisis through
many regional, state and Commonwealth
forums and the Wildlife and Threatened
Species Bushfire Expert Panel.
The large number of hub scientists asked to
contribute to various Ministerial roundtables,
including in response to the 2019–20 bushfires,
is testament to the standing that our members IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE
have in policy circles. The list of our direct
ABOVE: Karajarri Rangers have led research on the impact of fire management on desert biodiversity.
policy contributions is long, and is one of
the key strengths of the hub.
that estimated the likelihood of extinction actions, monitoring and research. Community
Good policy is based on good evidence. within 20 years of the most imperilled birds, awareness of Australia’s threatened
Robust monitoring is essential to know whether mammals, freshwater fish, reptiles, frogs and biodiversity and support for action is
species are recovering, stable or declining; butterflies. Such estimates and listings of growing rapidly (see p4-5).
whether management is working; and which the most imperilled species allow managers
species are in greatest need of assistance. The work of our dedicated scientists and
and the community time to act before species
Yet, a nationwide inventory completed by the partners has captured public attention,
are lost. Several of these species are not yet
hub in 2017 found that around one-third of listed as threatened under Australian law and attracting over 6,000 media stories on hub
Australia’s listed threatened species had not a few are not formally described; without research, with an estimated reach of over
been the focus of any monitoring, and the this research some may have become 19 million people.
monitoring of many others had been poor. extinct before they even received a name. We have made huge gains in the knowledge
To address this, Professor David Lindenmayer
Effective policies and plans for threatened needed to recover many threatened species
(ANU) led an integrated program which has
biodiversity also depend on a comprehensive and ecological communities. We have also
substantially moved the state of knowledge
understanding of the costs of conservation built an incredible network with policy
and capacity in Australia for threatened
action. However, lack of data on costs has makers, planners and on-ground partners
species monitoring and management (see p5).
previously led many recovery plans remaining to ensure that those findings are applied
In many cases, decisions must be made uncosted, reducing their practical utility. and have the greatest possible impact.
before robust empirical evidence can be New hub research led by Professor Stephen
compiled. In the absence of existing data This hub has been a monumental collective
Garnett, Dr Ram Pandit (UWA) and Professor
for many species and management actions, effort and I have been humbled by the
David Pannell (UWA) provides guidance
we have used a range of structured expert for budgetary planning for recovery plans, incredible commitment of so many people
elicitation processes to fill strategically including detailed indicative direct and working selflessly in the interests of Australia’s
essential knowledge gaps by tapping into the related costs for a range of actions, and threatened species. While many more
experience and knowledge of hundreds of their estimated benefits. challenges remain, we should pause to reflect
the most relevant scientists and on-ground on the substantial contribution we have made
Business as usual will see a continuation
conservation managers across the country. to the preservation of Australia’s nature.
of biodiversity declines. An engaged and
Using these methods, Professors Stephen educated public will be essential to support Professor Brendan Wintle
Garnett and John Woinarski led projects ongoing and expanded investment in recovery Director, Threatened Species Recovery Hub
Dr Daniella Teixeira developed a new efficient
acoustic technique to monitor black-cockatoo
breeding, which is difficult and expensive to
monitor with traditional methods.
IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE 3
Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub
Delivering science for saving
species: A few of our big successes
Better outcomes from biodiversity Professor Craig Franklin (UQ) used a Managing the impacts of cats
offsets biohydrodynamics laboratory to fill critical
IMAGE: NORTHERN TERRITORY GOVERNMENT
knowledge gaps about the swimming
IMAGE: BUTUPA, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC2.0
ability and behaviour of key native fish
species, and tested existing and novel
designs for fishways.
Their research now underpins the New South
Wales Department of Primary Industries
Fisheries’ Road Crossing Design Guidelines
that are currently being drafted, and will help
reduce the impact of manmade barriers that
limit native fish from accessing key habitat.
The team delivered both the largest quantified
dataset on native fish swimming ability and A feral cat in a conservation area.
Malleefowl. a practical and cost-effective new design
The hub’s large and integrated program of
for culverts that waterway managers and
To function as intended, biodiversity research to better understand and manage
engineers can use to improve native fish
offsetting depends on a robust quantified the impact of cats on Australian wildlife was
passage through retrofitted and new
understanding of both the amount of impact shortlisted for the prestigious Eureka Prize
waterway culvert designs.
a development will cause to a threatened for Applied Environmental Research.
species or community, and the benefit that
Improving Australia’s havens network The work led by Professor Sarah Legge
will result from offset actions proposed
(ANU/UQ) and Professor John Woinarski
by a developer.
(CDU) has included: the first robust estimates
The latter, estimating the offset benefit, of the cat populations in Australia and their
has been difficult for many communities toll on wildlife; testing and improving poison-
and species, such as the northern quoll or baiting and trapping methods; integrated
malleefowl, due to a lack of evidence about control of cats and other pests including
the effectiveness of management actions. rats, rabbits and foxes; and managing fires
To fill this gap, Professor Martine Maron’s and grazing to maintain habitat refuges
team (UQ) has developed a benefit expert and reduce predation impacts.
elicitation method, which has been used The findings have provided a broad
by the Queensland Government to improve and comprehensive evidence base that
outcomes for Queensland’s threatened IMAGE: AWC
supports coordinated action by states and
species, and is expected to be a valuable territories through the work of the Feral
The fence at Australian Wildlife Conservancy’s
resource for other biodiversity offset Cat Taskforce, and meets many of the
Newhaven Sanctuary.
managers nationwide. research targets identified in the Australian
Research led by Professor Sarah Legge Government’s Threat Abatement Plan for
Getting fish past manmade barriers (ANU/UQ) will have major benefits for Predation by Feral Cats. Hub findings
mammals that are susceptible to cats and were also referenced 53 times in the final
foxes and to Australia’s conservation haven report of the Parliamentary inquiry into
network of cat- and fox-free islands and the problem of feral and domestic cats
fenced reserves. in Australia.
