Ecological Linkages: Conserving Urban Fauna
The conservation of urban fauna populations is an imperative and timely goal in an expanding world of concrete and steel. Perth, Western Australia’s capital, is experiencing strong growth and rapid urban development on a small and bio-diverse coastal strip of 50 km north-south by 25 km east-west. The objective of our research was to identify fauna species most at threat in the Perth metropolitan region and determine the parameters most affecting population viability, with a focus on the importance of corridors.
An extensive literature review and Delphi survey of 15 experts identified several bird taxa at risk especially Splendid Fairy-wren, Thornbills, Scarlet Robin and Grey Shrike Thrush. We analysed a database of 1500 repeat bird surveys from 121 urban remnants. Pattern Analysis identified three major categories; bushland-dependent specialists, bushland-dependent generalists and urban generalists. Preliminary pattern analysis supported species chosen under the Delphi process (Thornbills and Fairy-wrens) as most at risk and a GLM identified the primary factors affecting population viability as dispersal, remnant area, isolation and fire. Field studies on corridor use by at risk species revealed a strong preference for dense cover and a strong negative correlation with fire frequency. The practical on-ground actions arising from this project will be outlined to show how landscape connections in urban areas can increase the long-term viability of remnant faunal populations.