Sunshine Coast Conservation Futures #4

 JOINED NATURE

Island biogeography theory – The theory of island biogeography states that a larger island will have a greater number of species than a smaller island.

Island Biogeography Theory can be applied to the design of nature reserves, as many reserves are essentially 'islands' of natural habitat in a sea of less favourable environment, for example, agric- cultural land or urban areas.

So the takeaways are that we need largest reserve areas possible and, ideally, we need as many smaller areas of habitat forming linkages between blocks of protected biodiversity.

Hinterland Bushlinks – is a really great example of this and there name says it all. Its efforts are concentrated on the hinterland of the SC and it works with land holders to link areas of habitat. As it says on its thorough website; The vision for Hinterland Bush Links is to protect and maintain existing bush blocks and to re-connect them with wildlife corridors. A vital ingredient in this is the bush on private lands. Planting native vegetation in addition to controlling weed species is central.

One disadvantage though is that there good work is restricted to the hinterland and a quick examination of a map on the coast suggests that links of habitat are needed elsewhere.

Existing creek lines need expanded riparian vegetation as these have massive linking and corridor potential. 

Along road ways – lawn could and should be replaced with local indigenous shrubs, ground covers and trees.

Highway edges should be replanted with native vegetation; especially to shield the plantation timbers from view. And perhaps fenced where appropriate.

Major rail corridors revegetated could also be major corridors for wildlife movement…..

As per the last blog entry our suburbs must be as vegetated as possible to allow nature to reside but also to travel through. Drive through a newish suburb on the Sunshine Coast - or an old one - and allow yourself to imagine native gardens almost everywhere you see lawn and you will start to see some biodiversity potential.

Vegetated bridges and Tree to Tree crossings should be ocnsidered at various locations on the Sunshine Coast.

Fauna bridge in Brisbane City Council area. Should we suggest sites for the Sunshine Coast?

Possum bridge in Brisbane

Ken Cross

All of the above is merely personal opinion and dreaming and NOT the perspective or policy of Birdlife Australia.