The national team identified which mammal The hub’s high-impact communication
species most urgently need the protection campaigns on the research findings have also
of a haven to support their persistence, and informed and significantly advanced public
where Australia’s future havens should be conversation about cat control, which has
developed in order to provide the greatest increased support for cat management.
conservation benefit across all mammal
species that are susceptible to predation Recovering biodiversity impacted
IMAGE: MATTHEW GORDOS by feral cats and foxes. by Black Summer fires
Road culverts can be major barriers to fish Their work is already guiding investment Almost three billion animals were killed
movement. decisions to support new havens through or displaced in the 2019–20 bushfires.
the Environment Restoration Fund – Safe Following the fires we worked closely and
A significant cause of native fish declines
Havens Grants, and has informed actions in quickly with Commonwealth, state and
is barriers to fish movement, which can
the Australian Government’s Threatened territory governments to identify and deliver
lead to population fragmentation and loss
Species Strategy on “tackling feral cats”, the science they needed to recover fire-
of access to key habitat. A team led by
and “safe havens for species most at risk”. affected species and communities.
4 Science for saving species #18
processes adopted by DBCA which: assess Developing the ecology policy-makers
trade-offs and synergies between in situ and of the future
ex situ plant species conservation; assess the
cost-effectiveness of translocations compared
to other recovery; and are used to prioritise
plant translocation projects.
Guidelines for the translocation of threatened
plants in Australia developed by the team were
presented at workshops across the country
and widely distributed. They are now being
used by threatened plant policy-makers
IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE and conservation managers nationwide
The fire-recovery workshop on Kangaroo Island. and have been adopted into the New South
Wales translocation operational policy. IMAGE: DAVID PHALEN
This included working with the Expert Panel
PhD candidate Jessica Agius with a Christmas
to rapidly analyse and determine the species Supporting threatened biodiversity
Island gecko.
most affected and the management actions monitoring
that were most needed to prevent their The hub has nurtured 65 PhD, three masters
extinctions and help their recovery. and six honours students. By embedding
We helped develop collaborations across students in collaborations with on-ground
research, landholder, government agency conservation managers we have ensured that
and other groups to deliver essential their work will make a valuable contribution
research, monitoring and management to important real-life challenges.
actions needed for recovery.
For example, working closely with Parks
We also helped to develop and apply Australia, Jessica Agius (USyd) has made
criteria to identify priority projects for major advances in our understanding of
government investment, and supported and management options for a new disease
regional workshops on recovery actions and that is impacting threatened reptiles
investments for fire-affected biodiversity IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE on Christmas Island.
which were facilitated by Dr Libby Rumpff.
Karajarri Ranger Marissa Munroe setting up a As part of a DBCA threatened plant
Additionally, we informed the community camera trap, pit traps and drift fence. conservation team, Leonie Monks (Murdoch)
of the extent and consequences of biodiversity and Rebecca Dillon (UWA) have uncovered
The hub has delivered essential new
loss in the fires, which contributed to public key factors influencing the survival and
knowledge and tools to support improved
support for biodiversity recovery investments. persistence of a range of threatened
threatened biodiversity monitoring
plants, which will improve translocations
across Australia.
Improving threatened plant of these species.
translocation Professors David Lindenmayer (ANU),
Working with Bush Heritage Australia,
Sarah Legge (ANU/UQ) and John Woinarski
Nicholas Leseberg (UQ) has vastly expanded
(CDU) drew together over 70 of the most
knowledge about the night parrot and how
experienced managers and scientists involved
to detect and monitor it, which has already
with monitoring programs in Australia to
underpinned new detections in Western
develop a framework, detailed guidance,
Australia and will substantially contribute
case studies and book to support improved
to the recovery plan for the species.
monitoring of threatened species and
ecological communities. Being part of collaborations like these
and providing them with additional
At a regional scale, we provided input to
guidance on how to work with policy-makers
the redesign of a large-scale national park
(see p10) gives our early career researchers
monitoring program and worked with
important experience that will support
IMAGE: LEONIE MONKS Indigenous groups on arid zone monitoring
them to continue to make an impact
based on Traditional Ecological Knowledge
Banksia anatona translocation site in Western in future roles.
Australia. and tracking skills. We also supported
Indigenous groups to develop practical
Dr David Coates (DBCA) led a national team monitoring programs targeted to their own
that undertook a review of every known biodiversity management priorities, such
plant translocation project Australia-wide as Martu’s Mankarr (bilby) monitoring
and other integrated research which has program, and Karajarri’s investigation of
substantially advanced knowledge, capacity fire management effects on biodiversity.
and support for successful threatened
We developed new and efficient methods
plant translocations.
for hard-to-monitor species like dusky and
The work has greatly advanced our silver-headed antechinuses, black-cockatoos,
understanding of factors affecting the success of burrowing petrels, the Kangaroo Island
projects; genetic management of translocated dunnart, brush-tailed rabbit-rat and brush-
populations; and how to best implement, tailed phascogale. Plus we tested a range of
monitor and learn from ongoing projects. practical and emerging monitoring methods
New knowledge from the research has such as artificial habitat, thermal cameras,
underpinned the development of new drones and eDNA.
5
Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub For more information, watch this short video or search
“target-based ecological compensation” on YouTube.
