Long-term trends in faunal recolonization after bauxite mining in the jarrah forest of southwestern Australia
Published source details Nichols O.G. & Nichols F.M. (2003) Long-term trends in faunal recolonization after bauxite mining in the jarrah forest of southwestern Australia. Restoration Ecology, 11, 261-272.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
| Action | Category | |
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Restore former mining sites Action Link |
Restore former mining sites
A replicated, site comparison study in 1992–1998 of forest at two sites in Western Australia, Australia (Nichols & Nichols 2003) found similar mammal species richness in forest restored on former bauxite mines compared with unmined jarrah forest. Results were not tested for statistical significance. The number of mammal species recorded in restored forest (10) was similar to that in unmined forest (9). Short-beaked echidna Tachyglossus aculeatus and the introduced feral cat Felis catus and European rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus were found in restored but not in unmined forest. Common brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula and western brush wallaby Macropus irma were found in unmined but not restored forest. At each of two mines, one survey plot was established in restored forest and one in unmined forest. Restoration, commencing in 1990, involved disturbing and reprofiling the mine surface, to reverse compaction, and replacing topsoil and associated aggregate. Tree and understorey plant seeds were added. Mammals were surveyed, using three trap types, over four successive nights, in July–August 1992, 1995 and 1998. Native mammals were released and feral mammals were euthanized.
(Summarised by: Nick Littlewood)
