Dune vegetation of the Swan Coastal Plain, Western Australia

A study of vegetation on the aeolian deposits of the Swan Coastal Plain, using classification techniques, revealed 49 vegetation units. These units were agglomerated into plant communities and complexes, on the basis of floristic composition. A Conspectus to the vegetation classification is provided. Vegetation in this region is generally considered to be species-rich. Vegetation on the oldest (Bassendean) dune system was most species-rich. The complexity of vegetation pattern (vegetation texture) was greatest on the intermediate aged (Spearwood) dune system. Vegetation on the Quindalup dune system was both species-poor and had the simplest texture relative to the other two dune systems. It is postulated that species-richness and vegetation texture change dynamically through time, as the dune systems become more stabilised and leached. A key to the described communities is provided to allow researchers, conservation managers, teachers and other interested persons to allocate vegetation of particular bushland sites to a plant community described in the Conspectus, and thus increase knowledge of the vegetation variation in bushland remnants across this region

Peripheral vegetation of Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary, Western Australia

Fifteen vegetation units, distinguished by differences in the floristic composition of vascular plant species, have been recognised from the Peel Inlet-Harvey Estuary system, Western Australia. Analysis of the epontic diatom flora within units confirms their integrity. The spatial distribution of these vascular-plant communities around the estuarine system appears to be controlled by the substrate summer salinity values, together with the vertical distance from the high water mark. Evidence from aerial photographs extending back 23 years suggests that dynamic processes are less important than these spatial controls in determining community distribution. Exceptions to this occur only when sudden major geomorphic changes force concomitant vegetation changes

Dynamics of some Western Australian ligneous formations with special reference to the invasion of exotic species

Invasion of natural vegetation in Australia by exotic species has become pronounced in the last 150 years of European settlement. Changes in the frequency and type of fire have been a major disturbance to the dynamics of natural vegetation, and this disturbance has allowed rapid spread of exotics, particularly in urban and semi-rural regions. Less obvious disturbances include changes in nutrient levels and hydrological regimes, which also allow exotic species to establish and spread, at the expense of native species. Permanent plots established in various vegetation types show a decline in diversity which is associated with an increase in invasion by exotic species. Possible management strategies, designed to maintain the natural vegetation, which can be postulated include control and change of fire regime, removal of exotic species before seed-set, and the active introduction of native plants adapted to disturbance

Analysis of private natural heritage reserves as a conservation strategy for the biodiversity of the cocoa region of the southern State of Bahia, Brazil Análise das reservas particulares do patrimônio natural como estratégia de conservação na região cacaueira do Sul da Bahia, Brasil

Brazil was the first country in Latin America to establish and regulate this type of reserve, and there are currently more than 700 Private Nature Heritage Reserves (RPPN in Portuguese) officially recognized by either federal or state environmental agencies. Together, these RPPN protect more than a half million hectares of land in the country. The coastal forests in the southern part of Bahia State extend 100 to 200 km inland, gradually changing in physiognomy as they occupy the dryer inland areas. The coastal forest has been subjected to intense deforestation, and currently occupies less than 10% of its original area. For this work the creation processes of the RPPN were consulted to obtain the data creation time, size of property, the condition of the remaining forest, succession chain and the last paid tax. After that, interviews with the owners were made to confirm this data. Sixteen RPPN have been established in this region until 2005. Their sizes vary from 4.7 to 800 ha. Ten of these RPPN are located within state or federal conservation areas or their buffer zones. In spite of the numerous national and international conservation strategies and environmental policies focused on the region, the present situation of the cocoa zone is threatening the conservation of the region's natural resources. The establishment of private reserves in the cocoa region could conceivably improve these conservation efforts. This type of reserve can be established under a uniform system supported by federal legislation, and could count on private organizations.<br>O Brasil foi o primeiro País na América Latina a estabelecer e regulamentar este tipo de reserva e hoje, há mais de 700 Reservas Particulares do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) oficialmente reconhecidas pelos órgãos ambientais federais ou estaduais. Juntos, estas reservas protegem mais de meio milhão de hectares em diferentes biomas dos Pais. A Floresta Atlântica na região Sul da Bahia se estende até 200 km para o interior, gradualmente mudando sua fitofisionomia até as áreas mais secas. Esta formação florística vem sendo desmatada desde sua colonização e atualmente ocupa menos de 10% de sua área original. Para este trabalho os processos no IBAMA para a criação das RPPN foram consultados para a obtenção dos dados de tempo de criação, tamanho da propriedade, estado de conservação do remanescente florestal, cadeia sucessória e ultimo imposto pago. Após essa sistematização, entrevistas com os proprietários foram realizadas para a confirmação dos dados. Dezesseis RPPN foram estabelecidas nesta região, com áreas variando entre 4,7 a 800 hectares, dentro de propriedades que variam de 14 a 1200 hectares. Dez destas RPPN estão localizadas dentro ou na zona de amortecimento de Unidades de Conservação federais ou estaduais. Apesar das inúmeras estratégias de conservação internacionais e das políticas ambientais nacionais focadas na região a situação da região cacaueira do Sul da Bahia é de forte ameaça de seus recursos naturais. O estabelecimento de reservas privadas nesta região pode aumentar o sucesso dos esforços de conservação, pois este tipo de reserva pode ser implantada em parceria entre o governo e as organizações privadas