Beyond offsetting:
Target-based ecological
compensation IMAGE: NEROLI WESLEY, UNSPLASH
Target-based ecological compensation is a new and promising policy tool for governments to ensure that biodiversity loss
caused by development is adequately compensated, while also offering more certainty to developers than existing biodiversity
offset approaches. Professor Martine Maron and Dr Jeremy Simmonds of The University of Queensland explain how target-
based ecological compensation overcomes some of the challenges associated with biodiversity offsetting, such as the difficulty
of achieving genuine “No Net Loss”.
The challenge for society is to balance calculated compared to a “counterfactual
development and conservation. Biodiversity scenario” of what would have happened
offsetting has become a widespread approach without the project and its offset.
by governments around the world to try to So, while people may assume NNL means
achieve this, but as it is currently practised, “No Net Loss” to the environment, it might
despite a goal of “No Net Loss” (NNL) be more accurately described as “no
biodiversity offsetting can entrench additional loss caused by this development”.
ongoing losses of species and ecosystems. In an all-too-common context where
It comes down to how NNL is calculated. biodiversity is declining due to multiple
Currently, the amount of gain that needs threats, NNL allows a development to
to be provided for a given loss is generally simply match that decline.
IMAGE: RAW FILM, UNSPLASH
Figure 1. Under target-based ecological compensation,
NNL takes on a more intuitive meaning.
Doing away with counterfactuals
Counterfactual-based biodiversity offset
calculations are complex. They are subject
to uncertainty and susceptible to
manipulation, and they tend to be done
in a piecemeal project-by-project manner.
But under a new and alternative approach,
they are not needed at all, and NNL takes
on its more intuitive meaning.
As its name suggests, target-based ecological
compensation links compensation to
biodiversity targets, which are set at a
6 Science for saving species #18
RIGHT: Balancing development and
conservation is a challenge for society.
jurisdictional level, which could be national or 2. Estimates about the current state of the
regional. This means that the requirements for biodiversity feature in the jurisdiction
developers and the outcomes for stakeholders (e.g., its population size or area).
are clear and consistent. The associated
3. The amount of the species or ecosystem
conservation outcomes are more transparent
that is or will be effectively secured
and less susceptible to manipulation, and the
(e.g., in protected areas).
relative contribution of different sectors to
achieving those targets is more explicit. 4. Regulatory control of at least some
sectors that cause biodiversity loss
The type and amount of compensation
through their activities.
required for a particular loss is determined
using a simple framework. Compensation To achieve a trajectory of NNL or Net Gain,
requirements are set to achieve the goal for a improvement is the minimum standard of
particular species or ecosystem. See Figure 2. compensation. See Figure 2.
IMAGE: SHANE MCLENDON, UNSPLASH
Implementing the target-based A better approach
approach In this new framework, compensation
These include limits to what can be
Just four enabling factors are required is integrated with targets, because every
compensated for; equity; and adherence to
to implement target-based ecological unit of loss is compensated for in a way
the mitigation hierarchy, which is the process
compensation. With this information, the type that contributes to achieving specified
by which environmental impacts from
and amount of compensation required for losses targets. Outcomes at the project level
development are avoided, unavoidable
caused by development can be determined. mirror the desired outcome at the
impacts minimised and residual impacts
1. Outcomes-based biodiversity targets for jurisdictional level.
then offset as an option of last resort.
species populations or ecosystems (or In doing so, it advances ecological
The framework builds on best-practice
other specific biodiversity features) in a compensation beyond a reactive,
safeguards and principles, in a workable
jurisdiction, whether national or regional. ad-hoc response. Rather, target-based
approach for conservation.
For example, a target for the number ecological compensation ensures alignment
of breeding individuals of a threatened between actions that address unavoidable Further information
species might be a minimum of 10,000; biodiversity losses and the achievement Martine Maron
a target for the area of a vegetation of targets for conservation. m.maron@uq.edu.au
community in a region might be at least Meanwhile, standard conditions that apply Jeremy Simmonds
half its original extent, in good condition. to biodiversity offsetting remain valid. j.simmonds1@uq.edu.au
Net trajectory Type of On-ground action
required compensation (example)
(minimum req.)
Biodiversity feature
Net Gain
affected by a project ➡ Increase to target Restoration of degraded
is below its target
ecosystem, or interventions
IMPROVEMENT to enhance a species’
Biodiversity feature population
No Net Loss
affected by a project ➡ Remain at/near target
is at its target
Securing a site where the
Biodiversity feature
Managed Net Loss biodiversity feature already
affected by a project ➡ Do not breach target MAINTENANCE exists, and maintaining it at
is above its target
its current state into future
Click here for an interactive target-based ecological compensation calculation spreadsheet.
Figure 2. Compensation for losses of biodiversity caused by development projects can be designed to contribute to jurisdictional biodiversity targets.
The target-based ecological compensation approach provides a clear framework for determining how much and what type (‘Improvement’ or ‘Maintenance’)
compensation is required for a loss to a given biodiversity, such that the overall outcome is consistent with the achievement of that feature’s target.
7
Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub The Sandstone Shrubland Complex on the Arnhem Plateau is an
ecological community of national conservation significance comprised
mostly of native shrubs, grasses and animals living in rock country. It is a
vital habitat to a big number of plants and animals in Australia’s Top End.
The economics of
threatened species IMAGE: JAANA DIELENBERG
What price persistence? Dr Ram Pandit of the University of Western Australia (UWA), Dr Kerstin Zander of Charles Darwin
University (CDU), and several researchers from both UWA and CDU are taking a close look at how people value threatened
species, with some surprising – and heartening – results. Here they share their insights into what it means to Australians to
avert extinction of vulnerable species.
