History Symposium

Abstract
This paper examines Victoria’s land-use history and the range of environmental, economic and social forces that resulted in the significant depletion of the state’s natural assets. Historically, a succession of differing management practices has been applied to Victoria’s natural assets, from Koori husbandry, through pastoralism to the more intensive agriculture of settlers. In the 20th century agronomy and technology further intensified and industrialised production across most landscapes. Land-use activities of one generation frequently caused management issues for the following generation, continuing a decline in the living natural capital. Environmental assets and processes were not considered and remained as externa factors to economic production. Analysis suggests current and future drivers of land-use are changing and thus that future landscapes will change. There are thus opportunities for the community to reverse some of the adverse effects of past practices. This increased knowledge, plus the affluence gained through past consumption of natural assets, should be used to replenish the living natural capital.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (1), 2006, 4-28)

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Research Reports

Changes in vegetation structure and floristics under a powerline easement
and implications for vegetation management

Trevor Meers and Robyn Adams

Abstract
Utility corridors such as powerlines are widespread linear easements of highly modified vegetation which often fragment natural areas of conservation significance. Vegetation management along these easements is aimed at modifying vegetation structure by the removal of all tall shrubs and trees, which may have adverse impacts on flora and fauna diversity. Victoria’s Bunyip State Park is bisected by a high voltage powerline easement which is managed by a four year slashing cycle. Repeated slashing has altered plant species composition and structure of the drier slope and ridge vegetation compared to unslashed adjacent Open Forest vegetation, but Wet Heath within the management zone has remained largely unmodified. At a broad level, plant species diversity in the easement is increased, and higher vegetation density has created small mammal habitat. The powerline easement did not appear to facilitate weed invasion. Vegetation management by repeated slashing has altered the vegetation, but does not appear to have had adverse conservation impacts on local plant and small mammal diversity. (The Victorian Naturalist 123 (1), 2006, 29-37)

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Notes on diving behaviour of Hardhead Aythya australis in a sewage pond

Andrew J. Hamilton and Iain R. Taylor

Abstract
Observations of the diving behaviour of Hardhead Ayhtya australis on a sewage pond were carried out over a two-day period. The length of the recovery period between dives did not influence the duration of the following dive, and likewise, the length of the recovery period was not influenced by the duration of the preceding dive. The length of dives and recovery periods varied significantly among individuals. Other factors that may influence diving behaviour, such as water depth and temperature, warrant further investigation.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (1), 2006, 38-40) 

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Studies on Victorian bryophytes 2. The genus Bazzania Gray

David Meagher

Abstract
Three species of the liverwort genus Bazzania occur in Victoria: B. adnexa var. adnexa, B. hochstetteri and B. monilinervis. These are described and illustrated, and their distributions in Victoria are delineated. Bazzania involuta is discounted from the Victorian flora. A key to the species is provided.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (1), 2006, 41-46)

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Contribution

The effects of a higher sea level on the coasts of Port Phillip Bay

Eric Bird

Abstract
This review synthesises present knowledge of the distribution patterns and habitat requirements of the Yellow-footed Antechinus Antechinus flavipes. Factors influencing the distribution of A. flavipes are examined at several spatial scales ranging from the broad climatic conditions prevalent over the species’ entire range to the characteristics of nest sites used by individual animals. Analysis of the literature suggests that: 1) at the broad-scale, A. flavipes distribution is largely determined by warm, dry climatic conditions, the distribution of dry forests and woodlands and competition with closely related species; 2) at the landscape-scale the determinants of A. flavipes distribution are largely unknown, although initial investigations suggest some tolerance of fragmented landscapes; and 3) at a local-scale the distribution of A. flavipes is largely determined by the presence of large diameter trees, tree hollows, coarse woody debris, rocky crevices and leaf-litter. Directions for future research are suggested throughout the review.
(The Victorian Naturalist 123 (2), 2006, 91-100)

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