There is a common misconception that Even when respondents had to choose how dollar value. This was consistent with another
economics is about money. It is not. Economics much they are willing to pay among three or of our surveys, in which 70% of respondents
is the science of allocating scarce resources five threatened species, they were willing to thought extinction should be prevented
and making decisions – whether about give $0.33 and $0.20 per year, respectively, regardless of the cost. Some might think that
allocating money or anything else. The total to make sure the snail no longer qualifies impractical – except that the US Endangered
economic value of something includes not for the threatened species list. Species Act aims “to halt and reverse the trend
just how much money one can get for it on In fact, what we discovered was that the toward species extinction, whatever the cost”,
the open market but many other values that dollar value of a species increases substantially as the US Supreme Court put it.
do not involve money at all. Dollar values help as it approaches extinction. That effectively That’s not to say that people do not value some
people understand the worth of something in says that threatened species are beyond species more than others. So long as extinction
monetary terms, but they are only one small
part of the story in making decisions. BELOW: The Critically Endangered boggomoss snail is found only in the Dawson River catchment, in the
Brigalow Belt Bioregion of Queensland.
The value of persistence
Threatened species illustrate this point
beautifully. The fact that you cannot trade
boggomoss snails does not mean that
Australian people do not value them. Most
respondents will never get the tiniest monetary
gain from the snail’s persistence – they will
never sell one, eat one, photograph one or visit
one of the few boggy mossy springs where they
persist in Queensland’s Dawson Valley. Yet,
respondents to our species-specific surveys
said they were willing to pay around $47 per
year to make sure boggomoss snails are not
lost forever, with 69% of respondents willing
in principle to pay something for the snail
to survive. Multiplied across the country’s
population, that’s a pretty high existence value.
8 Science for saving species #18 IMAGE: JOHN STANISIC
is avoided, the amount people would be willing
IMAGE: PARKS AUSTRALIA
to pay for conservation varied by species. In
contrast to general perception that birds and
charismatic species are valued more than the
others, we found that charisma-challenged
species like skinks are also valued highly.
In our multiple species valuation study, we
found that people are willing to pay $3.12 per
year to conserve the great desert skink and
about $0.37 per year to conserve the eastern
bristlebird. We also assessed the community’s
values for threatened ecosystems like salt
pans ($0.10/year) or Sandstone Shrubland
Complex ($0.93/year). Much of our research
was quite new – nowhere in the world have
multiple species been assessed simultaneously,
ecological communities been valued, or anyone
IMAGE: ????????????????????????
tried to uncover the community’s values for
anything other than high-profile species. The Christmas Island blue-tailed skink would be extinct if not for the time and care of dedicated staff and
As a result, we can work out some general captive breeding facilities provided by Parks Australia and Taronga Park Zoo.
rules for determining a species’ non-market
value that will help policy-makers estimate On the money of at least some of the monetary benefits
the cost to the public if a development A final part of our work did also look at the that communities can derive from hosting
increases the probability of species extinction, monetary economy and threatened species. threatened species and their managers.
or the benefits that can arise from habitat For instance, many species may survive only Economic analysis is critical to most policy-
restoration. Such values represent the benefits if they are kept in zoos or behind large fences. making by government. Our work aims to
to society of conserving species, and help to To help planning for such expenditure, the ensure that the very real values Australians
make decisions about species conservation country’s zoos provided estimates of the costs place on threatened species, the values that
while considering the costs. of keeping different types of animals – and explain the existence of the Threatened
mammals and birds are much more expensive Species Recovery Hub, and of the legislation
Management – and trust to keep than other, smaller animals. We aimed at protecting threatened species, are
In another study, we assessed how the worth costed the different types of fencing that are given a seat at the decision-making table.
of threatened species was affected by their increasingly being erected to protect native If boggomoss snails could cheer, we are
management. We asked whether people mammals from feral predators. For a sample sure they would.
would pay less if a species were kept in a zoo, of species, we also calculated the institutional Further information
if feral animals were killed as a part of threat costs of threatened species management. Ram Pandit
management or if a species’ genetic makeup Rangers erecting nest boxes can only do ram.pandit@uwa.edu.au
were managed to avoid inbreeding effects. their job if there are people in offices
Somewhat to our surprise, the killing of feral Kerstin Zander
arranging their weekly pay or training them
animals was embraced by a large proportion kerstin.zander@cdu.edu.au
how to climb trees. Such costs are almost
of respondents. They were more cautious never calculated in threatened species Stephen Garnett
about genetic management, but only actually budgets, which fall short as a result. stephen.garnett@cdu.edu.au
opposed active manipulation of genes. However, not all costs are outlays. Threatened
In all the valuation studies, what came through species managers often live in rural and
was a trust of the scientists. If scientists were remote communities; their children go to local
concerned a species might go extinct, and schools; they buy food from the local shops.
proposed a process to make sure that would For every dollar invested in such a community,
not happen, most respondents were willing there are flow-on benefits in terms of jobs and
to make a contribution. As we know, such local investment. That information is being
trust places a great responsibility on those fed into an analysis of threat management
who are trusted, and can easily be lost. needs across the country to allow calculation
Saving a species can require a major long-term
commitment. The bridled nail-tail wallaby was
widespread across eastern Australia at the time of
European arrival, but foxes, cats and land clearing
drove major declines. The species was thought
extinct until a single small population was found
in central Queensland in 1973. To prevent the
extinction of the species, Taunton National Park
(Scientific) was established at the site and feral
predator control and other conservation actions
have been put in place since that time to
conserve and support its recovery.
IMAGE: NICOLAS RAKOTOPARE / QUEENSLAND PARKS AND WILDLIFE SERVICE
9
Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub
Producing
science
for
policy
RIGHT: Hub researchers discussing the
policy implications of research related to the
Victorian Central Highlands with stakeholders
IMAGE: JAANA DIELENBERG
at a hub workshop in Melbourne, 2017.
You’ve done some cutting edge research, but will it make a difference? Dr Rachel Morgain of The Australian National
University and Professor Martine Maron of The University of Queensland talk about what researchers need to know
about engaging with policy-makers.
Conservation researchers are a passionate Policy must also be robust enough to address presentation, with plenty of opportunity
bunch. We don’t just do what we do because messy reality. Policy ideas can be elegant for discussion and questions, is better
we love the species and ecosystems we work and sleek, internally consistent, and promise than a formal talk.
on. We want to do research that helps them. effectiveness and efficiency – then fail to survive
Ask whether a tailored piece of research or
We want what we discover to support better in the “wild”. They need to be implementable.
tailored product for policy would be helpful,
decisions about conserving biodiversity. So if you are a researcher, you already and in what form. Work with policy partners
And, ideally, we want to see the basis of these know you have to make your work accessible throughout, listen to them, and seek their
better decisions embedded systematically. and explain its importance in plain language. input at all stages – they likely have valuable
In other words, we want to impact policy. But what else do you need to know to produce insights into any number of issues material
“Policy” generally refers to a broad range research for policy? Our hub has recently to what you are developing, such as what is
of mechanisms and systems implemented produced the Connecting Research with currently feasible, constitutionally possible,
by government agencies at all levels (and Policy guidelines to help researchers or has been tried in the past.
non-government organisations too) to seeking to engage policy-makers.
Communicate regularly.
address specific issues. It includes regulation, Here are some of the key tips:
planning, legislation, strategies, program 3. Time it well
design, evaluation, agreements, and 1. Learn the context and who to engage
Research has to be timely as well as relevant.
decisions related to government Learn as much as possible about your policy Your research is most likely to be considered
funding and investment. context: how is responsibility distributed and to have impact when a policy, strategy or
between jurisdictions and agencies? What are legislation is in formation or under review.
One of many factors the constitutionally defined responsibilities If you present your findings after a policy
There is wide agreement among policy-makers between the Commonwealth, states and
has been finalised and announced, you are
and researchers that policy should be informed territories? What other agreements or
not likely to influence it until it is next
by research evidence. But it’s important to related policies are in place? What other
due for review.
recognise that scientific findings are just a non-government, business or community
part of a much larger ecosystem of values, players have a stake? Regular communication with relevant
laws and wider knowledge that influence policy teams is a good way to keep an
policy. This generally includes social values, 2. Work closely with policy stakeholders ear open for these timely opportunities.
competing needs and priorities, constitutional Contact important policy stakeholders and Keeping policy-makers informed of your
responsibilities, interjurisdictional agreements, offer to discuss your research and discuss key research areas also allows them to
existing legislative frameworks and ideas. Offer to give presentations in a contact you if and when your research
international obligations. format that suits them. Often an interactive becomes timely.
10 Science for saving species #18Parliamentary committee reviews, inquiries shortcoming; and d) options for addressing to the biodiversity challenges you are
and other processes that ask for public the shortcoming, with a summary of working to solve.
comment are another great opportunity supporting evidence. The past six years of the Threatened
to share your research at an opportune Species Recovery Hub have underscored the
moment. The reviewers generally have a 5. Be patient
commitment and passion of a wide range
very narrow remit and may receive hundreds Policy change is a long game. Most research of policy-makers and policy users across
of submissions, so focus clearly on the on the subject suggests it can take 10–20 Australia for engaging with the research
terms of reference. years for major new insights to be taken community. We are fortunate in the hub to
up in policy in significant ways. have many policy partners and established
4. Spell out options and implications
Turnover in policy-relevant positions can also processes for connecting with the right
Research papers are renowned for stating
be high, so be ready to engage new people, people. The legacy set in train will, we
“this has policy implications” without
and don’t assume that they are aware of the hope, last for many years more.
drawing these out in a way that can be readily
understood and used by policy-makers. background discussions you’ve already had. Further information
Spell out the implications of your research It is heartening to see the importance of Rachel Morgain
for potential policy or management options research impact increasingly recognised in rachel.morgain@anu.edu.au
and the likely consequences (including indicators of research quality. Effectively Martine Maron
perverse outcomes) that could arise working with policy stakeholders takes time – m.maron@uq.edu.au
from particular decisions. time which may seem hard to prioritise within
If proposing policy change, make clear: academic frameworks, which have typically
a) the policy objective that could be better rewarded a focus on academic publishing.
achieved; b) a summary of the evidence However, it is time well spent if you want
for the shortcoming; c) the reasons for the your science to make the biggest difference
11Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub Feral cats, and pet cats that are allowed to roam outside, can carry a
range of pathogens that can cause diseases in humans and livestock.
IMAGE: JAANA DIELENBERG
Diseases spread
by cats have a
$6 billion impact
on health and
agriculture
every year
A new study led by Professor Sarah Legge at The Australian National University and Dr Patrick Taggart from The University of
Adelaide has quantified the national impact of cat-borne diseases on human health and agriculture in Australia for the first time.
Toxoplasmosis, toxocariasis, sarcocystosis and the parasite, or by accidentally consuming We estimate that 125,000 people are infected
cat scratch disease are caused by pathogens a microscopic “oocyst”, which is like an with Toxoplasma in Australia each year. Many
that depend on cats – pet or feral – for part egg, that is shed in the cat’s faeces. Oocysts infected people appear asymptomatic or have
of their life cycle. But these diseases can also are environmentally resistant and can be symptoms that are easily misdiagnosed as a
be passed to humans and other animals, washed or blown around by water and wind, flu, but immunocompromised people such as
sometimes with severe health consequences. contaminating soil or water, and consequently cancer patients can get very sick and even die.
Our study in Wildlife Research looked at the consumed via drinking contaminated water,
If a woman contracts the parasite while
rates of these diseases in Australia, their eating unwashed vegetables or not washing
pregnant, it can cause miscarriage or lifelong
human health and agricultural impacts, hands after gardening or playing in a sandpit.
congenital impacts for her unborn baby,
and the cost to the Australian economy.
BELOW: If cats access sandpits it increases the chance of children being exposed to T. gondii and cat roundworm.
Human health
IMAGE: LBOI, FLICKR, CC BY NC ND 2.0
Based on findings from a large number
of Australian and international studies,
Australian hospital data and information
from the Australian Bureau of Statistics,
we estimate that more than 8,500 Australians
are hospitalised and about 550 die annually
from causes linked to cat-dependent diseases,
while thousands more suffer more minor
injuries or illnesses.
We estimated the economic cost of these
pathogens in Australia at more than $6 billion
per year based on the costs of medical care
for affected people, lost income from time
off work, and other related expenses.
Toxoplasmosis is the cat-dependent disease
with the greatest human health impact in
Australia. The disease is caused by a single-
celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii.
People contract the parasite by eating
undercooked meat that is infected with
12 Science for saving species #18including hearing, vision and intellectual Studies in other countries with comparable
impairments. lamb production industries, like New Zealand
and the UK, have found production losses
Even if the initial infection causes little
of similar magnitude.
illness, the parasite stays with us for life,
encased in a cyst, often in the brain. Agricultural impacts are probably uneven
These “latent” infections may affect our across Australia, because infection risk varies
mental health and behaviour, such as with climate. The prevalence of T. gondii
in feral cats is much higher in cooler, IMAGE: BEENTREE/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS, CC BY SA 4.0
delaying our reaction times.
wetter areas, where oocysts can survive ABOVE: Cat roundworm.
Studies have shown that people with
longer in the environment.
a T. gondii infection are more likely Pet cats should also be desexed to
to be involved in a car accident. A review As a result, sheep-producing areas of
prevent unwanted litters that end up
of several studies found if there were no South Australia and Tasmania may be
as free-roaming ferals.
T. gondii infections, car accident rates would worst-affected by cat-dependent pathogens.
theoretically be 17% lower. In an Australian Sarcocystosis-positive farms are 15 times Cats should be kept out of vegetable gardens
context, these fewer car accidents would more common on Kangaroo Island than and children’s sandpits. Washing hands
result in about 200 fewer deaths and on the adjacent mainland and cysts are after handling kitty litter and gardening,
6,500 fewer hospitalisations each year. observed on up to two-thirds of slaughtered washing vegetables thoroughly and
adult sheep from the island. cooking meat well can also reduce the
T. gondii infections are also associated risk of transmission.
with an increased risk of mental health What can we do?
disorders. For example, reviews across These steps would cost us little, but help
There are no human or animal vaccines
many studies suggest that without T. gondii safeguard our pet cats and could prevent
for these diseases.
infections, there could be 10% fewer unnecessary impacts on our health and
Currently, over 700,000 feral cats and 3.8 wellbeing, our economy and to farmers.
suicides and 21% fewer schizophrenia cases.
million pet cats roam our towns and suburbs,
Further information
Scratches and worms and another 2.1 million feral cats roam the
Sarah Legge
bush and rural areas acting as reservoirs
Cat scratch disease is a bacterial infection sarahmarialegge@gmail.com
of these diseases. We can lower rates of
(Bartonella henselae) that people can contract Patrick Taggart
all cat-dependent diseases by reducing
if bitten or scratched by an infected cat. patrick.taggart@adelaide.edu.au
the numbers of cats.
Typical symptoms include sores, fevers,
The community can help lower the urban Chris Dickman
aches and swollen glands. But more serious
feral cat population by preventing access chris.dickman@sydney.edu.au
symptoms, such as inflammation of heart
tissue, cysts in the organs and loss of vision, to easy food sources on farms, at rubbish John Read
can also occur. We estimate that at least bins and tips – and by not feeding stray ecological67@gmail.com
2,700 Australians get sick annually from cat or feral cats, as this can lead to local John Woinarski
scratch disease, and 270 are hospitalised. aggregations of cats (“clowders”), john.woinarski@cdu.edu.au
where infection rates are higher.
Cat roundworm is a parasitic infection Work cited
(Toxocara cati) that people and other animals Cat owners can help by keeping pet Legge, S., Taggart, P.L., Dickman, C.R., Read, J.L.,
can contract by accidentally consuming cats indoors or in a securely contained Woinarski, J.C.Z. 2020. Cat-dependent diseases cost
outdoor area, to reduce the chance Australia AU$6 billion per year through impacts on
the parasite’s egg, which infected cats
their pet will contract or pass on a human health and livestock production. Wildlife
shed in their faeces.
disease-causing pathogen. Research 47(8), pp. 731–746. DOI: 10.1071/WR20089
Most cat roundworm infections cause mild
symptoms, but the migration of the larvae
BELOW: The cat eradication program on Kangaroo Island will benefit sheep producers as well as native wildlife.
through the body can cause tissue damage,
which can be serious if it occurs in a IMAGE: TANNER YOULD, UNSPLASH
place like the eye or heart.
Agriculture
We found that T. gondii is the cat-dependent
pathogen with the greatest impact on
agriculture in Australia, and that the sheep
industry is the worst impacted. Toxoplasmosis
causes the loss of over 62,000 unborn
lambs each year in Australia, costing the
industry around $10 million annually.
Sarcocystosis, caused by the single-celled
parasites Sarcocystis giganteus and
S. medusiformes, causes cysts in sheep meat
which then require trimming and can
even result in whole carcasses or shipments
being rejected. It costs the Australian
meat industry around $2 million per year.
13Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub In the south-west of Western Australia, fences are a part
of human infrastructure enabling threatened western
ringtail possums to co-exist with humans in urban areas.
Biodiversity sensitive
urban design:
The future of cities IMAGE: L. KNIGHT
Experiencing nature, including in cities, is good for human health and wellbeing. Cities are also important to biodiversity
conservation, and are home to many species of plant and animal, including threatened species. Dr Georgia Garrard of
The University of Melbourne explains how a new framework for biodiversity sensitive urban design (BSUD) can support local
governments, urban planners and architects to reduce development impacts on biodiversity and increase the benefits that
nature in cities can deliver to residents.
The impacts of urbanisation can be devastating To achieve this, planners and developers The BSUD framework begins by evaluating
for biodiversity. Negative effects include habitat must reframe biodiversity as an opportunity native animals and plants on a site,
loss and fragmentation, the introduction of rather than a constraint, consider biodiversity key landscape features and any potential
exotic species, alteration of local climates via early in their decision-making and access threats. Planners and communities
the urban heat island and increased levels of sound ecological information to support it – then identify biodiversity objectives for
chemical, light and noise pollution. yet to date little guidance has been the site, which inform BSUD actions or
Careful urban design has the potential to available, and take-up of such practice recommendations. Next is quantifying
reduce these impacts, and to increase the has consequently been slow. the potential impact of these actions and
benefits that biodiversity and everyday nature using the data to decide which designs best
Action for urban design meet the biodiversity and development
experiences in cities can deliver to residents.
This is where biodiversity sensitive urban objectives (see Figure 1).
BELOW: Dr Georgia Garrard in a native grassland design (BSUD) fits in. We distilled five
surrounded by new urban development in principles of BSUD from the urban Five principles to guide actions
Melbourne. biodiversity literature and devised a The BSUD framework has five essential
IMAGE: GEORGIA GARRARD flexible framework for their implementation. principles.
This framework can be applied across a range 1. Maintain existing and create new
of urban development types and densities, resources for nature. Develop areas
allowing for a transparent trade-off between of low ecological value to avoid habitat
biodiversity benefits and other environmental, loss. Use native plant species, and
social and economic goals. It can be used encourage resident-led wildlife gardening
during the early stages of a new or retrofitted to create habitat for native species.
development of any size, from individual Look for opportunities to add novel
houses to large-scale urban developments. habitats such as habitat walls and
other green infrastructure.
The five principles hold across all habitat types
and geographic regions. Further, the framework 2. Support animal movement across the
and its principles ensure better, more reliable landscape. Establish habitat connectivity
development outcomes for nature and people corridors through public and private land,
by encouraging members of local communities taking care not to spread invasive weeds
to engage with the BSUD process. or pests. Again, think outside the square
14 Science for saving species #18as novel approaches such as An alternative to offsetting Next steps
road underpasses might be needed. This work brings innovative ideas to BSUD principles have recently informed
3. Reduce threats to and disturbance sustainable urban development. It creates voluntary performance tools such the Green
of nature. Landscape with indigenous on-site biodiversity gains, finds synergies Building Council of Australia’s Green Star
plants and establish pet containment between development and biodiversity Communities as well as urban development
programs to reduce the impact of weeds objectives and offers a way to measure plans in established and growth areas.
and exotic predators. Plant vegetated the success of nature-based designs. It has A critical next step will be to build an evidence
swales and rain gardens to mitigate runoff particular value to professionals involved base for the ecological and co-benefits of
and nutrient loads. Reduce light and with urban planning, and development, BSUD through cross-sectoral partnerships
sound pollution through the use of including urban planners, architects, to implement and evaluate BSUD in a
sound barriers and temporary road local government, developers and range of applied settings.
closures and by dimming street lights. urban conservation practitioners. Cities are increasingly recognised for their
4. Protect natural cycles and ecological importance to biodiversity conservation.
BSUD involves a fundamental shift in thinking
communities. Reduce the disruptions BSUD provides an innovative framework
from current practice, where biodiversity losses
of urbanisation by providing adequate for our times and has the potential to shape
are “offset” elsewhere. Biodiversity offsetting
resources for the native species you want a new conception of urban landscapes where
delivers questionable ecological outcomes
to support, protect pollinator habitat, native plants and animals can thrive and
because retained patches face continuing
and plan for things like fire and flooding. residents can reap the benefits that
threats from the surrounding environment, and
living with biodiversity offers.
5. Create opportunities for positive in practice the offset is unlikely to adequately
interactions between people and nature. compensate for the loss incurred over the long Further information
Facilitate public engagement and local term. Furthermore, offsetting ignores place- Georgia Garrard
stewardship of biodiversity by providing based values of nature, and results in ggarrard@unimelb.edu.au
“cues to care” and creating opportunities an unmitigated loss of nature in the places Sarah Bekessy
for positive interactions with nature. where urban residents live, work and play. sarah.bekessy@rmit.edu.au
Figure 1. The BSUD framework. Adapted from Garrard et al. (2018), Biodiversity Sensitive Urban Design. Conservation Letters, 11: e12411. doi:10.1111/conl.12411
15Magazine of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub Julie McInnes (shown here) and Jez Bird
conducted the fieldwork on Macquarie Island.
IMAGE: TOBY TRAVERS
eDNA:
A successful
technique for
identifying
cryptic species in
a remote location
Sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island is an important breeding site for many seabirds. Pest animals introduced by sealers in the
1800s drove some species of burrowing petrels to extinction on the island, and reduced the number of other petrel species.
Now that cats, rabbits, rats and mice have all been successfully eradicated, Macquarie Island’s conservation managers wanted
to know how species respond to the removal of these animals, and if any of the lost species had returned. It was a hard question
to answer as burrowing petrels spend most of their time at sea, burrowing underground in two-metre long nesting tunnels,
and leaving their burrows only at night. In addition, several species look very similar. Dr Justine Shaw and PhD candidate
Jeremy Bird from The University of Queensland talk about how they tested new eDNA methods to see if they could shed
light on some aspects of the island’s burrowing petrels. They collaborated with molecular ecologist Dr Julie McInnes from
The University of Tasmania to undertake this work.
Macquarie Island, located midway between whether some species are now returning to We wanted to test the application of
Tasmania and Antarctica, is a remarkable the main island. They were also curious about eDNA to identify these cryptic species in
place. The 34 km–long treeless island is whether species never seen or not seen for the landscape. Scats and feathers are
covered in grasslands, herbfields and tundra- many decades were returning to the island. easy to find and quick to collect.
like vegetation. It supports vast congregations
Previously, Tasmanian DPIPWE Parks and
of wildlife, including breeding colonies of Feathers and scats the key
Wildlife rangers and government scientists
seal, penguin and seabird species, including Our methods involved collecting 222 scat
surveyed these birds with methods like hand
numerous species of burrowing petrels. and 108 feather samples from breeding sites
searches, spotlighting and burrow-scopes –
of either known species or mixed/unknown
Cats, rabbits, rats and mice established on but the birds remain hard to detect
species on Macquarie Island, then analysing
the island after they were introduced by throughout the landscape.
sealers and whalers during the 19th century.
They caused extensive damage to island BELOW: Petrel scats and feathers outside a burrow on Macquarie Island.
habitats and wildlife, including the local IMAGE: JULIE MCINNES
extinction of some seabird species. Rats
and cats ate birds and their eggs; rabbits
destroyed nesting habitat.
To overcome this, the Tasmanian Parks and
Wildlife Service began feral animal eradication
programs on Macquarie Island in the 1970s
and the island was declared free of invasive
mammals in 2014. Now that the threats to
burrowing petrels have been removed on the
island, conservation managers wanted to know
whether populations were increasing, and
16 Science for saving species #18the samples later in the lab by extracting and Table 1. Burrowing petrel species detected on Macquarie Island from scat and feather DNA
sequencing the DNA. This gave us valuable
Common species Less common species
insights into what species occur where.
Antarctic prion, Pachyptila desolata Diving petrel, Pelecanoides sp.
Our eDNA sampling at the established and
known colonies confirmed that the species Blue petrel, Halobaena caerulea Fairy prion, Pachyptila turtur
thought to occur there were indeed present, Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus Soft-plumaged petrel, Pterodroma mollis
verifying previous survey methods. White-headed petrel, Pterodroma lessonii Fulmar prion, Pachyptila crassirostris –
Further, our research detected some DNA sequences indicative, but inconclusive
burrowing petrels at new locations. Diving Grey petrel, Procellaria cinerea
petrels and fairy prions have rarely been (winter breeder)
detected on Macquarie Island, with the latter
previously recorded only on offshore rock
breeding on Macquarie Island or offshore that are remote, such as Heard Island, and
stacks and Bishop and Clerk Islets since
islands, with an additional two sequences where field trips are consequently infrequent
monitoring began. Yet, we found diving petrel
that could only be identified to genus level. and/or where resources, logistics and
DNA in samples from five locations around
Table 1 shows the species we were able to access are limited.
the island and fairy prion (or fulmar prion)
identify from the scat and feather DNA. Our findings can also be used to help inform
DNA from three locations.
surveying of cryptic species and future
Two rock stacks were hotspots of burrowing Next challenges eradication projects on other islands,
petrels, with at least four species identified on The project tested and confirmed both where managers, funders and researchers
each. One of these rock stacks likely provided a the efficacy of on-ground survey techniques are required to anticipate ecosystem
refuge to burrowing petrel species while rats, for threatened burrowing seabirds on the responses to eradications of pest animals.
cats, mice and rabbits existed on Macquarie island, and the efficacy of eDNA methods
Island, as it is not connected to the main using scats and feathers to identify species IMAGE: JEZ BIRD
island. However, the presence of four petrel
in the landscape.
species on the second, connected, rock stack,
which was accessible to the invasive pest Future work could provide insight into the
animals, is encouraging and provides the provenance of recolonising populations and
first evidence in recent years of fairy prions population genetics, such as we identified for
on the main island. white-headed petrels during this study.
All up, we detected DNA that matched The methods we developed are relevant
reference sequences for seven of the and useful for surveys of cryptic species
burrowing petrel species previously recorded on other islands in Australia, and globally,
IMAGE: JULIE MCINNES
ABOVE: White-headed petrel in burrow.
Collaborating with molecular ecologist Dr Julie
McInnes from the beginning of the project, in the
initial design phase, was critical to the success of
our project.
This work was supported by the Australian Antarctic
Science Program.
Further information
Justine Shaw
j.shaw6@uq.edu.au
ABOVE: Burrowing petrel scat.
Petrel in flight.
IMAGE: JEZ BIRD 17You can also read
